Located on the foothills of the boot between Mount Etna and Monte Tauro the town of Turin enjoys spectacular beauty and charm. It is the second most populous city of Italy after Rome and is one of the best places for hiking and trekking. This beautiful historic city is a hub for adventure seekers. You can either enjoy hiking in the open air as there are hundreds of trails throughout the city or opt for an indoor adventure activity such as mountain climbing, white water rafting, trekking or mountain biking. A range of outdoor activities can be enjoyed in this dynamic city including water skiing, surfing, paragliding, windsurfing, kayaking and kite boarding.
From Milan you only need an hour drive to reach Turin and can begin immediately from the airport or even an easier journey with your own vehicle. The beginning point for a day hike in Turin, unless you own your own vehicle, is usually the town center or an underground metro station. If you are not too experienced with hiking, the first thing to do would be to hire an inexpensive guide or a travel agency which can help you out in finding the right trail that will suit your style of walking or trekking. A good map can also help in guiding you to the right tracks for trekking. Once you start hiking you will notice that there are various types of trails that you can choose from: first, second, third and fourth degree trails.
First Degree Trail: This is the most popular trail as it starts from the coast of italy and goes until you turn onto the valley of the Abruzzo. The trail has panoramic views of the valley and is great for beginners who want to enjoy the landscape and peace while trekking through the Italian countryside. The first level of the trail has plenty of toilets and water stations which you will use to replenish yourself. As you go further on the trail you will encounter the beautiful and secluded abbey that overlooks the valley.
Second Degree Trail: The second degree trail is another fantastic hiking trail where tourists and Italian native come to hike the different portions of the land. The first two miles of the trail have lots of signs and facilities that can guide you with questions or help you decide what to do. At the end of the path you will see some wonderful views of the Abruzzo coastline. Hiking this trail one day is enough to recharge. You can go back to the hotel for some rest before continuing your trip to the villages.
Third Degree Trail: The third type of hiking trail in Italy, which can be very challenging due to the elevations, starts from the beach of Torino. You’ll soon reach the village of Pienza dei Cavalli and after you complete the downhill walk you will come upon a road which leads you to a huge rock climbing area. Most hikers come here to scale the formidable Montefeltro, an 880 meter high peak which dominates the landscape of Turin. This trekking is suitable for expert hikers and not so suitable for beginners since the ascends reach the highest point of the mountain.
Another excellent trekking option in Italy is the trek to the church of San Pietro in Orsina Rocciavr. The trekking here takes about two hours and you’ll see the wonderful setting of the Italian countryside on your way to the church. This trekking is suitable for experts and not so for beginners as the steep ascends of the mountain takes away most of their strength. Another exciting way to enjoy hiking in Italy is to go goose hunting in La Lecce. You have a chance to spot many geese and spend few hours while they feed.