What are the 10 most beautiful mountain trails that trekking lovers and hikers simply must explore? If you enjoy mountain hikes and trekking itineraries, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we share our specially curated selection of CAI trails and mountain maps for hikes you must do in Italy. Whether you are a family or a trekking enthusiast planning a mountain trip, we’ve selected the very best routes with varying difficulty levels to suit your needs. Let’s begin our journey through Italy’s most scenic and interesting mountain trails!
Table of Contents
- Mountain hiking in Lombardy: the ancient Via Valeriana
- Via degli Abati, between Emilia Romagna and Tuscany
- Blue Trail, Liguria
- The Grande Traversata delle Alpi
- Ponale Road, Trentino‑South Tyrol
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo: one of the most beautiful hikes in the Dolomites
- Hikes in Val di Fassa
- Central Italy mountain trail: the Way of Francis, Umbria
- Reflected Rome, Rome Capital
- Pollino National Park: Malvento Belvedere Trail, Basilicata‑Calabria
1 – Mountain Hiking in Lombardy: the Ancient Via Valeriana
We begin our journey with one of Lombardy’s most beautiful mountain routes. Lombardy is a dream region for trekking lovers, offering unique opportunities to enjoy breathtaking scenery. One of the most captivating routes is the ancient Via Valeriana, an historic path connecting Lake Iseo and Val Camonica. This atmospheric, predominantly cobbled trail passes through charming Lombard villages with magnificent lake views—truly one‑of‑a‑kind mountain hiking.
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2 – Via degli Abati, between Emilia Romagna and Tuscany
Heading south toward the Apennines, we recommend the Via degli Abati—an ancient medieval pilgrimage trail. Unlike the Lombard route, this one is quite demanding, with approximately 6,000 meters of elevation gain. We recommend it for experienced trekkers familiar with challenging mountain terrain.
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3 – Blue Trail, Liguria
Next, we move northwest to Liguria’s eastern coast. The Sentiero Azzurro—also known as the Blue Trail—runs through all five villages of the stunning Cinque Terre. Unfortunately, parts of the trail are currently closed due to landslides, and a small fee (5–7 Euros) is now required to hike the route.
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4 – The Grande Traversata delle Alpi
One of the most celebrated alpine trekking routes, the Grande Traversata delle Alpi spans the Piedmont region—from Domodossola to the Ligurian Alps. This ambitious route is divided into 55 stages and is designed to be hiked from south to north.
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5 – Ponale Road, Trentino‑South Tyrol
The Ponale Road is one of Trentino’s most scenic and beloved hiking trails. Once the old connection between Lake Ledro and Riva del Garda, this route offers dramatic views over Lake Garda and is especially popular among mountain bikers.
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6 – Tre Cime di Lavaredo: one of the most beautiful hikes in the Dolomites
The Dolomites are an incomparable backdrop for trekking. Among all routes, Tre Cime di Lavaredo stands out—featuring the majestic Cima Grande, the elegant Cima Piccola, and Cima Ovest. Early morning low clouds weaving through the Sesto Dolomites add even more magic to the experience.
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7 – Hikes in Val di Fassa
Val di Fassa has long enchanted British, French, and German travelers since the 19th century. One famous route runs from Rifugio Antermoia to Rifugio Gardeccia—offering one of the world’s most remarkable sunsets as the Dolomite limestone glows red, violet, and pink. A truly unforgettable spectacle.
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8 – Central Italy Mountain Trail: the Way of Francis, Umbria
Central Italy also offers stunning mountain routes, including the mystical and spiritual Via di Francesco in Umbria. Trek in the footsteps of St. Francis, starting from La Verna and passing through Città di Castello, Gubbio, and Perugia—or from the south via Greccio, Piediluco, Spoleto, Trevi, and Spello. While much of the trail is moderate, some sections are more demanding.
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9 – Reflected Rome, Rome Capital
Nearing the end of our list, we bring you a unique Rome-based trek. Roma Specchiata offers a surprising perspective of the capital—combining city beauty with greenery and panoramic views of the Tiber River. This approximately 8 km route stays within Rome’s borders and is ideal for urban nature lovers.
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10 – Pollino National Park: the Malvento Belvedere Trail, Basilicata‑Calabria
For those seeking wild, authentic mountain experiences in southern Italy, Pollino National Park offers some of the country’s most captivating treks. The Malvento Belvedere Trail in the heart of the mountains between Basilicata and Calabria leads to ancient Bosnian pines—living fossils. Enjoy stunning views of the Ionian Sea, rocky canyons, and high-altitude meadows. Accessible from Colle dell’Impiso, the route is of moderate difficulty and best suited for hikers with some experience. A true jewel for lovers of silence, untouched nature, and uncrowded mountains.
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