Does it get much better than a hike through the Tuscan hills? We don’t think so.
From the rolling hills filled with vineyards waiting to create the most delicious wine you’ve ever tasted to the medieval villages surrounded by ancient forests, you have to see it with your own eyes to believe it’s real.
There are so many scenic hiking routes that we think anyone can do. We’re not expecting you to go for a trek across the mountains, but instead a peaceful hike through the countryside on some of the best trails you’ll ever walk.
Read on to learn about the best hiking trails and routes in Tuscany.
Why Tuscany is a Hiker’s Paradise
Beautiful Landscapes
From well-known hills like the Certaldo and Volterra (two of the best hikes in Tuscany) and the magnificent vineyards (we’d recommend the Badia a Coltibuono) to wild coastal paths and wooded mountains, Tuscany is well-known for its variety of landscapes. Every hike gives you a new perspective of Tuscany’s charm. We could have kept listing places we recommend there, but we’ll save that for the rest of the article!
Cultural and Historical Richness
The routes in Tuscany are loaded with anthropogenic features, from archaic monasteries and unloved medieval towns to ancient Roman roads. Each pathway is a journey back in time. Again, we’d recommend Volterra and Cortona, but we’d also recommend Monteriggioni. They’re not exactly hikes, but call it a relaxing stroll through medieval Tuscan towns. You’ll still burn some calories! And, all around these areas are some of the best hikes in Tuscany you’ll go on.
Climate
Tuscany is well-known for its fairly mild weather. Warm sunny summers and mild winters leave plenty of time in the year so that all outdoor activities are fulfilling. Still, we wouldn’t actually recommend going in summer or winter. Or, at least not if you’re going north in winter and south in summer. Depending on which one we’re talking about, it can either be far too hot or too cold to hike.
If anything, we’d say mid-spring and mid-autumn are the best for hiking, with great colorful views of blooming flowers in the spring and foliage in the autumn.
Top Hiking Trails in Tuscany
Via Francigena
The Via Francigena is one of the oldest pilgrimage pathways, starting at Canterbury and stretching to Rome while crossing through Tuscany.
Warning: it’s almost over 400km long, so pick your start and end point! This route helps you relive the life of medieval pilgrims. Picture yourself walking around the mesmerizing village of San Gimignano, famous for its medieval-age skyline, or the Monteriggioni village whose walls tell us stories of the past. Val d’Orcia, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, has landscapes that feel like those from Renaissance-era paintings.
Difficulty: Moderate
Sentiero delle Foreste Sacre (Sacred Forests Trail)
The monasteries located deep within the bosky medieval hermitages and the century-old trees invoke healing energy in the hiking trail known as the Sacred Forests Trail. So that’s what people say, anyway. If you hike this trail you’re supposedly dousing yourself in healing energy.
The sound of rustling leaves, the calls of birds, and the gentle whispering wind synergize to create a natural, soothing sound accompanying your inner monologues. Monasteries like the Hermitage of Camaldoli and La Verna can be regarded as road markers. La Verna is where St. Francis of Assisi supposedly received the stigmata. There are seven segments to this trail, so pick the one you feel most interested in and go for it!
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
The Chianti Trail
The vineyards are the crowning feature of the Chianti region, which is world-renowned for wine and regionally well-known for its topography. It just so happens that there’s a beautiful hiking trail to go with it. This great hiking trail is perfect for travelers who prefer exploring further than mere physical beauty. It’s 47.7 miles point-to-point, so technically you could hike this in one trip if you’re doing a sort of hiking holiday.
Hiking through villages Radda and Greve in Chianti, wine lovers will have plenty of opportunities to enrich their taste experience by sampling local delicacies and fine wine at rustic farmhouses and trattorias serving thick soup with a side of cheese and bread.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Monte Argentario
The Monte Argentario trail offers breathtaking coastal views and is a must-hike. The Porto Ercole loop is one of our favorites – an easy 12.2-mile loop around the coast.
This peninsula, which extends into the Tyrrhenian Sea, features amazing sea views, hidden beaches, and lovely cliffs. Imagine walking through the wild hiking paths while the turquoise sea sparkles below you. The trail allows you to explore concealed caves that invite you to shower in the clear waters. You can also spot the island of Giglio and the Tuscan Archipelago along the islands’ horizon on clear days. So, don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning views.
Difficulty: Moderate
Apuan Alps
Whenever the word ‘Alps’ is involved, you know it won’t be easy. If you don’t hike often (some might say if you don’t expedition), this one isn’t for you. Mountaineers will dare the challenge of the Apuan Alps the most.
This rough landscape is characterized by its high peaks, marble quarries, and rich flora. Just imagine yourself hiking up the peak of Monte Pisanino or Monte Tembura and being greeted by a powerful panoramic view of the breathtaking Tyrrhenian Sea and the Apennines. The Apuan Alps are also famous marbleists, as they had the privilege for centuries to extract the finest marble in the world, which was then used by Michelangelo in his sculptures.
There’s also Monte Matanna nearby which is the easier trail.
Difficulty: Difficult
Scenic Routes for Leisurely Walks
Val d’Orcia
With its soft hills and trademark cypress-lined roads, Val d’Orcia is a region that encapsulates a Tuscan landscape perfectly. Experience an effortless excursion on this trail surrounded by charming high towns like Pienza and Montalcino. Lope through stretches of golden wheat fields, olive groves, and vineyards, with the warm Tuscan sun spilling light onto the landscape.
Each step taken unveils a stunning scene; perfect, it wouldn’t look too good on the postcards. It’s an 80 km walk and easily one of the most beautiful walks in Tuscany, so you could do it in one visit to Tuscany if you plan a couple of overnight stays along the way.
Difficulty: Easy
The Crete Senesi
Try walking on the unique clay hills known as the Crete Senesi. The scenic route featuring romantic Tuscan hills elucidates farmhouses and cypress trees. Picture trekking through this lunar-like landscape, for this is the Earth’s art of perfecting iconic beauty and uniquely colored seasonal themes. From serene views to stunning ones, the route has it all. It’s an easy 6.3-mile trail that we think everyone would enjoy!
Difficulty: Easy
Cascate del Mulino (Saturnia Hot Springs)
One of our personal favorites! Discover the pathways encircling the Saturnia Hot Springs while taking a calm stroll in the Tuscan countryside. And, yes, you can go into the hot springs!. Picture finishing your hike with a healing bath in the natural hot springs – it sounds like bliss, doesn’t it? Well, unless it’s summer…maybe avoid a dip if it’s too hot outside.
Difficulty: Easy
Tips for Hiking in Tuscany
Best Times to Hike
In our opinion, the most ideal times to hike in Tuscany are the spring and fall seasons when the weather is not too hot or too cold and the scenery is full of color. Other than that, you can hike any time of the year. Don’t forget to check the weather before you go!
What to Bring
Comfortable hiking shoes, enough water, a map, sunscreen, and a camera for the scenery are essential items. Snacks should also be packed. Most of the routes go through villages where you can stop for drinks and snacks if you need to top up.
Safety Tips
We’ve got some top tips to keep you safe on your hike!
- Only use marked trails even if the route looks safe!
- Look at the weather forecast in advance and don’t go out if there’s heavy rain or a storm.
- Let someone close to you know your hiking intentions and the exact route.
- Always have a backup plan!
Enhancing Your Hiking Experience with Kingslikeconcierge
Luxury Villa Rentals
Make your hiking experience in Tuscany unforgettable by booking one of our luxury Tuscany villas at Kingslike Concierge. Rest and feel re-energized after hiking in our comfortable and convenient villas. It won’t get much better than coming back to a gorgeous villa with a refreshing private infinity pool, a villa with a private chef, or a villa near a vineyard for you to look over with a glass of delicious Tuscan wine.
Concierge Services
Let us streamline your hiking tours by providing personalized guided tour advice and where to book, detailed hiking trail maps, and transportation to and from the trailheads. Our staff is always ready to customize your hiking tours to fit your needs and ensure it’s hassle-free and as magical as can be.
Local Insights
Get access to lesser-known trails and local recommendations from our experts so you can make the most out of Tuscany’s hiking routes. We will assist you in capturing the full experience of hiking in Tuscany, ranging from popular to lesser-known trails.
You will find everything in Tuscany, whether it is difficult mountain hikes or relaxing panoramic walks in Tuscany. To experience incredible hiking in Tuscany, book your stay with Kingslikeconcierge.
Discover the luxury of hiking in Tuscany, and let Kinglike Concierge help you create wonderful memories. Contact us today your dream luxury villa now to begin the adventure of a lifetime!
After covering the amazing scenic routes and hiking trails in Tuscany, there’s a lot more waiting to be unlocked. Jump into our Insider’s Guide to Must-Visit Destinations or explore the rest of Tuscany’s Best Markets. Or if you want to plan your special event, we’ve got some of the best Tuscany wedding villas. For some coastal bliss, have a read of our ultimate beach guide!