The best destinations for hiking and culinary adventures in Italy
Italy is a dream destination for travellers, blending breathtaking walks, scenic hiking trails, and a rich culinary heritage. Whether you're wandering along vineyard footpaths, walking dramatic coastlines, or trekking up alpine routes, there’s adventure for every pace and palate. This guide highlights Italy's best hiking and walking regions, combining the beauty of Italy’s landscapes with memorable food experiences—an ideal pairing for both hiking enthusiasts and food lovers.
Explore Umbria's trails and famous truffles
Known as Italy's "Green Heart", Umbria offers peaceful walking and hiking paths through scenic hills, olive groves, and medieval towns like Assisi and Spoleto. The region is renowned for its truffles, which are celebrated in local dishes such as tagliatelle al tartufo nero, hearty lentil soup, and porchetta. Truffle hunting, festive village traditions, and a glass of Sagrantino di Montefalco wine all add to the richness of Umbria’s culture, making every walk and meal an authentic taste of the region—a perfect way to cap a day spent on Italian hiking trails.
Walking in Umbria
40 walks in the 'Green Heart' of Italy
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This guidebook describes 40 walks in Umbria, among the ancient towns of Assisi, Perugia, Orvieto and Norcia. Known as the 'green heart' of Italy, the region of Umbria is home to hills reaching up to the Apennines and Sibillini mountains, and take in ancient villages, Roman and Etruscan ruins, dense woodland and nature reserves.
More informationDiscover coastal beauty in Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre boasts famous walking and hiking trails linking five colourful villages along the Ligurian coast. These paths wind through terraced vineyards and lemon groves, offering striking views of the sea and unique glimpses into local life. The historic trails, like the renowned Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Path), connect walkers with centuries-old stone terraces and bustling harbours. After a day exploring, sample Cinque Terre’s fresh seafood cuisine, from anchovies marinated in lemon to pesto alla Genovese with trofie pasta, best enjoyed with a glass of local Sciacchetrà wine.
Walking in Italy's Cinque Terre
Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore
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Guidebook to walking Italy's stunning Cinque Terre. Describes 16 routes in and around the five famous fishing villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Breathtakingly beautiful, this UNESCO World Heritage coastline is a walker's (and foodie's) dream destination.
More informationTuscany's rolling hills and rustic flavours
Tuscany invites walkers to explore its scenic trails, from vineyard-lined paths in Chianti to quiet country lanes dotted with cypress trees. These well-marked routes offer stunning views of rolling hills and timeless villages. After a walk, enjoy rustic Tuscan dishes like ribollita (vegetable and bread soup), panzanella (bread and tomato salad), and the famous bistecca alla Fiorentina. Round out your meal with a glass of Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, or Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, letting Tuscany’s celebrated wines bring the day’s adventure to a satisfying close.
Walking in Tuscany
43 walks including Val d'Orcia, San Gimignano and the Isle of Elba
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Guidebook to 43 graded, mostly easy walks in Tuscany. Taking in the Renaissance splendour of Florence and Siena, the World Heritage scenery of Val d'Orcia and San Gimignano and the stunning island of Elba, the routes use historical pathways used by traders, pilgrims and armies, and include some brief, trouble-free climbs/descents.
More informationHike the Amalfi Coast and relish Mediterranean cuisine
The Path of the Gods, or Sentiero degli Dei, is one of Italy’s most iconic walking and hiking trails, tracing dramatic cliff edges high above the dazzling Amalfi coastline. Along the way, the path follows ancient mule tracks, which served as vital routes for local trade and transportation between remote villages and the bustling coastal ports for centuries. Walking here, you’re literally stepping into history, surrounded by landscapes once traversed by merchants carrying goods such as lemons and olives to markets by the sea. This famous route weaves between tiny hillside villages, terraced vineyards, and ancient mule tracks, offering breathtaking views of the sparkling Mediterranean, making it a captivating journey through nature and history.
Walking on the Amalfi Coast
32 walks on Ischia, Capri, Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi
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Guidebook describing 32 day walks on Italy's beautiful Amalfi Coast. The areas covered include Amalfi, Sorrento, Positano and Monti Lattari, and the idyllic islands of Capri and Ischia. The region is criss-crossed by ancient mule tracks and pilgrim routes, offering a variety of walks from family strolls to strenuous treks.
More informationSerenity awaits at Lake Garda and Lake Iseo
Seeking a tranquil getaway? The network of walking trails and lakeside hikes around Lake Garda and Lake Iseo is perfect for combining scenic walks with gourmet pleasures. Stroll through olive groves, vineyards, and lakeside villages. Along these trails, you’ll encounter a tapestry of wildflowers in spring, while the gentle shores host waterfowl, butterflies, and even rare orchids. The sparkling lakes are also home to a variety of fish and birdlife, making each walk a nature lover’s delight. Meals here focus on the lakes’ offerings, such as risotto al pesce persico (risotto with perch) or bigoli con le sarde (thick pasta with sardines). Raise a glass of Franciacorta sparkling wine to celebrate your day’s hiking or walking adventures.
Walking Lake Garda and Iseo
Day walks in the Italian Lakes
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Guidebook to 20 day walks around the majestic Italian lakes of Garda and Iseo. The routes, which range from leisurely strolls to more strenuous routes up panoramic peaks, offer something to suit all walkers. Invaluable practical information about public transport, accommodation and walking kit is included, together with a handy Italian glossary.
More informationComo and Maggiore: Alpine beauty and refined cuisine
If you’re searching for scenic hiking trails and leisurely walks set against a backdrop of alpine splendour, look no further than Lakes Como and Maggiore. Enjoy walks through lush valleys and along sparkling shores, then savour local foods like pizzoccheri (buckwheat pasta with cheese, cabbage, and potatoes) and missoltini (sun-dried lake fish). Local cheeses such as gorgonzola and wines from the Valtellina region add extra delight to your post-walk dining. The influence of the Alps is woven into daily life here; mountain ingredients, hearty stews, and robust breads bring warmth to the table, while stone-built villages and elegant lakeside villas reflect the enduring heritage of alpine culture. This unique blend of flavours and history makes every visit a true discovery, inviting you to linger a little longer after your walk.
Walking Lake Como and Maggiore
Day walks and the Sentiero del Viandante trek in the Italian Lakes
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Guidebook to 28 day walks and the Sentiero del Viandante trek in the beautiful Italian lakes of Maggiore and Como. Routes are graded by difficulty and range from easy lakeside strolls to challenging mountain peaks. Well-waymarked trails take you away from the crowds to visit tiny hamlets, historic villas and scenic islands, with walks for all year round.
More informationSicily's coastal and volcanic adventures
Sicily’s diverse walking and hiking paths offer experiences ranging from dramatic ascents of Mount Etna to gentle strolls along coastal reserves like Zingaro. The cuisine displays Mediterranean and North African influences, perfect for recharging after a day outdoors. Sample arancini (fried rice balls), pasta alla Norma (eggplant and ricotta pasta), and fresh seafood. Complete your adventure with cannoli or a cool granita served with warm brioche. Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, shapes the island’s landscape and provides fertile volcanic soils ideal for olive groves, vineyards, and citrus orchards. Thanks to this unique terrain, Sicily’s wines, especially those produced on Etna’s slopes, have gained international acclaim for their distinct character and flavour.
Walking in Sicily
46 walking routes including Mt Etna and the Egadi and Aeolian islands
£14.95
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A walking guidebook with 46 graded routes in Sicily, including the Madonie and Nebrodi mountains, the Egadi and Aeolian islands and Mount Etna. Most walks take 3-4 hours, plus some short easy strolls as well as long mountain traverses. Interesting varied terrain, including river valleys, coastal walks, ancient ruins, volcanoes and mountain peaks.
More informationAosta Valley's high peaks and hearty fare
The Aosta Valley stands out among Italy’s best regions for challenging treks and scenic walks amid alpine grandeur. Trails offer panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and glacier-fed streams. The area boasts a unique variety of alpine herbs and wildflowers, which are used both in traditional cheese-making and to flavor local dishes. A day spent hiking or walking is best finished with robust local fare: fonduta (cheese fondue imbued with foraged mountain herbs), carbonade (beef stew with onions and wine), or the ever-comforting polenta concia. Local wines such as Torrette add to the enjoyment, and sweet tegole hazelnut cookies make for a satisfying end to your meal.
Walking in the Aosta Valley
Walks and scrambles in the shadows of Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa
£16.95
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Guidebook to walking in the Aosta valley, a stunning, autonomous region in the Italian Alps. Describes 32 scenic routes (ranging from 4 to 20km) within both the main valley and those to the north, including the Lys valley, Valpelline, Valtournenche and Grand St Bernard. Also provides info on the via ferrata and trail running options in the region.
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