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Italy’s stunning natural landscapes make it an ideal destination for soaking up nature and enjoying fun outdoor adventures. Read on for the best spots to enjoy active adventures in Italy.
Given Italy’s varied landscapes, you can plan adventures in the mountains, sea, or bustling cities. The best part is that you can look forward to enjoying delectable food and wine after all the fun adventures. So, if you’re ready to savor the great outdoors, here are our picks for the top destinations for active adventures in Italy.
Adventures in Venice, Italy
There’s something incredibly charming about Venice, making it an ideal destination for active adventures in Italy. Whether exploring the canals of Venice or discovering historic sites like the Basilica di San Marco in the heart of Piazza San Marco, there’s so much to explore in this magical city.
Piazzo San Marco in Venice. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
There are many ways to get around Venice, but walking is the most preferred option for visitors. Stroll through beautiful corridors and across historic bridges, and stop by restaurants and cafes to indulge in local specialties. If you need to explore further from the city center, the water taxi is the way to go. For a fancier option, try the famous gondolas.
As you explore Venice, check out the city’s top attractions, such as the Rialto Bridge. It has three walkways leading to rows of shops and restaurants. Another bridge to check out is the Bridge of Sights, one of Italy’s most famous bridges. The bridge connects to a prison, where prisoners would cross and make a sigh of relief. Thus, the name.
Spend some time in Piazza San Marco or St. Mark’s Square. It’s the city’s finest square and home to famous sites like the Basilica di San Marco and Palazzo Ducale. It’s also home to numerous shops, restaurants, and museums.
Exploring Lake Garda
Lake Garda in Northern Italy entices with its serene beauty and provides an idyllic retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Italy is ideal for cycling trips due to its diverse landscapes and rich culture. Lake Garda is a good example, inviting enthusiasts to embark on thrilling journeys through its stunning surroundings.
Lake Garda, Italy. Photo by Marco Ghirello on Unsplash
The best towns in Lake Garda for active adventures are Nago-Torbole and Riva del Garda, which you’ll find along the lake’s northern shores. They are perfect for cycling, with many paths featuring stunning natural views. If you prefer something more thrilling, you can go rock climbing in Arco, which you can reach by traveling a couple extra miles inland.
Tremosine is another stunning place for adventure lovers. It’s a unique town with different hamlets spread across mountains and lakes. The town is a popular spot for paragliding and other outdoor sports.
After all the fun adventures, head to the southern part of the lake, where you’ll find thermal baths at the villages of Lazise and Sirmione. After a relaxing soak, indulge in delectable food and wine at Bardolino, famous for its exquisite red wines.
Active Adventures in Florence, Italy
If you want to explore Tuscany, Florence would be a great base. It has incredible sights, delicious food, and plenty of fun adventures. Florence hosts a marathon that attracts thousands of visitors annually, perfect for those seeking to experience the best sporting events in Italy.
Florence, Italy at sunset. Photo by Rudy Balasko via iStock by Getty Images
While in Florence, take advantage of the great weather by exploring on a bike. Venture into the countryside and take in the region’s gorgeous panoramas. Visit local markets to taste local produce, from wines to cheeses and fresh fruits and vegetables. If cycling can seem daunting, consider a Vespa tour of Florence.
If you want to indulge in some pampering after all the outdoor adventures, consider joining a wine tour where you can sit back, relax, and learn about the local wine. The guided tour is a fascinating way to learn about Italy’s exquisite wines, visit wine cellars, and sample some of the best varieties.
Adventures in Rome
You will find many amazing luxury tours around Italy, with Rome being the highlight of many touring itineraries. Offering a variety of activities and attractions, Rome is a fantastic city to explore, especially if you’re fond of spending time outdoors. You can best explore the city on foot. Its picturesque streets will take you to the city’s beautiful neighborhoods, with something incredible to discover around every corner.
Rome is a compact city, and you can visit its highlights. Begin at the Spanish Steps and then towards the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and the Pantheon. Cross the bridge towards the charming neighborhood of Trastevere and discover its hidden gems. Head to the vibrant Piazza Santa Maria in the evening to enjoy an aperitivo.
View down the Spanish Steps toward Trevi Fountain. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
If you want to take a break from walking but still want to spend time outdoors enjoying the breeze, consider exploring on a bike. Cycling around Rome is fun, especially with an e-bike, where you don’t need to pedal. Consider booking a guided tour, where a knowledgeable local guide will join you to explore the city’s top attractions, from the Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon.
Exploring Sorrento
Sorrento is a lovely coastal town in southern Italy, renowned for its vibrant culture, stunning sea views, and incredible hiking trails. Those fond of exploring on foot will find plenty of excellent hiking opportunities in Sorrento. Many of these trails feature stunning coastal views and take you to some of the town’s gorgeous beaches.
Sorrento’s streets are pedestrian-friendly, so wear comfortable shoes to wander around town. Consider joining a guided walking tour to learn more about the town and the history behind some of its famous attractions. The tour will take you to the historic center, a warren of narrow alleyways home to the Chiesa di San Francesco, a 14th-century church considered one of Italy’s most significant places of Christian pilgrimage.
Sorrento, Italy. Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
One of the most popular hiking trails in Sorrento is the Path of the Gods. It’s a scenic trail that takes you towards the gorgeous coast while you discover some of the area’s history. The hike is around 4.5 miles (7 kilometers) long, consisting of jaw-dropping cliff views of the ocean below.
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Planning Your Active Adventures in Italy
There is so much to see and do in Italy—and plenty of great food and wine after a day of exploring—you might never want to leave. We invite you to check out Wander With Wonder for more of our favorite spots for active adventures in Italy.
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The Best Destinations for Active Adventures in Italy