Whether you prefer a relaxed walk through vineyards or a thrilling hike in the mountains, Italy offers an abundance of choices. Here are our top picks for the best hiking destinations in Italy.

1. Lake Garda Region – Lake Garda, the largest of Italy’s famed lakes, nestles in the northeast amidst the Alps. A nice places for hiking in Italy. Stunning mountains and valleys frame its northern end, with charming towns along the lakefront and nestled in picturesque alpine valleys. The trail scenery here is diverse and breathtaking, offering dramatic lake vistas, lush valleys, pine forests, alpine meadows, and distant views of the snow-capped Dolomite peaks—a perfect blend of Switzerland’s charm and Italy’s beauty.

The trail network around Lake Garda is extensive and generally well-marked, although trail markings can vary in accuracy and consistency, typical of Italian trails. It’s advisable to carry a map and compass for navigation. Since cable cars are limited, many ascents require hiking, but they vary from comfortable grades along old roads to more challenging paths accessible by car or public bus from higher elevations.

There’s a wide range of trails to suit different abilities: plenty of Easy routes for leisurely hikes, while Intermediate and Challenging trails offer more adventurous options, often requiring a guide for safe navigation.

Due to the surrounding mountains, Lake Garda’s hiking season is slightly shorter than in other parts of Italy. April may be cool but offers solitude on the trails. May and June bring warmer weather and vibrant wildflowers. Summer is stunning but busy with tourists, while September and October see fewer visitors as temperatures cool, akin to a spring-like feel with sunny days extending into mid-October.

2. Riviera – The Italian Riviera coastline stretches eastward from the French Riviera to the border of Tuscany, offering a striking blend of craggy mountains meeting the Mediterranean Sea, interspersed with beaches and quaint towns. One of its most renowned sections is the Cinque Terre, or Five Towns, located towards the eastern end.

These picturesque towns are connected by an extensive network of trails that wind through terraced vineyards overlooking the sea. Another popular hiking place in Italy near Portofino, centrally located along the coastline, known for its rugged hills and stunning ocean vistas.

Centuries-old trails originally used by villagers to move between towns and seek refuge in the mountains from maritime raids now provide routes for modern hikers. Unlike some tourist-oriented regions, there are no cable cars for ascents; instead, local buses may occasionally transport hikers to higher villages, but starting at sea level and hitting the trails on foot offers the best panoramic views.

Most hikers will find the well-marked coastal trails between towns easily navigable and bustling, especially on weekends and during summer. For more adventurous treks with superior views, higher and less frequented trails are favored by locals tending to vineyards and citrus groves. These paths can be challenging to follow and may abruptly end, necessitating retracing steps or seeking local guidance.

The prime hiking season spans from April to October, with spring and autumn favored for milder weather. Summer brings warmth and sunshine but also crowds of tourists from across Europe. Trail difficulty ranges from Easy to Challenging, largely due to steep terrain, absence of cable cars, and trail lengths. Engaging a guide is recommended for navigating less-traveled routes, ensuring a safe return to town in time to savor a sunset glass of wine.

 3. Lake Como – Hiking at Lake Como offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, scenic landscapes, and charming villages. Nestled in the picturesque Italian Alps within Lombardy, Lake Como is celebrated for its serene waters, lush greenery, and captivating setting. Whether you prefer leisurely strolls or more challenging hikes, exploring Lake Como presents a wonderful chance to connect with nature’s splendor while uncovering the region’s rich cultural and historical treasures.

One of the most renowned trails for hiking in Italy is the Greenway of Lake Como, stretching approximately 6 miles (10 kilometers) from Colonno to Cadenabbia along the lake’s western shore. This spectacular route boasts breathtaking views of Lake Como, leading you past hidden gardens, historic villas, quaint streets, and ancient trees. It’s a trail suitable for all, from seasoned hikers to casual walkers, offering vistas that will surely enchant you with the lake’s beauty and its surrounding landscapes.

Upon completing the trail, you can return to your starting point by boat, continuing to savor the peaceful tranquility for which Lake Como is renowned.

4. Alberobello – Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, the Trulli of Alberobello are unique structures that embody the history of Apulia, a great place for hiking in Italy.

To truly experience them, take a stroll through the town’s narrow streets and alleys. Begin your journey at Terrazzino Belvedere, offering a spectacular view over cone-shaped roofs adorned with mysterious limestone symbols. Next, explore the Aia Piccola district, home to around 400 trulli, many still serving as residences today. Here, you can visit the Museum of Ancient and New Handicrafts, showcasing artisan tools.

Proceed to Piazza XXVII Maggio, where you’ll find the Museum of the Territory, and then to Casa D’Amore, the first house in the area built using mortar instead of the traditional trullo style.

From there, visit the Basilica Minore, dedicated to Saints Cosmas and Damian, the city’s patron saints. Just behind the basilica lies Trullo Sovrano, renowned as the most advanced two-story trullo. Conclude your visit in the Monti neighborhood, which boasts over 1,000 trulli in seven different forms, housing artisan shops offering exquisite crafts and local produce for sale.

5. Mont Blanc – While the majority of Mont Blanc is in France, the portion that lies in Italy offers a spectacular experience worth exploring. As one of the world’s most popular hiking destinations, Mont Blanc boasts hundreds of miles of trails, including the renowned Tour du Mont Blanc—a 105-mile, three-country circumnavigation of the mountain. Numerous other trails crisscross the peaks and valleys, catering to all levels of hikers.

To embark on many of these exceptional hikes, it’s essential to be in good physical shape and prepared for long days with significant ascents and descents on rocky terrain. Most trails fall into the Moderate to Challenging categories, yet the breathtaking 360-degree panoramas you’ll encounter throughout your hike make every step worthwhile.

One of the fascinating aspects of hiking Mont Blanc is the diverse mix of nationalities you’ll encounter on the trails and in the mountain towns. It adds an international flair to the experience, complemented by the exceptional cuisine and wines of the French and Italian regions where you’ll typically stay overnight.

Mont Blanc’s hiking trails remain popular year-round, though you might encounter fewer hikers during the quieter Spring and Fall seasons. As temperatures rise, more adventurers flock to the trails, though early and late-season storms and snowfalls require caution.

Mont Blanc truly belongs on every hiker’s bucket list for hiking in Italy, offering unforgettable memories and stunning photographic opportunities in one of the world’s most breathtaking settings. Ensure you’re physically prepared for the challenge, and you’ll bring back cherished experiences of this remarkable area when you return home.

6. Tuscany – The central Italian region of Tuscany is celebrated worldwide for its rich cultural heritage—birthplace of the Renaissance, stunning landscapes, medieval castles, Roman relics, delectable cuisine, and renowned wines. These elements harmonize seamlessly, making it one of Italy’s most cherished destinations. In my view, there’s no better way to fully immerse yourself in all that Tuscany offers than by exploring it on foot—wandering through its picturesque countryside, marveling at the scenery, discovering medieval castles and ancient Roman sites, and savoring picnics under olive trees while enjoying phenomenal cuisine and world-class wines. This, my friends, encapsulates the essence of what Go Get Lost is all about!

Hiking trails in Tuscany generally range from Easy to Moderate, yet they can be frustratingly marked at times. I’ve found myself more lost in Tuscany than anywhere else in Italy—hands down! Therefore, it’s crucial to carry a reliable trail map, a compass, and enough Italian vocabulary to ask for directions at the next farmhouse. Many of Tuscany’s finest trails offer iconic views of rolling hills, vineyards, and castles—views that etch themselves into your memory. After your hike, indulge in some of the finest post-walk amenities available—delicious cuisine, warm hospitality from the locals, and the charming ambiance of cities and towns.

The hiking season in Tuscany typically begins in late April, once the spring rains have subsided and the landscape is adorned with wild poppies. May and early June are especially delightful. July brings vibrant sunflower fields but also hotter temperatures and increased tourist traffic, making it less ideal. August can be scorching and overly crowded, generally best avoided for hiking. September and October bring cooler weather, the start of grape harvest season, and offer a wonderful time to explore the Tuscan countryside. By November, rainfall increases, temperatures drop, and it’s typically a time to pause your hiking adventures in Tuscany.

7. Cagliari – One of the Italy’s most stunning hiking destinations, the country’s most picturesque spots: the Cento Torri (100 Towers) trail, winding through the rugged beauty of Sardinia. This magnificent path stretches nearly 800 miles (1,284 km) along the island’s coastline, originally constructed to defend towers built from the late Middle Ages to the mid-19th century and to facilitate access to numerous coastal routes.

Among Italy’s top long-distance hiking routes, the 100 Towers trail offers a coastal adventure rich in historical significance. These towers played a crucial role in Sardinia’s history, serving both as defense posts against invasions and as communication hubs. Today, they stand as iconic symbols of the region. As you trek along the coast, you’ll be treated to breathtaking natural landscapes, accompanied by the soothing sounds of waves and the fresh scent of Mediterranean flora. Immerse yourself in this journey through land and sea—an inspiring feast for the senses and the soul.

8. The Amalfi Coast – the Amalfi Coast holds a special place in my heart. It’s where I first ventured to create one of the inaugural itineraries for our original company, Lost in Italy, back in the 90s. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding hundreds of people on walks and hikes throughout this enchanting region. I never tire of introducing friends and clients to this captivating area, and it’s easy to see why it has drawn visitors since Roman times when emperors built their luxurious villas as retreats from Rome. The coastal walks here offer truly spectacular views that leave a lasting impression.

The landscape is characterized by rugged mountains that plunge dramatically into the sea, creating trails that range mostly in the Intermediate difficulty level, with some reaching Challenging. These paths involve frequent ascents and descents, often over uneven terrain and occasionally requiring scrambling over large boulders. Trail markings can be inconsistent, so a reliable map is essential. Having a local guide not only helps in navigating the trails but also enriches the experience with local historical insights.

The cuisine of the Amalfi Coast is distinct from northern and central Italy, as are the local wines. Take the opportunity to savor regional delicacies as you pass through the picturesque villages that dot the coastline.

Spring and fall are the best seasons for hiking the Amalfi Coast. Expect cool mornings, warm sunny days, and pleasant evenings during these months. If you hike during July and August, be prepared with sun protection and ample water. Many of the trails, especially those along the southern side of the Amalfi Peninsula, are exposed to the sun for most of the day and offer little shade—perfect conditions, however, for soaking in the breathtaking views.

9. Sicily – Exploring Sicily is a unique experience that can feel more akin to North Africa than mainland Italy due to its arid, mountainous terrain. Some of the most captivating hiking areas, particularly my personal favorites for hiking in Italy, are concentrated along the eastern coast near Mt. Etna and on the enchanting Aeolian Islands scattered off the northeast coast.

Hiking on the lower slopes of Mt. Etna immerses you in authentic Sicilian villages and forested hills. As you ascend, the landscape transforms into a surreal world of ash-covered slopes and steaming fumaroles. Even in summer, hikers on Etna should be prepared for cold and windy conditions, necessitating extra layers of clothing. The challenging environment is rewarded with expansive views that stretch across much of the island.

On the Aeolian Islands, hiking near sea level offers breathtaking vistas of neighboring islands, sandy beaches, and the azure Mediterranean—a tropical ambiance that feels like a blend of the Caribbean and Italy.

Throughout Sicily, whether on Mt. Etna or the islands, you’ll discover a bounty of seafood, local pasta dishes, regional wines, and traditional Sicilian desserts like Cannoli and Gelato—a perfect way to replenish after a day on the trails!

Most of my preferred hiking trails in Sicily fall into the Easy to Moderate categories, generally not too steep but often requiring a full day to complete. Trails are seldom marked, so a spirit of adventure is essential if venturing cross-country on your own. Guides are highly recommended, especially on Mt. Etna where they are often mandatory.

The optimal seasons for hiking in Sicily are the spring months of April and May, when wildflowers bloom abundantly, and the classic fall period of September and October during the grape harvest. Summers can be intensely hot, particularly in the island’s interior, while winters tend to be cool, windy, and rainy.

10. Dolomites – The Dolomites, situated in the far northeast of Italy, present a landscape of unparalleled beauty and dramatic scenery, often considered among the most picturesque mountains globally. Artists and filmmakers have long been captivated by their grandeur, making them a favored backdrop for various creative works.

The trail system in the Dolomites is exceptionally well-developed, owing to centuries of use by shepherds, villagers, and military forces during both World Wars. Today, these trails cater primarily to hikers seeking to immerse themselves in the splendor of the region. You’ll find that the paths are well-marked, with detailed maps readily available in outdoor stores across local towns.

Hiking in the Dolomites promises a continuous procession of breathtaking mountain vistas. The classic Dolomite landscape features sheer limestone walls rising abruptly from verdant alpine valleys, often adorned with charming villages nestled below—a blend that evokes a unique mix of Austrian and Italian influences.

For hikers, numerous rifugios (mountain huts) dot the more frequented trails, offering not only shelter but also delightful local cuisine and refreshments. The region boasts excellent amenities in its towns, providing a wide range of accommodations to suit every preference.

One of the notable advantages of hiking in the Dolomites is the extensive network of ski lifts and cable cars that operate during the warmer months, facilitating access to higher elevations with ease. This infrastructure can significantly enhance your hiking experience, transforming what might be a challenging ascent into a more manageable intermediate or even an easy hike.

Despite the convenience of modern amenities, it’s essential not to underestimate the challenges of the mountains. The Dolomites still present real hazards typical of any alpine terrain—rapid weather changes, steep and rugged trails, and the potential for getting lost, even in summer. For this reason, except for the simplest trails, it’s strongly recommended to enlist the services of a local alpine guide or join a hiking group led by one.

For those with a deep love for hiking in Italy in mountainous regions, a pilgrimage to the Dolomites is a must. The allure of these mountains is undeniable, promising an unforgettable adventure that will leave a lasting impression.