There's something very special about Italy. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, you'll soon fall under its spell. When you choose walking holidays in Italy with Headwater, you'll get under the skin of this beautiful country. You can stroll the great art cities of Tuscany and Umbria, admire the rolling hills and ancient forests of Venetia, with their stunning array of beautiful wildflowers, or enjoy the dramatic coastlines of Sicily or Sardinia. We have an array of walking journeys for all abilities to enjoy, including guided and self-guided options, helping you tailor your adventure to your preferences.
Browse our walking holidays in Italy below to find gentle coastal trails and scenic walks past the world-famous Barolo, Barbaresco, and Moscato vineyards in Piedmont. Alternatively, you can take on more challenging walking tours in northern Italy with the dramatic backdrop of the towering Dolomites.
Here are several of our top Italy walking holiday destinations.
Renowned for its dramatic coastline, sparkling waters and picture-perfect towns, the Amalfi Coast is a must-visit for those wanting to experience the best of Italy. Head to the charming towns of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello to wander the narrow streets. Immerse yourself in the historic remains of Pompeii and see the iconic Mount Vesuvius. You'll also have the opportunity to walk one of the most famous trails in the world: the Path of the Gods, which offers unrivalled views over the Bay of Naples.
Situated off the west coast of Italy, Sardinia is a large island known for its beautiful beaches, magnificent coastline and spectacular mountains. There are plenty of fantastic hikes to enjoy here, taking you through picturesque gorges with incredible sea views. As you explore Sardinia on foot, you can discover archaeological sites, relax on the beach or go wine tasting at a local vineyard.
Lake Como is a serene destination with endless gems to discover as you skirt your way around the water and beyond. You'll uncover quaint villages and 12th-century abbeys, topped off with unrivalled viewpoints.
From volcanic landscapes to dramatic coastlines, Sicily is a haven for anyone wanting to soak up the geographical landforms that make this part of the world so unique. Expect varied routes that take in the imposing Mount Etna and the Aeolian islands.
If you want a walking holiday to Italy that promises a challenge, look no further than the Italian Dolomites. This route allows you to get up close to nature as you tackle striking Alpine terrain. Best suited to experienced walkers, it promises a truly unique experience.
Rolling landscapes, rustic cuisine, and welcoming locals bring the very best of Italy into a walking holiday you won't forget in a hurry. This trip is as much about the food and wine as it is about the walking, all of which you can enjoy against a backdrop of vineyards, olive groves, and freshwater ponds.
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7 nights,
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Level: 2+
Moderate plus
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8 nights,
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Level: 2
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twin centre
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Leisurely plus
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6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
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Self-guided walking
7 nights,
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Moderate
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8 nights,
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single centre
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Guided group walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 2
Moderate
Printed route
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Guided group walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Printed route
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Guided group walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 3
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Guided group walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 3
Stretching
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Where appropriate, we grade our holidays based on distance, terrain, elevation gain, remoteness, etc and categorise them into 4 relative groups. This is ultimately subjective and may vary slightly day to day; for more advice, please see the specific trip page or call one of our friendly team.
If being out and about in nature or soaking up local culture sounds like the perfect getaway , then a walking holiday tour is the ideal escape for you. You'll be active for most of the day, so if this suits you, you'll have a brilliant time. The option to choose between a guided or self-guided walking holiday in Italy, as well as a walking grade that matches your ability and preferences, means you can tailor your trip into one that works for you.
We choose accommodation that oozes charm and offers something a little different, from farm hotels in Tuscany to spa hotels in the Dolomites. We look for friendly hosts who take a keen interest in their guests, ensuring they get the most out of their stay.
It's important that you pack the right clothing when embarking on a walking holiday in Italy. Having an awareness of what your chosen routes entail will help you get a clear idea of what to pack, and checking the weather is key. We'd recommend that you bring sturdy walking boots that support your ankles and thick socks are a must.Depending on the season, you might need clothing suitable for hot weather, like shorts and breathable layers. Many opt for a cap that covers their neck, as well as sunglasses. You might need a waterproof jacket with a hood, plus waterproof or lightweight trousers that will dry easily.
SPF and sun protection is a given for your walking holiday to Italy, along with protective gear like hats and sunglasses, especially if the weather is due to be hot. Even overcast days can expose you to UV rays so it's important to protect your skin as you'll naturally be spending most of your time outside. Snacks and a water bottle or water pack will mean that you can fuel your body throughout the trip and feel on top form throughout.If you are doing a self-guided walking holiday across some of Italy's trickier terrain especially, you may want to pack a first aid kit.
We give each walking holiday a level so that you can make an informed decision about which option best suits your experience.
Not sure which level to choose? You can get in touch with our expert team and they will be able to advise you further.
As well as considering the level and your desired destination, think about whether you would prefer to do guided or self-guided walks during your holiday in Italy.
Guided walking holidays are ideal if you're looking to socialise during your walks. You'll be placed in a small group and led by a local guide.
Self-guided walking holidays offer different rewards. You'll be able to tackle the route at your own pace using clear instructions on how to get to each point across a designated route.
Providing walking holidays you won't forget in a hurry is what we do best - and Italy is one of our top destinations. Thanks to our secure booking process it means you can commit knowing we have your best interests at heart, as we've been refining our experiences over the past 35 years. So, what are you waiting for? Let us help you find your next adventure.
We're highly regarded - We've been rated 'Excellent' by our customers on Feefo for our personable walking holidays.
Picture-perfect locations - We use a five-step approval process to curate our walking tours, ensuring we include breathtaking destinations and hand-picked hotels with hosts who will make your experience uniquely memorable.
Award-winning walking holidays - We're proud to run award-winning tours. With impeccable customer service and attention to detail, our company has been recognised by the British Travel Awards.
We can arrange your flights - After providing us with a few details, we can take the reins and arrange flights on your behalf.
Sustainable Travel - Our People, Places & Planet plan reinforces our mission of running our tours as sustainably as possible while working towards becoming Nature Net Positive and reducing our impact on the surrounding environment.
ABTA- and ATOL-protected - You can book with confidence knowing our walking holidays in Italy are ABTA- and ATOL-protected. Find out more about what your key rights are when booking with us.
We aim to empower communities - Working together with our sister company, Exodus Travels and their Foundation we aim to empower and protect the communities we visit and the environment we explore.
*Booking conditions apply