While Italy is well-known for its gorgeous cities, extremely significant historical and cultural background, and delicious cuisine, it is not all the country is famous for. Stunning landscapes and rich nature makes for a perfect setting for outdoor activities, so if you like hiking, we suggest you prepare your hiking backpacks and try out these mesmerizing pathways.
Let’s walk you through our list of the top 7 best beginner hiking trails in Italy that are up to 5 hours long!
1. Tre Cime de Lavaredo, in the Dolomites
If you jump on a train to Venice, you are in for a lot more than gorgeous squares and gondolas. The Three Peaks of Lavaredo hiking trail in the region of Veneto is one of the top-rated paths for backpacking, birding, and hiking. Enjoy the sights of sweeping landscapes, vast lakes, and high alpine meadows!
The Three Peaks trail can be enjoyed in a single day and consists of a loop through spectacular limestone mountains in the Dolomites. It is one of the easiest hikes in the area and only requires minimum gear, such as a good pair of boots, long or short trekking pants, a T-shirt, a fleece and some waterproof clothing, depending on the season and weather forecast. Most hikers finish the journey in 3 hours.
Tre Cime begins from Rifugio Auronzo (reachable by bus from the city of Cortina). It is at this refuge that you can choose the direction you would like to go (either clock-wise or anti-clock-wise). The 10.3 kilometer route is well marked and offers a wonderful perspective of Lago di Braies and three three peaks, Cima Piccola (2857 m), Cima Grande (2999 m) and Cima Ovest (2973 m).
2. Sentiero Monte Vesuvio, Vesuvius National Park
There are several loops you can try with your hiking boots in Vesuvius National Park. Sentiero Monte Vesuvio is a round-trip trail near Pompei, and we chose it because it is one of the most accessible.
Set east to the region of Naples, the 3.4 km hiking trail takes you through the Vesuvius National Park, allowing insight into the most wonderful scenery and unique, unspoiled nature.
Generally, the route is not very difficult and only takes about an hour and a half to complete, so take your time to enjoy your surroundings and birdlife thoroughly. Sentiero Monte Vesuvio also has an entrance fee!
3. Monte Soratte in the Metropolitan City of Rome
A three-hour hiking trail leads up to the Monte Soratte, then opens up to the most beautiful Roman landscapes. If you head here straight after Sentiero Monte Vesuvio, we suggest taking the train from Naples to Rome, then traveling a very short distance to the Monte Soratte pathway.
The main goal here is to reach the ruins of San Silvestro church, a medieval fortress built on a temple of Apollo. The hike is medium difficulty, so be prepared for some challenges!
4. Path of the Gods, Amalfi Coast
8 km along ancient mule routes, hillside villages, and marvels of the Amalfi Coast – all in one during the mighty Path of the Gods.
There are a few starting points to kick off your journey, all of which you can reach by car or public transport from most places on the Amalfi Coast. The sights are immaculate and ones you could not possibly find anywhere else in Italy.
Let yourself get lost in the maze of forests and greenery, all while catching glimpses of the stunning Mediterranean landscape. You will come across some more inhabited areas, some completely untouched, so the mixture will be a feast for the eyes.
The hike can last up to 5 hours, depending on the pace, so just remember to bring water to stay hydrated in the Italian sun!
5. Manarola to Corniglia, Cinque Terre
The most popular route on the Cinque Terre hikes, the Manarola to Corniglia trail, is a 3-hours long walk to the most picturesque views in the region.
While Cinque Terre hikes are not difficult, the start might be a bit tricky, so you might want to get the bus; however, if you are more daring, you can walk the 100 meters and 1200 steps to Manarola, but afterward, it is all smooth sailing. You will cross multiple vineyards and wineries before reaching the scenic surroundings of Corniglia.
6. Via delle Odle (Adolf Munkel Weg), the Dolomites
Hike of medium-difficulty, remote, and scenic – Via delle Odle allows you to explore the beautiful village of San Pietro,South Tyrol, all the while admiring the Italian Dolomites.
While hiking the mountains sounds quite challenging, this particular trail is only moderately complex and is best for those who seek the joy of scenic landscapes rather than the high of complicated and daring climbs, ones that leave you with a fever pitch.
Normally, the 9 kilometer trail loop begins near San Pietro village and take an average 3 hours to complete. If you would like to kick off easily, there is no need to hike to your starting point – there is a lift that will take you there for a couple of euros!
7. Cala Goloritze, Sardinia
Discover the Sardinian beauty by hiking the trail to Cala Goloritze! A medium-difficulty trek is rewarded by the sights of paradisiac beach landscapes, where instead of sand, you will find small white pebbles and clear waters.
The sights can not compare to anything else in the area – striking greenery and fresh waterbodies mixed together with rock formations, making your hike dynamic and fun! Of course, you can also take a swim afterward.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Since June 1st, 2022, a green Covid-19 pass is no longer required when entering Italy. However, keep your eyes on official related news.
- The hot summer weather in Italy can be quite overwhelming, even in the mountains. So consider hiking very early in the morning or in late afternoon, just before sunset.
- Even though the hiking trails above are easy to medium, you should never underestimate the fact that you are in a semi-wild scenery. So pack along good gear (mountain shoes, layer clothing), stay hydrated and take at least 2-3 sandwiches and some snacks in your backpack.
These being said, it is now time to unleash your enthusiasm – Italy awaits! Discover the best of what its natural landscapes have to offer and enjoy the unforgettable journey through the Mediterranean. If you have any other suggestions for amazing hiking trails in Itally that are up to 5 hours long, be sure to leave a comment or get in touch. Good luck 🙂
