10 recommended hikes for Easter: outdoor itineraries across Italy

10 recommended hikes for Easter

Walking over the Easter break is a great way to reconnect with nature. Below are ten Italian routes, from coastal trails to mountain passes, suitable for various fitness levels. Each entry includes quick practical notes to help you plan.

• Sentiero degli Dei (Campania) – Iconic Amalfi Coast trail with sea views. Difficulty: moderate. Length: ~8 km; time: 3–5 hours. Highlights: coastal panoramas and Mediterranean vegetation. Tip: hike top-down to Positano and wear grippy footwear; exposed sections may be challenging for those with vertigo.

• Cammino delle Pievi (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) – Historical route through Carnia. Difficulty: easy–moderate per single stages; total: 200+ km. Highlights: ancient parish churches and quiet mountain landscapes. Tip: consider guided day stages if you prefer shorter walks.

• Anello di Portonovo (Marche) – Short loop in the Conero Park. Difficulty: easy. Length: 5–7 km; time: 1–2 hours. Highlights: saltwater ponds, birdwatching and the small Romanesque church of Santa Maria di Portonovo. Tip: ideal for families and short coastal outings.

• The Way of St. Francis (Umbria/Tuscany/Lazio) – Pilgrimage route toward Assisi. Difficulty: variable. Length: from a few days up to two weeks. Highlights: rolling hills, Franciscan sites and medieval towns. Tip: plan accommodations in advance and enjoy the cultural stops.

• Cammino dei Briganti (Lazio–Abruzzo) – 100 km loop across the Apennines. Difficulty: moderate. Length: ~100 km; time: 6–8 days. Highlights: forests, mountain villages and historical routes. Tip: carry enough water and offline navigation for remote sections.

• Sentiero del Brigante (Calabria) – Trails in the Aspromonte and southern Apennines. Difficulty: moderate–hard depending on the section. Highlights: rugged landscapes and secluded nature. Tip: check path conditions and travel with a local contact if possible.

• Cammino 100 Torri (Sardinia) – Coastal route linking towers and beaches. Difficulty: variable. Total length: over 1,200 km, usually tackled in sections. Highlights: dunes, lighthouses and seaside villages. Tip: pick short coastal segments for a holiday outing; bring sun protection and water.

• Matera walking routes (Puglia–Basilicata) – Paths among the Murgia and Matera landscapes. Difficulty: easy–moderate. Highlights: rocky landscapes, traditional dwellings and historical towns. Tip: combine nature walks with cultural visits to nearby villages.

• Cammino di San Giacomo / Italian Jakobsweg (Trentino-Alto Adige) – Alpine and valley sections for mountain lovers. Difficulty: moderate. Highlights: well-marked trails, alpine vistas and mountain culture. Tip: check for snow at higher elevations and choose lower alternatives in early spring.

• Alta Via del Sale (Alps to Ligurian Sea) – Historical high route with panoramic descents to the Ligurian coast. Difficulty: moderate–hard. Highlights: high-mountain scenery and historic tracks. Tip: suitable for experienced hikers; plan overnight stops and verify trail accessibility.

Practical tips

• Match difficulty to your level and consider doing single stages rather than entire routes if you’re short on time.

• Gear up: hiking shoes, layered clothing and rain/wind protection are essential in spring.

• Logistics: check local transport options, water points and food availability along the route.

• Respect nature: stay on marked trails, take your rubbish with you and follow park regulations.

• Check conditions: verify trail signs, seasonal closures and weather forecasts before departure.

Whether you plan a day hike or a multi-day walking holiday, these routes offer a variety of landscapes and experiences. Prepare well, travel responsibly and enjoy the Italian outdoors.