10 Most Beautiful and Best Hikes in Italy

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One of my favourite things about Italy is the diversity of the country. You can go skiing in the snowy, mountainous northern region and then travel down to the south and sunbathe on the beautiful Italian beaches. It’s a perfect European travel destination for both summer and winter! This means that some of the best hikes in Italy, are such a wonderful combination of different weathers that you can enjoy them all year round.

Italy is a country famous for its food, art, incredible historical landmarks (including one of the 7 Wonders of the World in Rome) and stunning coastline. Hiking in Italy may not be the first thing on the minds of travellers. 

But don’t miss out because it isn’t until you reach the mountains or hike to the top of a volcano in Sicily that you’ll realise just how gorgeous many Italy walking routes are. 

So, if you’ve been looking for another excuse to visit Italy (trust me, you don’t need an excuse – the country is stunning), then check out some of the best hikes in Italy and I’m sure they’ll persuade you!

What are the best hikes in Italy?

From the highest peaks of the Dolomites to the colourful Amalfi coastline, if you’re not tempted to go hiking in Italy yet, after seeing these, you most certainly will be!

1. Sella-Herbetet Traverse

The Sella-Herbetet Traverse is an arduous hike, suitable for medium to advanced hikers. Located in the Graian Alps of Italy, it offers great views of the surrounding mountains, alpine lakes, forests, and glaciers. 

One of the most popular Italy walking routes, it begins in the small village of Valnontey. The route takes you through the Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso on an old mule trail to Rifugio Sella, a former hunting lodge of King Vittorio Emanuele II. Continue along the route with a length of chain for protection up to Casolari dell’Herbetet. 

The reward for the effort is beautiful views of some of the country’s highest mountains, lined with glaciers, Ghiacciaio Tribolazioni and the Gran Paradiso. 

The ascent is 1180m and the return is a downward trek back to the village from the Casolari. This classic one-day Italian hike totals a distance of 20.5km and is perfectly suited for those who love a challenge. 

Following the entire route should take no more than 10 hours. However, it is possible to break this trip up over 2 days by staying at one of the huts along the way. 

It does require a head for heights and it is important to make sure the weather is clear for the entire day before attempting the hike as the narrow paths can become dangerous if visibility is limited.

2. 5 Waterfalls of Cerveteri

Just 30 km from Rome and a few minutes from the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea is the largest necropolis of the Mediterranean. The ancient Etruscan Necropolis of Cerveteri, a city of the dead for the people who preceded the Romans in Italy, is the starting point for one of the most beautiful hikes near Rome. 

The “5 waterfalls’ hike of Cerveteri” is an 18 km-long ring route that will take about 7 hours and is a medium level of difficulty. Leave your car in the free parking lot next to the entrance of the necropolis park and start walking.

First, visit the part of the necropolis called “The Pond”. Here, you’ll find tombs buried on a plateau overlooking a fascinating canyon with walls of the typical reddish-brown colour of the tufa rock. Then, head towards the “Hell’s Road”, a path carved into the rock. Its walls to the right showcase hundreds of tombs on multiple levels. Bring a flashlight, so you will be able to enter all the rooms and observe the carved beds and the elegant design of the doors.

Then, you will reach under the massive walls of the acropolis, the ancient Caere, from which today’s city of Cerveteri takes its name. From here, you start descending into a lush gorge, where 5 waterfalls surrounded by an uncontaminated landscape await you along the stream.

If you hike during summer, don’t forget your hat and swimsuit. The highlight of this hike is the bath and the picnic by the highest waterfall, or “Waterfall of the Mola”.

3. The Blue Path, Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a popular travel destination and not one you’d often think of for the best hikes in Italy. Yet, it’s home to one of the best coastal hikes in Italy.

The scenic area of Italy’s rugged, Riviera coastline is mainly known for its colourful string of seaside villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. However, all these villages are connected by the Blue Path hiking trail. The total length of this trail is 12 km.

Hiking in Cinque Terre’s Blue Path can either start from the northernmost village Monterosso or from south Riomaggiore. Each of the four sections starts from one of the villages. 

The difficulty is average, with the incline reaching up to 200 meters above sea level. But, the trails are well-maintained and clearly marked. They also offer magnificent views because all the pathways wind alongside the Mediterranean. The surrounding landscape is also full of fields of vineyards, and olive and lemon trees.

The best viewpoint on the trail is Punta Mesco, which is a little further away from Monterosso. From there, you’ll have a view of all the villages along the Cinque Terre coastline. The Vernazza viewpoint between Monterosso and Vernazza is also truly stunning. 

The Blue Path trail is a really popular route for hiking in Italy and is doable for every level of hiker. Hiking the entire trail can take a whole day, especially if you want to stop at each village. But, if you don’t want to hike the full path, you can choose to just do some sections, which vary in length from 1.5 km to 4 km.

4. Portofino to San Fruttuoso

One of the best Italy walking routes is the short but stunning hike from Portofino to San Fruttuoso in Italy. If you aren’t staying in Portofino, you can get there by ferry from Rapallo or Santa Margherita Ligure.  

The trail starts on the narrow street heading straight up from where the main ferry docks – the narrow street soon turns into a steep staircase. Before long, you’ll leave town and start to pass tiny terraced fields with olive and lemon trees. There are isolated houses scattered around and wildflowers in the fields. 

Not long after this, the trail flattens out and skirts along the top of a cliff far above the Mediterranean Sea below. There is no one main viewpoint, but there are wonderful views of the sea for much of the hike. 

After a bit more than an hour and a half, the flat section ends. Then, the trail heads down a series of switchbacks through shady woods, before it ends at San Fruttuoso Bay. Here you’ll find a 10th-century abbey on the edge of a beach, with several restaurants and deck chairs available for rent. 

The secluded bay can only be reached on foot or by boat and is the perfect place to cool off before taking a ferry back to Portofino. The two-hour hike can be done in reverse, but ending at the beach makes this a wonderful Italian day trip.

Most of the trail is flat, but it does have a steep start and end, so it is best for people with a moderate level of fitness at least.

5. Path of the Gods, Amalfi Coast

A great trail for hiking in Italy is the Path of the Gods on the Amalfi Coast. This hiking trail starts in the town of Bomera and ends in the town of Nocelle. In the past, this trail was the only connection between the two towns. 

To get to the start of the hiking trail, you can take a bus from Amalfi to the bus stop of Bomerano which is where the hiking trail starts. 

There are signs with 02 written on them in white and red that indicate the hiking trail. Along the way, you can see why this is one of the best hikes in Italy. Exploring the beautiful nature and viewpoints of the Amalfi Coast is an incredible experience! 

At the end of the hiking trail, you arrive in the town of Nocelle, from where you can walk down several steps until you reach the town of Positano. This town looks beautiful and there are many gorgeous photo spots in Positano. 

The trail has a length of about 4.8 miles (7.8 kilometres) that takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. It’s easy to fit into a day. Furthermore, it is not a difficult hiking trail as there aren’t many elevation changes.

6. Tre Cime di Lavaredo

The Italian Dolomites boast some of the most amazing hikes in Europe; trails ranging from easy 1-hour treks to challenging multi-day hikes. One of the most popular hikes in the Dolomites is the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike, which is an easy and scenic 10km long loop hike around the Tre Cime mountains.

The starting (and ending) point of the hike is Rifugio Auronzo. You can easily get there by public transportation or car as well (in this case, you need to pay a 30 EUR fee for the road usage). Moreover, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even hike up there from Lake Antorno which takes around 1.5 hours in one way.

It’s possible to do the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike in both directions. Although, it’s better to do it counterclockwise to enjoy the view of the mountains in front of you during the whole hike.

The first part of the trail is relatively flat and the rest of the hike is not that challenging either. The total elevation gain is around 430m, so it’s suitable for almost everyone.

Besides Rifugio Auronzo, you will come across 3 other guest houses during the hike where you can stop for a refreshing drink or have a delicious meal. It takes around 4-5 hours to complete the trail, depending on your fitness level and it is one of the best hikes in Italy.

7. Lake Sorapis

Lake Sorapis is one of those breathtaking lakes that the Dolomites are known for. Except this one is slightly different – you see, it’s impossible just to rock up and see the lake. 

To enjoy Lake Sorapis you have to undertake a 14km (roundtrip) hike first. She is a beauty but will make your work to see her.

Getting to Lake Sorapis is relatively easy both by car and by bus. If you are taking the car, tap Passo Tre Croci in your GPS. There is ample parking on the road where the trail starts. The name of the bus stop is also Passo Tre Croci and you can take number 30 from Cortina to get there.

For this hike, you will need proper footwear, a waterproof jacket (you never know in the mountains) and a sense of adventure. There is a bit of a climb at the beginning and the end, but nothing too steep compared to similar hikes in the Dolomites. 

The path is relatively easy to navigate and suitable for most fitness levels. However, if you suffer from vertigo this hike is perhaps not the best option for you. 

There are quite a few narrow paths and stairs. They offer sweeping views over the mountains but require you to hug the mountain wall rather close and not think about the large open space right beneath your feet where you are – in fact – hanging.

8. Croda del Becco

The towering rock face of Croda del Becco in the Italian Dolomites gives the picture-perfect Lago di Braies its trademark mountain vista that makes it such a popular European travel destination. However, few visitors realise that the climb up Croda del Becco is one of the most exciting Italy walking routes.

The greatest walk in the area is up to the rocky wonderland of Rifugio Biella. It starts at Lago di Braies Hotel before it leaves the tranquil lake for a slog up a path that zig-zags up the rocky spine. After reaching a plateau, more zig-zags proceed up the mountain. 

Some areas have fixed chains to help you up over the rock. But, it’s well worth it for the spectacular views from the hut at the top. It’s a barren, rocky landscape far removed from the lush, forested lake below.

The hike is 16.5 kilometres and should take around 5 hours and 30 minutes. It’s a long, tiring hike, with a decent amount of climbing. But, other than the fixed chains, no specific climbing skills are required. 

It’s achievable for anyone with a decent level of fitness and a good head for heights. It can get quite hot on the hike, but providing you come prepared, it’s one of the most invigorating hikes in Italy.

9. Gorropu Gorge

You will find many incredible hikes in Sardinia. Although it’s known for its beautiful beaches, the Mediterranean island is a great hiking destination, with coastal and mountain trails to keep you busy for years. 

However, some of the best hikes in Italy are the ones in Gorropu Gorge. This is one of the deepest and most impressive canyons in Europe. The 500-meter-tall limestone walls are a paradise for rock climbers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Various trails lead to the gorge for all difficulty levels and experiences. Sa Barca Bridge trail is one of the most pleasant ones as it is easy to follow. It starts at the Rifugio Gorropu parking lot, outside the mountain village of Dorgali, 

With very little ascent and good terrain, it is suitable for the whole family. The trail covers around 14 km in length,  there and back. It can be walked in 6 hours or more. This depends on your speed and how often you stop (to this, you have to add time at the canyon). 

One of the perks of the hike is the nearby Rio Flumineddu, a river that forms several natural pools where you can rest your feet and cool down, right outside the gorge. There is a €5 fee to enter the gorge, payable at the entrance. You will need to bring everything you need for the day – food, water, a camera – and wear good hiking shoes.

10. The Roman Road to Su Cordolinu

Locally known as the Strada Romana, the Ronan Road to Su Cordolinu is ideal for getting started with hiking in Italy. It’s one of the best and easiest hikes in Sardinia. Despite being fairly easy, it’s very rewarding and the views along the way are simply stunning. 

The trail begins in Pinus Village, a summer residence about an hour’s drive from Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia. It follows an ancient Roman coastal road that used to go all the way to Su Cordolinu island.

If you feel the hike is not challenging enough, you can easily add to it and go all the way to Chia, a beach surmounted by a well-kept Aragonese watchtower. You will be able to see it already when you get to Su Cordolinu. 

Once you get to Su Cordolinu, a narrow steep trail will take you to a tiny beach. When the tide is low you can cross to the island. 

It will take you about four hours to complete the hike, without counting the many stops for views and photographs along the way. There is nothing in the way of services, so make sure you pack snacks/lunch and water. 

This is a popular trail among locals too, who use the trail to bike and walk their dogs. The trail is well-marked, easy to follow and one of the best hikes in Italy. 

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