I had a fantastic time walking in Italy

I was in Italy for a month. My friend persuaded me to accompany her on the 7 day Path of the Gods walk from Bologne to Florence. Because I was travelling from New Zealand which is a heck of a long flight, I had to spend more than a week there. So I packed in as much as I possibly could without wearing myself out.

I walked 26km in one day when I was in Rome, there was so much to see
I walked 26km in one day when I was in Rome, there was so much to see

Best time to hike in Italy

I was there from the 10 May to the 10 June and the weather was totally perfect, not too hot. However, we did get rained out on two of the 7 days walking trip between Bologna to Florence which was a total shame.

Path of the Gods (Bologna to Florence):

  • Spring (March-May): Pleasant temperatures, blooming wildflowers, fewer crowds. Potential for occasional rain showers.
  • Autumn (September-November): Milder temperatures, vibrant fall foliage, and comfortable hiking conditions. Crowds decrease after October.
  • Summer (June-August): Hot and sunny, potential for thunderstorms. Crowds at their peak, especially in July and August.
 

Amalfi Coast:

  • Spring (March-May): Pleasant temperatures, blooming flowers, fewer crowds. Potential for occasional rain showers.
  • Autumn (September-November): Milder temperatures, comfortable hiking, stunning fall colours. Crowds decrease after October. Ideal for swimming.
  • Summer (June-August): Hot and sunny, crowded beaches, risk of heatstroke. Challenging for strenuous hikes due to heat.
 

Cinque Terre:

  • Spring (March-May): Pleasant temperatures, wildflowers, fewer crowds. Potential for occasional rain showers. Comfortable hiking conditions.
  • Autumn (September-November): Milder temperatures, vibrant fall foliage, comfortable hiking, fewer crowds. Ideal for swimming.
  • Summer (June-August): Hot and sunny, crowded villages and trails, risk of heatstroke. Challenging for strenuous hikes due to heat.
 

Overall, spring and autumn offer the best balance of comfortable temperatures, manageable crowds, and scenic beauty. However, if you prioritize fewer crowds and don’t mind cooler temperatures, consider March-April or October-November. If you prioritize warm weather and swimming, June or September might be suitable, but be prepared for heat and crowds. Remember to research specific weather forecasts and trail closures closer to your travel dates.

Map location of Italy

Here are all the walks I've done in Italy

See more of my walks around the world