Italy is certainly addressing its problem with tourist numbers, with authorities implementing everything from a tourist tax in Venice to an ice cream ban in Milan. But it’s not all about restrictions – the government is working on spotlighting lesser-known destinations to encourage more sustainable tourism, too.
One of the vintage tourist train routes from Rome to the Dolomites launched back in December, but in further efforts to attract more visitors to this ‘uncontaminated’ spot in northern Italy, a brand-new hiking trail has also just opened.
The Cammino Retico, plotted by social association Carpe Diem, is a 170km circular route that begins in Aune di Sovramonte (near the city of Belluno) and can be completed in seven days. Altitudes range from between 400 to 1,450 metres above sea level, and there’s plenty to see.
Journeying through 10 different villages in the Veneto and Trentino regions, the route – which is named after the pre-Roman Raeti people who lived here – incorporates pre-marked paths such as the ancient Claudia August and routes drawn out by Italy’s Club Alpino.
There are rugged limestone mountains, pretty lakes and lush valleys, as well as various points of historical interest. Monte Avena is where traces of Neanderthal populations were discovered, but you’ll also pass by the twelfth-century Sanctuary of Saints Vittore and the seventeenth-century Villa delle Centenere.
Already, there are 50 different accommodation options on offer, including amongst a mountain community in the walled town of Feltre and in Arsiè, a lakeside village.
‘It is a chance for tourists to discover the culture and traditions of these uncontaminated, rural areas,’ said Francesco De Bortoli from the Carpe Diem association to euronews, ‘And walking is the best way to do this.’
However, if you’re more of a two-wheeler than a two-booter, we’ve also got some good news: from 2025, a twin route for cyclists will be laid out as well. Sounds like it could be an addition to the best hikes and the best places to cycle, right?
Did you see that you’ll be fined €3,000 for stealing sand from Italian beaches?
Plus: A brand-new night train travelling the length of Italy is launching this summer.
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