Italy’s long, thin boot is home to a huge variety of landscapes. For trekkers, it offers a wealth of choice, from rugged mountain climbs to pretty coastal walks, there is more than enough to keep everyone happy on an Italy trekking holiday.
For stunning mountain trekking, head north to the Alps and the Dolomites. In the Alps, the Aosta Valley is always a favourite, lying in the shadow of Mont Blanc and with a good range of trails around. The area is a big ski area in winter, and resorts such as Courmayeur open their lifts in summer to get trekkers and hikers up to the top. The Dolomites tend to be wilder and more remote than the Alps, with jagged limestone peaks and unspoilt mountain lakes.
Further south, enjoy the gentle hills of Tuscany and Piedmont, with their rich rural traditions and lovely medieval towns. These are green, gorgeous areas of the country, planted with olive groves and grape vines, criss-crossed with paths that take you well away from the tourist crowds.
You’ll find some of Italy’s most stunning and iconic coastal walking on the Cinque Terre. This area of isolated villages and rugged cliffs cannot be reached by car, giving it a uniquely ancient feel. It is incredibly popular, but the dramatic views of villages clinging to cliffsides are worth bearing the crowds for.
If you want to escape the crowds, head south. Sicily has a huge variety of landscapes to explore, from the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna to the pristine coastline, with its rocky cliffs and white-sand beaches.
An Italy trekking trip offers the chance to get to know the country’s wild side. Italy’s cities are beautiful, but it is its countryside that really takes the breath away.
