Tuscany: memorable hiking trails

With its peaks reaching 2,000 metres above sea level, the Tuscan Apennines are a source of spectacular high-altitude trekking. We recommend the Abetone and Doganaccia ski lifts, famed ski resorts in winter and popular excursion destinations in summer.

These little corners of paradise, in the heart of the Pistoia mountains, are characterised by a wealth of natural beauty, including streams, glacial lakes and coniferous forests. Through a dense network of paths, you can walk to Lago Nero, a real treasure nestled between Monte Gomito and the Alpe delle Tre Potenze, or to the Libro Aperto mountain range, at an altitude of around 2,000 metres.

So called because of its resemblance to the Swiss mountains, the Svizzera Pesciatina is a portion of the Valleriana region where nature and history mingle in a long and exciting hike. Passing through the ring of Monte Battifolle and its dense woods, one glimpses the historic Castella Pesciatine, former inhabited villages of which nothing but rubble remains today, covered by vegetation, and is a must for trekkers in Tuscany.

Then relax in the valley among the thermal treasures of Montecatini, whose waters rise to a depth of 60-80 metres and rise to the surface rich in mineral salts and precious elements. The magnificent Art Nouveau and Neo-Gothic buildings make this site a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Mugello hiking network is suitable for everyone. We recommend taking a walk around Lake Bilancino near Barberino di Mugello or following the Sieve hiking trail with its 20 kilometres of almost completely flat terrain. One of the best ways to discover Mugello is probably to wander around aimlessly, so give free rein to your instincts.

The Casentino offers routes that can also be done over several days, which are sure to satisfy your thirst for adventure. Among the many, the ancient beech forests of the Sasso Fratino reserve, a UNESCO heritage site, deserve attention.

The view from the summit of the nearby Pratomagno, the range that divides the Casentino from the Valdarno, is breathtaking.

And lastly, the Vallombrosa forest, guardian of one of the giants of the earth: the Douglas fir, the tallest tree in Italy at 62 metres.

Behind the coastline with its rugged ridges and dolomite-like features rises the rocky mountain chain of the Apuan Alps. This is the perfect setting for Mountain Hiking, dynamic walking with the use of special poles. The routes vary in difficulty. Choose the level that suits you best.

Descending in altitude, the Maremma offers trekking routes in the Mediterranean maquis, between high cliffs and beach paths.

An obligatory stop on the island of Elba, whose trail touches the summit of Mount Capanne.

From Chianti to the Crete, passing through Valdelsa and Val d'Orcia, the Sienese Hills combine hiking among oak groves and ancient villages with well-known local gastronomy.

To round off our tour, we recommend the 30 kilometre route around the cone of Monte Amiata, an ancient mountain group of volcanic origin.