When you think of Italy, what is the first thing that comes to mind? The Grand Canal flowing through Venice? The ruins of times past in Rome? Here at Italian Adventures, we’d like to pull your attention towards something a little different for your next trip to Italy. Consider the paths that take you away from the bustling cities full of wondrous architecture and venture out into nature.
The best hikes in Italy are just waiting for your next visit. Book private tours of Italy to find out about all of the excellent places for a backpacker to go when journeying through the country. Our private tour guides know all of the best hiking trails in Italy, no matter what your hiking experience level is.
The Best Hikes in Italy for Unexperienced Hikers
For tourists visiting Italy that want to try the best hiking trails in Italy, it’s a good idea to start with easier trails unless you already have plenty of hiking experience. Many of Italy’s challenging hiking trails involve mountain paths, so we’ve put together this guide that includes three levels of hiking trails for guests travelling across Italy.
We’ll start with the easier of Italy’s best hiking trails and move up in difficulty from there.
Sentiero degli Dei, Amalfi Coast
Located on Amalfi Coast, the Sentiero degli Dei hike is perfect for a long stroll during the early morning. Witness the sunrise through the Path of the Gods (which is the translation of this trail’s name) while you walk through the Lattari mountains and lay your eyes on the beautiful villages sitting below you.
5 miles, 4.5 hours to complete.
Sentiero Azzurro, Cinque Terre
Surrounded by brightly coloured fishing villages, Cinque Terre is one of the best hikes in Italy for anyone who wants to see more of the coastline. This hike connects the villages together, allowing you to see picturesque views right by the water.
5.2 miles, 4 hours to complete.
Via Appia Antica, Rome-Brindisi
The most historical and educational of our best hikes in Italy is Via Appia Antica. This is the perfect hiking trail for anyone interested in the Roman Empire and is a great choice to travel in a way that is similar to how Romans would have walked this path over two thousand years ago.
This hiking trail could be a wonderful addition to any Archaeological Tours of Italy that you happen to be taking during your stay.
8 miles, 3 hours to complete.
The Best Hiking Trails in Italy for Experienced Hikers
Next up, we have more difficult hiking trails for experienced hikers that don’t mind a challenge but are also enjoying a relaxing holiday in Italy. This set of our best hiking trails in Italy involves rugged terrain and a bit of climbing.
Corno Grande, Abruzzo
If climbing mountains are your theme for your latest trip to Italy, try Corno Grande. Of our best hikes in Italy, this round-trip hike is perhaps one of the most rewarding.
Climb the Big Horn to its highest peak in the Apennines and watch the sun cast its light over the heart of Italy. It’s actually a pretty straightforward climb, though the mountain air makes things a little more difficult. Be prepared before you head out for any mountain climb – take water, good boots, and high-energy snacks.
5.6 miles, 7 hours to complete.
Sella-Herbetet Traverse, Gran Paradiso, Piedmont
Do not be fooled, this is not a hike for inexperienced hikers or those without mountain-hiking experience. Sella-Herbetet Traverse is thousands of metres of hiking, from an old mule trail to an exposed path where you’ll need to take hold of a length of chain for safety.
The views are breath-taking, though.
13 miles, 10 hours to complete.
Selvaggio Blu, Sardinia
Want to go hardcore? Selvaggio Blu takes you across Sardinia’s east coast and it’s a hiking holiday in itself. This challenging hike is only for experienced hikers who have been on days-long hikes in the past and know how to pack to keep themselves going.
28 miles, 4 – 7 days to complete.
Take a Private Tour of the Best Hiking Trails in Italy
Though Italy’s best hiking trails are full of unbelievable sights, there’s nothing better than getting some insider information from an experienced private tour guide. Contact our team at Italian Adventures today to book a tour with us. You can choose from our popular Archaeological Tours of Italy or set your sights on a private tour for you and your group to enjoy.
