Italy's best hiking trails (from a photographers eye)
What do you picture when you first think of a vacation in Italy? Exploring the Colosseum? Walking the streets of Florence with Gelato in hand? Eating too much pizza in Naples? Maybe laying under an umbrella on the Amalfi coast?
Italy is all of that, but it’s also an amazing hiking destination. And I’m not just talking about Tuscany’s rolling hills or the spectacular Dolomites. Just 20% of the country is flat terrain. The rest is a hiker’s paradise with rolling hills and spectacular mountains. No matter your experience or fitness level, there truly is a hike for everyone here in Italy!
Photographed by Kirstie McConnell | Classico Portraits
The Alps
In the north you have The Italian Alps of course, which separate Italy from France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. Here you’ll find famous hiking trails like Monte Bianco (or Mont Blanc if you’re on the French side) in the west and Tre Cime di Lavaredo in the Dolomites further to the East. But the Alps are huge and there are thousands of trails ot choose from. I personally prefer the south-western Italian Alps in the region of Piemonte which is otherwise famed for it’s quality wine, namingly- Barolo.
If the idea of centring your trip around wine and mountains has piqued your interest, the Langhe could be the perfect base for you.
In just a few days you can visit gorgeous villages such as Nieve and Monforte d’Alba, taste the locally grown and produced wines; Barolo of course, my favourite Dolcetto and maybe even tour the tunnels in Canelli storing the sweet Moscato produced here. Among all of that, there will be time for dining and tasting the famous Alba Truffle.
After all that eating and drinking, nature will be calling and your options are really endless.
Photographed by Kirstie McConnell | Classico Portraits
Within a couple of hours of the Langhe, you can easily reach some of my favourite hikes by car:
Val Maira in the Cottian Alps
The Natural Park of Marguareis in the Ligurian Alps
Val Corsaglia
If you’ve got a tent, with you and are up for a tough (and rather vertical) hike, one of the most beautiful places I’ve even woken up in is Colle Revelli. You should be a rather seasoned hiker to take it this trek, and be prepared for very steep accents and descents, even more so if you go over Cima delle Roccate (I regretted taking my fit, but 13 year old dog on this hike). The reward though, is not just the spectacular views but also the peace and quiet which is only interupted by the occassional warning call of a the resident marmots.
Val Maira
For something a bit less challenging but certainly no less beautiful, the walk to Rocca la Meja is a more gradual climb. You’ll pass through pine forest, open pastures with the big white Fassone Piemontese cows grazing in summer and eventually reach the rocky outcrop.
Parco Naturale Marguareis
The easy to reach Natural Park of Marguareis is a popular family spot. It has a proper car park, dedicated picnic tables, a kiosk and well-marked trails. If you hike far enough you’ll eventually leave the crowd behind and find yourself surrounded by nothing but wildflowers, depending on the season of course.
Other hikes in the Alps
If you’re staying further North, you’ll have plenty of lesser-known trail options too. You can consider making Lake Orta your base to combine hiking with relaxing, particularly if you’re into fine-dining as here you’ll find the 3-Michelin-star, Ristorante Villa Crespi. Or, commit to a full hiking holiday by basing yourself in the heart of the Alps in Friuli-Venezia-Giulia.
Photographed by Kirstie McConnell | Classico Portraits
The Apennine
If you aren’t heading far enough North for hiking in the Alps, then you must be close to a section of the Apennines. The 1200km range follows the arch of the boot to divide the country, beginning in the North West almost at France and ending in Calabria.
Gran Sasso, Abruzzo
The gem and highest peak at 2,912m is in Gran Sasso in Abruzzo, which geographically is Central Italy but culturally considered as the South. From Rome you’ll be about 90 minutes drive to the massif. Also in Abruzzo you’ll find Rocca Calascio, an 11th century fort with spectacular views. You can choose your trail to get to Rocca Calascio, anything from the family-friendly short walk from the nearest carpark, to a 7 hour loop!
Other Apennine options
If hiking steep mountains is a bit overwhelming but you’d love to get out into nature, you have plenty of trails through gentle rolling hills to choose from. Depending on the time of year you might even find yourself picking chestnuts along the way, or joining a truffle hunt to wander the woods with a trained tartufo and his dog. Given the vast number of short trails available, the best place to ask for recommendations is likely your accommodation.
Photographed by Kirstie McConnell | Classico Portraits
The Coast and Islands
Cinque Terre and Amalfi
Planning to stay in a village in either Cinque Terre or along the Amalfi Coast? Both have many trails (with many stairs). If you’re there in summer for your beach vacation, just remember to go out hiking super early in the morning to avoid the heat, and pack a hat and plenty of water! The views are totally worth the early alarm which also means you’ll beat the crowds!
Mt Etna
Planning a trip to Sicily? Mt Etna is an active volcano on the East end of the island. I haven’t personally been (you read “active” right), but I hear it’s absolutely stunning!
Sardinia
The island of Sardinia offers many hiking options through gorges and canyons and along coasts and beaches. One of the most famous is the challenging 7-day “Selvaggio Blu” which is next on my list!
Choosing a hike
The best hike for you will depend on the time of year you’re visiting, the time you have available, the equipment you’ve packed and your fitness and experience level. Whichever you choose, I’d love to accompany you. After all, I have no doubt your hike will become one of your trip highlights- and that, should be documented and relived through artwork on your walls each day!
Get in touch to start planning your perfect hiking photoshoot!