Best Hiking Trails in Italy

Few countries reward hikers quite like Italy. From jagged Dolomite spires to coastal footpaths above sapphire coves, the country’s trails provide not only unrivalled scenery but centuries of history. This guide highlights the standout routes across the peninsula, from short day walks to multi-day epics, along with practical details on distance, difficulty, and the best seasons to visit. You will also find a dedicated section on reaching trailheads by ferry, including international routes and domestic links to islands and coastal paths.

How to Choose Your Italian Hike

We know it’s not easy to choose where to hike, especially when Italy has a bounty of incredible trails. Before diving into the list, here are a few quick filters to help match the right hike to your plans:

Season: Alpine trails (Dolomites, Aosta Valley) are best from late June to September. Coastal and lower-altitude routes (Liguria, Campania, Sicily) shine from spring through late autumn.

Difficulty: Italy ranges from gentle lake promenades to serious mountaineering. If you are new to the Alps, start with day hikes from established huts before committing to a long traverse.

Logistics: Many classic hikes have excellent public transport and hut networks; others require a car or local transfer. Islands and coastal trails are typically accessible by ferry travel.

Northern Italy: Dolomites, Lakes, and the High Alps

Alta Via 1, Dolomites (Veneto/South Tyrol)

• Distance: 120 km 
• Duration: 8–12 days 
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (non-technical) 
• Best season: July to September

Italy’s most iconic long-distance trail winds through the breath-taking heart of the Dolomites, connecting a chain of scenic mountain rifugi from the emerald waters of Lago di Braies all the way to Belluno. Each day brings panoramic hikes beneath towering limestone spires, with well-maintained paths, a few thrilling ladders, and the comfort of a warm, hearty meal waiting at every checkpoint. To make the most of your trek, we suggest packing light as bedding and delicious alpine fare are provided at the huts.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop, Dolomites (South Tyrol)

• Distance: 10 km loop 
• Duration: 3–4 hours 
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate 
• Best season: June to October (snow can linger early)

This legendary circuit around the dramatic spires of Tre Cime delivers an ever-changing panorama with every step. Begin your journey at Rifugio Auronzo and follow the counter-clockwise loop past Rifugio Lavaredo and Rifugio Locatelli for the most photogenic views. Widely popular for good reason, this trail rewards early risers and late-day wanderers with quieter paths, golden light, and fewer crowds.

Please also consider that weather conditions can change quickly in the Dolomites. We recommend that you carry a shell and a warm layer, even in the summer months.

Gran Paradiso National Park Day Hikes (Aosta/Piedmont)

• Distance: Various (8–16 km) 
• Duration: Half- to full day 
• Difficulty: Moderate 
• Best season: June to September

Italy’s oldest national park, Gran Paradiso, is a haven of alpine beauty, housing wild ibex, golden larch forests, glassy lakes, and soaring views of the 4,061-metre Gran Paradiso peak itself. It’s a paradise for hikers seeking immersive nature without technical challenges. Two standout routes include the panoramic walks across the Nivolet Plateau from Rifugio Savoia and the peaceful ascent to Lago di Dres from Valsavarenche. Both offer spectacular day hikes that showcase the park’s unspoiled landscapes that can be accessed without ropes or climbing equipment.

Greenway del Lago di Como (Lombardy)

• Distance: 10 km one way 
• Duration: 3–4 hours 
• Difficulty: Easy 
• Best season: March to November

A tranquil, well-waymarked lakeside walk linking Colonno to Griante. This trail passes gardens, Romanesque churches, stone hamlets, and provides constant views across Lake Como. It is family-friendly, café-rich, and easy to access by ferry and bus along the lake’s western shore.

Central Italy

Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail), Cinque Terre (Liguria)

• Distance: 12 km in four sections 
• Duration: 5–6 hours for the whole path (or hike select sections) 
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate (steps, some narrow sections) 
• Best season: March to June, September to November

The Blue Trail knits together the five pastel villages of the Cinque Terre. Sea cliffs, terraced vineyards, and frequent train links make it simple to navigate. Trail sections can close for maintenance or after storms, and the park may require a day pass at certain times of the year. Please check locally and be flexible with sections like Corniglia to Vernazza or Vernazza to Monterosso.

Via Francigena in the Val d’Orcia (Tuscany)

• Distance: 15–20 km per stage (choose a day or link several) 
• Duration: Day hikes to multi-day 
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate 
• Best season: April to June, September to October

Navigate your way through the postcard-perfect heart of Tuscany, where golden wheat fields, lines of cypress trees, and sun-washed hill towns come together to create one of Italy’s most iconic landscapes. This region offers some of the most rewarding hikes in the country, especially along the scenic stretches linking San Quirico d’Orcia, the thermal spa town of Bagno Vignoni, and the Renaissance gem of Pienza.

These routes roll gently through the Val d’Orcia, blending cultural charm with natural beauty at every turn. While trail marking has steadily improved in recent years, bringing a GPX track or navigation app is still recommended, especially useful in the early morning mist or during the glowing hours of twilight.

South Italy and the Islands

Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei), Amalfi Coast (Campania)

• Distance: 7.5 km (Agerola to Nocelle) 
• Duration: 3–4 hours 
• Difficulty: Moderate 
• Best season: March to June, September to November

One of Europe’s great balcony paths, this route contours high above the Amalfi Coast with spectacular views of Capri and the Sorrento Peninsula. Most hikers set off in Bomerano (Agerola) and finish in Nocelle, with steps down to Positano or a bus connection. Start early for cooler temperatures and quieter trails.

Etna South: Crater Viewpoints (Sicily)

• Distance: 5–10 km options 
• Duration: 2–5 hours 
• Difficulty: Moderate 
• Best season: April to November (winter requires gear/guides)

Europe’s highest active volcano offers an otherworldly experience: lava fields, fumaroles, and sweeping views over Catania. The classic access is from Rifugio Sapienza on the south side. Regulations vary with volcanic activity; higher-altitude zones typically require a certified guide. Even lower trails demand good footwear and layers as conditions can change rapidly.

Selvaggio Blu (Sardinia)

• Distance: 40–50 km 
• Duration: 5–7 days 
• Difficulty: Very difficult (route-finding, scrambling, abseils) 
• Best season: April to June, late September to October

One of the toughest coastal treks in Europe, Selvaggio Blu strings together shepherds’ paths, ledges, and wild coves along Sardinia’s eastern coast near Baunei. This is an expert route—go with an experienced guide if you lack ropework and navigation skills. The reward is absolute wilderness and luminous turquoise sea at day’s end.

How to Get to Italy by Ferry

Travelling by ferry is one of the most flexible and relaxing ways to start your Italian adventure. Unlike airports, Italy ferry routes often bring you directly to coastal towns and islands that are directly next to major hiking regions. With a wide choice of international ferries to Italy and convenient domestic ferry connections, you can book the crossing that suits your itinerary best.

International Ferries to Italy

Ferries from Spain to Italy

Popular Italy ferry crossings include Barcelona to Genoa and Barcelona to Civitavecchia, both ideal gateways for reaching Cinque Terre, Liguria, and Tuscany. Another option is the Barcelona to Porto Torres ferry perfect for accessing northern Sardinia and the spectacular Selvaggio Blu hiking trail.

Ferries from France and Corsica to Italy

You can sail from Nice or Toulon to Golfo Aranci or Nice to Porto Torres in Sardinia, with additional seasonal ferry routes to mainland Italy such as Savona and Livorno. These are especially convenient if you’re heading to Liguria or Tuscany. From Corsica, several ferry operators also run services into northern Italian ports, making it simple to continue your journey by train.

Ferries from Greece to Italy

Major Italy ferry routes include Patras or Igoumenitsa to Ancona, Bari, Brindisi, and Venice. Arriving into Ancona or Venice gives easy rail access north to the Dolomites, while Bari and Brindisi ferries are excellent if you plan to continue to Sicily with a domestic Italy ferry connection.

Ferries from Croatia to Italy

Seasonal services such as Split or Zadar to Ancona and Dubrovnik to Bari are popular choices. These ferry crossings to Italy place you on the Adriatic coast, with onward rail and road connections to both northern and southern Italy.

Ferries from Albania to Italy

Regular ferry routes operate from Durrës or Vlorë to Bari and Brindisi, providing quick access to southern Italy. From here, it’s easy to connect to trains, buses, or additional domestic ferries within Italy.

Ferries from Tunisia and North Africa to Italy

Choose from Tunis to Palermo, Tunis to Civitavecchia, or Tunis to Genoa. The Tunis to Palermo ferry is especially convenient for reaching Sicily’s top hiking spots such as Zingaro Nature Reserve, Mount Etna, and the Aeolian Islands.

Ferries from Malta to Italy

The short and frequent Malta to Italy ferries link Valletta to Pozzallo or Catania, both located in Sicily’s southeast. From there, you can easily continue by bus or train to explore Etna, Zingaro, or the Aeolian Islands.

Book Your Ferry Tickets Now

For the best fares on Italy ferry tickets, it’s always smart to book ferries to Italy online with Direct Ferries in advance, especially during summer and holiday seasons.