Take a stroll (or a hike) through our five favourite spots for Italian walks…
1. Via Ferrata (SOSAT), Brenta Dolomites, Trentino Alto Adige.
Italian walks don’t get much more stunning than this. The Dolomites are liberally scattered with vie ferrate, or ‘iron paths’ – high mountain routes with fixed climbing aids to help walkers negotiate the terrain.
The SOSAT route is an excellent via ferrata, offering magnificent panoramas but not too challenging.
The route is about 4.5km long and it begins at Rifugio Tuckett, accessible via the Grostè cable car.
2. Chianti Classico Hills, Tuscany.
There are many wine trails in this area – pick one to suit you and taste local wines as you go.
A classic route goes from Monte San Michele through Volpaia and into Radda. Delicious wine and Tuscan beauty abound.
3. Sentiero Azzurro, Cinque Terre, Liguria.
One of the country’s most beautiful coastal paths, this is a busy route.
You’ll need a Cinque Terre card as paths in the area are regulated, and for iconic views and seascapes, this can’t be beaten.
4. Vesuvius, Naples, Campania.
Get a sense of the nature’s raw power with a hike up Italy’s most famous volcano, to gaze into the depths of its expansive crater.
It’s crowded with tourists year-round, but worth it for the fantastic panoramas and exciting terrain.
5. Sentiero della Libertà, Parco Nazionale della Maiella, Abruzzo.
This historic trail was forged by Allied prisoners of war escaping from the POW camp near Sulmona during WWII.
The route is now an impressive long-distance hiking trail that crosses the national park.
Find your next destination in our travel archives