Hike challenging trails while viewing some of Italy's most picturesque lakes. The lake-side towns of Stresa, Bellagio and Lugano offer delicious cuisine, great shopping and a variety of wines. Each lake is encircled by amazing mountain scenery, and you'll be able to hike among breathtaking glacial lakes. This hike might include a visit to the islands of Lago Maggiore, where there are gardens, palaces and fishing villages. There's also a milky-white waterfall called Fiumelatte at Varenna.

Hiking at the Cinque Terre (Starting at La Spezia)

The Cinque Terre is a lovely collection of oceanside villages where Italian seafaring and traditional Mediterranean food and culture coincide. You can hike among the many cliffs and trails that surround the villages, take a tour of nearby Pisa to see the famous "Leaning Tower," or explore the Medieval art city of Lucca.

Hiking at the National Park of Abruzzo

This is a rugged, challenging hike where you can explore the true wild side of Italy. The park is home to around 300 types of birds, mountain goats, wolves, bears and chamois. Don't worry - sightings of bears and wolves are rare during hiking tours. This park is the largest national park in Italy and offers beautiful scenes of mountains, alpine pastures and more. Be sure to visit nearby villages to enjoy local cuisine and wines, and discover each town's unique history.

Hiking at the Majella National Park in Italy

As one of Italy’s newest national parks, Majella National Park offers an abundance of plants and wildlife, a lush green gorge and a lovely mountain village. Explore the Monte Amaro, the second highest summit in the Appenine chain, which is locally known as the Montagna Madre (or Mother Mountain). Other recommended hikes include tours in Tuscany, Le Marche and Capri.

Tips for Hiking in Italy

Hiking in Italy is great if you know where to hike and are well prepared beforehand. Here are some tips to get you started.

Paid Hiking Tours

There are many guided hiking tours where the hike is planned for you. These are great if you've never been to Italy or are new to hiking. Full hiking tours offer hotel accommodations, transportation to and from the hiking areas, experienced tour guides, paid entrance to sites, museums and wine tastings along with an itinerary.