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Walking holidays are such a great way to discover Italy beyond the usual tourist spots. My country has some seriously amazing geography—think epic mountains, active volcanoes, sparkling beaches, and even landscapes that look straight out of a sci-fi movie!
The best part? Exploring on foot means you get to see the side of Italy that most people miss. I’m talking quiet back roads, quirky little villages, and local traditions that feel like stepping back in time. Oh, and the food? Let’s just say, the further you get from the touristy areas, the tastier it gets.
So, here are 13 incredible trails to inspire your next walking holiday in Italy. Lace up those boots—it’s time to hit the road!
1. Cammino dei Borghi Silenti
Where: Umbria , from Tenaglie to Tenaglie
Length: 90km, 5 days
When it comes to hiking in Italy, Umbria is the unsung hero of verdant bliss. Known as the country’s green lung (because “the heart of Italy” already went to Tuscany), this region offers lush landscapes that look like they’ve been airbrushed by Mother Nature herself. And tucked into this slice of paradise is the Cammino dei Borghi Silenti, a trail whose name is as poetic as the journey itself. Translation? The Way of the Silent Villages.
This 90 km ring-shaped route takes you around the tallest mountain in the Amerini range, Monte Serra (996 m), in the southwest of Umbria. As the name implies, silence accompanies this hike, which unfolds amid sleepy villages and soothingly peaceful landscapes.
Over the course of five days, you’ll wander through fragrant chestnut woods, past fields of poppies and sunflowers slowly revealing 12 villages that are so delightfully under-the-radar, even Google Maps might raise an eyebrow! Some examples? Civitella del Lago, a hilltop village that offers jaw-dropping views of Lake Corbara, and the Forello Gorge sculpted by the Tiber River.
More info: camminodeiborghisilenti.it
2. The Route of the Two Seas
Where: Apulia, from Polignano a Mare to Taranto
Length: 136 km, 6 days
The Route of the Two Seas promises an Italian walking holiday packed with many Apulian wonders: shimmering seas, endless olive groves, iconic dry stone walls, mysterious caves, and, of course, the region’s rock stars—the Trulli.
The starting point is Polignano a Mare, a postcard-perfect town dramatically perched on the Adriatic cliffs. From there, the route meanders through dreamy country roads, past the emerald woods of the Pianelle Natural Park, and straight into the storybook towns of Alberobello, Locorotondo, and Martina Franca.
The final stop is Taranto on the Ionian coast, the ancient town founded by the Spartans as their only colony. With its rich history and glittering waters, it’s the perfect place to end this wonderful trail.
More info: larottadeiduemari.it
3. The Path of the Celts and the Ligurians
Where: from Milan in Lombardy to Sestri Levante in Liguria
Length: 222 km, 10 days
Officially opened in 2023, this glorious ten-day trek takes you from Milan to the Ligurian coast, weaving through history, culture, and some seriously jaw-dropping landscapes. The trail’s name? It honors the ancient tribes that once roamed these lands—because honestly, what’s more epic than walking in the footsteps of the ancients?
After soaking up Milan’s urban energy, you’ll leave the city behind and step into a whole new world. You’ll wander through the vineyards of Oltrepò Pavese, then climb to Mount Penna, a mountain steeped in Celtic mythology. From there, it’s a scenic descent to Sestri Levante, a charming coastal town with not one, but two stunning bays—the Bay of Silence and the Bay of Fairy Tales.
More info: sentierodeicelti.it
4. The Way of Charlemagne
Where: from Bergamo in Lombardy to Carisolo in Trentino Alto Adige
Length: 225km, 12 days
The Route of Charlemagne weaves together history, legend, and breathtaking landscapes as it meanders between Lombardy and Trentino Alto Adige. It follows in the legendary footsteps of Charlemagne, the first emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, who is said to have conquered a string of local castles, bringing Christianity to the region. Along his journey, he marked his victories by building striking churches, many of which still stand today.
The trail begins in the upper town of Bergamo and runs through the villages along the Serio river and the valleys of Valli d’Argon, Val Cavallina, Val Borlezza, Valle Camonica, Val di Sole and Val Rendena. Along the way, you’ll stumble upon delightful towns like Lovere, with its lakefront beauty, and unmissable treasures like the archaeological parks of Foppe di Nadro and Naquane, home to mesmerizing prehistoric rock carvings that earned UNESCO recognition in 1979 as Italy’s very first World Heritage Site.
More info: camminodicarlomagno.it
5. The Oropa Way
Where: Piedmont, from Santhià to the Oropa Basilica
Length: 65km, 4 days
The Oropa Trail in Piedmont offers a journey through a stunning tapestry of landscapes, from tranquil rice fields to the majestic Biella Alps, culminating at the breathtaking Oropa Basilica. This cherished pilgrimage site, home to an ancient statue of a Black Madonna—rumored to have been sculpted by Saint Luke himself—is steeped in history and devotion.
While there are four different routes to experience the trail, this one starting in Santhià is the most popular. This charming town is famous for its historic carnival, the oldest in Piedmont, and is still brimming with medieval vibes. From here, the path leads through the enchanting wooded hills of the Serra d’Ivrea, one of the world’s most remarkable glacial formations, before meandering past ancient fortified villages and some more beautiful natural scenery, all the way to the sanctuary.
Here’s a tip: Santhià is just a breezy 45-minute train ride from Turin, so make sure to plan some extra time to explore this elegant city. It was the first Italian capital from 1861 to 1865 and the birthplace of our beloved aperitivo tradition! Oh, and let’s not even get started on its legendary chocolatiers…
More info: camminodioropa.it
6. Via Paceuta
Where: from Bari in Apulia to Matera in Basilicata
Length: 170km, 7 days
This has been my very first hiking trail, sot it holds a special place in my travel memories. And with its perfect blend of breathtaking landscapes, charming villages brimming with art and beauty yet still off the beaten path, and a manageable difficulty level, it’s no surprise it’s become one of the most beloved walking holidays in Italy.
The 7-day adventure begins at the Basilica of San Nicola in Bari and takes you all the way to the stunning Cathedral of the Madonna della Bruna in Matera. Along the way, you’ll traverse tranquil country lanes flanked by endless olive groves and vineyards, passing by centuries-old stone farmhouses and soaking in the dramatic beauty of the Murge plateau.
And then, there’s the food—oh, the food! From the rustic warmth of freshly baked bread in Altamura to the delicious farm-to-table (literally!) cheeses, every bite tells a story… and it’s absolutely irresistible!
More info: camminomaterano.it/via/1/via-peuceta
7. Magna Via Francigena
Where: Sicily, from Palermo to Agrigento
Length: 189km, 9 days
The Magna Via Francigena is another fascinating destination for your next walking holiday in Italy. The route crosses Sicily, from Palermo to Agrigento, giving you a unique perspective on the island. During this coast-to-coast adventure, you’ll follow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims and merchants who once traveled between these two port towns
Along the way, you’ll be immersed in Sicily’s pristine nature, walking through golden wheat fields, past towering prickly pear cacti, and beneath the boughs of fragrant orange trees. But this journey isn’t just about natural beauty – it’s also a chance to explore Sicily’s rich history and cultural heritage. Among the highlights is Sutera, where you’ll wander through a captivating Arab quarter, and Santa Cristina Gela, home to an Arbëresh community formed by descendants of Albanian refugees who settled here after fleeing the Ottoman conquests centuries ago.
More info: viefrancigenedisicilia.it/MVF
8. Via Flavia
Where: Friuli Venezia Giulia, from Lazzaretto di Muggia to Aquileia
Length: 116km, 5 days
At the northeastern edge of Italy, the Via Flavia is an enchanting historic route that follows the ancient Roman road connecting Aquileia to the city of Fiume in Istria. The adventure begins in a location that feels almost poetic—a picturesque seaside spot just a stone’s throw from the Slovenian border. From here, the route leads to Aquileia, a UNESCO-listed city steeped in history as one of the great Roman colonies.
Along the way, the itineraries dotted with stunning coastal views and reveals one marvel after another. There’s Trieste, a cosmopolitan gem where echoes of its Habsburg past still resonate in its architecture and grand piazzas. The stunning Duino Castle, a 14th-century fortress perched dramatically on a karst cliff, and Grado, a delightful town whose Venetian charm permeates its historic center.
More info: camminoviaflavia.it
9. Dante’s Walk
Where: from Ravenna in Emilia Romagna to Florence in Tuscany
Length: 400km, 20 days
If you are passionate about Italian literature and hiking, this hike through Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany is right up your alley. Dante’s Walk is a loop trail that takes you in the footsteps of Dante Alighieri, the father of our Italian language, from Ravenna (his final resting place) to Florence (where he was born) and back again.
Over twenty days, you’ll visit prominent locations that influenced the pages of his Divine Comedy, as well as admire some glorious natural landscapes, like the Casentinesi forests and the Acquacheta waterfalls. This walking adventure also offers you the chance to discover charming medieval villages, including Brisighella, which features the unique covered passageway Via degli Asini (literally translated as Donkeys’ Alley).
More info: ilcamminodidante.it
10. Kalabria Coast to Coast
Where: Calabria, from Soverato to Pizzo
Length: 55km, 3 days
The beautiful coasts, remote hilltop villages, and fantastic food make Calabria a popular summer holiday destination among Italians. Still, it remains relatively undiscovered by tourists from overseas. A unique way of exploring the region is the Kalabria Coast to Coast trail, a naturalistic and cultural walking route that crosses Calabria from east to west in three days.
The journey begins in Soverato, the pearl of the Ionian coast, then heads 55km west to Pizzo, an adorable town perched on a steep cliff overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Walking along the path, you get to see all kinds of wonderful scenery, from seascapes to mountains and ancient mule tracks.
More info: Kalabria Coast to Coast official website
11. The Renaissance Ring
Where: Tuscany, from Calenzano to Calenzano
Length: 250km, 8 stages
Florence is known as the cradle of the Renaissance for its incredible art and architecture, but did you know it’s also a fantastic hiking destination? I’m talking about the Renaissance Ring, an excellent walking trail that explores the city’s surroundings and its historical and artistic heritage in a truly different way.
The route takes you through the beautiful Tuscan countryside around Florence, past olive groves, castles and monasteries. The total distance is around 250km, but you can easily reach Florence by public transport from each section if you get tired along the way.
12. Tratturo Magno
Where: Abruzzo, Puglia and Molise, from L’Aquila to Foggia
Length: 244km, 10 days
Looking for a truly off-the-beaten-track adventure in Italy? Then try walking one of the country’s tratturi! Tratturi are old country roads shepherds used to move their livestock from the plains to the mountains in spring and back again in the fall.
One of the most famous (and longest) is Tratturo Magno, connecting L’Aquila and Foggia. This journey takes you on an epic 250 km adventure through Abruzzo, Puglia and Molise, passing lush valleys and charming towns that tell a story about the country’s agro-pastoral heritage. Along the way, you’ll also visit interesting historical sites, such as the Roman city of Peltuinum.
More info: Tratturo Magno Facebook page
13. The Mining Trail of Santa Barbara
Where: Sardinia, from Iglesias to Iglesias
Length: 500km, 30 days
The list of unique hiking trails in Italy wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Mining Trail of Santa Barbara in Sardinia’s southwest. Taking about 30 days to complete, the trail covers 500km of hiking on old paths once used by miners in the Sulcis-Iglesiente region. It’s named after the Patron Saint of Miners.
Be ready to channel your inner Indiana Jones as you’ll pass by abandoned mining sites, tunnels dug into the cliffs and ghost towns. This corner of Sardinia boasts an impressive landscape and precious testimonies of the island’s glorious mining industry – no wonder it made UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. There are some wonderful sights along the way, like the Lamarmora Station, a great example of industrial archaeology, and the Porto Flavia Tunnel, with views of the Pan di Zucchero rock rising from the sea.
More info: The Mining Trail of Santa Barbara Facebook page
That’s it for my pick of unique hikes for your next walking holidays in Italy. Have you walked any of these routes? Or do you have any suggestions? Shoot me a message or write it in the comments!
Pssst… Pin this article for future reference and get in touch if you have any questions about hiking in Italy!
Ciao for now,
