Italy has some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Europe, but this doesn’t help clear up exactly where we should be holidaying in Italy. If we could whittle it down to two destinations that often crop up, it’s the rolling countryside of Tuscany and the dramatic coastline of the Amalfi Coast.
Tuscany for time and terroir
Tuscany really does embody the quintessential Italian countryside fantasy that many of us have. Walking holidays in Tuscany will take you through a living postcard that is more akin to Ireland’s rolling hills, but is instead dotted with cypress trees and vineyards. The region’s medieval towns sit within these winemaking sites, and you will get to see the UNESCO World Heritage sites of San Gimignano and Siena.
The terrain in Tuscany is truly wonderful and varied. It has gentle hills that are easy to navigate and not too hard on the knees. There are many well-maintained trails that have spots where you can stop to tour and sample the local Chianti wines. The pace here is incredibly unhurried. Residents are all about savoring life’s pleasures. Historic farmhouses and villa accommodations add to the authentic experience too, often with locally-sourced meals that showcase Tuscany’s legendary cuisine.
Amalfi Coast for Mediterranean drama
They may be in the same Italy, but the Amalfi Coast walking experience offers something very different. Here, it’s a spectacular marriage of mountains and sea that creates photogenic hiking and stacked up homes. Cliffside trails duck and dive through small alleyways, flittering in and out of panoramic Mediterranean views that will leave you breathless. But looking inland, the colorful villages like Positano and Ravello cling impossibly to steep hillsides.
The walking here is more challenging than Tuscany. It is very up and down, with steep coastal paths and elevation changes. But with mountains come mountain views. The famous Path of the Gods has one of Italy’s most scenic walks, while ancient stone steps are always reliably in place to connect your to terraced lemon groves and fishing villages.
This region really does appeal to walkers who crave visual drama and constant diversity. It’s changing by the minute, but you have to work for it.
Making your choice
Your ideal destination depends on your walking preferences and travel priorities. Tuscany is the option for you if you want gentler terrain, slower changing landscapes, cultural immersion, and wine-focused experiences. It’s great for first-time walkers, but it’s particularly great for long-time walkers; those who are older, and want to slow down a little.
The Amalfi Coast is the option for you if you’re drawn to a more intense and dramatic experience. Coastal scenery, sea breeze, and steep hills will provide some adversity, but in the end it’s all for the glamour of Italy’s most famous coastline.
Both destinations show why the Orbis Ways’ selection of walking holidays in Italy remains so beloved in Europe. A lot of Europe’s finest culture lies here, be it in the wine, medieval villages, Roman ruins, or the food. Both options have this, and so too do the options in between.
