Winter is the ideal time to discover southern Italy through hiking routes that offer experiences away from the summer tourist masses. Natural landscapes, historic villages and millenary traditions accompany these itineraries. The pace slows down and nature becomes closer.
A weekend or a longer holiday: walking in winter in Southern Italy means enjoying mild temperatures, crystal-clear views and a warm welcome. Here is a collection of the most evocative itineraries to travel between autumn and winter in the southern regions.
The southern Via Francigena
An extraordinary route of almost a thousand kilometers crosses four regions: Lazio, Campania, Basilicata and Puglia. This historical-cultural journey is divided into segments according to the time available.
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The stages in the Roman area are particularly beautiful. After the visit to the early Christian catacombs, the route winds along the ancient pavement of the Appia Antica Park and leads to Castel Gandolfo with its pontifical residence. The Albano and Nemi lakes complete the panorama.
The route continues and you can reach Lake Giulianello from Velletri. You cross expanses of centuries-old olive trees up to Cori. From here, a panoramic road opens up expansive views of the Pontine plain and the sea. You pass by the Valvisciolo Abbey and the medieval village of Sermoneta.
The Path of San Nilo
One hundred kilometers in eight stages connect the mountains to the Cilento coast. The path follows in the footsteps of the monk who lived around the year one thousand. This route is an authentic immersion in the traditions of the Campania hinterland.
Those who have five days can leave from Sapri and arrive at Caselle in Pittari after the first four stages. The Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park shows all its natural beauty.
The Path of Don Tonino Bello
Four hundred kilometers in Apulia go from Molfetta to Alessano. The route allows you to get to know the places of the Salento bishop who dedicated his existence to the service of the most needy.
The ideal itinerary to approach this journey starts from Lecce and arrives in Alessano, Don Tonino’s birthplace. The baroque beauty of Lecce is worth the nickname of Florence of the South. The route passes through the places of the religious’s childhood and education. Masterpieces of sacred art enrich the journey.
The Matera Path
A seven-day experience develops between Puglia and Basilicata along the Via Peuceta. Unique landscapes alternate between hills and rock settlements.
Those who only have three days can experience a significant taste of this itinerary. We start from the medieval historic center of Altamura and end the journey in Matera, the famous city of the Sassi, a world heritage site.
Kalabria coast to coast: from the Ionian to the Tyrrhenian
A 55 kilometer hiking route offers an original way to discover authentic Calabria, far from traditional tourist circuits. This naturalistic itinerary can be followed throughout the year and allows you to cross the Calabrian territory at a slow pace.
The Kalabria coast to coast path begins in Soverato, a town on the Costa degli Aranci overlooking the Ionian Sea. It ends in Pizzo, a characteristic village perched on tuff rock overlooking the Tyrrhenian beaches of the Costa degli Dei. The itinerary crosses the Calabrian Preserre in their shortest stretch. The landscapes alternate: expanses of centuries-old olive trees, vineyards, wheat fields and lush woods.
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The route is divided into three main macro-stages. The first goes from Soverato to Petrizzi in the province of Catanzaro. It presents a medium difficulty with steep climbs and descents, but offers numerous points of tourist interest. The second stage leads to Monterosso Calabro, in the province of Vibo Valentia. It mainly develops between countryside and rural landscapes. The third and final stage gradually descends towards the Tyrrhenian coast until reaching the final destination.
The route presents challenging ups and downs on dirt paths, but walkers receive in return the spectacle of naturalistic landscapes. The itinerary has vertical signs and GPS mapping, the result of careful work with local authorities. It is advisable to set out well supplied with water, as water sources are scarce in some sections.
The Norman route: from Palermo to Messina
A historical itinerary consists of 21 stages. It crosses the Madonie peaks, the Nebrodi woods and the Peloritani mountains. It connects the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Ionian Sea up to the Strait, Sicily’s ancient gateway to the East.
With four days available, the recommended route starts from the castle of Caccamo. It allows you to appreciate the medieval villages of the Madonie: Montemaggiore Belsito, Caltavuturo, Polizzi Generosa and Petralie. Sicilian Gothic art, Baroque architecture and natural landscapes alternate. The Norman churches deserve a careful visit.
The Cammino Fabaria
Three hundred kilometers connect Agrigento to Etna. The route is divided into multiple thematic itineraries.
A four-day proposal follows the Via dei Castelli from Agrigento to Niscemi. It is the internal variant of the Fabaria. You walk on the ancient royal paths, once traveled by the knights of the Tau. These knights came from Altopascio on the Tuscan Francigena to protect the pilgrims.
Lovers of Sicilian oriental baroque can organize a short itinerary between the villages of Ragusa, Modica, Ispica and Noto. These centers were rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1693. Today they are splendid examples of the unique Baroque style.
The Magna Via Francigena
One hundred and ninety kilometers run along the roads traveled over the centuries by the Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Normans. They connect Palermo to Agrigento.
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In a three-day long weekend you can start from Sutera, listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy. You cross wooded areas and expanses of wheat fields to reach Racalmuto, birthplace of the great Leonardo Sciascia. We then continue towards the mining centers of the Platani valley, Comitini and Aragona. Salt and sulfur were once mined here. The journey ends with the magnificent cathedral of Agrigento.
The Santa Barbara Mining Trail
To admire the unique charm of Sulcis-Iglesiente-Guspinese, this 500 kilometer circular mining route in Sardinia is truly unmissable. It starts from Iglesias and winds along tracks and paths beaten by miners over the course of 8,000 years of mining history, from the Neolithic period to the twentieth century.
For a first experience, those who appreciate wooded landscapes can dedicate a long weekend to discover a lesser-known Sardinia. You arrive at Monti Mannu by public transport and cross the largest forests in the region in three stages. You walk on the granite formations of Linas and Oridda, crossed by spectacular waterfalls, and on the limestone rocks of the Fluminese area. Here there are magnificent caves such as that of Su Mannau. The route leads to the Temple of Antas and ends at the mining village of San Benedetto.
In Sardinia itineraries for everyone
To experience Sardinia on foot there are thirteen dedicated itineraries, suitable for one-day excursions, weekends or true stage itineraries. They all develop on accessible paths.
A three-day proposal explores the Sinis peninsula. The first stage, the easiest, develops along the promontory of Capo San Marco and serves as preparation for the next two more demanding stages. You follow the Sinis coast on paths and dirt roads that run along the cliffs up to the beaches of Is Arutas. We then continue where the coastline becomes higher and more jagged, with the spectacular cliffs of Su Tingiosu.
The route returns to the sea at s’Arena Scoada and the settlements of Putzu Idu and Porto Mandriola. It then continues again in the Mediterranean scrub and along small secluded beaches. Go around the complex promontory of Capo Mannu.
Practical tips for walking in winter
The winter season in Southern Italy offers ideal conditions for trekking: mild temperatures, less crowding and landscapes that take on particular colours. It is important to plan your itinerary carefully. We check the weather conditions and the availability of the accommodation facilities. In some villages they may have reduced hours.
The equipment must be suitable for winter excursions. Particular attention should be given to waterproof footwear and layered clothing. Many of these routes have detailed guides that provide information on the stages, difficulties and services available. They allow you to customize the trip according to the time available and your abilities.
Walking in Southern Italy in winter means discovering a heritage of naturalistic, artistic and cultural beauty in a slow and sustainable way. Authentic experiences are lived and deep contact is established with territories rich in history and age-old traditions.
