Hiking in Italy
Where to Hike in Italy
Activities in Italy
Looking for the best places to go hiking in Italy? From the craggy peaks of the Dolomites to the plunging cliffs of the Amalfi coast, Italy boasts some of the best walking trails in Europe. The Italian Alps, slightly wilder and more rugged than their Swiss and Austrian neighbors, provide some of the most spectacular scenery in the country, while further south, you’ll find delightful coastal trails, towering volcanoes, and sun-kissed hills just perfect for scrambling.
The best way to experience this beautiful country is to pull on your walking boots and get out onto the trails, and the sheer diversity of terrain means you’ll be spoilt for choice! Whether you want to scale the dizzying heights of the Dolomites or wander through the picture-perfect villages of Cinque Terre, there’s something here for everyone.
To help you find the best hikes in Italy, we’ve put together all the information you’ll need to plan your trip. So pack your bags, grab your hiking gear, and get ready to explore the trails of this fabulous hiking destination!
Types Of Hiking In Italy
Italy offers something for all walkers, whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for an easy stroll. The Alpi Marittime Natural Park, the Dolomites, and the Amalfi Coast regularly attract seasoned hikers and climbers and offer some challenging routes set in spectacular scenery.
However, if you’re looking for a relaxing walking holiday, there are plenty of less strenuous options! The green rolling hills of Lombardy offer some wonderful low-elevation walks, and Tuscany provides the best opportunity to combine hiking with a vineyard tour or a visit to some of Italy’s charming villages and towns. Whether you’re traveling with the family, or simply looking for some peace and quiet, Italy is the perfect destination for a hiking holiday!
Easy Hikes In Italy
- Enfola Peninsula Hike: There are plenty of easy hikes in Italy - perfect if you’re a beginner, or just looking for a leisurely day out. For picturesque coastal views, head to Tuscany and the infamous island of Elba, where Napoleon Bonaparte spent a period of exile in 1814. Some might say that Napoleon had it lucky – Elba boasts stunning sea views, white sandy beaches, and green hills. What’s more, this easy Enfola Peninsula hike will take you right over Mount Enfola, and offers some of the best views on the island.
- Lago di Carezza Hike: If you’re looking for a really spectacular bucket list hike that isn’t too demanding, try the stunning route around Lago di Carezza. You’ll find emerald waters surrounded by green spruce forests, all set against a backdrop of jagged, grey mountains. This 3.5km hike will take you through the forest and around the lake, where you can admire the wonderful scenery of the Dolomites with ease.
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike: If you’re heading to the Dolomites, don’t miss this wonderful Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike. The route passes by several rifugios that offer fabulous food, and the scenery is simply stunning. For those looking for an easy beginner hike, this is an excellent option, as the route can be shortened and you’ll still experience the best that the Dolomites have to offer! Alternatively, if you’d like to take it slow, why not stay the night at one of the several rifugios along the way and enjoy a spectacular sunset in the mountains?
Family Hikes In Italy
- Valnontey River Trail Hike: Finding good family hikes in Italy is easy – there are plenty of accessible routes with lots to see and do along the way. The Valnontey River Trail hike is a firm favorite with children, and one of the best family hikes in Italy. It’s an easy route that follows the Valnontey River along the valley, passing by waterfalls, glaciers, and towering mountains. Don’t miss the breathtaking icefalls at the end of the route!
- Valle Dei Mulini Hike: Kids are also sure to love this Valle Dei Mulini hike close to the Amalfi Coast, a region that oozes history and culture. This route will take you inland from the sea, passing through lush greenery, bubbling waterfalls, and ruined paper mills, a remnant of the region’s rich medieval past.
- Lago di Braies Hike: The Lago di Braies is one of Italy’s most beautiful lakes, and this easy hike is a wonderful day out in the Dolomites for families. According to legend, the intense turquoise waters of the lake are caused by lost treasures and jewels, lurking in the mud at the bottom. Although it’s usually too cold for swimming, it’s possible to hire a boat in the summer months and row out on to the water for a wonderful view of the lake and mountains. A fabulous day out for the whole family!
Day Hikes In Italy
- Lago di Loie Hike: The circular route of the Lago di Loie hike is one of the best day hikes in Italy and a good challenge for more adventurous walkers. The peaceful, crystal waters of the lake are simply stunning, and this epic trail offers some of the best views of Mont Blanc that you’ll find in Italy.
- Sassopiatto and Sassolungo Hike: If you’re looking for a breathtaking hike high in the Dolomites, this is the trail for you. You’ll need plenty of energy to complete the 16km route, but the incredible vista of the Dolomites will provide ample reward for your exertions. Listen out for the whistle of the local marmots – if you’re lucky you may even see one scurrying up the mountain!
Challenging Hikes In Italy
- Nuvolau Hike: For the very best of the Dolomites, and a real physical challenge, try the spectacular Nuvolau hike. Nuvolau offers an incomparable panorama, taking in the craggy peaks of the Dolomites and boasting 360-degree views across the mountains. This gorgeous spectacle is your fitting reward after a steep climb to the top!
- Rifugio Pagari Hike: One of the most challenging hikes in Italy is this Rifugio Pagari hike, deep in the heart of the Alpi Marittime Natural Park. This is the highest accessible Rifugio in the park, and offers plenty of activities for lovers of nature and hiking. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the local ibex and alpine rock ptarmigan!
Best Hikes In Italy
- Cinque Terre Hike: The Cinque Terre hike is, without doubt, one of the best hikes in Italy. This stunning trail winds its way through a series of picture-perfect villages on the coast of Liguria, passing by quaint and colorful fishing harbors and terraced vineyards. You can choose to hike a couple of shorter sections or take in the whole route in one day. Either way, you won’t be disappointed!
- "Path of the Gods" Hike: The "Path of the Gods" hike is not only one of the most famous hikes on the Amalfi Coast, it’s also one of the best hikes in Italy. Its reputation is certainly well deserved – prepare for stunning coastal views, vertiginous cliffs, and terraced hillsides. You may be walking along humble, ancient mule trails, but you’ll feel on top of the world.
- Vallone Argentera Hike: The Argentera is the tallest peak in the Alpi Marittime Park, and this hike is the best way to get up-close-and-personal with the mountain. Although it’s a stiff climb, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most spectacular views in the Italian Alps (and that’s saying something)!
- Lago di Sorapiss Hike: The walk to Lago di Sorapiss is one of Italy’s finest hikes, taking you through picturesque scenery all the way to one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. The intense blue color of the Lago di Sorapiss is the main draw, but the route itself is a joy to walk, passing by forests and caves, with fabulous views of the Dolomites.
- Monte Croce From Palagnana Hike: Tuscany’s beautiful scenery makes it a paradise for walkers, and this hike up Monte Croce from Palagnana is one of the region’s best. This hike is short but sweet, and is usually quiet, making it the perfect place for some peaceful contemplation. We’ve offered two options: a circular route, or a more straightforward out-and-back trail. The choice is yours!
- Punta Campanella Hike: Step back in time on this Punta Campanella hike! This moderately easy trail will guide you past the ruins of ancient Roman and Greek temples, not to mention the Saracen tower that dates back to the 14th century. This part of the Sorrentine Peninsula is said to be the place where Odysseus met the Sirens, and it’s been enchanting visitors since antiquity. We’re sure you’ll be captivated too!
- Laghi Arbergh Hike: For sheer variety, you can’t do better than the Laghi Arbergh hike. Deep in the heart of the Alpi Marittime Natural Park, the Arbergh Valley offers lush greenery, tall beech forests, colorful sandstone rocks, and an incredible range of biodiversity. This is a thrilling day hike through some of Italy’s finest scenery.
- Radda Loop Hike: It goes without saying that Italy is a paradise for wine lovers, and Tuscany’s picturesque vineyards are a lovely place for a stroll and a glass of wine. The Radda Loop hike offers the possibility to combine your walk with a visit to a vineyard, where you can sample some of Italy’s finest produce!
- Lago Pellaud via the Grand Ru Ring Trail: Located just on the border of the Gran Paradiso National Park, the Lago Pellaud via the Grand Ru Ring trail is one of the most beautiful hikes in Italy. You’ll walk through the beautiful Rhemes-Notre-Dame Valley, where you can see snow-capped mountains, tumbling waterfalls, and historic villages. The perfect hike to get away from it all.
- Viel del Pal Marmolada Hike: If you want to get a great view of the Dolomites, but aren’t quite ready to take on a grueling climb, the Viel del Pal Marmolada hike is an excellent option! This moderately challenging hike is accessible for most people, and gives wonderful views of Marmolada and the rest of the Dolomites. The route was once used by flour and bread merchants to move between the valleys, so you’ll be stepping back in time to walk in their footsteps.
When Is The Best Time To Hike In Italy?
Italy offers hikes for all seasons, and even in the depths of winter you can find places where it’s possible to do some great walking. However, most visitors choose to head for the hills in one of the ‘shoulder seasons’ on either side of the hot Italian summer.
April-May and September-October are the perfect times to go hiking in the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, Liguria, Sardinia, and Sicily, when you’ll find warm, sunny weather but the temperatures remain pleasant. It’s possible to hike here between November and March when the scenery can be spectacular, although many businesses will be closed and the weather may be wet and cool.
If you must come in summer, head for the higher regions of the Alps and the Dolomites, where you’ll find some respite from the scorching heat. The season for hiking in the Alps is from mid-June to the end of September, although the season may be slightly longer if the snows melt early and the weather stays warm until late October. If you’re looking for some winter walking, grab your snowshoes and visit the Dolomites or Mount Etna in January and February.
Unless you’re an experienced hiker, it’s a good idea to hire a licensed guide to show you around – check out our recommended tours in Italy for more inspiration!
Best Regions For Hiking In Italy
Italy’s diverse landscape provides some spectacular possibilities for hiking, but how do you choose which region to visit first? From Liguria to the Alps, Italy offers so much varied terrain and so many fabulous trails it can be difficult to pick a favorite. To help you decide, we’ve put together guides to the Dolomites, the Amalfi Coast, Liguria, the Gran Paradiso National Park, Tuscany, and of course, the Alps - Alpi Marittime Natural Park. The choice is yours!
How To Plan A Trip To Italy
If all this has got you reaching for your hiking boots, then start planning your trip to Italy today! We’ve got guides to all of Italy’s best hiking regions, including the Amalfi Coast Guide, the Alpi Marittime Natural Park guide, and the Dolomites guide, with everything you need to know to prepare for your hiking trip.
Displaying 45 of 51 routes
Route guides for Hiking in Italy
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Volterra Loop Route Guide
The Volterra Loop is a beautiful Tuscan walk through the countryside around Volterra. Taking you through the slow rolling hills and beautiful villages of the countryside, the Volterra Loop is a great way to visit this area of Italy.
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Alpe Money Route Guide
The Alpe Money Hike is a beautiful trail in Gran Paradiso National Park. It takes you right up to the Gran Paradiso Mountain range and offers probably the best views of the highest mountain in the national park and the stunning Money and Tribolazione Glaciers under it, without having to climb it. A beautiful valley surrounded by Herbetet, Gran Paradiso, Testa della Tribolazione and Roccia Viva peaks takes you to the land of waterfalls and has some of the best views in whole Italian Alps.
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Lago di Sorapis Route Guide
We love the hike to Lago di Sorapis (Lake Sorapis). This beautiful hike takes in all the scenery one expects when walking in the Dolomites, but the reward is entirely unique. The colour of Lago Sorapis is a stunning baby blue. There are some cables along this trail, which can be tough to traverse if you have a fear of heights.
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Path of the Gods Route Guide
Without a doubt, the Path of The Gods, known to locals as the Sentiero Degli Dei, is the most famous hiking trail in all of the Amalfi Coast. Stunning views along the entire route make this hike a must for anyone in the area.
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Cinque Terre Route Guide
Hiking the Sentiero Azzurro trail linking the stunning villages that make up Cinque Terre is on most hikers’ bucket list for good reason. The colourful seaside villages and stunning views from the cliffside, looking over terraced vineyards and fishing harbors makes for a perfect day out in Italy.
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Lagarot di Lourousa Route Guide
As you hike through the larch forest, the trail will switchback an awful lot, although it isn’t steep. The path was built at the end of the nineteenth century to allow King Vittorio Emanuele II to ride on horseback while hunting chamois and ibex.
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Enfola Peninsula Route Guide
A trip to the Island of Elba is a must-do on a holiday in Tuscany. Forget the rolling hills you normally associate with Tuscany, this walk takes you over Monte Enfola on a very pretty peninsula, all the way to Capo D’Enfola.
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Lago di Carezza Route Guide
The Lago di Carezza hike (also known as Karersee) should be on everybody’s bucket list for the Dolomites. The beautiful colours of the lake, the forest, and the mountains that surround it, make the walk feel utterly magical.
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Giro del Valasco Route Guide
If the Valle Gesso were to have a flagship hike, it would be the Giro del Valasco. From the King’s Valasco hunting lodge, the walk rises to the military tracks, built by the Alpine army in the 30s. They served to replenish the “Vallo Alpino” war system, which today is a monument to man’s talent and abilities, as well as to the stupidity of war. Overall, it’s a very popular trail.
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Punta Campanella Route Guide
This hike is like a walk back into an ancient time. Along the trail there are remnants of old temples where ancient Greeks and Romans worshiped the Goddess Athena / Minerva. Have we mentioned the unforgettable views of Capri Island and the Bay of Ieranto?
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Rifugio Vittorio Sella Route Guide
Rifugio Vittorio Sella is one of the most scenic hikes in Gran Paradiso National Park. The trail rewards you with amazing views of snowy mountains and spectacular glaciers. At the end of the hike, you can enjoy traditional food and refreshments from the Rifugio Vittorio Sella mountain chalet in the high valley of Alpe Lauson.
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Lago Scaffaiolo and Corno Alle Scale Route Guide
The hike to Lago Scaffaiolo and Corno alle Scale is a surprising Tuscan treat. This hike is a great way to see another part of Tuscany. Hiking through the beautiful Appennino Tosco-Emiliano range is quite a treat as the mountains tend to look more like hills and create an easy and undulating walk to Lago Scaffaiolo and Corno alle Scale.
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Valnontey River Trail Route Guide
The Valnontey River trail in Gran Paradiso National Park is an easy trail that takes you through a beautiful valley along the Valnontey River. You will see stunning mountains, amazing glaciers, and waterfalls rushing down the distant steep mountain slopes. At the end of this trail, you will see the breathtaking ice falls - waterfalls, rushing down the glaciers.
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Vallone Argentera Route Guide
The mountain views on this hike are spectacular, which is saying something when every walk in this region takes place in the Alps. The Argentera is the highest mountain in the Alpes-Marittime. Climbing into the valley of the same name and up to Rifugio Bozano, allows admiration of this majestic mountain.
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Bay of Ieranto Route Guide
Although this is an easier walk, this is one of the most beautiful trails you can hike on the Coast. You won’t want to miss sitting on the little Capitiello beach with a privileged view of Capri and its Faraglioni (wave-carved rocks in the bay) in front of you.
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Viel del Pan Marmolada Route Guide
The Viel del Pan hike treks over a historic path used by the flour and bread merchants to get from one valley to another. Linking Passo Fedaia with Passo Pordoi, this walk has amazing Dolomite landscapes, especially of Marmolada! This is one of the most accessible ways to see big mountain views in the Dolomites.
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Valle dei Mulini Route Guide
This is one of the easiest hikes of the Amalfi Coast, yet it’s still full of nature and history. Thanks to its short distance, this is a great trail to walk with the entire family.
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Monte Croce from Palagnana Route Guide
The hike up Monte Croce is a stunner! This is another Tuscan hike that doesn’t feel like Tuscany. The route goes via Palagnana, and is a short but beautiful hike. It starts high in the mountain region and provides spectacular views without much of the crowd found in other areas. Note that there are some chains to use on this hike, but the hike isn’t particularly challenging.
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Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike Route Guide
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit (also known as the Drei Zinnen) is a must-do trail for hikers in the Dolomites. Tre Cime is one of the best-known massifs in the Dolomites, and this walk gives stunning and varied views. Along the way, you will pass by Rifugio Auronzo, Rifugio Lavaredo and Rifugio Locatelli. You’ll enjoy great views and great food!
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Lago di Loie Route Guide
The Lago di Loie hike takes you on a circular route to the peaceful and crystal-clear Lake Loie. It offers amazing scenery of snowy peaks and the beautiful Bardoney Valley, where you can see the curious marmots. Amongst many scenic views the hike offers, Mont Blanc (or Monte Bianco) is the most desired view of this trail.
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Rifugio Remondino Route Guide
If you don’t want to climb the whole mountain, this is a great day hike whose views make for a great walk. The Remondino Rifugio is also the trailhead for the South Argentera peak (10817ft) the last of the Italian Alps’ great peaks. The Rifugio is 7972ft high nestled inside a circle of mountain summits.
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Sassopiatto and Sassolungo Route Guide
The circumnavigation around Sassopiato and Sassolungo is a great hike in the Dolomites. If you can handle a longer walk in order to experience stunning natural beauty, this hike is suited for you! This giant massif stands alone, giving you unimpeded, 360° views. It’s remarkable.
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Col de Saint-Marcel Route Guide
The Col de Saint-Marcel hike in Gran Paradiso National Park takes you through the beautiful valley of Grauson to Saint-Marcel Pass. It offers great views of the Gran Paradiso mountain range along the way and rewards you with the breathtaking scene of the Matterhorn and the snow-capped Swiss Alps next to it including the beautiful Monte Rosa massif.
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San Gimignano Loop Route Guide
The San Gimignano Loop is a quintessential walk through the Tuscan countryside. Walk through olive groves and past wineries, with stunning views all around. The San Gimignano Loop is a beautiful day out in Tuscany.
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Gorge della Reina Route Guide
Behind Entracque, the "village between waters", winds the trail that leads hikers to Monte Lausa and the Gorge della Reina (the canyon of the queen), a small canyon dug into the limestone. While you hike the slopes, you can see many species of wild orchids.
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Circuit of Tre Calli Route Guide
If you love jaw dropping 360° views, the Circuit of Tre Calli is a must for you! Wonderful views of the Sorrento Peninsula make this hike special.
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Pienza to Montepulciano Route Guide
The hike from Pienza to Montepulciano is classic Tuscan walk. Enjoy this beautiful walk through the Tuscan countryside, connecting two wonderful villages. This route takes you past olive groves and classic Italian homes, mostly staying off main roads.
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Monte Molare Route Guide
Monte Molare is the highest point along all of the Amalfi Peninsula. Walking up the trail may be hard, but the view is worth the hike.
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Lago di Braies Hike Route Guide
The hike to this stunning Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee in German) is one of the best hikes in the Dolomites. It is one of the most beautiful lakes on earth! This pleasant walk around the lake gives a variety of wonderful views. You really can’t miss out on this unforgettable hike.
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Il Piano del Praiet Route Guide
Il Piano del Praiet, at the foot of Mount Gelas, has been a well-known hiking destination in the Alpi Marittime throughout history. On the northern slopes of the Gelas is one of the last glaciers in the Alpes-Marittime fading quickly due to climate change. From there, you can reach the Colle di Finestra, and walk down into France on an old salt-smugglers’ trail.
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Col Tsasèche Route Guide
The Col Tsasèche Hike is a strenuous trail in Gran Paradiso National Park that takes you to the Tsasèche (sometimes called Tsa Sèche or Tsa Sètze) Pass. It starts in Gimillan, taking you through the mountain slopes, passing a beautiful pine forest and a local farm. It offers amazing panoramic views of Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks at the end.
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Lago del Vei del Bouc Route Guide
The Vei del Bouc Lake is one of the most beautiful lake hikes in Alpi Marittime Natural Park. There’s something special about going on a hike that ends at a lake. Even if you don’t go for a dip (it’s too cold for that!), it’s a refreshing reward for all your hard work.
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Monte Canino Route Guide
This trail is a difficult - yet short - hike and we recommended it for people looking get their heart pumping and legs burning. It is a must if you're searching for a little adventure and a lot of jaw-dropping panoramas on your walk.
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Tsaplana Peak Route Guide
Mount Tsaplana hike is a wonderful moderate hike to Tsaplana Peak. This hike gives you an outstanding opportunity to see the crown jewel of the Gran Paradiso National Park - Mount Gran Paradiso. Along the way, you will also see the beautiful Valnontey Valley and the surrounding mountains. During the middle of your hike, you will also be able to catch a glimpse of Mont Blanc.
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Monteriggioni to Piazza del Campo Siena Via Francigena Route Guide
The walk from Monteriggioni to Siena is a classic Tuscan hike that takes you along an original pilgrimage route to Rome from Canterbury – the Via Francigena. Until recently this route had been nearly lost, but has since been recovered and is frequented by visitors wishing to visit the Tuscan countryside and follow along a portion of the original pilgrimage trail.
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Alpe di Sennes Route Guide
Walking the Alpe di Sennes is a wonderful circuit that takes you through a variety of different, stunning landscapes. Taking in three rifugios (Rifugio Senes, Rifugio Fodara Vedla and Rifugio Biella), there are lots of ways to shorten this walk, so it’s a great hike for adventurous beginners.
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Rifugio Pagarì Route Guide
The Pagarì Rifugio is the highest Rifugio that you can hike to in the Alpi Marittime. If you stay at the Rifugio there are many activities to do. Alpinists can climb up some of the peaks, or you can observe ibex and alpine rock ptarmigan. If you are looking for silence and a low impact philosophy a hike and stay here is perfect for you.
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Seceda / Puez Odle Route Guide
Walking in the Puez Odle Natural Park is stunning. This hike takes you above Santa Cristina Val Gardena and Ortisei. You will love the stunning Dolomite vistas, the little mountain huts and cabins sprinkled among the peaks and meadows make this walk a quintessential Dolomite trail.
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Lago Pellaud via the Grand Rû Ring Route Guide
The Lago Pellaud via the Grand Rû Ring Trail is an amazing hike right on the western border of Gran Paradiso National Park. It takes you through the beautiful valley of Rhêmes-Notre-Dame where you can see stunning waterfalls, snowy mountains and traditional Italian villages.
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Ring of Faito Route Guide
If you like long walks in the forest mixed with stunning mountain views and seascapes then congratulations! We’ve found the perfect hike for you.
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Radda Loop Route Guide
The Radda Loop is a popular Tuscan walk near the charming town of Radda. This walk takes you through some beautiful Tuscan countryside as you pass olive groves and vineyards as well as forests. One of the best parts of the Radda Loop is that it passes through several wineries where you can extend your day by stopping in for a tour!
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Colle della Rossa Route Guide
The Colle della Rossa hike is a strenuous and beautiful hike that takes you to the pass of della Rossa between the Punta Rossa della Grivola and Testa del Gavio mountains. It takes you past Rifugio Vittorio Sella and offers stunning views all along the Alpe Lauson high valley with the most stunning ones waiting for you at the top.
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Nuvolau Route Guide
A hike around the Nuvolau peak gives you views of some of the most beautiful mountains and rock formations in the world. This walk shows off some of the best views in the dolomites, and a stay at Rifugio Nuvolau is a wonderful experience.
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High Path of the Gods Route Guide
The High Path of the Gods is a less known variation of the famous “Path of the Gods“ route. If you want to experience the views of the Path of the Gods from a higher altitude - and with a bit more adventure - this path is made for you!
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Fiesole to Firenze on the Via degli Dei Route Guide
The walk from Fiesole to Firenze is a popular hike near Florence. This route follows the Via Degli Dei - an ancient Roman military road connecting Bologna to Firenze. It can be done as a multi-day hike or you can do portions of it, as we have described here. It is a beautiful walk through the countryside.
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