Agritourism Trekking in Italy

Info and Description

Trekking agritourisms are licensed farms that, in addition to rural hospitality, offer easy access to hiking trails and, in some cases, guided excursions or logistical support for hikers. Trekking is one of the complementary services offered by Italian agritourism businesses , distinct from activities such as general hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

(Sources: ISTAT, Law 96/2006)

In short

Trekking farms in Italy are characterized by:

• proximity to marked trails (CAI network or local trails)
• possibility of guided excursions with Environmental Hiking Guides (GAE)
• Support services: half board, packed lunches, equipment storage (where available)
• structures located in mountainous, hilly areas or within natural parks

Costs and seasonality:

• Guided group excursion (GAE): indicative rate between €180 and €250 per day, VAT included (total rate for the group, not per person)
• peak season: spring and autumn, with more favorable weather conditions for walking

Explanation

Trekking and hiking in Italy

In 2024, trekking will be practiced by 4% of Italian athletes, equivalent to approximately 884,000 people , according to the research "Sports in Italy 2024," conducted by Sport e Salute in collaboration with ISTAT. It is a growing practice, supported by interest in wellness, nature, and slow tourism. To support this practice, the Italian Alpine Club has selected and listed approximately 60,000 km of trails throughout the country, including the Alps, Apennines, and major islands, including the CAI Sentiero Italia, which crosses the entire peninsula . Mountain tourism also represents a significant component of the economy of these regions: according to the UNCEM 2025 Mountain Italy Report, produced as part of the ITALIAE project of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, tourism generates 6.7% of the GDP of Italian mountains, a value in line with the national average.

(Sources: Sport and Health - ISTAT; CAI; UNCEM)

The boom of walking and slow tourism

A phenomenon closely linked to trekking is that of "cammini," long-distance itineraries divided into stages . According to the ninth edition of the dossier "Italy, Country of Cammini" by Terre di Mezzo Editore, in 2025 there were at least 300,046 walkers in Italy, a 56% increase compared to 191,465 in 2024 (which in turn marked a 29% increase over 2023). This growth is also supported by the expansion of the offering: in 2025, 250 cammini were registered in Italy, compared to 160 in 2024. The estimated overnight stays along the cammini in 2025 were approximately 2.48 million, for an overall economic impact on the regions estimated at at least 336.4 million euros.

(Sources: Terre di Mezzo Editore - dossier "Italy, Country of Paths")

Market data and trends (Agriturismo.net)

Analyzing the offer of trekking farms in Italy:

• 45.5% of total facilities offer cycling tours
• 1 out of 2 farmhouses is located in Tuscany
• 63% of facilities accept pets

(Sources: Based on data from Agriturismo.net)

Practical part

How to choose a farmhouse for trekking

1. Check the proximity to the trails: check the distance from the property to the CAI trails or the local hiking network, and whether accompaniment to the starting point is provided.
2. Check the difficulty level of the routes: find out if there are itineraries suitable for your level, from beginner to expert
3. Ask if guided excursions are available: check if the facility organizes excursions with Environmental Hiking Guides or collaborates with local guides
4. Consider the support services: luggage storage, drying room for boots and equipment, packed lunches or half board designed for those returning late
5. Check the pet policy: many hikers travel with dogs, check if they are allowed both in the facility and on the surrounding trails.
6. Find out about the seasonality of the route: some high-altitude paths are only accessible at certain times of the year due to snow or weather conditions.
7. Check connections and logistics: Check if the facility offers shuttles or directions to the trailheads.
8. Ask the owner: Have any questions? Before booking, contact the property directly with your request, no obligation, using the "Ask the owner" button on the page.

FAQ

What is a trekking farm?

A trekking agriturismo is a farm located near hiking trails or mountain areas, offering hospitality, food with local products, and, in some cases, guided excursions or support services for hikers.

How much does a guided excursion starting from a farmhouse cost?

The fee for a certified hiking guide (GAE) for a group excursion is generally between €180 and €250 per day, including VAT. This is a total fee for the group, not per person; transportation, meals, and any equipment rental are generally not included.

(Sources: AGAE)

How many hiking trails are available in Italy?

The Italian Alpine Club has selected and advertised approximately 60,000 km of trails throughout the country, including the Alps, Apennines, and major islands.

(Sources: CAI)

What's the best time for a farm trekking?

The best seasons are generally spring and autumn, when temperatures are milder. High-altitude hikes are still possible during the summer months, while in winter, some routes may be subject to restrictions due to snow or ice.

How many Italians go trekking?

In 2024, trekking was practiced by 4% of Italian athletes, equal to approximately 884,000 people.

(Sources: Sport and Health - ISTAT)

How many agritourisms in Italy offer trekking or hiking services?

In 2024, 13,265 agritourism businesses (50.3% of the total) will offer at least one complementary service, including trekking, excursions, and nature observation. Trekking, strictly speaking, is offered by between 11% and 14% of these businesses, an 8% increase compared to 2023.

(Sources: ISTAT)

What is the difference between trekking and "cammino"?

Trekking generally refers to an excursion or series of excursions in natural environments, sometimes lasting several days, while a "cammino" is a long-distance itinerary, often with a historical, cultural, or religious theme, divided into stages with structured overnight stays. In 2025, 250 "cammino" were recorded in Italy.

(Sources: Terre di Mezzo Editore)

Do the farmhouses near the trails offer overnight stays for multiple stages?

Many establishments along the main Italian routes host walkers for one or more consecutive nights. In 2025, total overnight stays along Italian routes were estimated at approximately 2.48 million.

(Sources: Terre di Mezzo Editore)

Is farm trekking suitable for beginners?

Many facilities offer trails of varying difficulty and can direct guests to itineraries suited to their level. However, it's advisable to check the technical difficulty of the trail and the availability of guides in advance.

Is it necessary to book a hiking guide in advance?

Yes, especially during the high season (spring and autumn) and for large groups: Environmental Hiking Guides generally work by reservation and with a maximum number of participants per outing.

Sources

Agritourism Businesses in Italy - Year 2024 - ISTAT

Law 20 February 2006 n. 96

Trails - Italian Alpine Club (CAI)

Italy's Mountain Report 2025 - UNCEM (ITALIAE project, Presidency of the Council of Ministers)

Sports Practice in Italy 2024 - Sport and Health / ISTAT (retrieved from Outdoortest.it)

Italy, Country of Paths (9th edition) - Terre di Mezzo Editore

The most famous trails

An agritourism vacation is a must-do for sports and hiking amidst our country's lush nature . Italy offers countless hiking trails , along the coast, in the countryside, in the mountains, and even in the city. Here, we suggest the most beautiful hiking itineraries in Italy , suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers. Short or long hikes can be punctuated with stops at agritourisms with restaurants for refreshments and wine tastings, or at a agriturismo with a pool for a refreshing dip.

Trekking in Liguria: The Blue Trail

Located in the Cinque Terre region, in the province of La Spezia , the Sentiero Azzurro ( Blue Trail) is the route that runs from Riomaggiore to Monterosso . Approximately 12 km long, it is mostly made up of paths and mule tracks, with the remainder consisting of the Via dell'Amore (Love Way) promenade and internal roads connecting the five villages. It is an ancient route, traced by those who regularly used it for transportation, and is easily navigable, except for some slippery sections and cliffs due to narrowing of the trail.

Trekking in Italy: the Via Francigena

The Via Francigena is the ancient pilgrim route that allowed pilgrims to reach Rome and then Puglia, starting from Canterbury and crossing the whole of Italy, passing through Valle d'Aosta, Piedmont , Lombardy , Emilia Romagna, Liguria , Tuscany and Lazio. A route for everyone, over 1,000 km long with 44 stages ranging from 15 to 35 km, to be covered on foot or by bicycle through mountains, hills and flat areas, discovering renowned tourist cities as well as provincial towns and small villages, including Lucca, San Gimignano , Siena and Viterbo .

Trekking in Umbria and Lazio: the Path of St. Benedict

The Way of Saint Benedict is a little-known route, despite being one of the most important pilgrimage routes in central Italy, retracing the various places where the saint from Norcia lived and preached. It's a journey through the heart of Italy, approximately 300 km long and divided into 16 stages of approximately 20 km each, beginning in Norcia, Umbria , and ending in Montecassino after crossing the entire Lazio region to the border with Campania.

Trekking on the Path of the Gods

The Path of the Gods winds along a stretch of the Amalfi Coast , between Agerola and Positano, punctuated by scenic overlooks and wooded areas. The trail is 10 km long and takes about 5 hours. It doesn't have any significant elevation changes, and its simplicity and beauty attract many visitors. For the best experience, we recommend starting from the top down, from Agerola to Positano.

Trekking in Puglia among the Alimini Lakes

The Adriatic area within the province of Lecce is ideal for trekking enthusiasts. Salento boasts numerous protected areas, and the Alimini Lakes are a natural park surrounded by thick Mediterranean scrub and pine forests. Here, you can take a picturesque walk immersed in the wildest nature, part of the larger trail, ironically named Mamma Li Turchi .

Trekking in Sicily: the Magna Via Francigena

Even in Sicily , ancient routes linked to the Francigena tradition can be traced. The Magna Via Francigena is an ancient road traveled over the centuries by pilgrims, traders and travellers, which linked settlements, villages and above all two ports, Palermo and Agrigento . A route of approximately 160 km that crosses 15 municipalities and 3 provinces, allowing trekking lovers and anyone who enjoys travelling on foot to discover rural Sicily.

Browse our selection of Agritourism, B&Bs, Holiday Homes, and Apartments on our website, where you can stay for your trekking holiday in Italy.