New Hiking Trail Connects All Italian National Parks

On May 23, the Italian Alpine Club and the Ministry of Environment announced a new initiative to link over 4,350 miles of hiking trails in Italy. With sites from Cinque Terre to the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, the new “Path of the Parks” connects all 25 natural parks in the country.

This plan builds on the already existing “Italy Path,” however, the new proposal is far more extensive. Previously, the “Italy Path” only included 18 of the 25 while the new plan encompasses all parks, many of which are in biosphere reserves and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Hikers will be able to reach snow-capped heights in the Dolomites, travel hills and valleys in Tuscany, and trek along miles of coastline in Campania.

Sergio Costa, the Minister of Environment, also announced a recognition system for hikers taking on the challenge of reaching every park. “For all travelers along the Path of the Parks we will also create a ‘passport’, a symbolic recognition for hikers who will cross the territory of each park and to reward those who have managed to complete it by stopping in all 25 national parks,’ said Costa.

This announcement came on the European Day of Parks, with Costa also speaking about the need for preservation and the benefits of being outdoors in the post-COVID recovery period. “National parks are a treasure trove of nature,” Costa said, “and we must guarantee their conservation, but also their usability.’

– Jori Bonadurer