Abruzzo

Mario Apuzzo / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

The Camosciara area is the 'heart' of the Abruzzo National Park, famous for its amphitheater of limestone peaks and pristine waterfalls. It offers a variety of trails through ancient beech forests, ideal for spotting chamois and other wildlife.

Access. Accessible from the town of Civitella Alfedena; well-marked trail network.

Notes. Strict conservation rules apply; stay on marked trails to protect the local ecosystem.

Lombardy

Fringio / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

These are the highest waterfalls in Italy, located in the Seriana Valley. The hike to the viewpoint is a rewarding trek through alpine forests, timed specifically to coincide with the scheduled water release from the Barbellino dam.

Access. Trailhead is in Valbondione; accessible by car from Bergamo.

Notes. The falls only flow on specific dates; check the official schedule before planning the hike.

Liguria

trolvag / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

This famous coastal path connects the five colorful villages of the Cinque Terre, winding through terraced vineyards and olive groves overlooking the Ligurian Sea. It provides a unique blend of cultural history and dramatic cliffside hiking.

Access. The trail is accessed from any of the five villages; a Cinque Terre Trekking Card is required for the most popular sections.

Notes. Check local park status for trail closures due to landslides or maintenance.

Italia (ang, via D'Acquisto)

Unukorno / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Deep within the mountainous interior of Sardinia lies one of Europe's deepest canyons, featuring towering limestone walls reaching over 500 meters. The trail involves rugged boulder-hopping and canyon-floor trekking through a dramatic, wild wilderness.

Access. Reachable via mountain trailheads near Dorgali or Urzulei, typically requiring a day-hike commitment with steep descents.

Notes. Sturdy hiking boots and caution are necessary due to rough boulder terrain and high summer temperatures.

Aosta Valley

Tiia Monto / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Italy's oldest national park offers pristine alpine valleys, roaring waterfalls, and rugged glacier-carved peaks. Trails here wind past alpine lakes and meadows frequently grazed by wild ibex and chamois.

Access. Centered around mountain villages like Cogne and Valsavarenche, easily reached from Turin.

Notes. Multi-day trekking routes connect mountain refuges (rifugios); weather is most stable from June to September.

Sicily

clovegrove7 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Trek across active volcanic highlands, black lava fields, and smoking cinder cones on Europe's highest active volcano. Guided routes ascend near the main summit craters, showcasing otherworldly lunar landscapes and sulfur vents.

Access. Departures from Rifugio Sapienza (South) or Piano Provenzana (North) via cable car and 4x4 vehicles, followed by mandatory guided hiking tours.

Notes. Volcanic activity and safety regulations frequently restrict unguided summit access; mountain guides are strictly required for high-altitude zones.

Campania

Norbert Nagel / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

A steep volcanic walk leading up to the rim of the active summit crater of Mount Vesuvius, overlooking the Bay of Naples and Pompeii. Walkers experience a stark volcanic landscape of ash, loose rock, and deep steam vents.

Access. Accessible via shuttle bus or car from Ercolano or Pompeii up to the upper parking lot, followed by a steep foot ascent.

Notes. Park entrance fee and timed-entry tickets required; sturdy footwear recommended due to loose volcanic cinder.

Veneto

Jon Shave / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

This iconic loop circles the dramatic limestone peaks of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, offering world-class alpine hiking amidst sheer cliff walls and sweeping valley views. The well-maintained trail system caters to day hikers seeking classic mountain scenery and dramatic high-altitude landscapes.

Access. Accessible via the toll road from Misurina up to Rifugio Auronzo, where the main trailhead and parking area are located.

Notes. The alpine weather can change rapidly; paths are busiest during peak summer months (July-August).

Trentino – Alto Adige/Südtirol

This Photo was taken by Wolfgang Moroder . Feel free to use my photos, but please mention me as the author and send me a message . This image is not in the public domain . Please respect the copyright protection. It may only be used according to the rules mentioned here. This specifically excludes use in social media , if applicable terms of the licenses listed here not appropriate. Please do not upload an updated image here without consultation with the Author. The author would like to make corrections only at his own source. This ensures that the changes are preserved. Please if you think that any changes should be required, please inform the author. Otherwise you can upload a new image with a new name. Please use one of the templates derivative or extract . / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Gentle green alpine pastures backed by the jagged, needle-like peaks of the Odle/Geisler group in South Tyrol. The trail network connects charming alpine huts, pastoral meadows, and classic postcard viewpoints.

Access. Accessible via the village of Santa Maddalena in the Funes Valley, reachable by car or bus from Bressanone.

Notes. Ideal for families and day hikers; huts offer traditional South Tyrolean food during summer months.