In part two of this series, we’ll go straight up to the Alps – where medieval castles, a colossal mountain range and pristine lakes rule the land.
Take a closer look as we take you to Piedmont, the Italian Lakes, the Dolomites and the region’s best kept secret, Friuli Venezia Giulia.
Are you ready?
(Did you miss part one? You can find it HERE).
Piedmont
Piedmont sits on the foot of the Alps (as its name suggests), south of Switzerland and France. It is a region known for ski resorts, medieval castles and beautiful valleys.
Wine Country
Its now-famous wine area was a quiet, agricultural region until the 1970’s when tourists discovered its hidden gastronomic treasures. Today, gourmands from around the world flock to Piedmont to savor its bountiful harvest. Amongst the favorite are the white truffles of Alba, Canelli’s Asti Spumante, and the Italian red wine of Barolo.
Adventure
Piedmont doesn’t disappoint when it comes to adventure holidays. Ride from the mountains to the Po River Valley, and walk the Francigena Way. On the Francigena Way, you will get to see the imposing Castle of Ivrea and a magnificent view of the Alps. Hike around the region of Langa where farmlands, fields and vineyards rule the territory (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
The Dolomites
Italy’s Dolomite mountains are in the northeast corner of the country, north of Venice, and stretch west beyond the town of Bolzano. Hiking in the Dolomites is perfect for family holidays. The trails are extremely well-marked, with various levels of difficulty.
Alta Badia
The surrounding region of Alta Badia offers various summer activities for your family. Trekking and mountain biking are popular during summer with a wide range of routes to choose from.
Kids can sample a 30-minute trek towards Sompunt Lake where a lovely picnic by the lakeside is waiting for them. Then there’s Paraciora-Sompunt Deer Park – home to hundreds of free-roaming deer. Kids can enjoy watching these graceful animals dart, run and leap around their seven-hectare habitat.
Via Ferrata
Experienced hikers will have the greatest thrills once they hiked a Via Ferrata, or Iron Way, trail. This route is reinforced with bridges, ropes and ladders to aid travelers in moving safely through the Dolomites. Though the trails are usually for more experienced hikers, you can always hire a local guide to take you and your kids on an easier Via Ferrata trail.
Rifugi
It’s also a perfect destination for hut-to-hut hiking, where you set off with just a small backpack for a few days and sleep in mountain huts or rifugi, scattered throughout the mountains at 3-hour hiking intervals.
After a day of hiking, you can visit the Ladino culture in the Dolomites to sample a different facet of Italy.
Skiing
The Dolomites offers the biggest ski network in the world. And though this mountain range is part of the Alps, the Dolomites features towering, rugged limestone formations completely different from the rest.
Enrosadira
Reddish-purple feldspar crystals embed these limestone formations producing shades of flaming red and gentle pink during sunset – a scenery also known as Enrosadira. Small alpine towns line the valleys and ski lifts run in the summertime, taking hikers up the mountain to trails.
The Italian Lakes
For travelers planning an Italy hiking trip in the Spring, Summer or Fall, the Italian Lakes are a great destination. In the hotter months, the breeze will keep hikers cool and you can swim or boat on the lakes.
Lake Como
What is more beautiful than hiking with a lake and mountain backdrop? Hiking Lake Como offers a variety of trails for families and experienced hikers. Treat yourself and explore the gorgeous towns of Bellagio, Varenna or Tremezzo. Or, have a cup of freshly-brewed tea at the iconic Villa D’Este – a five-star hotel built in 16th century.
Read also: The Lake Como Greenway
Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore is more off the beaten path. Hiking routes are nestled in Val Grande National Park, Alpe Veglia Regional Park and in Oasi Faunistica of Macugnaga. The nearby Mottarone Mountain is a fantastic option as well.
Lake Garda
Hiking Lake Garda gives you a chance to see the iconic Dolomites as this lake is closer to Venice than Milan. Lake Garda is a big lake with diverse terrain, scenery and views ranging from rustic villages, historic buildings and natural wonders. The hiking trails are perfect for lake-and-mountain lovers in addition to small towns, local wines, and a boating culture. Stay in small lakeside towns and walk or take cable cars up for gorgeous views.
Trails in the Lakes districts may not be as well-marked as those in the Dolomites and not as busy as those in the Cinque Terre, so either hire a local hiking guide or get a good map and compass or gps. Bring food and water because you cannot depend on arriving at a hillside restaurants every few hours, though if you plan for it you can include a hot lunch on your route.
Friuli Venezia Giulia
This small Italian region borders Austria and Slovenia. Though situated within the shadows of the Veneto, the Fruilian Dolomites possess its own beauty with unspoiled, mysterious trekking routes.
You can choose between different trails based on your skills. There’s the I Sentieri delle Acque (The Water Paths) where woodsmen transported wood over water. Then there’s I Sentieri Storici (The Historic Paths) where Italians fought Austrian troops. Here you’ll find restored trenches and forts. Trek along The Smuggler’s Trails with its hidden nooks and crannies.
Aquileia
Visit the ancient Roman ruins at Aquileia which served an important role to the Roman Empire and the expansion of Christianity in central Europe.
Wine Events
The foothills is home to the best wineries in Italy: Radikon, Zidarich and Schiopettino. Complete your tour by participating in the annual Cantine Aperte. Wine lovers and tourists gather for this annual event to sample the best tasting wines, visit famous wineries and learn the intricate methods behind wine making.
Cycling
Exploring Friuli Venezia Giulia on a bike takes you to a point near Tarvisio, where the borders of Italy, Austria and Slovenia meet. The ride gives you a chance for a cross-country tour where you can explore regions as far as Croatia. Often overlooked, Friuli Venezia Giulia has excellent cycleways, bike trails and quiet roads.
There you have it, a complete list of our favorite destinations for active travel in Italy! We were able to cover almost all activities you could imagine. And if you need any information about your own trip in Italy, feel free to contact us. We’re more than happy to take you around.
