Hiking and Trekking: 5 Places in Northern Italy Not to Be Missed

Northern Italy offers a wide range of breathtaking hiking trails. Here are some of the most beautiful treks:

Cinque Terre Trail (Liguria): A coastal route connecting the five picturesque villages of the Cinque Terre, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea and enchanting landscapes.

Alta Via Trail 1 (Dolomites): A classic trek through the spectacular Dolomites, from Dobbiaco to Belluno, offering epic views of rocky peaks, deep valleys and alpine lakes.

Monte Baldo Path (Veneto): A series of paths that wind through the evocative mountain landscape of Monte Baldo, with spectacular views of Lake Garda and the surrounding peaks.

Sentiero dei Fiori (Piedmont): A path that crosses the alpine meadows of the Gran Paradiso National Park, offering breathtaking views of the peaks of the Alps and the chance to spot alpine flora.

Path of the Gods (Campania): Although not in Northern Italy, this famous path connecting Bomerano to Agerola offers spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast and the Gulf of Naples.

Path of the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri (Liguria): A trek through the mountains of Liguria, from Ventimiglia to Ceparana, which offers views of the sea and the hilly hinterland.

These are just some of the most beautiful treks in Northern Italy, but there are many more to explore for adventure and nature lovers.

In Northern Italy, near Lake Idro, there are several accommodation options that offer a variety of experiences for visitors. Here are some options:

Hotels and Bed & Breakfasts: Along the shores of Lake Idro, you will find various hotel and B&B facilities offering comfortable and convenient accommodation. These options may include rooms with lake views and amenities such as breakfast included.

Farmhouses: If you want a more authentic and immersive experience, you might consider staying on a farmhouse. These properties offer accommodation in renovated farms, often with local agricultural products and activities such as nature walks and tastings.

Camping and Campsites: For a more adventurous experience in contact with nature, there are several camping areas along the shores of the lake. These facilities offer spaces for tents, caravans or campers, as well as services such as bathrooms, showers and common areas.

Holiday Homes and Apartments: If you prefer a more independent option, you can search for holiday homes or apartments for rent near Lake Idro. These solutions offer greater privacy and flexibility during your stay.

Regardless of your preference, be sure to book early, especially during tourist season, to ensure availability and get the best rates.

The Dolomites, Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto offer some of the most spectacular trekking in the Alps. Here are some of the best:

Alta Via 1: A classic trek through the Dolomites, from Dobbiaco to Belluno, with epic views of rocky peaks, deep valleys and alpine lakes.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo: An iconic hike in the Dolomites, with views of the majestic Tre Cime di Lavaredo and breathtaking landscapes along the way.

Pale di San Martino: A mountainous area of the Dolomites with an extensive network of hiking trails offering spectacular views of the majestic peaks and valleys below.

Centenary Trail: A panoramic route in the Stelvio National Park, which passes through alpine meadows, mountain lakes and imposing peaks.

Alta Via delle Dolomiti di Brenta: A challenging trek that crosses the massif of the Brenta Dolomites in Trentino, with spectacular views of the peaks and alpine refuges.

Civetta: A series of hiking trails surrounding the Civetta massif in the Veneto region, with breathtaking views of the Dolomites and a rich Alpine history.

Alta Via 2 of the Dolomites: A hiking route that crosses the Dolomites from north to south, offering breathtaking views and a variety of alpine landscapes.

These are just some of the many spectacular treks available in the Dolomites, Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto. Regardless of the route you choose, make sure you are well prepared and respect the natural surroundings.

In Trentino Alto Adige, I recommend sleeping in Bolzano for the cosmopolitan atmosphere and the historical charm of the city. For a more mountainous experience, Ortisei in Val Gardena offers breathtaking landscapes and welcoming facilities. In the Veneto, Cortina d'Ampezzo is renowned for luxury and style, perfect for those who love skiing and high-end shopping. For a more peaceful stay, Asiago is ideal, surrounded by nature and rich in tradition. Finally, in the Dolomites, Canazei is a popular choice for winter sports enthusiasts and offers a lively mountain atmosphere.

Lago D'Idro is positioned in a strategic position for those who want to visit these areas of Northern Italy.

It offers many accommodation options including B&Bs, hotels and apartments

The Gran Paradiso National Park offers a wide range of breathtaking trekking in both Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta. One of the most famous excursions is the Gran Paradiso tour, a circular trail lasting about 6 days that crosses various natural environments and offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. The route from Cogne to Rifugio Vittorio Sella is a shorter but equally evocative option, with views over the valleys and the possibility of spotting local fauna. For those looking for a challenge, the trek to Rifugio Chabod from Valsavarenche offers an authentic Alpine experience and breathtaking views of the Gran Paradiso glacier. Finally, the excursion to Lake Nivolet from Pont Valsavarenche is ideal for those who wish to explore enchanting alpine lakes and flowering meadows. Regardless of the route chosen, the Gran Paradiso National Park promises unforgettable adventures immersed in the uncontaminated nature of the Alps.

In the Gran Paradiso National Park, both in Piedmont and in the Aosta Valley, there are numerous accommodation options that offer comfort and direct access to the surrounding nature. In Cogne, in the Aosta Valley, you can find welcoming hotels, bed and breakfasts and alpine refuges such as the Rifugio Vittorio Sella, which offer a perfect base for exploring the park. Courmayeur, in the Aosta Valley, is renowned for its luxury hotels and charming accommodation, ideal for those seeking a more refined stay. In Piedmont, Aosta offers a variety of accommodation options, while Rhêmes-Notre-Dame is perfect for those wanting a more authentic and peaceful experience, with charming mountain lodges and traditional structures. Regardless of your choice, you will find yourself immersed in the wild beauty of the Gran Paradiso National Park.

They are all locations in Northern Italy that can be reached in 2/4 hours by car, also staying overnight in the Lake Idro area.

Around Lake Como, the Sentiero del Viandante is a popular choice, offering a scenic walk along the lake's shores with spectacular views. The Fiumelatte Path is another fascinating option, which leads to the source of the river of the same name.

Around Lake Maggiore, the 4 Valleys Path is very popular, allowing you to explore the surrounding valleys and enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and mountains. The Strada delle 52 Gallerie, near Lake Orta, offers a unique experience through tunnels carved into the rock with spectacular views.

In Lombardy, the Sentiero del Monte Grona, near Menaggio, offers incredible panoramic views of Lake Como and the Alps. The Sentiero del Viandante is an option here too, extending to the eastern part of the lake, offering a pleasant walk between small villages and breathtaking views.

As for Piedmont, the Anzasca Valley offers numerous treks, including the one towards the Toce Waterfall and the Path of the Communicating Vases, which allows you to explore ancient irrigation canals. Val Grande National Park offers a wild and remote trekking experience, with breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity.

For Lake Como, the towns of Como, Bellagio, and Varenna offer numerous accommodation options, including luxury hotels, bed and breakfasts, and guest houses with panoramic lake views. On Lake Maggiore, Stresa is a popular destination, with luxury historic hotels and residences overlooking the lake. The towns of Cannobio and Verbania also offer a wide choice of accommodation, ideal for exploring the beauty of Lake Maggiore.

Lake Idro is about 30-40 km north-west of Lake Como and about 60-70 km north-east of Lake Maggiore, depending on the precise location. The distance varies depending on exactly where you are along the shores of the two lakes.

Lake Idro, located in the Italian region of Lombardy, offers several trekking opportunities with its beautiful mountain landscapes and picturesque shores. Here are some of the best trekking routes around Lake Idro:

5 Lughe Trail: This is one of the most popular routes around Lake Idro. The trail offers stunning views of the lake and passes through several quaint villages along the way. The total length of the route is approximately 15 kilometres, and is of medium difficulty.

Monte Stino Path: This path leads to the summit of Monte Stino, which offers spectacular panoramic views of Lake Idro and the surrounding mountains. The climb can be challenging, but it is definitely worth it for the breathtaking view. The route is approximately 10 kilometers long and is of medium-high difficulty.

Monte Censo Path: This path leads to the summit of Monte Censo, from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Idro and the surrounding valleys. The route is approximately 8 kilometers and has some steep sections, but is suitable for intermediate level hikers.

Gorg d'Abiss Waterfalls Path: This path leads to the spectacular Gorg d'Abiss Waterfalls, which are located near Lake Idro. The route passes through a beautiful forest and offers breathtaking views of the waterfalls. The total length of the route is approximately 6 kilometers and is suitable for all skill levels.

Val di Bondone Path: This route follows the Bondone Valley and offers splendid panoramic views of Lake Idro and the surrounding mountains. The route is approximately 12 kilometers long and is of medium difficulty.

Before embarking on any hike, make sure you are well prepared with the appropriate clothing, water, food and a detailed route map. Also, pay attention to the weather conditions and always respect your surroundings. Happy trekking!

Lake Idro offers several accommodation options to meet the needs of visitors. Here are some possibilities:

Hotels and Bed & Breakfasts: Along the shores of the lake and in the surrounding area there are several hotels and bed & breakfasts offering comfortable accommodation and panoramic views of the lake. These properties can vary in luxury and price range, so you can find options to suit different preferences and budgets.

Agritourisms: In the areas surrounding the lake there are numerous farms and agritourisms that offer accommodation in a rustic and traditional environment. This can be an interesting option for those who want a more authentic experience and want to explore the rural life of the region.

Camping and Campsites: If you prefer an experience closer to nature, there are several areas equipped for camping along the shores of the lake or nearby. These areas may offer amenities such as tent sites, bathrooms, showers, and common areas for cooking and relaxing.

Holiday Homes and Apartments: You can find a variety of holiday homes and apartments for rent around the lake, which can be an ideal choice for families or groups of friends who want more space and privacy during their stay.

Refuges and Bivouacs: For those wishing to do longer hikes and treks around the lake, there are also refuges and bivouacs in the mountains offering basic accommodation for walkers. These facilities can be reached via hiking trails and offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the wilderness.

Regardless of your choice of accommodation, it is advisable to book in advance especially during peak seasons or during local events. Also, be sure to check reviews and information about the services offered before booking to ensure a pleasant and comfortable stay.