Top Nine Notable Italian Destinations for Strolling Getaways
Hittin' the trails in Italy is the ultimate way to experience this enchanting country, with heaps of jaw-dropping landscapes to explore! From coastal cliffside hikes to high mountain treks, there's no shortage of fabulous active holidays to be had. Here are some fantastic Italian hotspots for walkin' enthusiasts like you.
Coastal Wonder: Amalfi CoastKnown for its vibrant, topsy-turvy towns and stunning seascapes, the Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO-listed gem. Expect dramatic trails through the Lattari Mountains, passing lemon groves, terraced vineyards, and idyllic fishing villages. It might be a bit of a challenge, but trust us, the breathtaking views make it worth it! Plus, there are plenty of beaches to chill on afterwards.
Mountain Magic: Trentino and the Italian AlpsTrentino is a nature-lover's dream and an excellent destination for walkers. Stretching from the Dolomites to Lake Garda, this province is brimming with picturesque mountainscapes, glittering lakes, and simple guest houses (rifugios) along the trails.
Seaside Strolls: Cinque Terre and the Italian RivieraA string of five colorful fishing villages on the eastern end of the Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre is perfect for multi-day coastal walks. Connecting the villages by scenic, steep, coastal trails, this idyllic setting is a walking holiday paradise.
Tuscan Terrain: TuscanyWith its gentle countryside, rich culture, and vineyards, Tuscany is a fabulous option for walkers seeking a more relaxed pace. From the Chianti Hills to the Umbrian countryside, Tuscany offers stunning walking trails for all abilities. If you love good wine and food, plan a leisurely route with lots of vineyard stops and delicious local restaurants.
Dramatic Dolomites: Bolzano and SüdtirolPart of the Alps, the Dolomites are a separate mountain range that boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Explore sparkling glacier lakes, dense forests, and high alpine pastures with the jagged peaks of the Dolomites as your backdrop. Plus, Südtirol, the capital city of the province, offers plenty of fun things to do!
Sun-Kissed Solitude: PugliaLocated at the "heel" of Italy's boot, Puglia is a tranquil region that's quickly becoming a popular destination. Discover its stunning coastline, beautiful white-painted dry stone huts called Trulli, and delicious seafood dishes.
Lake Life: Italian Lake DistrictItaly's Lake District is perfect for a more relaxed kind of active holiday. Mix up your walking tour with relaxing days by the lake, try out watersports like stand-up paddleboarding or windsurfing, or even give paragliding a go if you're feeling adventurous! Explore the quieter lakes like Lake Iseo to escape the crowds.
Vintage Voyage: Via FrancigenaIf you're up for something a bit more spiritual, check out the Via Francigena - Italy's version of the famous Camino de Santiago in Spain. Walk the Italian section from Orvieto to Rome, exploring ancient Etruscan villages, picturesque lakes, and historic sites like the Roman amphitheater at Sutri.
Island Adventures: SicilyLast but not least, the island of Sicily offers a peaceful escape. Discover its rugged landscapes, charming villages, and beautiful Mount Etna, the highest volcano in Europe. Don't miss the hulking figure of Sicily's most famous landmark as it can be seen from almost all over the island.
Ready to plan your Italian adventure? You can find loads of fantastic walking holidays with InnTravel, the "slow holiday" people. They'll take care of the boring details, like flights and hotel reservations, so all you have to do is strap on your hiking boots and hit the trails. Plus, they'll transport your luggage between hotels, making your walkin' holiday even more enjoyable. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a casual walker, there's an Italian walking holiday for you!
- Italy's diverse landscapes offer a variety of travels that cater to both the experienced and casual walkers.
- The Amalfi Coast, known for its vibrant towns and stunning seascapes, is an ideal destination for walkers, with challenging trails through the Lattari Mountains.
- The Italian Alps, especially Trentino, are a paradise for nature lovers, offering picturesque mountainscapes, glittering lakes, and simple guest houses along the trails.
- For a multi-day coastal walk, consider the Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera, where scenic, steep, coastal trails connect five colorful fishing villages.
- If you prefer a more relaxed pace, Tuscany offers stunning walking trails through its gentle countryside, rich culture, and vineyards, with opportunities for wine and food tastings along the way.
