Walking holidays are a unique way for families to explore the natural beauty of Italy. Connect with your loved ones as you traverse the mountainous regions of the Amalfi coast, hike up to the summit of Mount Etna or meander through picturesque Cinque Terre villages.
With so many beautiful landscapes and unique geological formations, Italy is a prime location for family-walking holidays. To help you choose the right destinations, we’ve created this list of the five best spots to consider.
Whether you’re seeking a thrilling volcanic adventure with teenagers or a peaceful coastline tour with young children, this guide will highlight Italy’s best walking destinations for the whole family.
The Best Destinations for Family Walking Holidays in Italy
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast stretches along southern Italy overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. With many scenic coastal trails dotted with charming villages and archaeological sites, the Amalfi Coast is a spectacular walking holiday destination filled with adventure and culture.
Explore Sentiero degli Dei, or ‘Path of The Gods’ for the most breathtaking cliff-top views and sparkling Mediterranean beaches. This popular mountainous trail along the Amalfi Coast reaches heights of 600 meters. Sweeping through jagged hilltops, beautiful olive groves and panoramic viewpoints, the hiking path is medium to high intensity and can take up to 5 hours. For families with older children, this hike will be a family achievement to remember.
Discover the coast’s picturesque villages to add another layer of exploration to your walking holiday. Admire the colourful houses that perch on the Positano hillside or meander through the mediaeval streets of Ravello, an enchanting mountaintop city whose beauty has inspired famous artists for centuries.
Visit historic sites for a cultural break from walking, such as the Roman Villa in Minori, the oldest known settlement on the Amalfi Coast. Explore the magnificent Cathedral of Amalfi complete with intricate Gothic architecture contrasting against the backdrop of rugged green mountains.
Sicily
Sicily, the fabled island off the coast of mainland Italy, is home to diverse landscapes and vibrant beach towns. With its stunning walking routes and attractions, Sicily is a hiker’s paradise.
Scale the volcanic landscapes of Mount Etna for a thrilling walking holiday adventure. The tallest volcano in Italy, Etna reaches a dizzying height of over 3000 meters. This UNESCO World Heritage Site hosts many geological wonders, including black lava fields, ash hills and extinct craters. You can find adventures for the whole family at Etna with various trails for various ages and abilities.
Explore the spectacular stretches of wilderness in the Zingaro Nature Reserve. The hiking trails wind along the jagged Sicilian coastline, allowing you to admire the beautiful rock formations and the expanses of blue sea. Explore pathways leading to hidden coves or venture to the summits to see panoramic views.
There are many modern family villas in Sicily where you can rest after challenging journeys through the Sicilian mountains. With child-friendly amenities and gorgeous sea views, the whole family can unwind in the island’s most scenic areas. Cefalù is an especially beautiful coastal town for family stays, featuring a picture-perfect old town overlooked by a stunning Cathedral, and a promenade that runs alongside the long stretches of beaches.
Lake Como
Lake Como is in Lombardy, in Northern Italy, and features scenic lakeside trails, family-friendly villages and many colourful gardens.
Enjoy a gentle lakeside walk with panoramic views of the Alps, immersing yourself in the natural beauty surrounding the lake. Spina Verde Park is a protected forest southwest of Como and offers beautiful mountainous views and traditional huts where you can rest and sample local food.
Venture to the quaint towns surrounding the central lake for a mix of strolls, gardens and lakeside cafes. Bellagio, Verenna and Menaggio are especially beautiful, and home to peaceful lakeside vistas and a family-friendly atmosphere.
The botanical gardens of Lake Como are wonderful places to pass the time. Visit the gardens of Villa Carlotta to spark your senses with vibrant blooming flowers, tropical plants and enchanting park pathways. With ideal spots for picnicking, the whole family can enjoy a peaceful day surrounded by nature.
Rome
The capital city of Rome is a perfect destination for breathtaking walking holidays in Italy with family. Brimming with iconic historical landmarks, parks, green spaces and unique hidden gems, Rome offers both adventure and culture.
Step back in time and stroll through ancient Roman history, visiting the magnificent Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon and Palatine Hill. Explore the ruins where children can learn about the fascinating ancient civilisations that once thrived here.
Walk through the Villa Borghese park in the heart of the Eternal City, admiring the gleaming central lake dotted with beautiful statues and monuments. With many spots to rest, families can enjoy picnics surrounded by nature.
Explore the cobbled streets, peaceful squares and quaint cafes in the Trastevere district for slow-paced city walks. Located on the west bank of the River Tiber, this neighbourhood is a colourful hidden gem that you don’t want to miss on your Rome walking holiday.
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is a string of five ancient fishing villages dotted along the Italian Riviera and is home to some of the most stunning cliffside trails in the country. Offering the ultimate blend of seaside vistas and gorgeous nature walks, Cinque Terre is a must on your family holiday.
Hike the famous Sentiero Azzurro or ‘Blue Trail’ that connects the five villages. Approximately 12 kilometres long, the trail takes you on a journey through picturesque villages and offers amazing lookout points of the Mediterranean Sea. The jagged terrain and narrow pathways are something to be mindful of if you are travelling with young children.
The five hillside villages that make up Cinque Terre – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore – are as unique as they are beautiful. The colourful houses, crystal waters and peaceful ambience make for an ideal location to rest with family after a day of hiking.
As this is one of Italy’s most popular trails, it’s better to travel out of the main tourist season, and choose to visit in early Spring or Autumn, to avoid crowds and better enjoy the experience.
In Brief
Italian walking holidays are a perfect opportunity to connect with family and make unforgettable memories. The hiking trails are varied and beautiful, offering a range of coastal views, picturesque towns and historical hotspots.
Whether you’re seeking an adventure-packed hike through volcanic landscapes or peaceful meandering along the banks of Lake Como, you can find it all in this diverse and beautiful country.
So, lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore these fantastic Italian destinations for the ultimate family walking holiday!
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