Backpacking in Italy

Backpacking in Italy offers a lot of experiences, blending rich history, delectable cuisine, and stunning landscapes. Navigating this diverse country requires savvy planning to make the most of your adventure. Here are some useful tips to ensure your backpacking trip through Italy's popular destinations is unforgettable.

When planning a backpacking trip to Italy, a variety of companies can help with transportation, accommodations, tours, and gear. Here’s our list of useful companies and services that cater to backpackers:

Transportation

1. Trenitalia

Italy's national train service, perfect for backpackers looking to explore cities via rail. Offers affordable regional trains and high-speed options for quicker travel between major cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice.

https://www.trenitalia.com

2. Italo

A private high-speed train company operating between major cities. Often has competitive prices and promotions.

https://www.italotreno.it

3. FlixBus

A budget-friendly bus service that connects major cities and regions across Italy. It's great for long-distance travel on a budget.

https://www.flixbus.com

4. Omio

A travel booking platform that compares trains, buses, and flights, making it easy to find the best routes and prices.

https://www.omio.com

5. Eurail

If you're planning to explore multiple European countries, including Italy, the Eurail pass can be an excellent value. It allows for unlimited travel on a certain number of travel days.

https://www.eurail.com

Accommodation

1. Hostelworld

- A global platform for finding affordable hostels in Italy. Great for meeting fellow backpackers and staying in central locations.

https://www.hostelworld.com

2. Booking.com

Offers a range of accommodations, including budget hostels, B&Bs, and guesthouses. Backpackers can often find affordable stays, especially in rural or less touristy areas.

https://www.booking.com

3. Couchsurfing

A platform where travelers can stay with locals for free. It's a great way to meet Italians and get insider knowledge on different cities.

https://www.couchsurfing.com

4. Airbnb

Offers a range of lodging options, from shared rooms to entire apartments. You can find budget-friendly options in various cities and rural areas of Italy.

https://www.airbnb.com

Tours & Experiences

1. Walks of Italy

Provides small-group tours of Italy’s major cities and landmarks. Great for backpackers looking to delve deeper into history and culture without breaking the bank.

https://www.walksofitaly.com

2. Free Walking Tours

Many cities like Rome, Florence, and Milan offer free walking tours where you pay the guide a tip at the end. These tours are ideal for learning about the city on a backpacker’s budget.

https://www.guruwalk.com

3. GetYourGuide

A platform to book affordable tours and activities in Italy, from guided hikes to cultural experiences like pasta-making classes.

https://www.getyourguide.com

4. Viator

Another platform offering tours and day trips. Viator has a variety of budget-friendly options for backpackers.

https://www.viator.com

Outdoor & Gear

1. Decathlon

A popular European sports and outdoor store where you can find affordable camping and hiking gear if you need supplies during your trip.

https://www.decathlon.it

2. Ferrino

An Italian company specializing in high-quality outdoor gear and backpacks, perfect for those planning trekking trips in Italy's national parks or mountains.

https://www.ferrino.it

3. Komoot

A hiking and biking app that offers detailed trail maps for trekking in Italy, including routes in the Alps, Dolomites, and coastal regions. It’s great for backpackers seeking outdoor adventures.

https://www.komoot.com

4. AllTrails

Another excellent app for finding and following hiking trails in Italy. Provides detailed trail maps, reviews, and difficulty ratings.

https://www.alltrails.com

Other useful Contacts

1. Revolut

A digital bank card offering zero-fee foreign exchange and easy ATM withdrawals abroad. Great for saving money on fees when traveling.

https://www.revolut.com

2. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

A service for making international money transfers and holding multiple currencies in one account, useful for managing finances while backpacking.

https://www.wise.com

3. Rome2Rio

A travel search engine that helps you figure out how to get from one place to another using buses, trains, ferries, and flights.

https://www.rome2rio.com

These companies and services will make planning and enjoying your backpacking trip to Italy easier, whether you’re exploring cities, rural regions, or the stunning natural landscapes.

Now on to the cities you can explore!

Rome

Firstly, consider the best way to explore Italy's treasures. While major cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice boast iconic landmarks, don't overlook smaller towns for a taste of authentic Italian culture. Start your journey in Rome, where you can visit the Vatican City and marvel at the Sistine Chapel.

Opt for a guided tour of the main attractions to skip the long queues and gain insight into the rich history of the Roman Empire. Free walking tours are also available if you have enough time.

We can recommend The Beehive Hostel run by Linda and Steve who moved to Rome in 1999 with their 2 cats! With two kitchens, dorm and private rooms, plus a lovely outdoor courtyard this is such a popular little hostel. Don’t tell everyone about it! Shhh…

Florence

After exploring the historical sites of the major city, venture to Florence via regional trains for a rendezvous with Renaissance art at the Uffizi Gallery. Indulge in delicious Italian food and gelato before embarking on day trips to the picturesque towns of Pisa and Siena. Ensure to book your high-speed trains tickets in advance to secure the best deals on train travel.

Plus Florence is highly recommended as being an economic option, feeling safe and being close to the centre.

Lake Como

Next, head north to the enchanting Lake Como, where charming villages and breathtaking vistas await. Take advantage of the efficient train network to access surrounding areas like Lecco and Bellagio. Consider staying in a backpacker hostel for affordable accommodation with free Wi-Fi and easy access to the city center.

It’s harder to find hostel accommodation around Lake Como as it’s more of a series of villages around the lake. Here you’ll find one with mostly good reviews. Ostello Bello Lake Como. Be aware most won’t have elevators as they are old pretty buildings converted to hotels.

Amalfi Coast

As you journey south, explore the stunning Amalfi Coast, known for its dramatic cliffs, popular places and beautiful beaches. Visit the historic town of Amalfi and enjoy panoramic views from the coastal paths. Don't miss the opportunity to taste local cuisine and unwind with a limoncello by the sea.

As you make your way back north, stop by the charming town of La Spezia for easy access to the Cinque Terre. Explore the colorful villages perched on cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea, taking in the breathtaking views along the way.

Here’s some reviews of a good value hostel in Salerno.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is located along the Italian Riviera and is composed of five villages: Vernazza, Corniglia, Riomaggiore, Manarole, and Monterosso al Mare. There is a national park and combined with the villages and surrounding landscape, the entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The area is quite popular with tourists and the main way to see the region is to hike it. You can take a train in and then the rest is reached by terraces built right on the hillsides. Many people enjoy visiting Cinque Terre because it lacks the accessibility for mass tourism.

There are trains and ferries that connect the villages and several hiking and walking trails that vary in difficulty. The prize if you complete the stretch into Corniglia -- up 368 stairs -- is the breathtaking views of the bay. The area takes about five hours to walk and is more than 10 km long, with a height difference of around 600 meters.

This hostel in Riomaggiore has great reviews and is payment in cash only.

Mount Vesuvius

For a taste of adventure, hike up Mount Vesuvius near Naples and explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii. Take advantage of the summer months to visit Southern Italy's hidden gems like the rugged coastline of Calabria and the historic town of Matera.

This hostel in Pompeii is perfectly located to see all the sights.

Mount Etna

Sicily is another region that offers some of the best hiking spots in Italy. The varied terrain makes for interesting hiking as you mix Italy's nature with its local culture. You will find trails along rolling hills, wander through valleys filled with grape vines and olive trees, and for the adventurous, hike up the volcanic flanks of Mt. Etna. It is said to be Europe's highest active volcano, towering over Sicily at 3,350 meters.

Skiing on Mt. Etna is quite popular during the cold winter months, while hikers take to it during the warmer months. There are also countless trails and options that take you to Mt. Etna's lower slopes.

This hostel near Mount Etna doesn’t have many reviews, but the ones it does have are all great! Check out the details here.

Dolomites

The Dolomites are a mountain range within the Italian Alps. They are located in Belluno, Bolzano-Bozen, and Trento provinces. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, the Dolomites have numerous regional parks and one national park. Notable peaks in the Dolomites include Sella, Tofana, Langkofel, and Vajoletturme.

From a tourist standpoint, the Dolomites are popular with skiers, mountain climbers, hikers, and base jumpers. During the warmer months, activities like hang gliding and paragliding are also popular.

A perfect, family run hostel for your break, Museo Ostello has lovely reviews and is small and cosy.

Hills of Florentine

This region needs no introduction. From classic wines, picturesque scenery, and gourmet food, Tuscany is worth a visit no matter what your travel plans include. If you have plans to visit Florence, consider hiking in the Florentine Hills on the Anello del Rinascimento trail. It means Renaissance Ring or Ring of the Renaissance in English and it is a scenic trail that traces a path around the city of Florence itself.

The trail is 170-km and can be done on foot or bicycle. The route takes you through some of the region's historic towns and snakes around by castles, churches, woods, and monasteries. For more information on the trail or things to do in Florence, see the Official Tourism Board of Florence.

Ostello del Bigallo is well recommended and is set in a beautiful ancient building. Some reviewers don’t like the lack of aircon and patchy wifi so be warned.

Turin

Another spot in the Italian Alps that is popular for hiking is Turin, or Torino. Located in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy, it is often known as the "Capital of the Alps," and ironically, the "Automobile Capital of Italy," as it is home to the headquarters of FIAT. Although it is a thriving cosmopolitan and industrial city, Turin is recognized for its outdoor activities as well.

One of the most recommended trails and best places is from Pinerolo to Mount Fredour, or the "Sentiero del Re" that stretches from Valle Orco to Lake Ceresole. Hiking around Turin is an option for casual hikers or experienced trekkers, depending on your experience level. To get an idea of the more advanced hikes, please see the article, "Hiking the Alps Near Torino: Getting to the Top is Worth the Work."

Combo Turin is a hostel located in a former fire station, if you like accommodation with a twist! This has good reviews for staff, cleanliness and location.

Throughout your travels, embrace Italian culture by indulging in street food and joining happy hours for a taste of la dolce vita. Consider purchasing travel insurance for peace of mind, especially when embarking on long-distance hikes or exploring remote areas.

Italy is not only renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and legendary food and wine, it is also home to a number of great hiking spots for the adventure seeker.

Backpacking in Italy offers an unparalleled journey through history, culture, the best things, best views to see and natural beauty. By planning ahead and embracing the diverse experiences this country has to offer, you're sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Buon viaggio!