Hiking in Italy: The 7 Best Trails
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- Adut
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Nestled between the steep hillside and the sparkling sea, this famously scenic trek will take you through Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso, which comprise the quaint region known as Cinque Terre. By taking this breezy, family-friendly hike, you will walk through each of the five colourful settlements of the Ligurian Riviera, framed beautifully with vineyards, olive groves, and the vast blueness of the Mediterranean. The region also offers various options when it comes to choosing hiking trails. It is criminal not to take a trip to Cinque Terre when traveling to Italy.
Highlights
- Explore the majestic Italian villages along the coast
- Choose from several bars and cafés along the way
- Unwind and cool-off with a plunge into the sea
- Stroll down the famous ‘lover’s lane’ on the stretch of the road between Manarola and Riomaggiore
Lowlights
- The villages tend to be crowded during high season
- Temperatures can get extremely high in peak season (July, August)
Trek facts
| Trek difficulty | Easy |
| Trek duration | 5 hours (excluding the stops at the villages) |
| Remoteness | Not remote |
| Maximum altitude | 800 m |
| Permit required? | Yes, you’ll need to purchase the Cinque Terre card to use trekking paths, shuttle buses and wi-fi |
| Fitness level | Suitable for all fitness levels |
| Best season | July and August, although June and September are ideal due to milder weather and smaller crowds |
| Start / end locations | The trail stretches from the northernmost village of Monterosso to Riomaggiore in the south |
Insider tip: Cinque Terre is one of those dreamy places for hikers: mountains, sea, vineyards, and a set of beautiful coastal towns. The trails in Cinque Terre are not exactly for couch potatoes, but they're entirely worth it. Bring comfy shoes, a bottle of water, sunscreen, and — why not —grab a piece of focaccia for a snack. — Bruno from Geeky Explorer
Highlights
- Easy-going trek, suited both for hiking and mountain biking
- A plethora of historical treasure troves dotted along the way
- Each section is serviced by public transport, so you can make it as long or as short as you like it
Lowlights
- Not ideal for hikers who prefer remote or challenging routes
- Due to the sheer length of the trek, the Renaissance Ring may be tiring or time-consuming to hike in its entirety
Trek facts
| Trek difficulty | Easy |
| Trek duration | This trek can be completed in two weeks, depends on which portion of the trail you plan on hiking |
| Remoteness | Not remote |
| Maximum altitude | 800 m |
| Permit required? | Not required |
| Fitness level | Suitable for all fitness levels |
| Best season | From April to October, when the weather is dry and sunny |
| Start / end locations | The path starts at Castle di Calenzano in Florence |
It is clear why the European cradle of culture is considered one of the most desirable destinations for trekking. Whether you are looking for a physical challenge, a historical treasure trail or just to get lost in gorgeous, unspoiled nature, hiking is one of the most satisfying ways to spend your time when you're on an Italy tour. This is definitely time worth investing while in Italy.
These hiking trails can be added as a part of your customized tour to Italy with the help of our local travel experts in the country. For more information on the perfect duration, read our travel article on how many days to spend in Italy.