When the freedom of traveling by motorhome or caravan meets long hikes through forests, mountains, and historic villages, the journey becomes a truly complete experience. Whether you’re exploring in a nimble campervan or a large motorhome, the “motorhome+ trekking” combination offers active days, breathtaking views, and the chance to discover each place step by step.
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In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through Italy’s best hiking trails, sharing tips on unmissable routes and ideas for combining your treks with cultural visits and tastings of local specialties.
Northern Italy – Peaks, lakes, and charming villages
Trentino-Alto Adige: postcard-perfect Dolomite landscapes
If you love the mountains, the Dolomites are a dream come true – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a natural paradise for trekking enthusiasts. Here, the peaks rise like stone sculptures, valleys open into wide green meadows, and the air is fresh and crisp, perfect for hiking with purpose.
A classic route starts at Lago di Braies, a turquoise lake framed by fir trees and rocky summits. You can walk the easy and scenic trail around the lake or continue towards Malga Foresta, passing through shady woods and alpine pastures where, with a bit of luck, you might spot deer or marmots.
For those seeking a thrill, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop is a must: this circular hike offers stunning views of some of the Dolomites’ most famous rock faces, with panoramas that change at every turn, delivering a sense of awe that words can hardly capture.
And don’t miss the Pale di San Martino, a mountain group with almost lunar landscapes. From San Martino di Castrozza, hike up to the Rifugio Rosetta, perched on a spectacular rocky plateau, or follow the evocative Sentiero del Cristo Pensante, a meditative trail with breathtaking valley views.
After a long day of hiking, there’s nothing better than sitting down to a steaming plate of canederli or savoring a slice of apple strudel, while replaying the day’s adventures in your mind.
Lombardy: between lakes, mountains, and historic towns
Lombardy is full of surprises for those traveling by motorhome or caravan, offering the perfect balance of urban exploration and nature hikes. Its mountains, lakes, and valleys feature trails suitable for every level of experience.
Along Lake Como, the Sentiero del Viandante connects Abbadia Lariana to Colico on the eastern shore, alternating between forest paths and stunning lake views. Another gem is the Sentiero del Tracciolino, linking Val Codera and Val dei Ratti: a path carved into the rock, featuring walkways and tunnels with breathtaking views of Lake Mezzola and the northern tip of Lake Como.
For summit lovers, Monte Legnone offers a challenging yet rewarding climb, with views stretching from the Alps to the Po Valley. A gentler but equally enchanting hike is up Monte San Primo, the highest peak of the Triangolo Lariano, overlooking both branches of Lake Como.
Those looking for authentic alpine scenery can venture into Valtellina and Valchiavenna, exploring mountain huts and pastures on foot, or head into the Stelvio National Park, where chamois and marmots often accompany your walk.
After your trek, treat yourself to a hearty plate of polenta taragna with local cheese – a staple of Lombard cuisine and perfect for recharging your energy.
Piedmont: alpine peaks and rolling hills
Piedmont offers an exciting mix of majestic mountains, romantic lakes, and vineyard-covered hills, making it ideal for hikes of all kinds.
For high-altitude adventures, the Gran Paradiso National Park is a must-visit. Trails to Lago di Dres or the Rifugio Chabod offer unforgettable views and the chance to spot ibex and chamois up close.
For lakeside walks, the Sacro Monte di Orta loop offers panoramic views of Lake Orta and San Giulio Island, while Mottarone is a classic hike with vistas over both Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta on clear days.
Hikers who prefer rolling hills can explore Le Langhe and Roero, wandering between medieval villages and vineyards along routes like the Barolo Trail or the scenic walk between La Morra and Grinzane Cavour.
For something wilder, head to Valsesia and tackle trails like the one leading to Alpe Campo, with spectacular views of Monte Rosa.
End your day with a plate of butter-and-sage tajarin or traditional agnolotti del plin – true ambassadors of Piedmontese cuisine.
Central Italy – Rolling hills, medieval towns, and film-worthy landscapes
Abruzzo: national parks and mountain villages
Abruzzo is one of Europe’s greenest regions, with three national parks and a network of trails stretching from the Adriatic Sea to the peaks of the Apennines. Traveling here by motorhome or caravan means you can camp at the foot of towering mountains and start a new adventure every day.
In the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, hike from Campo Imperatore to Corno Grande, the highest peak in the Apennines, with views reaching the sea on clear days. Another highlight is the hike to the Rocca Calascio, one of Italy’s highest fortresses, set in a landscape that looks straight out of a movie.
In the Majella National Park, the “mother mountain” of Abruzzo, trails lead past rock-hewn hermitages, deep gorges, and high-altitude meadows. Don’t miss the Sentiero dello Spirito, which connects some of the region’s most spiritual and fascinating sites.
After a day on the trail, refuel with local specialties: freshly grilled lamb skewers, aged pecorino cheese, and a glass of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.
Umbria and the Monti Sibillini National Park
In Italy’s “green heart,” the Monti Sibillini National Park offers wild nature, sweeping landscapes, and timeless legends. Here, the Piani di Castelluccio di Norcia showcase one of Italy’s most extraordinary spectacles: from late May to July, the plateau blooms into a vibrant mosaic of poppies, cornflowers, daisies, and lentil fields.
Hiking enthusiasts can climb to the top of Monte Vettore, the highest peak in the range, with views stretching to the Adriatic Sea. For an easier route, try the Giro delle Lame Rosse, a unique trail winding through wind- and water-shaped rock formations reminiscent of miniature American canyons.
Back at your motorhome or caravan, enjoy a steaming plate of Castelluccio lentils, small and flavorful, cooked the traditional way – a delicious way to remember the colors and tastes of this magical land.
Southern Italy – Sea, mountains, and wild nature
Campania and the Amalfi Coast
Campania blends sea, mountains, and millennia of history, with each trail offering a unique experience. For panoramic walks, the famous Path of the Gods is unforgettable: starting in Agerola and ending in Positano, it winds through lemon terraces, fragrant Mediterranean scrub, and scenic viewpoints suspended between sky and sea.
If you prefer wilder terrain, the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park will amaze you. The trek to Monte Gelbison takes you through beech and chestnut forests to a hilltop sanctuary, with views stretching from the mountains to the coast.
After a day of hiking, indulge in a fresh and creamy buffalo mozzarella DOP, paired with piennolo tomatoes and crusty bread – a true taste of Campania’s land and sea.
Calabria and Aspromonte
Aspromonte is rugged and authentic, where nature reigns supreme and landscapes change with every bend in the trail. Here, mountains plunge dramatically toward the sea, offering panoramas where you can see both the Ionian and Tyrrhenian coasts at once.
A favorite hike is the Maesano Waterfalls Trail near Gambarie – a half-day walk through beech forests, clear streams, and peaceful clearings. The path leads to three stunning waterfalls, a cool and refreshing stop even in the height of summer.
Aspromonte has much more to offer, from panoramic views atop Montalto, the region’s highest peak, to the deep, wild gorges of the Amendolea River, rich in history and legend. Hiking here reveals a lesser-known Calabria, far from crowded beaches, where every step tells a story of ancient ties between people and mountains.
After your trek, savor local flavors: a slice of warm bread topped with fiery ’nduja, paired with aged cheeses and a glass of robust Calabrian red wine.
Islands and epic landscapes
Sicily and Mount Etna
Hiking on an active volcano? In Sicily, it’s an unforgettable experience. Mount Etna, Europe’s highest volcano, constantly reshapes its appearance with each eruption, creating a dramatic mix of black lava, ash deserts, and ancient forests. Trails leading to the summit craters start from various sides, such as Nicolosi or Piano Provenzana, offering sweeping views of the Ionian Sea and the Aeolian Islands.
For easier walks, explore the trails around the Silvestri Craters or hike to the Grotta del Gelo, home to a small underground glacier. Along the way, you’ll pass recent lava flows, wildflowers, and the aromatic scents of Mediterranean herbs.
After your hike, reward yourself with a traditional granita with brioche – pistachio, lemon, or almond – soaking up the flavors and colors of authentic Sicily.
Sardinia: between sea and mountains
Sardinia is an island of contrasts: not just white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, but also rugged mountains, dramatic gorges, and ancient pathways. In the island’s heart, the Supramonte di Orgosolo offers wild, untouched landscapes where the silence is broken only by the wind and birds of prey. The trek to the Gorropu Gorge takes you between sheer limestone cliffs, among the deepest canyons in Europe, with walls reaching nearly 500 meters.
If you dream of combining hiking and seaside views, the Santa Barbara Mining Trail in the southwest covers over 500 kilometers through ancient mines, ghost villages, fragrant myrtle and juniper plateaus, down to hidden coves and wind-sculpted cliffs.
At the end of the day, enjoy a plate of handmade culurgiones stuffed with potatoes, mint, and pecorino cheese, followed by golden seadas drizzled with warm honey – a true taste of Sardinia’s soul.
Conclusion
Italy offers an incredible variety of hiking experiences, from the Dolomites to Sardinia’s beaches, passing through medieval villages and volcanoes. Traveling by motorhome, caravan, or campervan lets you combine road adventure with the freedom to stop wherever nature calls. With Agricamper, overnight stays at farms become part of the journey, thanks to a network of over 500 hosts ready to welcome you for a free 24-hour stop.
Download the app and, if you want unlimited RV trips and Italian getaways, get your membership to start planning your next itinerary full of nature, culture, and freedom!
