Best walks in Italy

Cinque Terre

If you want to try a coastal walk you can't beat the famed Cinque Terre (five lands) on the Ligurian coast south of Genova. You can base yourself in one of the five towns (Manarola, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Vernazza or Monterosso) or nearby and take advantage of the excellent paths through the national park with their views of the blue mediterranean and the dry-wall vineyards. The direct sea side walk between the towns is the most popular and takes the better part of a day with stops for gelato and cappuccino and a wander through each place.

Dolomites

The northern mountains of Italy are fantastic for hiking during the summer. At this time of year the snow has largely gone and you can enjoy the alpine conditions and clear views. There are many tracks here for walkers and climbers of all abilities and "rifugio's" (shelters) to stay in along the way. Base in Bolzano or Piave for options. The Alpi di Siusi, is a particularly spectacular high alpine meadow with gentle hikes.

Appian Way

Wander in the footsteps of the Romans and traverse some of the road networks that crossed the Empire. There are a number of options to consider in Rome that are still in excellent condition. Head to the Parco Regionale Appia Antica and follow one of their walking itineraries of varying lengths, one of the most interesting from Porta Capena takes you past underground catacombs.

Parco Madonie

The Madonie park in Sicily is a land of high mountains, woods and hillsides which boast half the plant species found on the island. Nestled into these hills are small villages with beautiful monuments of an Arab and Norman legacy. Walking itineraries link the natural beauty with visits to some of these towns. There are particularly good hikes from Piano Zucchi and Piano Battaglia and good rifugi (refuges) to stay in. Visitors should always be equipped for the extremes of weather in the Madonie mountains with warm jackets and waterproofs.

Sentiero degli Dei, Amalfi Coast

This superb day walk, famed around the world, takes in the best features of the stunning Amalfi Coast. It starts from Agerola(Bomerano), although is also accessible from Praiano, and goes through Grotta del Biscott, Colle la Serra and Nocelle to Montepertuso/Positano. In all it is 9.3km and takes about 5 hours. Ensure you bring adequate food and drink with you.