We noticed that you are based in the United States - click here to visit our USA website. US 

Walking Holidays in Italy

Italy combines diverse landscapes with outstanding food and world-class wines, making it the perfect destination for an adventure holiday. With plenty of long-distance walking trails to choose from and a pleasant Mediterranean climate, you are spoiled for choice.

Walk between vineyards and hilltop towns in Tuscany or follow trails high above the sea on the famous Amalfi Coast. The colourful fishing villages of the Cinque Terre are connected by footpaths following cliff edges and olive groves. Marvel at the high peaks of the Dolomites as you listen to the calling of marmots in the national parks. You can also choose to walk one of the sections along the Via Francigena pilgrimage trail that stretches from the Swiss Alps to Rome. Discover the ancient culture and Trulli houses in Puglia or watch a volcanic firework display in Sicily. Italy is filled with memorable experiences!

Macs Adventure has been organizing unforgettable walking experiencing in Italy since 2008. With the freedom to create your own itinerary and the knowledge of our team, you can book your walking holiday in Italy with confidence. We have carefully selected our favorite walks and accommodations and enjoy strong relationships with our local partners. Whatever your interests, we have a walking holiday in Italy for you.

Discover Italy on Foot

Discover Italy

  • Five Best Places to Hike in Italy
    Five Best Places to Hike in Italy

    1. Gran Paradiso - Not one of the big names in Italian tourism, Gran Paradiso is one of the most spectacular areas to hike. The Gran Paradiso National Park is Italy's oldest National Park and their most treasured. The scenery is incredible with deep valleys filled with deep sapphire coloured lakes, high jagged peaks, tiny glaciers, mountain ibex, and delightful little villages. Our Classic Walks of Gran Paradiso tour lets you explore the very best of this enchanting corner of Northern Italy. 

    2. Cinque Terre - Yes, the Cinque Terre really is as beautiful and colourful as you have seen in all the pictures. Hiking trails link the five idyllic villages along this UNESCO world heritage stretch of coastline and you can spend your days exploring and jumping between towns and hiking routes on the super-efficient rail service, before eating and drinking alfresco in the evenings. Heavenly! 

    3. The Dolomites - If you are looking for a uniquely Italian mountain experience then the Dolomites is the only place to be. Hiking up into the mountain range and then walking from one vibrant mountain hut past towering spires, white-turquoise lakes, and through meadows bursting with wildflowers is one of the greatest hiking experiences in Europe. Hiking in the Dolomites should be on everyone's must-walk list. 

    4. Amalfi Coast - This is where classic Italian Riviera chic meets rugged, winding hillside and coastal paths to produce a truly magical experience. The contrast of the deep blue Mediterranean and the green and burnished gold of the walking routes gives you an insight into why the longest route along the coast is named the Path of the Gods. Combining this with the stunning towns of Positano, Praiano and Ravanello make the Amalfi Coast a slice of classic Italian walking. 

    5. Via Francigena - A bit of a cheat here, because the Via Francigena is not a 'place' to hike in Italy, it is more of an experience. Like the Camino de Santiago, the Via Francigena is an ancient pilgrimage route that starts off in Canterbury, England, and finishes up in Rome, however, the most popular part is walking from just over the Swiss border, through the heart of Italy. The Via Francigena is entirely memorable and a great challenge that rewards you both physically and spiritually. 

  • Amalfi Coast: Must Try Foods
    Amalfi Coast: Must Try Foods

    Spaghetti alle Vongole – A dish that is available in nearly any coastal town! Spaghetti with freshly-caught clams which can be ordered with tomatoes or without. Best enjoyed on a panoramic terrace with a glass of local wine!

    Delizia di Limone – It is said that the world’s best lemons grow in the region of the Amalfi Coast and Gulf of Sorrento. This dessert is one of the many regional specialties; a lemon-scented sponge cake covered with lemon zest and frosting.

    Fiori di Latte – Cheesemongers in the tiny mountain hamlet of Agerola produce the famous Fiori di Latte cheese that you can typically find on a Neapolitan Margherita Pizza. A little drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh sea salt turn this fresh cheese into something magical.

    Totani e Patate – Back in the day many small towns along the coast, such as Positano and Praiano, were rustic villages. This dish of squid and potatoes reflects on their humble fishing roots and makes for a delicious starter or main course.

    Scialatielli con Gamberi e Zucchine – This is a delightful fresh pasta dish with zucchini and locally-caught fresh shrimp tossed in a rich seafood stock. It translates to ‘scialare’ which means to enjoy and ‘tiella’ which means pan, simply put; enjoyment in a pan. Many restaurants may also include mussels, prawns, or clams.

  • When in Rome
    When in Rome

    Italy’s capital is one of the most romantic cities, it is vibrant, filled with ruins and European art, and has many welcoming restaurants. We would recommend spending some extra time getting to know this world-class city and here are some reasons why!

    Visit its ancient icons such as the Colosseum – the symbol of Rome and the biggest amphitheater that was ever built, the Pantheon which now serves as a church but used to be a temple and the Roman Forum.

    Admire its artistic heritage which is certainly not hard to find when strolling through the city. Masterpieces include sculptures by Michelangelo, paintings by Caravaggio, frescoes by Raphael, and fountains like the Trevi Fountain with its sparkling waters filled with coins! If you only have time to visit one art gallery, make it Galleria Borghese as it has one of the most impressive private art collections.

    Discover the Vatican, the world’s smallest city-state and headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. The Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and St. Peter’s Square can not be missed. The pope holds Papal Audiences most Wednesdays and recites the Angelus prayer on Sundays at noon.

    Watch the world go by on one of Rome’s lively piazzas while enjoying a refreshing aperitivo. The cobblestoned streets of Travestere are filled with trattorias, bars, and terraces where you can listen to local musicians. Piazza Navona with a fountain by Benini is a popular square among the locals. Soak up la dolce vita in one of the romantic outdoor settings of refined restaurants or head for a truly authentic meal to a local pizzeria.

  • Via Francigena - which stage is for me?
    Via Francigena - which stage is for me?

    Not all of us are lucky enough to have 50 consecutive days to walk one of Europe’s finest pilgrimages to the Italian capital of Rome. The good news is that even with limited time, you can enjoy parts of this ancient trail. You could choose to walk an individual stage or perhaps combine multiple stages. Although it is a hard choice to make, here are some of our favourite sections!

    Starting off in Bourg-Saint-Pierre in the heart of the Swiss Alps, the first stage crosses the Great St Bernard Pass into Italy, finishing in St Martin in the Aosta Valley. As you traverse a high mountain pass, this section is best enjoyed from mid-June onwards.

    The final stage of the Via Francigena takes you from the hilltop town of Montefiascone to Rome, the eternal city. Follow trails through the classic Italian landscapes of Lazio, rural and pristine areas of Italy that many tourists do not visit!

    Stage 4 from Fidenza to Aulla takes you to the foothills of the scenic Apennine Mountains, also known as "the backbone of Italy". Cross the Cisa Pass and walk from Emilia Romagna towards the northern Tuscan border. Another highlight of this section is the famous food of the Parma region, a foodie paradise!

    Known to have better waymarking than other regions of the Via Francigena, Stage 6 gives you a real flavour of quintessential Tuscany. Visit medieval villages, such as San Miniato, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, Siena, and San Quirico d'Orcia. This trip includes many highlights of central Tuscany, with its wealth of history, culture, and art.

    Easily combined with the previous stage in central Tuscany, Stage 7 continues through the heart of Tuscany on the northern edge of Val d’Orcia. From the ochre-coloured landscapes of the Crete Senesi (UNESCO) to Montefiascone, where you can enjoy views of Lake Bolsena.

  • Amalfi Coast Walking

    The Amalfi Coast is Italy's Riviera, where the chic go to relax, to eat and drink and those who are in the know, go to walk.  Networks of stunning paths line the cliffs and mountains of the Amalfi Coast and Laura went out to explore them and give you an overview of what it is like to walk on the Amalfi Coast. 

    youtube icon
  • Walking the Cinque Terre

    The Cinque Terre is a delightful part of Italy to walk through, going from UNESCO heritage village to village.  This video gives you some guidance on how to get your Park Card to ride the trains and some top tips to make sure you get every bit of enjoyment from visiting this enchanting part of Italy.  

    youtube icon
  • Walking the Via Francigena

    There are many great pilgrimages in Europe, the most famous of which is the Camino de Santiago.  However, there is a stunning route that goes from Canterbury in England to Rome in Italy.  Here at Macs Adventure, we can set you up to walk from the Swiss/Italian border, down to Rome and this video gives you an overview of that journey.  

    youtube icon

Blog Articles

The Macs Adventure Way

  • Tried & Tested Adventures Tried & Tested Adventures
  • Freedom Freedom
  • Book With Confidence Book With Confidence
  • Expertise Expertise
  • Positive Impact Positive Impact
Built with our knowledge and expertise, to suit you.
  • Knowledgeable and helpful friendly specialist adventure planners
  • Wide variety of trips to suit all interests and experience levels
  • Start on any date that suits you
  • Choose your ideal trip length and difficulty
  • Range of accommodation options
  • Choice of trip styles
Authentic adventure travel experiences on your own terms.
  • Choose your own travel companions
  • Walk, cycle and explore at your own pace
  • Make your own decisions
  • Choose your own path
  • Indulge your passions
Feel secure in making the right choice for your precious adventure time.
  • 18,000+ unbiased trip & service reviews
  • Feefo Platinum Award 2023
  • As featured in the Guardian, National Geographic Traveller, and more
  • Founder owned & operated since 2003
  • Passionate team members based in the US, the UK & Europe
  • 100% Financial Protection
You can be confident that every detail of your holiday has been expertly planned.
  • Meticulously planned adventures
  • Quality, hand-picked accommodation
  • Seamless and reliable arrangements
  • Comprehensive trip information & insider tips
  • Detailed maps, route notes and mobile GPS app
  • Helpful 24/7 support should you need it
Travel the right way, and make a positive impact.
  • Travel responsibly
  • Explore off the beaten track
  • Support locally owned businesses
  • Engage with local communities
  • Minimise your impact
  • Maximise the benefit of your travel
  • Challenge yourself & grow
Currency:
£ - GBP - Pound
Country/Region name:
UKUK