Trekking In Italy: 7 Stunning Trails For Mature Explorers
Imagine strolling through rolling vineyards, ancient villages, and breathtaking coastal paths—just you, the open road, and a sense of adventure. If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring Italy at a slower pace, now is the time!
Plenty of walking trails are waiting to welcome you with stunning landscapes, rich history, and the chance to truly connect with yourself and the world around you. Whether you’re new to walking or a seasoned trekker, these handpicked routes will inspire you to lace up your boots and embark on an unforgettable journey.
Why Walking Trails Are Perfect for Mature Explorers
There’s something empowering about walking—feeling the earth beneath your feet, breathing in fresh air, and moving at your own pace. It’s not about speed; it’s about savoring the experience, discovering hidden gems, and enjoying the journey just as much as the destination. Plus, it’s a great way to stay active, meet like-minded travelers, and in this case indulge in the pleasures of Italian culture—without the rush of traditional tourism.
According to the latest annual survey by Terre di Mezzo Editore, at least 148,000 people embarked on walking journeys in 2023, generating over 1.35 million overnight stays. These impressive numbers confirm Italy’s suitability for slow travel and highlight the growing focus of Italian regions on developing walking tourism as a central part of their tourism strategy.
Ready to explore? Here are seven stunning walking trails across Italy that are perfect for mature women looking for adventure and inspiration.
Experiential Walks: The Sinis Peninsula in Sardinia
The Sinis Peninsula, in Oristano province, is a natural paradise with untouched ecosystems: marine and lagoon landscapes, salt flats, sand dunes, and quartz-rich beaches that sparkle in the sun.
Some of Sardinia’s main recognized and promoted walking routes unfold here, supported by the regional program “Noi camminiamo in Sardegna” (We Walk in Sardinia).
These routes traverse coastal and inland areas, passing through small villages, ancient traditions, artisan crafts, and protected marine areas.
Legendary Walks: In the Footsteps of Charlemagne
Some walking routes are rooted in ancient legends, such as the Cammino di Carlo Magno, promoted by the Cammini Amici della Via Valeriana. According to legend, Charlemagne forced local lords to convert to Christianity during his conquests, building numerous churches—sometimes over the ruins of destroyed castles—to celebrate his victories.
Conceived by Antonio Votino and Andrea Grava, this route traces the emperor’s journey from Bergamo, through the Serio River municipalities, the Argon Valleys, Val Cavallina, Val Borlezza, Val Camonica, Val di Sole, and Val Rendena, finally reaching Carisolo in Trentino.
Over the years, the trail has expanded to 225 km, divided into 12 stages. It is a one-way route of moderate difficulty, mostly following the mid-altitude slopes of mountain ridges, with some challenging climbs. Elevation varies from 380 meters above sea level in Bergamo’s Upper City to approximately 1,800 meters at Passo Tonale.
Historical Walks: The Via Francigena in Tuscany
Walking through history, retracing ancient roads and strategic crossroads, allows travelers to relive past eras. Italy boasts many historic routes, with the Via Francigena being one of the most fascinating. Stretching 394 km through Tuscany, this 16-stage route has been traveled for centuries by pilgrims, merchants, saints, and adventurers, continuing to inspire those who walk it today.
The Tuscan Via Francigena begins in the Lunigiana forests, between the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines and the Apuan Alps, crosses Versilia, descends through the Lucca Plain, and reaches the Siena lands before continuing toward the Val d’Orcia.
Another historical route in Tuscany is the Via Lauretana Toscana, an ancient Etruscan-Roman road that became a medieval pilgrimage route to Loreto. This 114 km, five-stage journey spans from the Crete Senesi to the Valdichiana, passing through Siena’s medieval center (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and ending in Cortona.
Spiritual Walks: The Alta Via delle Grazie
Italy’s long religious tradition makes it an ideal destination for spiritual walks and pilgrimages, particularly in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee. Among the various pilgrimage routes, the Alta Via delle Grazie stands out.
Covering 271 km in the heart of Lombardy’s Orobie Alps, this walk was conceived by Gabriella Castelli and Giovanni Battista Merelli after their experience on the Camino de Santiago. Like its Spanish counterpart, the Alta Via delle Grazie emphasizes voluntary hospitality, with convents, monasteries, parish centers, and family homes opening their doors to pilgrims.
Over its 13 stages, walkers encounter 18 Marian sanctuaries. Alongside its spiritual significance, the route is enriched by cultural and natural experiences.
Cultural Walks: The Monastery of Borutta
Cultural walking itineraries, among the most numerous in Italy, blend history, art, spirituality, and nature.
Borutta, a village in Sardinia’s Sassari province, is a prime example. Its territory holds the remains of over 30 nuraghi (ancient stone structures) and ten giants’ tombs. A significant Roman and Byzantine center, it played a key role in the Middle Ages due to its strategic location.
The highlight of Borutta is the Benedictine Monastery of San Pietro di Sorres, one of Sardinia’s finest Romanesque architectural sites. Built in the 11th century, it served as a bishop’s seat for 500 years before becoming a national monument in 1894. The monastery houses a Benedictine library with around 70,000 books, including rare volumes.
Borutta is also a crossroads for breathtaking itineraries, such as the Cammino di Santu Jacu and the Basilicas of Nostra Signora del Regno in Ardara, San Pietro di Sorres in Borutta, and the Holy Trinity of Saccargia in Codrongianos. These Romanesque marvels encapsulate the island’s soul, culture, and identity, offering a journey of faith and community devotion.
Waterway Walks: On Foot and by Bike Along the Adda River
Walking along a river, listening to the sound of water, reaching a lake, dipping your feet into the cool water, or admiring a roaring waterfall—waterway routes offer endless landscapes and nature-filled experiences.
Among the 12th edition of FAI’s “I Luoghi del Cuore” (Places of the Heart) Census, the Sentiero lungo l’Adda (Adda River Path) stands out. Starting from Villa d’Adda, it leads to Crespi d’Adda in Bergamo province. Both the trail and bike path follow the river’s course, showcasing stunning natural beauty and historical landmarks, including Leonardo da Vinci’s ferry at Imbersago, the Crespi d’Adda worker’s village, and the Edison Carlo Esterle hydroelectric plant.
Community Walks: Cammino delle Terre Sospese
Slow tourism and walking as a way to connect with the land are also central to the Cittàslow network, which promotes sustainable tourism.
One featured route is the Cammino delle Terre Sospese, a 90 km trail crossing the Val di Cembra in Trentino-Alto Adige. Linking villages, hamlets, and mountain farms “suspended in time,” this walk reveals ever-changing landscapes and lesser-known paths that provide a genuine connection to local culture.
Beyond being a scenic journey, this path represents a community project that fosters sustainable development through gentle mobility and slow tourism.
Ready to Take the First Step?
No matter your experience level, there’s a walking trip in Italy that’s perfect for you. Whether you want a peaceful stroll through history, a legendary adventure, or a soul-nourishing pilgrimage, these trekking for mature explorers provide the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. So grab your walking shoes, embrace the slow travel movement, and discover the beauty of Italy—one step at a time!
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