Stories

1. Alta Via 1 (Dolomites)

  • Length: 120 km (8-12 days)
  • Difficulty: Challenging
  • Highlights: The Alta Via 1 is one of the most iconic long-distance treks in the Dolomites, offering spectacular alpine views, dramatic peaks, and tranquil valleys. The route spans from Lake Braies to Belluno, taking you through jagged mountain peaks, alpine meadows, and past pristine lakes. The trek is dotted with rifugi (mountain huts) where you can rest and enjoy traditional alpine meals.
  • Best for: Experienced trekkers looking for a multi-day challenge in one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world.

  • 2. Sentiero Azzurro (Cinque Terre)

    • Length: 12 km (1 day)
    • Difficulty: Moderate
    • Highlights: This famous coastal trail connects the five colorful villages of Cinque Terre (Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore). The trail hugs the cliffs and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, terraced vineyards, and the villages below. It’s an excellent hike for those who want a relatively easy, yet scenic trek with a touch of Italian culture.
    • Best for: Hikers seeking a mix of nature and history in a spectacular coastal setting.

    3. Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Dolomites)

    • Length: 10 km (1 day)
    • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
    • Highlights: One of the most iconic hikes in the Dolomites, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop takes you around the three towering peaks of the Tre Cime massif. The hike is relatively short but offers breathtaking views of the jagged rock formations and surrounding alpine meadows. The trail is well-marked and suitable for families or novice hikers.
    • Best for: Those looking for a shorter, stunning day hike with dramatic views.

    4. Gran Paradiso National Park

    • Length: Varies (1-3 days)
    • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
    • Highlights: Italy’s oldest national park, located in the Western Alps, is home to abundant wildlife, including ibex, chamois, and golden eagles. The park offers various trekking routes, with the Gran Paradiso Peak (4,061 meters) as the crown jewel. The treks here take you through alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and rugged peaks, providing a true wilderness experience.
    • Best for: Hikers wanting to explore Italy’s wild, untouched nature and wildlife.

    5. The Cammino di San Francesco (St. Francis Way)

    • Length: 300 km (10-12 days)
    • Difficulty: Moderate
    • Highlights: This spiritual pilgrimage route follows in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi, starting in Florence and ending in Rome. Along the way, you’ll pass through Tuscany and Umbria, experiencing peaceful hill towns, ancient churches, and serene landscapes. The trek is not only a spiritual journey but also a cultural exploration of Italy’s medieval heart.
    • Best for: Those interested in a spiritual trek combined with cultural heritage.

    6. Mount Etna (Sicily)

    • Length: Varies (1 day)
    • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
    • Highlights: Mount Etna is Europe’s most active volcano and offers some of the most unique trekking experiences in Italy. The summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding coastline, and hikers can explore volcanic craters, lava fields, and geothermal areas. There are various routes, from shorter hikes to the summit to longer, more challenging treks around the craters.
    • Best for: Adventurous trekkers looking to hike an active volcano with dramatic landscapes.

    7. The Via Francigena

    • Length: 2,000 km (divided into sections)
    • Difficulty: Moderate
    • Highlights: The Via Francigena is an ancient pilgrimage route that stretches from Canterbury in England to Rome. The Italian section, which crosses Tuscany, Lazio, and Emilia-Romagna, offers stunning countryside views, charming medieval villages, and historic landmarks. The route can be done in stages, making it accessible to trekkers of various abilities.
    • Best for: Those who enjoy long-distance treks with a mix of culture, history, and scenic landscapes.

    8. The Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) – Amalfi Coast

    • Length: 7 km (1 day)
    • Difficulty: Moderate
    • Highlights: This famous coastal trail offers some of the best views of the Amalfi Coast. The hike connects the hilltop village of Bomerano to Nocelle, above Positano, with stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean, cliffs, and terraced hillsides. It’s a relatively short trek but provides an unforgettable experience with a combination of dramatic landscapes and coastal beauty.
    • Best for: Trekkers who want to experience Italy’s stunning coastal beauty in a short, accessible hike.

    9. The Sentiero della Bonifica (Tuscany)

    • Length: 60 km (2-3 days)
    • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
    • Highlights: The Sentiero della Bonifica is a scenic trail that runs through Tuscany’s iconic countryside, following the historic irrigation canals that transformed the landscape. The trail passes through charming villages, vineyards, olive groves, and rolling hills, offering a peaceful and picturesque hiking experience. It’s perfect for those who want a leisurely trek combined with the beauty of Tuscan landscapes.
    • Best for: Hikers looking for a relaxed yet scenic trek through Tuscany’s charming countryside.

    10. Sardinia’s Selvaggio Blu

    • Length: 40 km (4-5 days)
    • Difficulty: Very Challenging
    • Highlights: The Selvaggio Blu is one of Italy’s most rugged and remote trekking routes, located on the island of Sardinia. The trail traverses the wild coast of the island, offering dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, caves, and dense Mediterranean vegetation. It’s a tough and physically demanding trek, requiring a high level of fitness, but the reward is an authentic and untouched wilderness experience.
    • Best for: Experienced trekkers looking for an adventurous and challenging coastal trek.