Planning to go hiking in Italy? This ultimate guide has everything you need to know, including practical tips and the best destinations!
When I started my hiking adventures in Italy, I discovered that its natural beauty is incredibly diverse. This country has no shortage of magnificent landscapes and sometimes they look too perfect to be real.
Scenic peaks, steep cliffs, lush forests, and even canyons! Italy has many hiking destinations that will amaze even the most experienced hikers.
But if you’re a beginner, don’t worry! In this ultimate guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to prepare for your first hike in Italy.
In this article, I share some practical tips, mention hiking essentials, and list the very best places to go hiking in Italy that will suit you regardless of your hiking experience.
Hiking Checklist: How to Prepare for a Hike in Italy
1. Study the Trail
First of all, select your destination. From the majestic Dolomites to spectacular Tuscan hills, Italy has many awesome options that can suit beginners and amaze experienced hikers.
Once you choose where you want to go, study the trail inside and out. Make sure that you know how to reach it, where to leave your car, and how to go back.
There are plenty of supportive sources for hikers, like Alltrails and Wikiloc App. They have a map, information about the trail (length, difficulty etc), and reviews of other hikers. I personally find Wikiloc very useful.
2. Check the Weather Forecast
It may sound obvious, but check out the weather forecast before planning your adventure.
Remember that Italy is a grand country with different weather conditions. The best time to hike is definitely in spring and autumn when it’s not too boiling (unless you’re climbing the Dolomites).
But I should say that in Italy, hiking is available throughout the year, and you can enjoy it even when it’s January and cloudy outside.
Once, I went hiking in Emilia Romagna in the winter, and it felt like +15. Just remember to dress up in layers.
3. Pack Your Backpack
After you select the trail and check the weather forecast, it’s time to pack your bag. Hiking typically lasts for half a day, so there is no need to take a big bag with you.
The bag should be small and comfortable, with enough space for essentials like water, food, a first-aid kit (if you’re hiking dangerous trails), and a power bank in case your phone dies.
4. Make Sure You’ll Be Back on Time
The tricky part of hiking is the time. While you’re admiring the divine nature and scenic views, it flies.
That’s why in the planning phase, you need to calculate carefully how much time it will take you to get back to your car.
As there are different trail types, some (the loop) may lead you back to the car, while others (the line) won’t. So, make sure that you arrive at your initial destination before sunset.
5. Charge Your Phone
Assuming that you’ll be using either Google maps, Wikiloc, or any other supplementary resources, make sure your phone is fully charged. Because getting lost is the last thing we want, right?
What to Pack: 6 Hiking Essentials
Here are six hiking essentials you would need when planning your hike in Italy.
1. Water and Food
First and foremost, you would need water and food. The amount of food will surely depend on the trail’s length and difficulty.
What I love to do personally is to hike lightly with water and some snacks (nuts, fruits).
As many lengthy hiking routes are divided into smaller parts, I select the one that I can complete in 3-4 hours. And once I do, I go to a nearby trattoria and reward myself with a delicious plate of pasta.
2. Comfortable Shoes
90% of your hike’s success depends on your shoes. Of course, hiking trails are different, and some you can walk with your Nike sneakers without getting any callus.
However, there are plenty of rocky and muddy trails where you need proper hiking boots. So, do the research in advance.
3. Power Bank
Today, phones are our ears, eyes, and maps.
As you’ll be using your phone to follow the trail (unless you’re old-school and prefer a paper map instead), its battery can die unexpectedly. So, bring with you a power bank to charge it.
4. First-Aid Kit
This is more a recommendation than a necessity and depends on several factors. If you’re hiking with your kids, it’s always good to have some plasters and disinfectant in your bag.
If you’re exploring a developed trail solo or with your partner, I think you can do without the first-aid kit.
But if you choose an extreme trail that requires some physical effort, then don’t forget to throw the first-aid kit into your bag.
5. Comfy Backpack
Well, that’s important. Having a comfy backpack will save you from muscle pain.
In Italy, many hikers give preference to Quechua backpacks that you can find in any Decathlon shop. They are cheap and spacious, and you can hardly feel them.
I’m the owner of one myself, and I should say that these are the best 5€ I’ve ever spent.
Best Places to Go Hiking in Italy
Italy is a treasure trove of spectacular hiking trails. So, let’s find out where you could have an exciting adventure!
Dolomites
The Dolomites are probably the first destination that comes to your mind when you think about hiking in Italy.
No wonder why. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most magical places in the whole country.
Looking at the photos of experienced hikers who climb the Vajolet Towers, you may assume that there is nothing much to do for newbies. But that’s a wrong assumption.
Hiking trails in the Dolomites vary from easy to difficult, and even if you’re not running every morning or attending climbing lessons every weekend, you can do it.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Viel Dal Pan Refuge, Lake Braies to Malga Foresta, and Passo Monte Croce are one of the many hiking trails that you can explore with your kids.
More experienced lovers can go hiking Sassolungo dal Col Rodella, Vajolet Towers, Cinque Torri, Vallelunga, and Lake Coldai.
Whatever hiking trail you choose, you can expect epic views with magnificent mountains whose greatness knows no borders.
The best time to go hiking in the Dolomites is in June, July, August, and September.
Tuscany
From scenic Tuscan hills and romantic vineyard rows to the mighty Apuan Alps, Tuscany can be your fascinating discovery.
This region has been home to various pilgrimage routes for many centuries, attracting spiritual seekers from all over the world.
One of the oldest routes is Via Francigena which leads from Rome to Tuscany. It’s a long route of more than 2,000 km, which is pretty extreme, so you can explore only part of it following San Miniato – Gambassi Terme. This route is 24 km and can be completed in 6 hours.
Other magnificent routes for admiring Tuscan hills are San Quirico – Bagno Vignoni and hiking trails in The Montagnola Senese.
It may be surprising, but Tuscany has absolutely fairytale-like forests and plenty of hiking trails that go through them. Some of the best trails are Il Sentiero dei Tedeschi and Cisa – Pontremoli.
For those who want to go hiking in Florence, there are lovely trails near the neighbouring towns Fiesole and Monte Morello.
Puglia
If you’re wondering what you can do in Puglia in addition to enjoying pristine paradise-like beaches, you can go hiking! Puglia is a fascinating place for adventurous souls, offering a great selection of various hiking trails.
Charming countryside, stunning coasts, steep cliffs, and lush forests – you’ll be delighted and amazed by the beauty of this region.
Generally, Puglia is a more off-the-beaten-path destination for hiking enthusiasts from abroad, but if you’re curious to explore it, here are the hiking places you should add to your bucket list.
Gargano National Park and Alta Murgia National Park are absolutely must-visits if you’re planning to hike in Puglia. They have the most popular hiking trails in the region, and you’ll surely find a few for yourself.
Did you know that Puglia also has a canyon? That’s right, and to see one, you should hike Gravina di Laterza.
Among other unique places are The Caves of Castellana (which must be visited only with a guide!) and The Salento Coastal Trail.
Positano
Positano is one of the best places in Italy, which is incredibly popular among hikers. Its spectacular views of the coast won’t leave you indifferent, even if you’re an experienced hiker.
Path of the Gods is an iconic hiking trail in Positano that will bring you to the top of the coast. Its difficulty level is moderate, and it will take you around five hours to complete it.
You will pass by charming little villages, and once you climb up to the top, you’ll be absolutely mesmerized by the view.
Besides the Path of the Gods, there are other truly unique hiking trails in Positano.
Have you ever walked through lemon groves? If not, you should take the Il Sentiero dei Limoni trail.
What about the olive groves? If the answer is still no, then The Path of the Olive Trees is right for you!
Hiking in Italy: FAQs
Does Italy Have Good Hiking?
Yes, Italy is a great destination for hiking and will be able to surprise even the most experienced hikers.
The country’s incredible landscape provides endless hiking opportunities, from majestic Dolomite mountains to canyons in Puglia.
Are the Dolomites Hard to Hike?
The Dolomites have hiking trails that will suit both beginners and hikers with years of experience.
What Is the Best Time to Hike the Dolomites?
June, July, August, and September are the best months to go hiking in the Dolomites.
Is Tuscany Good for Hiking?
Yes, Tuscany is absolutely a must-see destination if you want to experience the whole potential of hiking in Italy.
