Cycling & Walking Holidays in Italy

Without a doubt, the Via Francigena, an ancient pilgrimage route linking England and Rome. In Italy, it starts at the Great St Bernard Pass on the Swiss border and crosses regions such as the Aosta Valley, Piedmont, Lombardy, and Tuscany. It’s similar to the Camino de Santiago in Spain: a historic, waymarked route with services like accommodation, luggage transport, and specialised agencies.

Some of the most popular hiking areas in Italy include Lake Como, with alpine landscapes but routes without steep climbs; Tuscany, rolling through hills dotted with vineyards, cypresses, and postcard-perfect villages; the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) along the spectacular Amalfi coast; Cinque Terre in Liguria, famous for its colourful cliffside houses and crystal-clear waters; and the Dolomites mountains, offering trails for all levels.

The best time depends on the region. Being such a large country, the climate varies greatly, but generally spring and autumn are the best seasons, with pleasant temperatures. In high-altitude areas like the Dolomites, summer is a good option once the snow has melted and you can enjoy cool mornings for walking.

One of the best-known routes is around Lake Garda, a beautiful lake at the foot of the Dolomites with an easy cycling path. The Via Francigena is also popular among cyclists, as it allows for many consecutive stages and you can easily choose the length of each one. At the other end, in the "heel of the boot," lies the rural region of Puglia, influenced by Greek, Roman, Ottoman, and Spanish cultures, where time seems to have stood still. Lastly, Tuscany offers routes for all levels, with hills of varying sizes to climb and descend, always surrounded by historic villages, vineyards, and unique cuisine.

In Italy, wearing a helmet is compulsory for cyclists under 14 years old, both within towns and cities and on roads. For those over 14, it is not mandatory but always recommended for safety—especially when sharing the road with other vehicles or cycling on mountain routes.