Easter holidays represent a unique opportunity to escape from urban chaos and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. The hiking paths offer an authentic and sustainable alternative to mass tourism. Here are some of the most suggestive paths in Italy, where nature and culture intertwine harmoniously
The path of the gods, Amalfi Coast
An enchanted path suspended between heaven and sea, the Path of the gods It unfolds for about 9 km between Agerola and Positano on the Amalfi coast, in Campania. The name itself recalls an ancient legend according to which the gods of Olympus went down on this way to save Ulysses from the sirens.
The vegetation here is dominated by the Mediterranean scrub, with corbezzoli, lentischi and gorse that in the spring release intense perfumes. It is not uncommon to spot the pilgrim’s hawk, which nests on the cliffs overlooking the sea. Along the way, small villages such as Nocelle and Montepertuso retain secular Easter traditions: among the most suggestive, the living via Crucis and the processions of Good Friday, accompanied by liturgical songs handed down from generation to generation.
National Park of the Belluno Dolomites
A real natural sanctuary, the Bellunes Dolomites National ParkI, in Veneto, extends over a territory of over 31 thousand hectares, with scenarios ranging from forests of beech trees and fir trees to alpine prairies dotted with rhododendrons. The fauna is equally rich: ibexes, chamois, deer and royal eagles populate these mountains, while in the wet caves it is possible to find the rare Italian geotritone (Speleomantes Italicus), a small amphibian Urodelo of the Plethodontidae family.
Easter in these valleys is linked to the tradition of “Whip”. An ancient rite that involves the lighting of large bonfires in the mountains to drive away the winter and greet spring. The excursions in the park offer total immersion in nature, with itineraries that lead to spectacular waterfalls such as the blow of the blow and the Mis valley, full of emerald leagues.
Path of the wayfarer, Lago di Como
Travel Path of the wayfarer It means embarking on a journey through time, following in the footsteps of merchants and pilgrims who for centuries have traveled this street along the eastern bank of Lake Como, in Lombardy. Between chestnut woods and terraced olive groves, the path crosses historic villages such as Varenna and Bellano. Romanesque churches and noble villas overlook the placid waters of the lake.
The local fauna includes the martin fisherman, the arony ash and, with a little luck, the rare European otter. During Easter, the area is animated by suggestive processions, such as that of “Holy Week” in Lecco. Figures in vintage clothes recall the passion of Christ. Gastronomic specialties include the “Subtraction”a traditional Easter dessert based on raisins and citrus fruits.
Casentinesi Forest Park
One of the most fascinating ecosystems in Italy, the Casentinesi Forest Park, At the turn of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, it houses some of the last old woods of Europe, including the integral reserve of Sasso Fratino, Unesco heritage. Here live the Apennine wolfil wild and numerous species of night birds of prey. In spring, the undergrowth is filled with anemones, lilies and mushrooms with extraordinary shapes.
Spirituality permeates these places, with millenary hermitages such as that of Camaldoli and the Sanctuary of the Verna, where St. Francis of Assisi received the stigmata. Easter is celebrated with solemn rites, including the blessing of eggs in the monasteries and the preparation of the “Easter Ciambellone”a sweet soft with anise and orange scent.
The path of the brigands (Abruzzo – Lazio)
Among the mountains of the central Apennines, the Way of the brigandsa path of about 100 km, between Abruzzo and Lazio, which recalls the events of the nineteenth -century rebels that opposed the unification of Italy. Crossing the beech woods and plateaus populated by wild horses, the path connects medieval villages such as Sante Marie and Tagliacozzo, where you can visit ancient inns and ruin fortresses.
The local fauna includes the griffin, the wolf and the rare Apennine salami. Easter here is a moment of intense popular participation, with historical re -enactments and banquets that celebrate the “Sheep at Cottora”a traditional dish based on sheep’s meat slowly cooked with aromatic herbs and mountain vegetables.
CAI Italy path
An epic itinerary that crosses all of Italy, from the Alps to Sicily, for over 7 thousand km. The Italy Path CAI It is a journey into the landscape diversity of the country, from the snowy peaks to the wild beaches. Each region offers unique experiences, from the flowering of the narculi in Liguria to the Mediterranean scrub of Sardinia, where the mouflon moves between the granite rocks.
Along the way you will meet villages with ancient Easter traditions, such as the “Devilata” of Adrano, in Sicily, a theatrical show that symbolizes the struggle between good and evil. The kitchen varies from “Casatiello” Campano, a savory pie filled with cured meats and cheeses, at “scarcelle” Apulian, desserts decorated with blessed hard eggs.
In short, choosing to spend Easter immersed in nature is an act of respect towards the environment and an opportunity to rediscover the cultural roots of our country. Each path tells a story, among unspoiled landscapes, millenary traditions and dating with wildlife. Walking also means learning to protect, to leave future generations an intact and alive natural heritage.