After lockdowns and quarantines, there’s nothing better than reconnecting with nature and relieve the stress through a long walk in the open air. In Italy, you can experiment many outdoor adventures lasting several days. Here we have listed our top 4 for you.
1. Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara
- Length: 400 km
- Where: Sardinia
This fabulous 400km-long route will take you through mountains, sea and mines in one of the most beautiful Italian regions.
The Santa Barbara’s route encompasses the entire area of Sulcis Iglesiente. This geographical area is situated in the southwest of Sardinia. The area, which was already inhabited more than 5,000 years ago, has a long tradition linked to mining. Phoenicians and Carthaginians were the first to discover its rich mineral deposits, and the first to extract minerals. The deposits of Sulcis Iglesiente have been inserted on the UNESCO World Heritage Centre’s Tentative List as they are a significant testimony of industrial archeology.
The Santa Barbara’s route is named after the Saint Patron of the miners. This is why throughout the walk you’ll find a plethora of churches dedicated to Santa Barbara. The route has 24 stops in total. One of the most beautiful ones is the Masua beach, where you’ll find old mineral silos and tunnels carved into the cliffs. Also the Pan di Zucchero deserves a visit: a 133 meter-high impressive natural monument emerging from the blue sea.
2. Alta Via 1
- Length: 80 km
- Where: Trentino and Veneto
There is no better place than the Dolomite mountains for a long-distance and high-altitude trail. The Italian Dolomites with their unique breathtaking views and fine sceneries are just a paradise for hikers.
Alta Via 1 is one of the most famous long-distance trails in the Dolomites, as well as one of the most challenging paths. The linear trail goes north to south through the Italian Alps. It spreads across 80 km and reaches a highpoint of 2,752 meters. Alta Via 1 features an impressive scenery, with a variety of landscapes such as vertical walks, peaks, deep valleys, rustic and lively mountains refuges. Throughout the path, you’ll find many mountain huts where you can stop to rest and fill yourself up with a mixture of Italian and Austrian dishes.
3. Sentiero della Pace
- Length: 604 km
- Where: Trentino and Veneto
The Sentiero della Pace (literally “The Path of Peace”) is a 604km-long path that crosses northern Italy and encompasses valleys, forest roads, trenches, and walkways reaching the Stelvio Peak of the Marmolada chain. On average, the itinerary can be covered in 28/30 days, but you can tailor your trip according to your ability.
The path has a strong cultural and historical meaning as it retraces the First World War Front Line. It connects several sites of historical significance from World War I, such as fortifications and battlefields.
4. Magna Via Francigena
- Length: 180 km
- Where: Sicily
The history of the Magna Via Francigena dates back thousands of years. It has been trodden by the Greeks, the Romans, the Arabs, the Normans and millions of other travelers crossing the island of Sicily. In the past, this historical route connected two major harbors: Agrigento and Palermo. The entire route spreads across 180 km of vast open landscapes, with colorful and vibrant Sicilian sceneries. Between Agrigento and Palermo there are 9 stops in total, each of them between 20 km and 26 km. The most important stops include Monreale, Agrigento, and Sutera, which has been named as one of the most beautiful Italian villages.
