What makes Italy one of the most captivating walking and hiking destinations in the world? This enchanting country offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Undeniably, that keeps travelers coming back for more. When it comes to walking in Italy, this destination ticks every box – and then some.
Explore three breathtaking walking trails that showcase Italy’s diverse landscapes and charm. From the rugged allure of the Via del Sale (Salt Road) to the sunlit cliffs of the Cinque Terre, and the timeless mystery of Tuscany’s Etruscan towns, every step promises an unforgettable adventure. Wherever your path takes you, expect stunning views, ancient history, and a celebration of la dolce vita that makes Italy so irresistible.
No journey through Italy is complete without indulging in its world-renowned cuisine. Unquestionably, here, food is more than a meal. It’s an art form deeply intertwined with tradition and local pride. After hiking through Tuscany’s vineyards or along Liguria’s coastal trails, sit down to a feast of fresh bread, regional wine, and farm-to-table ingredients. Imagine savoring a meal made even more special by knowing you’ve walked the same land where the grapes and olives thrive under the warm Mediterranean sun.
Salt, once as precious as gold, was a vital lifeline centuries ago. The ancient Via del Sale, or Salt Road, carried mule trains laden with sea salt from the Ligurian coast to the Apennines, returning with grain, cheese, and wine. Walking this historic route today is a journey into Italy’s hidden heart.
It’s no coincidence that the Slow Food movement was born here, in the verdant hills of Piedmont. In this UNESCO World Heritage wine region, we’ll sip Barolo and Barbaresco wines where the grapes ripened.
Along the way, medieval castles, unspoiled villages, and Romanesque churches dot the landscape, inviting exploration.
Sample local delicacies—truffles, artisan cheeses, hazelnut cake, and agnolotti ravioli—as we meander through this culinary paradise.
The path leads to the Riviera of Flowers, a Mediterranean haven where pastel towns bask in the sunlight amidst exotic plants and blossoms. With the Maritime Alps as a backdrop, this vibrant coastline exudes old-world charm and elegance, making the Salt Road a journey of discovery, flavor and beauty.
While Tuscany is famous for its rolling hills, medieval towns, and sumptuous cuisine and wines, its lesser-known Etruscan heritage offers a fascinating glimpse into a lost world.
Unlike the Romans who built upwards, the mysterious Etruscans dug deep—creating elaborate underground necropoli and engineering marvels more than 500 years before Roman dominance.
We start our journey in Orvieto, a hilltop gem nicknamed the “love child of Rome and Florence,” with its stunning Gothic cathedral resembling an opulent wedding cake. Beneath the town lies a labyrinth of tunnels and caves, offering a glimpse into an ancient civilization.
From here, traverse the Tuscan countryside along ancient Roman roads and sunken vie cave Etruscan pathways, passing through timeless landscapes. Touch on the historic Via Francigena, a pilgrims’ route connecting distant Canterbury to Rome. And enjoy Tuscany from a unique and mysterious perspective.
The adventure continues with a boat ride on a volcanic lake and an exploration of a subterranean “city”, another extraordinary remnant of this fascinating, long-lost civilization.
Few places in the world compare to the dramatic coastal splendor of the Cinque Terre. This enchanting stretch of the Italian Riviera is home to five picture-perfect villages.
These colorful hamlets – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso – seem to defy gravity. They cling to steep cliffs, their houses painted in soft pastel hues reminiscent of gelati. Preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the villages maintain their timeless charm.
Scenic automobile-free trails hug the coast. They meander through fragrant pine forests, olive groves, and peaceful mountain pastures. Each day ends with an unforgettable sunset over the Mediterranean.
In Camogli, a vibrant fishing village, we find the perfect balance of rugged seaside allure and authentic charm. No wonder Charles Dickens once described it as “the saltiest, roughest, most piratical little place”.
Then to the elegant jewel that is Portofino! Renowned for attracting celebrities, this picturesque harbor town exudes Riviera glamor.
In another dramatic change of tempo, a tranquil boat ride offers the chance to admire towering cliffs and visit the remote and serene beachside Abbey of San Fruttuoso.