7 Best Hikes in Italy: Unforgettable Hikes You Must Try

When you think of Italy, ancient ruins, world-class art, jaw-dropping architecture, and mouthwatering cuisine. 

But at Skyhook, we're here to show you another side of this beautiful country - its incredible hiking trails!

Here's an interesting stat -  75% of Italy's terrain is mountainous! 

As such, there are many hiking trails to mountains and hills, each offering breathtaking views and unique adventures waiting to be conquered by you!

Here are our best treks in Italy!

Crossed regions: Aosta Valley, Piedmont

Difficulty: Demanding 

Length: Approx. 56 kilometres

Travel time: 4-5 days

The Gran Paradiso Circuit Trek gives you the rare opportunity of standing atop a mountain pass, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, with nothing but crisp alpine air and the sound of distant marmots for company. 

In other words, this trek is your ticket to Italian Alpine nirvana!

This four-day hike whisks you through flower-carpeted fields, past roaring waterfalls, and alongside glittering glaciers. 

You'll conquer heights of over 3,000 metres, earning bragging rights and jaw-dropping views in equal measure. If lucky, you'll meet curious ibex and marmots!

Book our Gran Paradiso Circuit Trek for your first Italian hiking experience!

Crossed regions: Liguria

Difficulty: Moderate (with a side of 'Holy cannoli, that's steep!')

Length: 12 kilometres 

Travel time: 5-6 hours

Fancy a cocktail of colourful villages, vineyard-clad cliffs, and sparkling sea views? The Cinque Terre Coastal Path is your trip through a real-life postcard.

Prepare to trek ancient mule paths through terraced vineyards and conquer countless steps!

The Vernazza to Monterosso stretch is the showstopper - think sweeping sea vistas and vertiginous vineyards that'll have your camera working overtime. 

For an extra challenge, tackle the high route from Manarola to Corniglia via Volastra. Your quads might complain, but the panoramic views will leave you speechless!

Pro tip: Hit this trail in spring or autumn for perfect hiking weather and fewer crowds. 

Crossed regions: Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto

Difficulty: Medium to difficult

Length: 36 km to 180 km

Travel time: 5 to 13 days

The Dolomites High Routes trails take you through some of Europe's most spectacular scenery. 

Want to rub shoulders with the mighty Marmolada? 

Or perhaps you'd like to play hide-and-seek with the iconic Three Peaks of Lavaredo? 

Whatever your mountain fancy, there's a route with your name on it.

As you trek up to dizzying heights of 3,000 metres, prepare for views that will make your heart skip a beat. 

And when night falls, cosy mountain huts (rifugios) await, offering hearty local cuisine and a well-earned rest. 

Whether you opt for the shorter Alta Via 7 or go all-in with the epic Alta Via 2 or 6, one thing's for sure - you're in for an alpine adventure that'll have you yodelling with joy!

Crossed regions: Campania

Difficulty: Moderate 

Length: 8 kilometres

Travel time: 4-5 hours 

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to walk among the clouds? The Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) is your chance to find out! 

Straddling the ridges between the Amalfi and Sorrento coasts, this trail serves up vistas so stunning you'll think you've stumbled into a living, breathing postcard.

Starting from the quaint village of Bomerano, you'll wind along ancient shepherd's paths, through fragrant lemon groves, and past crumbling ruins. 

Watch the azure Mediterranean stretching out below and the Isle of Capri shimmering on the horizon - you might forget you're still on Earth!

The trail ends in Nocelle, a hamlet of Positano, where you can treat yourself to a well-deserved gelato (or three). 

And if your legs are feeling brave, tackle the 1,500 steps down to Positano. Hey, you've earned that beach time!

Crossed regions: Sicily

Difficulty: Challenging (it is an active volcano, after all!)

Length: Various routes, from 4 km to 11 km

Travel time: 2-6 hours, depending on the chosen route

How about hiking up Europe's tallest active volcano? Mount Etna is a rumbling, grumbling adventure playground for hikers with a taste for the extraordinary.

Starting in lush forests at the base, you'll climb through otherworldly landscapes of black lava fields and smoking craters. 

For the ultimate Etna experience, join a guided trek to the summit craters. As you stand at 3,350 metres, peering into the steaming heart of the volcano, you'll feel like a true explorer. 

Just remember - the volcano sets the rules here, so always check current conditions before you go.

After your volcanic adventure, you can reward yourself with some of Sicily's famous cuisine. Pasta alla Norma tastes even better when you've conquered a volcano to earn it!

Crossed regions: Trentino-Alto Adige

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 10 km 

Travel time: 3-4 hours 

Starting from the Rifugio Auronzo, you'll loop around Tre Cime di Lavaredo, with each turn offering a new perspective on their jagged beauty. 

The trail takes you through alpine fields with wildflowers, past crystal-clear mountain lakes, and along rocky paths that make you feel like a true mountaineer.

Keep your camera ready - you'll want to capture every angle of these photogenic peaks. And remember to look out for marmots and chamois!

Finish your hike with a hearty meal at one of the rifugios along the route. Because let's face it, nothing tastes better than apple strudel with a side of mountain views!

Crossed regions: Sardinia

Difficulty: Very challenging

Length: 45 km

Travel time: 4-7 days

Are you looking for Italy's best-kept hiking secret? Say hello to the Selvaggio Blu, or 'Wild Blue' trail. This is no walk in the park - it's a full-on, multi-day adventure along Sardinia's rugged eastern coast.

We're talking of limestone cliffs plunging into turquoise waters, hidden beaches accessible only by foot (or goat), and nights spent camping under star-studded skies. 

This is the Selvaggio Blu in a nutshell - wild, beautiful, and utterly unforgettable.

The trail requires some serious hiking chops, with sections involving climbing and abseiling. But the payoff is access to some of Europe's most pristine and untouched coastline.

Please note: This isn't a trail to tackle solo unless you're a seasoned pro. Join a guided - trust us, you'll want an expert along when navigating those cliff-side paths!

We hope you now have a different image of Italy besides the usual destinations and activities associated with the country. As you book your next trip to Italy, why not include hiking as part of the activities?

You can choose from one of the hikes we've listed above - each offers something unique, and there's something for everyone, whether you're a newbie or a pro.