Llate summer is the ideal time walk a path to discover wonderful landscapes and a new way of travelling, slower and more personal, adapted to one’s steps.
And Italy is among the best destinations for those who want to make a trip of this type. Among little traveled roads, marked paths and itineraries that retrace ancient routes, to get back at the center of one’s life, one step at a time.
To do that, we have selected 8 paths wonderful, four in Italy and as many around the world. From the easiest to the really complex ones.
End of summer holidays, 4 walks in Italy
Sentiero Italia, to discover the country
7000km, through all Italian regions
It could be the longest path in the world and it is completely “Made in Italy”. 7000km long, consists of 500 stages and was conceived in 1983 by a group of hiking journalists. From north to south, our whole country can be explored through paths, roads, mule tracks and centuries-old routes.
Way of the Brigands, in Abruzzo and Lazio
108km, it starts and ends in Santa Maria, in the province of L’Aquila
It takes approximately seven days to follow this circular route that begins and ends in the province of L’Aquila and crosses part of Abruzzo and Lazio. It follows the road trodden by brigands about 150 years ago along the Val de Varri, the Valle del Salto and the slopes of Monte Velino. Although it is a feasible path for everyone, it must be borne in mind that in some points you will have to go along mule tracks and you can even reach 1300 meters above sea level.
Cammino Celeste, along the Alpine arc
200km, from Aquileia to the Monte Lussari monastery
This path is practicable only from June to the end of September, then with the arrival of autumn about half of the track will be covered with snow. Once you arrive at your destination, Monte Lussari, if you wish you can continue along two branches that cross the border: you can continue towards Maria Saal in Austria or go to Brezje in Slovenia. The Celestial Way is ideal for those in search of mountain landscapes and alpine refuges, it is no coincidence that the last stage is at 1790 meters.
The Via degli Abati, towards Lunigiana
190km, from Pavia to Pontremoli
Very easy level for La via degli Abati, the path that follows in the footsteps of the abbots of San Colombano. Easy but no less impressive, indeed. It starts from the Po Valley, winds its way between the Piacenza and Parma areas and then descends along the Apennines up to Lunigiana and arrives in Pontremoli. It is a journey of about 8 days and crosses paths, woods and dirt roads.
Holidays abroad: the most beautiful paths in the world
Not only Italy and not only late summer. Beyond the Camino de Santiago, certainly the most famous, there are many other equally impressive routes around the world. We’ve selected four for you to try.
Trans Panama Trail: from Panama to Colombia
1127 km, from Panama to Colombia
For true experts, the Trans Panama Trail is a journey that involves not only walking and hiking but also a canoe part. It starts from the Panamanian border and reaches Colombia through Costa Rica. The paths are the same ones traveled about 600 years ago by the Spaniards and they also cross the lands of some indigenous tribes, as well as rainforests, rivers and volcanic areas.
South West Coast Path: For Cornish lovers
1013km, from Minehead to Poole Harbour, Cornwall
Along England’s Land’s End. Also called The Cornish Wayto walk the South West Coast Path starts from Minehead, Somerset, and arrives at Poole Harbour, Dorset, along the entire profile of Cornwall. An ideal path for those who love marine landscapes, between cliffs, endless peat meadows and small villages, along very well-maintained paths, used during the Second World War to guard against a possible Nazi invasion.
Between Kashmir and Buthan: the most fascinating in the world
4500 km, on the roof of the world
It is perhaps the path of all paths, the one that runs along the roof of the world, the Himalayas. It is not an easy route, neither for the type of roads, all mountain paths, nor for the altitude that varies from 2000 to over 6000 meters high. Highly specific equipment is therefore essential as well as ad hoc preparation.
Te Araroa Trail: Literally on the other side of the world
3000km, in New Zealand
Officially opened in 2011, it literally means “the long journey” and winds for about 3000 km along the two islands of New Zealand. Due to the weather, it usually starts from Cape Reinga on the North Island and ends at Bluff, the southernmost point on the South Island and takes 4 to 5 months to cover it all. The particularity? The huge variety of landscapes between forests, lakes, ocean, villages and volcanoes.
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