Italian trails: a journey through nature, history and spirituality
Italy is a country to be discovered step by step, thanks to a network of trails that pass through breathtaking landscapes, ancient villages and historical sites. Each path tells a story, offering a unique experience to those who love trekking, nature and culture. This network of trails makes exploring Italy even more exciting.
In recent years, tourism related to walking and trekking has seen exponential growth. According to recent data, the number of hikers in Italy has increased by over 30% in the last decade, with an estimated million walkers who travel the most famous itineraries every year. Forecasts for the future indicate a further increase, with more and more travellers looking for authentic experiences in contact with nature. This increase underscores the growing importance of Italy’s trails for the tourism industry.
One of the most fascinating routes is the Coast to Coast Trail.
This is an itinerary that crosses Italy from the Adriatic to the Tyrrhenian Sea, starting from Portonovo, in the Marche, until reaching Orbetello, in Tuscany. About 400 km long, it allows you to explore the most authentic Italy, among rolling hills, medieval villages and breathtaking landscapes. The final stretch crosses the Maremma, one of the regions less frequented and known by mass tourism that offers an incredible variety of natural scenery and a rare authenticity. This territory, with its expanses of Mediterranean scrub, its hills dotted with olive groves and vineyards, and its long wild beaches, is perfect for those who love slow tourism and contact with nature. The Coast to Coast Trail is an ideal route for experiencing the diverse beauty of Italian trails.
Even more evocative is the Vetta-Mare trail.
A route that starts from the Mount Amiata‘s summit, in Tuscany, and winds its way to the Maremma coast. This route offers an extraordinary journey through ever-changing natural environments: from the beech and chestnut forests of Mount Amiata, to the rolling hills of the Maremma, to the beaches of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The contrast between the mountains and the sea makes this walk a unique experience, ideal for those seeking a slow and immersive journey, made up of breathtaking views and gastronomic discoveries. The Maremma thus confirms itself as an ideal destination for trekking, thanks to its uncontaminated nature and the possibility of crossing places that are still little explored. Here, ancient stone villages, medieval fortresses and nature reserves alternate in a route of extraordinary beauty, highlighting the hidden treasures found along Italian trails.
Slow and sustainable tourism is becoming increasingly popular, and Maremma is a perfect destination for those who want to avoid the most crowded touristic routes and rediscover the pleasure of walking in an authentic and evocative context. According to some estimates, in the coming years the Maremma paths could register a significant increase in the number of hikers, attracted by the unique combination of nature, culture and gastronomy that this land offers. It is more evident than ever that the region’s trails are key to its growing appeal.
For those seeking a journey between nature and archaeology, the Cammino degli Dei, which connects Bologna to Florence, offers spectacular views of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. In the South, the Cammino Materano leads to the discovery of Basilicata and its rock cities, while the Sentiero Italia CAI winds along the entire peninsula for over 7,000 km. These journeys highlight the diversity and historical significance of Italy’s many trails.
There is no shortage of coastal walks either such as the Via della Costa Liguria or the Sentiero del Viandante along Lake Como, perfect for those who love the sea and lake views. The coastal trails offer an additional facet to Italy’s extensive and varied network of trails.
