1. Cinque Terre Coastal Trail
- Where: Liguria, Italy
- Starting Point: Riomaggiore
- End Point: Monterosso al Mare
- Time Needed: 5-7 hours.
- Distance and Type: 11 kilometers point to point
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: Spring or fall to avoid the summer crowds and heat.
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options available in Cinque Terre villages or nearby towns such as La Spezia.
This famous trail connects the five coastal villages of Cinque Terre, offering stunning views of the Ligurian Sea and colorful houses perched on the cliffs. The trail includes steep ascents and descents, narrow pathways, and rugged terrain, so proper footwear and caution are necessary. Along the way, hikers can stop at the charming villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare to rest, eat local cuisine, and admire the scenery. The trail is well-marked and requires a Cinque Terre Card for access, which includes unlimited train rides between the villages.
2. Pompeii Archaeological Site
- Where: Misurina, Veneto
- Starting Point: Parking lot at Lake Misurina
- End Point: Parking lot at Lake Misurina
- Time Needed: 1 hour.
- Distance and Type: 2.7 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy
- When to Hike: May to October
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options available in Misurina or nearby Cortina d’Ampezzo.
The Lake Misurina Loop Trail is a short and easy hike that circles around the beautiful Lake Misurina in the heart of the Dolomite Mountains. The trail is suitable for all levels of hikers and offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The trail is well marked and maintained and can be completed in about an hour. Along the way, there are several benches and picnic areas where hikers can take a break and enjoy the scenery.
3. Capri Island Coastal Trail
- Where: Capri Island, Campania, Italy
- Starting Point: Piazzetta Umberto I, Capri Town
- End Point: Arco Naturale, Capri Island
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
- Distance and Type: 4 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy
- When to Hike: Year-round, although summer months may be crowded.
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options available in Capri Town and Anacapri.
This trail offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the picturesque island of Capri. It begins at the Piazzetta Umberto I in Capri Town and follows the coastline to the Arco Naturale, a natural arch formed by erosion. Along the way, hikers will pass by numerous attractions, including the Gardens of Augustus, the Faraglioni rock formations, and the Punta Tragara viewpoint. The trail is well-marked and easy to navigate, making it a great option for hikers of all skill levels.
4. Sentiero degli Dei
- Where: Amalfi Coast, Campania, Italy
- Starting Point: Bomerano, Agerola
- End Point: Nocelle, Positano
- Time Needed: 4-5 hours.
- Distance and Type: 7.8 kilometers point to point
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: Best time to hike is from April to October
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options available in Agerola and Positano.
Sentiero degli Dei, or “Path of the Gods,” is a spectacular coastal trail that offers breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast. The trail starts in the town of Bomerano and winds through the lush Mediterranean countryside, passing through small villages and ancient ruins. The trail is moderately difficult with some steep inclines and declines, but the stunning scenery makes it worth the effort. The trail ends in the picturesque village of Nocelle, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Positano and the Mediterranean Sea.
5. Mount Vesuvius Summit Trail
- Where: Campania, Italy
- Starting point: Parking lot at Mount Vesuvius National Park
- End point: Summit of Mount Vesuvius
- Time Needed: 1-2 hours
- Distance and Type: 2.5 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: April to October
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in the nearby towns of Naples and Pompeii
The Mount Vesuvius Summit Trail is a short but steep hike that leads to the top of one of the most famous volcanoes in the world. The trail is rocky and uneven, and hikers must navigate several switchbacks as they ascend to the summit. At the top, visitors are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Bay of Naples.
6. Orvieto Historic Center
- Where: Orvieto, Umbria
- Starting point: Piazza Cahen, Orvieto
- End point: Orvieto Cathedral
- Time Needed: 1-2 hours.
- Distance and Type: 3 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy
- When to Hike: Year-round, best in spring and fall
- Where to Stay: Orvieto has a range of accommodation options, from hotels to bed and breakfasts.
The Orvieto Historic Center walking tour takes visitors through the picturesque streets and alleys of Orvieto, a charming hilltop town in Umbria. The route includes stops at several important landmarks, including the Duomo di Orvieto, a stunning Gothic cathedral that houses the Chapel of San Brizio and Luca Signorelli’s famous frescoes, and the Pozzo di San Patrizio, a 16th-century well that descends 62 meters into the earth. The tour also includes visits to local markets, artisan shops, and traditional food stalls, giving visitors a taste of Orvieto’s unique culture and history.
7. Parco dell’Aniene
- Where: Rome, Italy
- Starting point: Via delle Capannelle, Rome
- End point: Via dei Reti, Rome
- Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Distance and Type: 6 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy
- When to hike: Year-round, but best in spring and autumn.
- Where to Stay: There are many hotels and accommodations available in Rome, depending on your budget and preferences.
The Parco dell’Aniene is a beautiful green park located in the eastern suburbs of Rome. The hiking trail starts at Via delle Capannelle and follows the Aniene River, passing through lush greenery, small waterfalls, and ancient ruins. The trail is easy and suitable for all levels of hikers. Along the way, you’ll see the ruins of an ancient Roman aqueduct, as well as some stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The trail is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and offers a peaceful and refreshing experience.
8. Florence Historic Center
- Where: Florence, Tuscany, Italy
- Starting point: Piazza del Duomo
- End point: Piazza della Signoria
- Time needed: 1-2 hours.
- Distance and Type: 2.6 kilometer circuit
- Difficulty: Easy
- When to hike: Year-round, although summer months can be very hot and crowded.
- Where to stay: There are many accommodation options in Florence, ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Some popular areas to stay include the historic center, Santo Spirito, and Oltrarno.
This urban hike takes you through the heart of Florence’s historic center, passing by some of the city’s most famous landmarks and attractions. Starting at Piazza del Duomo, you’ll see the stunning cathedral and the famous dome designed by Brunelleschi. From there, you’ll walk through the bustling streets of Florence, passing by the Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio, before ending at Piazza della Signoria, where you’ll find the Palazzo Vecchio and the Loggia dei Lanzi. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to soak up the unique atmosphere of this beautiful city and see some of its most iconic sights.
9. Riomaggiore to Manarola Trail
- Where: Liguria, Italy
- Starting point: Riomaggiore
- End point: Manarola
- Time needed: 30-45 minutes.
- Distance and Type: 1.2 kilometers point to point
- Difficulty: Easy
- When to hike: Year-round, but best in spring and fall
- Where to stay: In Riomaggiore or Manarola, both towns have plenty of accommodations for tourists.
The Riomaggiore to Manarola Trail, also known as the Via dell’Amore or the Lover’s Walk, is a short and easy hike along the stunning Ligurian coastline. The trail is flat and well-paved, making it accessible for all ages and fitness levels. It offers beautiful views of the sea and the colorful buildings of the towns. The trail is open year-round, but it can be crowded during the summer months. It’s a perfect hike for those who want a taste of the famous Cinque Terre trails without committing to a longer or more challenging hike.
10. Borgo Medievale di Castell’Arquato
- Where: Borgo Medievale di Castell’Arquato, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
- Starting point: Piazza Garibaldi
- End point: Piazza Municipio
- Time needed: 1-2 hours.
- Distance and Type: 3 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy
- When to hike: Year-round, but best in spring and autumn for mild weather
- Where to stay: Castell’Arquato has several hotels and bed and breakfasts.
The Borgo Medievale di Castell’Arquato is a charming medieval town in the Emilia-Romagna region. The trail takes you through the narrow streets of the town, passing by historic buildings and landmarks such as the Visconti Castle and the Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and vineyards. Along the way, you can also find several restaurants and cafes to stop and rest. This is an easy and enjoyable hike suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
