Getting Oriented
Italy's diverse natural environment makes it an ideal location for active travelers. You can trek in the Alps, swim and boat in the northern lakes, hike along the stunning coastlines, bike through Tuscany, kayak in the islands, summit volcanoes, and much more. Being active typically means being outside, so get a better sense of when to visit Italy, especially some of its more outdoorsy areas like the Dolomites and Cinque Terre.
Our Italian travel specialists can help you plan exactly where to go, when to go, and what to do. They're happy to assist in understanding important logistics like gear rental, booking rural accommodations, and arranging transportation. You can travel stress-free and focus on biking through Tuscany, hiking the villages of Cinque Terre, or kayaking along the turquoise coast.
Biking Excursions
Biking is one of the best ways to see a city or region. You cover more ground but still keep a slow pace to absorb your surroundings.
Bike The Appian Way in Rome
Get off the beaten tourist path and discover a different side of Rome. Cycle through the peaceful countryside along the Appian Way, the oldest Ancient Roman highway known as Europe's first "superhighway." Originally, the road connected Rome to Capua near Naples in 312 BCE but was extended all the way to Puglia. Along the way, you'll bike through the Parco dell’Appia Antica and visit the 9th century Domine Quo Vadis Church. Visit the Catacombs of San Sebastiano and the slightly larger Catacombs of San Callisto, amongst other important monuments. Before heading back to the city, enjoy a picnic lunch. Read More
San Gimignano & Chianti E-Bike Tour
Cruise around the picturesque Chianti region with the help of an e-bike, visiting villages and historical sites such as San Gimignano and the castle of Staggia. Pedal across vineyards and fields, cycle along bike paths and countryside lanes, taste organic wine, and enjoy a picnic in nature. Start with a guided walk in San Gimignano, the medieval "town of towers." Then follow your guide through the landscape on a bike, visiting castles, passing forests, and stopping for lunch. End the tour with a visit to a winery for a wine tasting. Read More
E-Bike Tour of Lake Garda
With nearly 2,000 cycle routes all around Lake Garda, you’ll enjoy exploring the area on two wheels. Your destination on this tour is Bardolino Hills, an area immersed in vineyards and olive groves. Along the way, you'll pass through towns and sites such as Peschiera del Garda, Affi, the Adige River, and Rivoli. Relax in picturesque fields along the lake before exploring a few villages and tasting local wines. Read More
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Hiking & Walking
With so much natural diversity, Italy is one of the best countries for a walking or hiking excursion. Follow the seaside paths in Cinque Terre, hike up active volcanos, or conquer the Alps.
Hiking Manarola To Corniglia in Cinque Terre
It takes a lot of time to walk the entire path between the five villages of Cinque Terre. If you need to compromise, the stretch between Manarola and Corniglia is an excellent option with stunning viewpoints and scenic vineyards. Follow a local guide as you make your way along the coastline, learning about regional history, local culture, and traditional winemaking techniques. Enjoy lunch in Corniglia at a beloved osteria, then spend some free time browsing its charming streets and artisan shops. Read More
Hiking Mt Vesuvius
Why simply look at Mt. Vesuvius when you can hike the famous volcano’s epic crater and enjoy the views of the Gulf of Naples?! Mount Vesuvius is one of only two active volcanoes in Continental Europe and stands about 4,200 feet (1,281 m) tall. Set within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the volcano includes the caldera of Mt. Somma and the Grand Cone of Mt. Vesuvius. The trek only takes about 25 minutes, but you’ll follow some steep ascents. Your efforts are rewarded, as the view from the top is truly breathtaking at over 3,000 feet (1,000 m) high. Read More
On the Water
With nearly 5,000 miles (7,600 km) of coastline, an active trip to Italy should include a seaside adventure! You can swim, snorkel, scuba dive, kayak, and more.
Half-Day Kayak Tour in Cinque Terre
Escape the crowds and savor a unique view of Cinque Terre on a sea kayaking excursion. You’ll paddle from Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza, discover cliffs and caves, and swim in the crystalline water. With your narrow kayak, you can get closer to the interesting coastline and rock formations, including a waterfall and hidden cove. If you choose to paddle at sunset, take a break at a secluded beach to enjoy the shifting colors of the sky with bites of focaccia and sips of organic wine. Read More
Active Eco Trip in Sorrentine Natural Park & Marine Reserve
Leave the crowds behind and get off the beaten path in the unspoiled areas of the Punta Campanella Protected Marine Area, where you'll go hiking, snorkeling, and sea kayaking just outside of Sorrento. Start with a moderate trek through the Mediterranean flora and olive groves of Baia di Ieranto, a scenic and historically important bay. Back in Greek and Roman times, the area was essential for natural resources. But today, you can experience the protected marine communities with fun ecotourism, including snorkeling and sea kayaking. Read More
How to Craft the Perfect Active Itinerary in Italy
Active trips in Italy typically require a bit more time, as many of the destinations are set outside larger cities. If you're just adding a trek or half-day kayaking excursion to an already-existing vacation, then you can easily work with one or two weeks. But if you want to spend multiple days walking, trekking, or cycling, give yourself at least two weeks to factor in rest days and transportation time. Many visitors like to pair a city escape with an active excursion, such as a few days in Florence with a bike tour in Tuscany or a weekend in Naples with a hike up Mt. Vesuvius and kayaking on the Amalfi Coast.
Learn more about how many days to spend in Italy and how to make the most out of your time.
Past kimkim travelers have enjoyed the following active trips in Italy: