ITALIANISSIMO

Exploring the “Bel Paese” on foot

Join us on our favourite hiking routes across our hotels’ three regions

Feel like a hike? It’s not just the experts and tour guides who say that hiking is one of the best ways to experience the abundance of Italy’s land and seascapes. We agree! Here at ISSIMO, we have a long list of hiking and tracks across our hotels’ three regions, each one with its own breathtaking discoveries, sights and natural wonders. Discovering Italy ‘on foot’ means leaving the crowds (and the car) behind and being immersed in the natural world as we rarely have the chance to experience it.

From Tuscany’s mountain-to-seaside treks, to hikes that reveal Lazio’s ancient discoveries, and stumbling upon geological wonders in Ischia, read on to discover some of our top hiking routes. We hope they’ll inspire you to lace up those walking shoes, grab your hat and water bottle, and reconnect with nature in all its glory.

MAREMMA AND TUSCANY’S TRAILS

Maremma is a geographically diverse region in southern Tuscany that runs along the Tyrrhenian coast from the south of Grosseto, and inland to the Apennine foothills. An area with ancient origins dating back to the Etruscans and then the Romans, it comprises a remarkable mix of beaches, rock formations, forest-covered hills, valleys, vineyards, and even thermal springs. Yes, it’s an intrepid hiker’s dream!

Rudston Steward, founder and guide of the Tuscan-based Maremma Safari Club is our hiking guru when it comes to discovering this region on foot. Rudston leads private hiking tours around Maremma and to other unexplored corners of Italy, and he’s our go-to guy for inspiration about hiking routes in the broader region surrounding Hotel Il Pellicano.

Rudston’s tours include an Archipelago Safari (including stops at Sant’Andrea on the island of Elba and a hike to the summit of Monte Capanne) and the Monte Amiata Safari (starting from the natural thermal springs at Bagno Vignoni, through ancient and sacred Etruscan sites, onto the Val d’Orcia, and the Brunello Vineyards).

“Undertaking a journey in this way, immersing yourself in a landscape on foot, makes for a unique kind of travel; at its best it is a heady intoxicant.”

-Rudston Steward

There are countless other hiking routes to discover across the Maremma region and Tuscany more broadly. Some of the others on our list include:

Immersing yourself in the dense, aromatic foliage of the Grosseto National Park, where you’ll discover many hiking trails; one of which takes you to the ancient towers of Castelmarino and Collelungo.

Also in the Grosseto National Park, a hike through the Grand Ducal Pine Forest with immaculate views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, which eventually leads to the small secluded bay of Cala di Forno, a great place to stop for lunch and a swim.

Discovering Maremma’s awe-inspiring blend of nature and ancient archaeology in routes through the northern valley of the Fiora River, where you’ll come across small ancient villages like Pitigliano and Sorano; remarkable feats that are actually set into natural rock formations. These villages truly must be seen to be believed!

A HIKE THROUGH HISTORY IN PALO LAZIALE

Guests at La Posta Vecchia are always intrigued by Palo Laziale’s ancient origins, its varied land and seascapes, and the spectacular archaeological sites surrounding our villa (and those that even exist beneath it!) We must say, we also take every opportunity to explore the natural marvels in and around our ‘neighbourhood’, and hiking is definitely our preferred way!

Here’s some ISSIMO-approved hikes to explore in the area:

A pleasant hike from the Bosco di Palo along the tranquil Palo Laziale coastline will take you to the former Etruscan city of Alsium, which still retains its ancient port. From there, you’ll eventually reach the grand Renaissance Castello Odescalchi. This is a beautiful hike to do first thing in the morning, and also at sunset.

For the archaeology buffs who can’t get enough of tombs, caves and other ancient curiosities, there’s a hiking route in Cerveteri that runs along Via Sepolcrale near the area’s UNESCO Archaeological Site. You’ll eventually reach the Necropoli del Laghetto, an ancient burial site that dates back to 8th-9th Century BC, overlooking the Manganello Valley. From here, you’ll proceed down the Via degli Inferi, an ancient Etruscan quarry road created to connect the ancient settlement of Caere with the Necropolis.

If you fancy the idea of discovering a secret oasis tucked away in Ladispoli, then we suggest a peaceful walk through the Torre Flavia Oasis, where you’ll find a 40-hectare natural marsh that’s home to an incredible array of rare flora and fauna. Walk on a little further and you’ll also discover the Flavia Tower, a medieval structure that was renovated by Cardinal Flavio Orsini in the 16th century, and still stands today.

FROM PANORAMIC VIEWS TO THE FOREST FLOOR IN ISCHIA

The ‘Green Island’ is an endless source of natural wonder and inspiration. No matter how many times we visit, we feel like there’s still so many marvels and hidden gems waiting to be explored on foot. All it takes is a spirit of adventure and a good local guide like our friend Marianna Polverino from Ischia Hiking, and you’re well on your way!

Starting at the hilltop commune of Serrara where you’ll experience one of the most breathtaking (and highest) panoramic views of Ischia and beyond, you’ll hike down a small winding path and continue along Maronti Beach, eventually reaching the small village of Sant’Angelo.

In Forio on the western side of the island, a hike through the Frassitelli forest immerses you in a lush canopy of acacia trees and other wild flora that are unique to the ‘Green Island’. Continuing along the main trail, you’ll reach the Falanga forest; a tranquil chestnut forest with huge moss-covered boulders that resemble something from a fairytale.

Nature and history combined in a hike that leads to Ischia’s world-renowned Pizzi Bianchi canyon. From Serrara Fontana, you’ll descend into these remarkable natural clay formations, which are geological wonders formed over thousands of years, set against a backdrop of wild Mediterranean scrub. From there, you’ll continue to descend and eventually reach the ancient Roman Baths of Cavascura.

Take a hike! It’s the best way to discover the natural wonders of the ‘Bel Paese’ up close and personal. But before you set out on your adventures, make sure you’re prepared with these ideal ISSIMO hiking companions: