Hiking through Italy

When to go on a hiking trip to Italy?

Italy is a country that can be visited all year round for hiking depending on the region and the activities you want to do.
In summer, Italy offers pleasant temperatures for hiking in the mountains or along the coast. It is recommended to go on a mountain hiking trip in the north of Italy, particularly in the Alps or the Dolomites, where temperatures are cooler. You can also explore the coastal region of Liguria, including the Cinque Terre, or the Amalfi Coast near Naples. In addition, you can take advantage of the long sunny days to explore the different natural sites.
In autumn, the warm, shimmering colors of the tree leaves offer an impressive spectacle during your hikes. Temperatures are also cooler, making hiking more enjoyable. You will enjoy discovering the Aosta Valley in autumn to admire the splendid colors of the leaves of the trees and taste the delicious culinary specialties of the region.
In spring, nature wakes up and flowers start to bloom and temperatures start to rise, but are not yet too high, which is ideal for hiking. The island of Sicily offers a perfect blend of culture, history, delicious cuisine and stunning scenery, making it an ideal destination for a spring getaway.
In winter, the snow-capped peaks and snow-covered landscapes offer a completely different hiking experience in Italy. If you are a ski lover, you can go to the ski resorts of the Italian Alps, such as Courmayeur, Cortina d'Ampezzo or Madonna di Campiglio. You can enjoy spectacular scenery and the tranquility of snow-capped mountains.
Whatever the season, a hiking trip to Italy will allow you to discover magnificent panoramas, rich culture and delicious cuisine.

What to visit in Italy?

Italy is full of beautiful hiking destinations, offering a unique combination of varied landscapes, impressive mountains and charming villages. Here are some essential places to visit during a hiking trip in Italy:
Cinque Terre: This coastal national park located in Liguria is famous for its five picturesque villages perched on steep cliffs. The hiking trails offer spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and lush green landscapes.
The Dolomites: Located in northern Italy, the Dolomites offer endless hiking opportunities among majestic peaks, alpine lakes and picturesque valleys. The Belluno Dolomites National Park is particularly popular for hiking.
Gran Paradiso National Park: Located in the Italian Alps, this park offers varied hiking trails through stunning mountain landscapes, with lakes, glaciers and abundant wildlife, including ibexes.
The Path of the Gods: This coastal hiking trail is located on the Amalfi Coast, offering breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the coast's rugged cliffs.
Northern Lakes: Italian lakes, such as Lake Como, Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore, offer breathtaking scenery, picturesque villages and opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The Borromean Islands, located on Lake Maggiore in Italy, offer magnificent hiking opportunities in an enchanting setting.
Sardinia: This Mediterranean island offers a variety of hiking trails through diverse landscapes, including mountains, coastal cliffs, gorges and lush forests.
Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park: Located in central Italy, this park is home to a wide diversity of flora and fauna, as well as hiking trails through mountainous and wooded landscapes.

What type of trip is offered?

The departures of our stays are scheduled regularly throughout the year. Trip prices vary depending on the length of stay, level of comfort and options chosen. Whether you prefer a star stay, with daily hikes departing from your accommodation, or roaming with nights in different accommodations, we have options adapted to the desired trip.
On our trips, it is possible to choose two roaming options:
Star:
The star stay takes place from a central lodge or hotel where you spend your nights in the same room (possibility of having a single room for a single supplement depending on availability). The hotel is often more comfortable and the weight of the bag is limited to the things needed during the day. The departure takes place in a loop every day.
While roaming:
During the traveling stay, your nights spend in a different lodge, hotel, or refuge. On these stays which require a more committed physical level, we take care of the transfer of your luggage from hotel to hotel.
For your trip, you can choose a group departure with a guide or on your own.
Self-guided or tailor-made travel:
Going on a self-guided stay allows you to go on the trails on the dates of your choice. The self-guided stay allows you to choose your departure date, who you wish to go with, for a trip personalized to your wishes and in the type of accommodation of your choice. We take care of reserving your hotel accommodation and meals for your midday lunch breaks as well as evening dinner. You will not be accompanied by a guide but we will provide you with travel documents, IGN maps, a roadbook and a guide application. To guide you during your hikes and accompany you throughout your stay, we provide you with detailed maps of the region. This way, you can explore the trails freely to your hotel, following the itinerary provided.
Group travel with a guide:
The group trip brings together several participants on one trip. You are accompanied by a guide who leads you on the trails and tells you all the details of the country. Going in a group means living a shared experience with participants you don't know before leaving. It also means being supervised on the route by a local mountain guide, who will pass on all his knowledge of the region to you.

What are the best hikes to do in Italy?

Sentiero delle Crete Senesi - Tuscany:
Walking level: Easy to moderate
Elevation gain: Around 200 meters
Duration: Approximately 3 to 4 hours
Description: This walking tour offers panoramic views of the magnificent landscapes of Tuscany, with its rolling hills and fields of cypress trees. You will pass dirt roads, vineyards and picturesque medieval villages such as Monteriggioni.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo - Dolomites:
Walking level: Difficult
Elevation gain: Around 700 meters
Duration: Approximately 5 to 6 hours

Description: This iconic hike in northern Italy takes you around the majestic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, offering spectacular views of the iconic peaks of the Dolomites. You will cross alpine meadows and rocky trails offering breathtaking panoramas.

Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) - Cinque Terre:
Walking level: Easy to moderate
Positive elevation gain: Variable depending on the sections, generally low to moderate
Walking time: Around 2 to 5 hours depending on the sections
Description: This coastal path winds through the colorful villages of Cinque Terre, offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. You will pass by terraced vineyards, olive groves and steep cliffs. Each section offers a unique and picturesque experience.

Hiking the Varaita Lakes - Val Maïra:
Walking level: Moderate
Elevation gain: Around 500 meters
Walking time: Approximately 4 to 5 hours
Description: This walking tour takes you through the magnificent alpine landscapes of Val Maïra, passing several picturesque mountain lakes. You will pass through larch forests, alpine meadows and trails offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

Mount Baldo - Lake Garda:
Walking level: Moderate to difficult
Elevation gain: Around 800 to 1,000 meters depending on the trail chosen
Walking time: Approximately 4 to 6 hours depending on the route
Description: This hike will take you to the summit of Mount Baldo, with views of Lake Garda and the surrounding Alps. You will pass through beech forests, alpine pastures and steep rocky ridges.

Ascent of Mount Etna - Sicily
Walking level: Moderate to difficult, depending on the route chosen
Elevation: Variable depending on the starting point, generally between 500 and 1000 meters
Walking time: Approximately 4 to 6 hours, depending on route and weather conditions
Description: Climbing Mount Etna offers a unique experience for hikers, with lunar landscapes and spectacular views of Sicily and the Mediterranean Sea. You will have the opportunity to explore the different craters of the volcano, walk on fields of solidified lava and admire the fumaroles emanating from the bowels of the earth.

Going on a trip with La Vie Sauvage guarantees you:

To experience a stay where each accommodation is selected for its qualities by paying a hotel at the right price.
Our trips are supervised by experienced and passionate local mountain guides who will guide you through the trails, sharing with you their knowledge of the region and their love for nature. They will be there to help you fully enjoy your group hiking experience.
By choosing La Vie Sauvage, you can enjoy all the advantages of an organized stay, without having to worry about logistics. We'll take care of all the details, including hotel, transfers, meals and hiking routes, so you can relax and enjoy every moment of your stay. We will do everything we can to ensure that you have an unforgettable experience in Italy whether you choose to hike with a guide or on your own.

Our trips to Italy offer an unforgettable backpacking experience in Europe, combining the discovery of spectacular natural landscapes, an immersion in an incomparable cultural and historical richness, and the tasting of local gastronomic delights. Whether you hike the rugged trails of the Dolomites, venture along the coastal paths of the Cinque Terre or explore the rolling vineyards of Tuscany, each journey reveals a new facet of the beauty and diversity of this magnificent country.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker looking for a trek in Europe or an outdoor enthusiast looking for a quiet getaway in the heart of Italy, a hiking trip to Italy promises moments of discovery, adventure and pleasure for all the senses. With its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage and exquisite cuisine, Italy is an incomparable destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts seeking freedom.
Explore Europe's natural treasures with hiking holidays in Italy, where the peaks of the Alps, the coastal paths of the Cinque Terre and the enchanting landscapes of Tuscany invite you on an unforgettable adventure.