5 breathtaking hikes in Italy

With all of the climate change issues, it is time for us to appreciate nature around us and discover the wonders of the world and can you think of a better way to do so than hiking? This activity is not only beneficial to one’s physical health but also to mental one as Mary Davis said “ A walk in nature walks the soul back home”. For a superb holiday, why not combine the dolce vita of Italy with hiking? We have travelled the country to give you the 6 best hikes to do in Italy.

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Sentiero degli Dei, Amalfi Coast

This 8 kilometre hike on the southern coast of Amalfi is ideal for beginners and adolescents. Literally translating to ‘ The path of God’, this beautiful hike begins at Positano and ends at Praiano. While walking, one is left with the wonders that the Amalfi coast hides, such as the Lattari mountain range which falls into the sapphire ocean. On a clear day, the visibility also extends to the precious island of Capri! The true beauty of the walk is the contrast of development between popular and renowned coastal towns and the countryside one is surrounded with, which is some of the least developed in the region, holm oaks, lemon orchards, wild rosemary, one can only imagine the delicious scent! Italy reaches high temperatures in the summer, it is therefore important to refresh oneself. This is possible by taking the rustic 1500 steps down to Arienzo to rejuvenate in the deep blue sea.

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Stromboli, Aeolian Islands, Sicily

This extraordinary hike up one of Italy’s active volcanoes which was formed 40 000 years ago and forms a perfect triangle is more demanding than the previous one and requires some experience. The 7.8 kilometre hike begins and ends at Stromboli town and lasts between 5 to 6 hours. The summit of Stromboli volcano is 924 metres but only the first 400 metres of the hike can be done freely, beyond that, a guide is required. We recommend attempting this hike either at sunset or sunrise for even more impressive panoramic views of Sicily and appropriate footwear as the track is rocky.

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Sella-herbetet Traverse, Gran Paradiso, Piedmont

This 10 hour hike of 20.5 kilometres in the National park of Gran Paradiso which begins and ends at Volney is quite demanding though the ascent is only of 1180 metres, the rest is downhill. This is perhaps a more rural and traditional hike, where one is left with the splendour of the lakes, glaciers and forests of the Graian Alps to contemplate. These are Italy’s highest mountains, with a peak of 4061 metres. For history lovers, it is possible to visit the Rifuggio Sella which is at the end of an old mule trail at approximately 2588 metres of altitude, which used to be King Vittorio-Emmanunele II’s hunting lodge. It is recommended to go on a clear day as it is important to see where one is stepping and marmots and grazing chamois can be perceived from a distance when the weather is favorable, which is a sight not to miss!

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Selvaggio Blu, Sardinia

This hike differs to the ones above as it lasts between 4 and 7 days. This 45 kilometre hike on the wonderful island of Sardinia begins at Pedra Longa and finishes at Cala Fuili. Despite being one of Italy’s most isolated and wild coastline on the eastern side of the island which promises spectacular views, it is considered to be one of the country’s most difficult treks due to the lack of signs on the track, water fountains and GPS don’t always find the trail. It is recommended to go with a guide or have some mountaineering experience especially as there is an abseil of 45 metres.

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Sentiero Azzurro, Cinque Terre

This short hike of 12 kilometres, lasting around 3 to 4 hours is the easiest and the most famous hikes of this article. It offers breathtaking scenery which does not compare to postcards and goes through the 5 renowned fishing villages of the region which constantly look as if they are about to fall into the Ligurian Sea. Begin the journey at Riomaggiore and finish at Monterosso and let yourself be carried away by the beauty of the region. For those who wish to end the hike earlier, it is possible to take a train from Corniglia village, halfway between all the villages, making it ideal for families to enjoy some quality nature in the hills of Italy. To do this hike, you need to buy a trail ticket which costs 7,50 euros.

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