In its newest attempt to boost sustainable tourism, Italy has just unveiled a 7-day hiking route for those wanting to discover some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes. The Cammino Retico, or Rhaetian Way, as the hiking route is called, will take eager adventurers through 10 different municipalities in the Dolomite Mountains, generally more popular during skiing season.
Named after the ancient Raeti people living in the region before the Romans arrived, the Cammino Retico is a 170-kilometre long loop, starting and ending in Aune di Sovramonte, near the city of Belluno. The hiking route was developed by social association Carpe Diem and hovers between altitude levels of 400 and 1,450 metres.
Along the way, hikers will be able to discover a lot of what the Veneto and Trentino regions have to offer. The burial site of the man of Val Rosna, the Neanderthal site of Mount Avena, the 12th-century Sanctuary of San Vittore and Corona and the walled city of Feltre are just some of the cultural gems located on the route. Moreover, other than the generally breathtaking landscape which can be enjoyed all along the way, the Seren Valley, the slopes of Monte Grappa and the natural area of Vinchetto stand out from an environmental point of view.
Those wanting to walk the Cammino Retico will also be able to enjoy Italy’s hospitality while doing so. More than 50 accommodation options are already available along the way, one of which even welcomes guests amongst a mountain community in the walled town of Feltre.
It is a chance for tourists to discover the culture and traditions of these uncontaminated, rural areas. And walking is the best way to do this.
Francesco De Bortoli, from the Carpe Diem association
In order to give people an extra reason to complete the route, the association wants to introduce a passport and a diploma for those who complete the whole 170 kilometres. Starting from 2025, a twin cycling route is also set to open for tourists.
