Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Top Trails
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Alpe di Siusi, Alto-Adige
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)
Europe's largest plateau ends dramatically at the base of the Scili-
ar Mountains. Average stamina will get you to Rifugio Bolzano, one of the Alps' oldest mountain huts. The
more challenging peaks of the Catinaccio group and the Sassolungo are nearby.
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Val Pusteria, Alto-Adige
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) This narrow Tyrolean valley runs from Bressanone to San Can-
dido. At the far end of the valley are the Sesto Dolomites, criss-crossed with spectacular walking trails, in-
cluding moderate trails around the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks).
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Val Gardena, Alto-Adige
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) One of only five valleys where the Ladin heritage is still pre-
served. Located amid the peaks of the Gruppo del Sella and Sassolungo there are challenging
alte vie
(high-
altitude) trails and easier nature walks such as the Naturonda at Passo di Sella (2244m).
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Brenta Dolomites, Trentino
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) The Brenta group is famed for its sheer cliffs and tricky ascents,
which are home to some of Italy's most famous
vie ferrate
(trails with permanent steel cables and ladders),
including the Via Ferrata delle Bocchette.
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Parco Nazionale delle Dolomiti Bellunesi, Veneto
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) A Unesco Heritage park offering trails
amid wildflowers. This park also harbours the high-altitude Alte Vie delle Dolomiti trails, accessible
between June and September.
Central Italy
Abruzzo's national parks are among Italy's least explored. Here, you can climb Corno
Grande, the Apennines' highest peak, and explore vast, silent valleys. Likewise, Umbria's
Monti Sibillini and Piano Grande are well off the trodden path, and both burst with wild-
flowers in spring.
Tuscany's only significant park with good walking trails is in the southern Maremma,
where you can sign up for walks of medium difficulty. For most people though, an easy
amble through picturesque Chianti suits just fine.
The South
For spectacular sea views hit the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Peninsula, where age-old
paths such as the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) disappear into wooded mountains
and ancient lemon groves. Across the water, Capri subverts its playboy image with a
series of bucolic walking trails far from the crowds.
Crossing the border between Calabria and Basilicata is the Parco Nazionale del Pollino,
Italy's largest national park. Claiming the richest repository of flora and fauna in the
south, its varied landscapes range from deep river canyons to alpine meadows. Calabria's
other national parks - the Sila and Aspromonte - offer similarly dramatic hiking, particu-
