Trekking Guide: 4 Trails in Southern Italy

Without a doubt, given the extraordinary natural diversity of its landscape, Italy is an ideal country for beautiful and challenging trekking routes. Even more so, Southern Italy — with its geography in constant dialogue between sea and mountain — offers adventurous itineraries filled with breathtaking views.

For this reason, InItaly has selected 4 trekking trails in Southern Italy, recommended for both enthusiasts and curious explorers.

Trekking in the Zingaro Nature Reserve

Our itineraries begin in the deep South. We are in the province of Trapani, on the western side of the Gulf of Castellammare, where a true corner of paradise awaits: the Zingaro Nature Reserve. In full harmony with its coastal inlets, it is the only stretch of Sicilian coastline without an urban connection. This is why it is so beloved by trekking experts and tourists alike.

Walking along the 7 kilometres of the coastal route, you can explore both the natural sites and several small museums located along the coastline.

Inside the Naturalistic Museum, you’ll find a collection of the fauna inhabiting the reserve. From the Visitor Centre, a steep uphill trail winds its way to the mid-coast path (390 m), which runs parallel to the coastal route from south to north across the reserve. Following it northwards, you reach Punta Capreria Grande, a panoramic spur from which you can see the outline of the watchtower of San Vito Lo Capo.

Continuing along the path, flanked by cliffs plunging into the sea, you reach the Museum of Manna.

The trail continues through pioneer vegetation and thick dwarf palm groves, interspersed with detours leading to hidden coves — perfect for a refreshing swim. After passing the rural hamlet of Contrada Zingaro, you arrive at the heart of the reserve.

Here, two trails branch off toward stunning pebble coves: Cala della Disa and Cala Berretta. At that point, all that remains is to relax and let the waves cradle you.

For more information, visit the official website.

Trekking on the Monte Gariglione Trail

Our journey through the best trekking routes of the South continues in Calabria, in the province of Catanzaro, along the Monte Gariglione Loop Trail.

The path follows the track of an old railway once used to transport timber from the ancient Gariglione forest. It forms a large loop through beech, larch pine, and silver fir forests encircling the summit of Monte Gariglione.

Starting from Villaggio Tirivolo, just before the Gariglione Forest Station, you take the dirt road descending gently leftward toward the Val di Tacina, heading northwest through the woods along the mountain’s northern slope. A few clearings offer beautiful views of the opposite ridge of Monte Scorciavuoi.

Along the way, you’ll pass a small fountain and a spring on your right, then gradually turn east, crossing small valleys cut by streams.

The path bends southward around the mountain, passing through meadows and old foresters’ huts in Macchia dell’Orso, before returning to the starting point near the forest station.

The final stretch is on asphalt and leads back to the Caserma Forestale del Gariglione and the trailhead.

For more information, visit the official website.

Trekking on Monte Raga

We remain in Calabria, still within the Valli Cupe district (Catanzaro). This time, our trekking route takes us across Monte Raga and the nearby towns of Sersale and Cropani, forming a scenic loop.

The route, also ideal for cycling, is demanding in its first half due to the steep climb but easier in the second half, which is entirely downhill.

From kilometre 8 of the road between Sellia Marina and Trebisina, you ascend via a series of switchbacks along a dirt road climbing the southern slopes of Monte Raga, gaining elevation and following a panoramic ridge.

Reaching near the summit (a short detour to enjoy the 360° view is a must), the route continues northward through dense Mediterranean scrub — mainly holm oaks and cork trees.

Soon you’ll find the path leading down to the Valli Cupe, a spectacular canyon carved into sandstone, famous for its beauty and a popular destination for visitors (reachable via a 45-minute detour on foot).

Continuing north, you reach Sersale (750 m), perched on the slopes of the Sila plateau. From there, follow the provincial road to Cropani, entirely paved and offering wide views. After visiting Cropani’s historic centre, continue downhill toward Trebisina and Sellia Marina to return to the starting point.

The total route is 7.5 km, with an average duration of about 2 hours.

Monte Raga is also listed among the FAI (Italian Environmental Fund) sites.

Trekking to the Salto di Tiberio

We conclude our discovery of the most stunning trekking trails in Southern Italy with the famous Salto di Tiberio, the final destination of a walk that crosses the town of Capri.

From the Piazzetta, proceed gradually eastward through Capri’s residential area. Passing the Town Hall and walking slightly uphill through quiet alleys where the house walls nearly touch, you leave the lively town centre behind and enter a landscape of dry-stone walls and flower-covered pergolas.

At the junction of “La Croce” and Via Matermania, take the ramp of Via Tiberio on the left. Passing the neighbourhoods of Mongiardino and Moneta, the road leads to the island’s northeastern tip, Lo Capo, just below the cliff where Emperor Tiberius’s Villa once stood.

Here, a panoramic terrace offers breathtaking views over deep ravines and cliffs — the Salto di Tiberio — plunging into a sea that shifts through countless shades of blue.

Enchanted by this magnificent panorama, InItaly wishes you a wonderful journey through the most beautiful trekking trails of Southern Italy!