River Walks: The Most Beautiful in Italy

Walking along the rivers It's a great pleasure, as well as excellent exercise. Nature never ceases to amaze during these hikes: from the vegetation that changes from area to area to the spectacular waterfalls, from the inlets to the natural beaches. And Italy's rivers, approximately 1.200, are ideal for walks, as they are significantly shorter than the European average. But what are the most beautiful walks? And what do they offer us? Here are some. the map, region by region.

Lombardia

In the Lombard municipality of Valbondione, the Serio river flows in Val Seriana, accessible from the town center. Walk along the paths that run alongside it, immersed in nature, and you'll feel completely regenerated. Also fascinating is the the path of the Era river, partly equipped, where you can admire waterfalls, pools, and river beaches. The trail is located in the province of Lecco and starts in the municipality of Mandello del Lario.

Veneto

There are numerous river itineraries in the region VenetoOf particular interest is the route that winds along part of the Adige, Italy's second-largest river after the Po. It begins in Villa Bartolomea, in the province of Verona, and proceeds along the Valli Grandi Veronesi toward Boara Pisani, in the province of Rovigo. The itinerary continues through Anguillara Veneta and Borgoforte, until reaching the mouth of the Adige on the Adriatic Sea. It's difficult to walk the entire route, at 101 km, but scenic walks along just a few sections are possible.

Friuli Venezia Giulia

The Tagliamento, at 170 km long, is the most important river in Friuli Venezia Giulia. It rises near the Mauria Pass in the province of Belluno, flows towards Cadore and crosses Carnia, until it empties into the Gulf of Venice between Lignano and Bibione.

The entire river can be traveled along ancient pilgrimage routes through the woods. The ideal starting point is the Mauria Pass, from where you head towards Forni di Sotto, located 19 km away. From there, if you're up for it, you can travel another 26 km via the Passo della Morte and Monte Corno, towards Villa Santina. An alternative route, also along trails immersed in the surrounding woods, leads from Venzone to Pinzano al Tagliamento, Valvasone, and San Vito. All these villages hold wonders, making them ideal stops for a quick break.

Emilia Romagna

In Emilia Romagna we point out the Secchia river, which rises in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, in Ventasso, from the Succiso Alps. Its source is located in a basin between the mountains of Succiso, Monte Alto, and Casarola, and is the ideal destination for a Sunday stroll. A pristine place where you can admire its crystal-clear waters as they gush from the rocks. A unique spectacle!

Trentino Alto Adige

In Trentino Alto Adige, following a path of about 40 minutes, you can reach the Riva waterfalls, in the valley of the same name, in Campo Tures. The trail winds from Winkel to the Riva stream, where the lower waterfall is located, and continues towards the second and third steps, the upper waterfall.

Piedmont

Is called Geese Trail The path between Villafranca Piemonte and Cardé is a pleasant natural circular route created in 2017, which winds along the Po River. It can be explored on foot or by bicycle, along both banks, following the goose-shaped signs. It's pleasant and family-friendly.

Abruzzo

The longest river in Abruzzo is the Aterno-Pescara, an ideal destination for nature walks. The best trails, included in the Pescara Springs Guided Nature Reserve, are Canapine and Colle Pescara, where it's easy to spot birds such as moorhens and little grebes. Descending the Colle Pescara trail, you can reach the springs, characterized by crystal-clear waters.

Valle d'Aosta

Strolling along the course of the Dora Baltea It's a pleasure for all the senses. The Aosta Valley river flows through breathtaking landscapes, some truly pristine. For those who want to enjoy it on foot, there are some very interesting itineraries, such as the one from the municipality of Arnad towards the medieval village of Bard, with its magnificent fort, and Brusson, nestled among springs and lakes.

Liguria

In Dolcedo, in the Prino valley, the main protagonist is the Prino torrent, which here meets the Rio dei Boschi. The houses are built around the two streams, both accessible via steps and narrow streets dotted throughout the village. They are starting points for further excursions.

Toscana

In Tuscany there is a cycle/pedestrian path that connects Arezzo to Chiusi, a 62 km route perfect for those who enjoy a pleasant walk or bike ride. This is the Canale Maestro della Chiana trail, an ancient road, now equipped with facilities, perfect for relaxing walks.

Molise

Piana dei Mulini, in Molise, is the ideal starting point for a walk to discover the banks of the Biferno River, Its waters are home to native brown trout, eels, rainbow trout, chub, and many other fish. The river is surrounded by thick, tall vegetation along its banks, but near Piana dei Mulini there are also quiet beaches and natural stone walkways that are easy to navigate.

Brands

La Sasso waterfall, in Sant'Angelo in Vado, in the province of Pesaro and Urbino, is the ideal destination for a stroll along the Metauro, the most famous river in the Marche region, which originates from the confluence of two streams, the Meta and the Auro. The waterfall rises not far from the river's source and is a staggering 12 meters high. A sight not to be missed.

Lazio

Between Rome and Viterbo stands the Treja Valley Regional Natural Park, crossed by the river of the same name, which flows to the Tiber. One of the most interesting areas from a naturalistic perspective, ideal for family walks, is located near Monte Gelato, where the Treja gives rise to beautiful waterfalls.

Campania

In the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park the Sammaro RiverIts springs rise in a deep gorge, over which stands the famous Sacco Bridge. Tourists can walk down to the park's trail, which passes through beech and chestnut trees and leads to the Sammaro River, where they can enjoy long walks immersed in nature.

Umbria

Cross the river on foot Nera River Park, in Umbria, is a pleasure for all the senses and, step by step, you can reach the famous Cascate delle marmoreFrom here, after a refreshing break, the walk continues towards the sanctuary of the Madonna dello Scoglio, located along the road to Forcella.

Abruzzo

Il Orfento River It's a charming destination surrounded by pristine nature, framed by rock faces. An ideal spot for Sunday strolls exploring the valley of the same name, located in Caramanico Terme, in the province of Pescara. The area also boasts some particularly valuable churches and hermitages, well worth a visit.

Puglia

In Puglia we recommend the Ofanto River Regional Natural Park, which can be admired via picturesque trails, accessible both on foot and by car. Numerous paths allow you to access the river and enjoy its natural heritage and extraordinary biodiversity. It will be a pleasure to walk among willows, beeches, oaks, and poplars and admire animals of all kinds, including the river otter.

Calabria

In Calabria, in the Sila Park, you can admire the tributaries of the Neto River Starting from Camigliatello Silano. Following the river, you'll pass through forests of beech, fir, and larch pine of unmistakable beauty. Be warned, however, that this is a rather challenging hike, so it's best to be properly equipped and know the area well, unless you decide to hire a local guide.

Basilicata

A wonderful and uncontaminated land, Basilicata holds a special place: the waterfalls of the village of San Fele in the province of Potenza, born from the Bradano stream. There are several routes for those who intend to visit them, from the “U Urtone” route, about 1 km long, to “Il Paradiso”, about 300 metres long, or even “La Pineta”, 700 metres long.

Sicilia

Il San Basilio stream, in Sicily, is the ideal place to enjoy a breathtaking river walk. Along it, in fact, you can reach the famous Catafurco waterfallHow to get there? Start from the hamlet of San Basilio, in the municipality of Galati, and continue on foot through the valley, following the streams, until you reach the waterfall.

Sardinia

If you are in Sardinia for a river walk, the Lequarci River, in the Ulassai area, with its spectacular waterfalls, is ideal. You can reach them by following the streams that give rise to them, continuing the path along the various rivulets. A visit to the green canyon and the various caves scattered around is highly recommended.

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