6 destinations in Italy to experience an adventurous, adrenaline-pumping Easter weekend

The adventures begin with a trek in Sicily, two high-adrenaline routes involving beautiful landscapes and local traditions. First stop, the Madonie Park, in the province of Palermo.

Nestled on the mountain massif of the same name, it’s a vast nature reserve that holds the most precious treasures of Sicilian flora and fauna, such as the Nebrodi fir, the rarest in the world.

Here, you can also experience the thrill of Madonie trekking, touching some spectacular viewpoints of the park, such as Madonna dell'Alto, Pizzo Carbonara and Valle Giumenta, from which unmissable trails branch off, such as the Sentiero dell'Aquila Reale trail where if you look up, you can follow the eagles soaring overhead.

The second part of the journey will take you inland to Prizzi in the heart of Palermo. This small town preserves a historic Easter tradition called the Ballo dei diavoli (the devils dance). It’s a celebration that involves the whole town. The streets become populated by creatures dressed in yellow and red clothes and scary masks to make passers-by jump. An ancient rite of Easter in Sicily, to exercise death and celebrate the theme of purification from sin.

From the Ionian to the Tyrrhenian Sea, from Soverato to Pizzo: here’s a trekking route in Calabria. The Kalabria Coast to Coast is 55 kilometers long and divided into 3 stages, the only itinerary in Italy that Time magazine has included in the World Greatest Places of 2022.

Starting from the white beaches of the Costa degli Aranci reaching the enchanting Pizzo, perched on the Costa degli Dei, through the mountainous territory of the Calabrian Preserre, the villages of Petrizzi, San Vito sull'Ionio and Monterosso Calabro.

It’s a demanding trek but suitable for everyone. The effort is certainly worth the thrill of crossing the boot in just 3 days, between sea and mountains, wrapped in the magical Calabrian landscape.

Even the Italian coast would offer an ideal scenario for an adventurous Easter. Gargano, for example, is at the top of the list of places to not miss. With its windy beaches, the Apulian spur is one of the most beautiful coastal stretches in Italy. It’s the perfect gym to face adventures like of kite or windsurfing. Especially between Vieste and Peschici, where the numerous local centers and schools reopen during the period. Pros can rent equipment and beginners can get lessons to learn one of the most adrenaline-pumping activities in the water. In short, a beautiful Easter by the sea.

The Gargano hinterland also offers breathtaking experiences. The Umbra Forest which, unlike what one might think, is not located in the Umbria region, envelops the whole coast in a green embrace: it’s a destination loved by trekking and mountain bike enthusiasts for its trails that wind along the slopes.

At sunset, to reward your efforts between land and sea, you can enjoy an aperitif in Vieste. It welcomes visitors in its winding streets and unmistakable white houses overlooking the Pizzomunno that stands guard over the town. Definitely an Easter you will remember.

If you don't suffer from vertigo and you love a good challenge, in Basilicata, near the Lucan village of Castelsaraceno, about a hundred kilometers from Matera and Potenza, the longest Tibetan bridge in the world awaits you. 586 meters in length and 80 in height, it represents a scenographic observation point, but above all a unique undertaking for thrill-seekers, even if technically within everyone's reach.

If you have the guts to walk the aerial section that connects the Pollino Park and the Lucano Val d'Agri-Lagonegrese Apennine National Park, a thousand steps await you in single file, suspended over the gorge of the Racanello stream.

Central-southern Italy in spring is a paradise for trekking enthusiasts. From villages to forests that seem to live lost in time. The Sentiero dei Briganti trail climbs up a circular route between Lazio and Abruzzo. 100 kilometers, with 7 stages in wild nature, in the territory of clashes between 1860 and 1970, against the new Piedmontese dominion, immediately after the unification of Italy. An immersive and powerful experience immersed in history and nature.

If you enjoy walking off the beaten track, head for the Majella National Park, also in Abruzzo, nestled between the provinces of L'Aquila, Pescara and Chieti. Crossed by 4 mountain ranges dominated by the Majella massif, it has obtained the recognition of UNESCO Geopark. Along the 800 kilometers of paths that cross it and which can be explored on foot, by mountain bike and on horseback, you will find wildlife areas, castles, hermitages and ancient villages, streams and waterfalls, as well as historic and via ferrata routes.

Have you ever gone rafting? Spending Easter in Trentino could be the right time to try this sport if you have never practiced it. Destination: Val di Sole. Along the 28 navigable kilometers of the Noce river, in the province of Trento, you can get on one of the large canoes with a rafting guide and enjoy an exciting experience following the swirling current or gliding on the water with oars.

If you think it's a sport for the daring, fear not: the guides never tire of repeating that the only fundamental requirement is the desire to have fun.