It’s not just the Dolomites. In Italy, trekking takes place all across the country, with some of the most evocative experiences to be found on its islands.

Combining different islands into a single itinerary

Ferryscanner, the online ferry booking platform that allows you to quickly compare routes and operators and purchase tickets, invites enthusiasts to embark on trekking routes on the Italian islands, for an active and sustainable holiday centred on island hopping. Thanks to its "Multiple Routes" feature, Ferryscanner allows you to combine different routes into a single itinerary and thus visit several islands during the same holiday.

Walking on an active volcano on Stromboli

The Italian islands amaze visitors with the sheer number and variety of unexpected trails that wind through active volcanoes, Mediterranean woodlands, cliffs overlooking the sea and ancient mule tracks.  In Sicily, in the Aeolian archipelago, Stromboli offers the chance to walk on the slopes of one of the world’s most active volcanoes and, at sunset, admire the fumaroles, lava flows and flashes of light that illuminate the sky. As well as numerous vantage points overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, the most iconic trail is the Sentiero del Fuoco, which leads to the Sciara del Fuoco, a vast lava flow stretching from the crater down to the sea. 

On clear days you can see the African coastline 

In Sicily, Pantelleria is another island of volcanic origin that amazes with its nature trails. Known as the Black Pearl of the Mediterranean, the trails wind their way through lava flows, dammusi (traditional lava-stone dwellings) and vineyards, within the National Park. The treks continue towards Lake Venere and on to the Arco dell’Elefante and the Balata dei Turchi, on the coast. From Montagna Grande, the island’s highest point, on clear days you can even see the African coastline.

Capri also has scenic trails

Capri

Moving to a different archipelago, though still within the same region, the island of Marettimo offers a network of trails that winds its way through ancient mule tracks, sea caves and vantage points overlooking crystal-clear waters. Of all these, the best-known route is the Sentiero del Semaforo, along with the paths leading to the island’s caves. Capri, in Campania, also surprises with its scenic trails. From the Sentiero dei Fortini to Pizzolungo and on to the paths leading up to Monte Solaro, the island offers treks that combine history, nature and spectacular views of the Faraglioni.

Marettimo

Trails also in Tuscany and Sardinia

In Tuscany, the island of Elba is particularly renowned for the Grande Traversata Elbana. This is one of Italy’s most fascinating routes, with over 50 kilometres of trails crossing the island from east to west through woods and along panoramic ridges from which to enjoy a stunning view of Corsica. In Sardinia, the La Maddalena Archipelago offers trails that wind their way through turquoise waters and wind-sculpted rocks. Here, the most iconic treks are the Sentieri di Caprera, which criss-cross the island through Mediterranean scrub, hidden coves and panoramic sea views. Added to these is the trail to Cala Coticcio, one of the archipelago’s most picturesque beaches.