From the jagged peaks of the Dolomites to the sun-drenched shores of Sicily, Italy is made for exploring on foot. Its landscapes are wonderfully varied, with alpine trails, vineyard-covered hills, dramatic coastlines, ancient pilgrimage routes and volcanic islands all waiting to be explored.

That variety means there is no single best walking holiday in Italy. The right trip depends on what you want from your adventure: spectacular mountain scenery, leisurely coastal walks, food and wine, fascinating history or the freedom of a self-guided journey.

Our Italy walking holidays span the country from north to south, with options ranging from leisurely walking holidays in Italy to challenging Alpine adventures. Here are our expert picks of where to walk in Italy and the trips that bring each region to life.

Northern Italy is where the landscape really starts to soar. The Italian Alps and Dolomites offer some of Europe's most spectacular mountain scenery, with dramatic limestone peaks, green alpine meadows, mountain lakes and traditional rifugi.

For walkers looking for classic northern Italy hiking, the Dolomites are an obvious place to start.

The Dolomites – for dramatic mountain scenery

Our Walking in the Dolomites holiday is a fantastic introduction to this extraordinary mountain range. Based for the week in Cortina d'Ampezzo, you can explore some of the region's most iconic landscapes without having to change accommodation every night.

Walk beneath the imposing Tofana rock formations, discover the famous Cinque Torri and admire the spectacular Tre Cime. There are also opportunities to experience the welcoming atmosphere of traditional mountain huts, where hearty local food makes an excellent reward after a day on the trails. The holiday is self-guided, giving you the freedom to enjoy the mountains at your own pace.

Best for: dramatic scenery, mountain lovers and walkers who want the freedom of a self-guided trip.

South Tyrol – for walking, wine and alpine culture

For something a little different, head to South Tyrol, where Italian and Austrian influences meet among vineyards, orchards and alpine pastures.

Walking in South Tyrol – Wine & Alpine Pastures combines walking with the region's excellent food and wine. Explore around Merano, Bolzano and Nalles, discovering a landscape where mountain slopes are covered with vineyards and orchards.

It's a great choice if you like your walking holidays in Italy to include plenty of time for enjoying local culture and cuisine as well as walking.

Best for: food and wine lovers, cultural exploration and moderate walking.

Central Italy is perhaps the country's most romantic walking destination. Tuscany's rolling countryside, medieval towns, vineyards and olive groves provide a very different experience from the high Alps, while historic trails such as the Via Francigena add another dimension.

Tuscany – for classic Italian countryside

For many people, Tuscany is the quintessential Italian walking destination. Our Tuscany Walking & Wine holiday takes in some of the region's most famous sights, including Florence, Chianti, San Gimignano and Siena.

The walking follows paths through vineyards and olive groves, with the Tuscan countryside providing a beautiful backdrop between historic towns and villages. Being self-guided means you can explore at your own pace, stopping for a long Italian lunch or an espresso whenever the mood takes you.

For a more mountainous take on the region, Walking Wild Tuscany heads into the Garfagnana, where the Apuane Alps and Apennines provide a surprisingly rugged setting. Ancient forest trails lead towards limestone ridges and mountain summits, while a beautifully restored organic farm provides your base for the week.

Best for: countryside walking, food and wine, history and a classic Italian atmosphere.

Via Francigena – for history and pilgrimage

If you'd rather follow a historic trail, the Via Francigena – Montefiascone to Rome is one of our favourite walking trips in Italy.

This self-guided holiday follows the final 100km of the famous pilgrimage route towards Rome. Along the way, you'll experience the landscapes and historic towns of central Italy before arriving in the Eternal City.

It's an excellent option for anyone who wants their Italy hiking holiday to combine time outdoors with a strong sense of history and place.

Best for: history lovers, long-distance walkers and anyone looking for a walking holiday with a difference.

The colourful villages and rugged coastline of Cinque Terre have made this one of Italy's most famous walking destinations – and for good reason.

Our Walking in Cinque Terre holiday explores the five iconic villages of the Italian Riviera, combining coastal trails with spectacular views over the Ligurian Sea.

It's a particularly good option if you're searching for walking holidays in Cinque Terre, Italy but don't want a demanding mountain trek. The self-guided format gives you the flexibility to explore the villages, enjoy the local food and take your time over the coastal scenery.

Best for: coastal walking, couples, first-time walkers and anyone who loves colourful villages and Mediterranean views.

For beautiful lakeside scenery combined with Italian culture, it's hard to beat Lake Como.

On Walking Lake Como, you'll explore the shores of the lake on foot, passing historic villages, olive groves and elegant gardens. A boat trip to Bellagio adds another perspective to the landscape, while the walking allows you to get away from the lakeside crowds and discover quieter corners.

At just five days, it's also a great choice for a shorter Italy walking holiday.

Best for: shorter breaks, couples, leisurely walking and lakeside scenery.

Southern Italy offers some of the country's most dramatic walking landscapes, from cliff-top paths overlooking the Mediterranean to the whitewashed villages and rugged coastline of Puglia.

Amalfi Coast – for spectacular coastal walking

If you're looking for an Amalfi Coast walking holiday, our Trails of the Amalfi Coast is a standout choice.

The holiday combines some of the region's best trails with visits to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius. Walk the famous Walk of the Gods, follow the quieter Monte Lattari coastal trail and enjoy spectacular views across the Sorrento Peninsula.

It's a wonderfully varied way to experience the Amalfi Coast, combining hiking in southern Italy with history, food and coastal scenery.

Best for: coastal views, history, leisurely walking and first-time walking holidays in Italy.

Puglia – for quieter coastal trails

Further south, Walking Puglia's Eastern Coast offers a more relaxed take on southern Italian walking.

Explore the Adriatic coastline, follow the dramatic Cipolliane Path and discover historic towns such as Lecce. There is also plenty of time to enjoy the region's beaches and coastal swimming spots.

It's a particularly good option for those looking for self-guided walking holidays in Italy, as you can enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

Best for: relaxed coastal walking, history, beaches and independent travellers.

Sardinia is a brilliant choice if you want to combine walking with wild Mediterranean scenery. On Walking Sardinia's Wild East, explore the Orosei Nature Park, where rugged hills meet hidden coves and beautiful beaches.

The landscape feels a world away from Italy's famous cities, with peaceful trails leading through some of the island's most spectacular scenery.

Best for: nature lovers, coastal walking, beaches and moderate hiking trips in Italy.

Sicily offers one of the most unusual settings for an Italian walking holiday. Here, volcanic landscapes meet the Mediterranean, with ancient settlements, island trails and dramatic coastlines all part of the adventure.

Our Walking Sicily & the Aeolian Islands is a leisurely self-guided journey exploring Etna, Stromboli and Vulcano.

For a guided experience, Walking the Islands and Volcanoes of Sicily combines walking with island hopping, giving you the chance to experience the contrasting landscapes of Sicily and the Aeolian Islands.

Best for: volcanoes, island hopping, Mediterranean scenery and something a little different.

With so many different landscapes to choose from, the best walking holiday in Italy really depends on what you want from your trip.

• For spectacular mountains: choose the Dolomites.
• For food and wine: head to Piedmont, Tuscany or South Tyrol.
• For classic Italian countryside: choose Tuscany.
• For dramatic coastal scenery: try the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre.
• For a shorter break: Lake Como is an excellent option.
• For history and culture: follow the Via Francigena.
• For Mediterranean landscapes: explore Sicily or Sardinia.
• For a quieter coastal adventure: discover Puglia.
• For families: head south to Basilicata.

Whether you're looking for guided walking holidays in Italy, the freedom of a self-guided adventure, a leisurely coastal escape or a more challenging Italy hiking holiday, there's a route to suit almost every kind of walker.

Explore all our Italy walking holidays and find your perfect Italian adventure.