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From hiking in the splendour of the Alps and Dolomites, to trekking in the Apennines, and enjoying fine food along the way, readers reveal their favourite activities in Italy's mountain areas
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Winning tip Cycling and walking, Lunigiana
Walk ancient paths, swim in mountain gorges, see behind the closed doors of churches and palazzi … just some of what we've done with Farfalle in Cammino, a responsible-tourism group in Lunigiana. Life stays close to the rhythm of the year: what's on depends on the season. The guides are keen to share the area with English speakers. The 2013 programme includes a one-week, self-guided, electric-bike gastro-tour from Parma to Lucca. farfalleincammino.org/en
davidw5251
Alps and Dolomites
Hiking from Passo di Falzarego to Rifugio Nuvolau
For a first-time walk in the region there is nothing better than hiking from Passo di Falzarego (near Cortina d'Ampezzo) to Rifugio Nuvolau. Head from Passo di Falzarego towards Forcella Gallina, passing in front of mount Averau, then up to Rifugio Nuvolau (and possibly spend the night) and down to Passo di Giaucorrect (final stop). It's about four hours, there are some difficult spots, but you enjoy a 360-degree view of the Dolomites, and it is doable even by amateurs (like me). If you stay the night at Rifugio Nuvolau you can witness the amazing enrosadira at sunset – when the Dolomites turn pink.
Rifugio Nuvolau: +39 0436 867938, nuvolau.com
isa0707
Ligurian coast
East of the French border, the Alps sweep down to the sea, punctuated by deep ravines and fast-flowing rivers. The mountain paths are deserted. Near the coast you can get simple bar meals in villages, but beyond that you need to carry food and water sufficient for the day. Views of the coast are stupendous. Stay in Bordighera or Sanremo; leave the car and take a bus to the inland villages. Or take the train (trenitalia.com) from Ventimiglia to Cuneo with stopping places and opportunities to reach the Mercantour national park, which straddles the border.
mentonmaid
Corvara, Alta Badia
Corvara in the German-speaking northern Dolomites is a perfect summer mountain playground. Ski lifts stay open all summer giving access to the high alpine pastures and rocky limestone peaks. The Boè and Vallon lifts from the edge of town take you to the start of the amazing via ferrata (a rocky scramble secured by iron cables and ladders) to the summit of Piz da Lech (2,915m). There are plenty of mountain guides and rental shops in town for the less experienced. Or you can hire mountain bikes and use the lifts across the valley, then all you have to do is point the bike down hill and enjoy the ride!
altabadia.org
PhilPhilc
Malcesine, Lake Garda
Wake early and ride the Monte Baldo cableway up 1.6km to hike among breathtaking scenery of the snow-capped pre-Alpine region, the Po plains and the Dolomites. After exhausting ourselves on the mountain trails we headed to a hilltop restaurant for a late lunch with panoramic views of the lake. We loved Monte Baldo so much we went back twice more during our week-long holiday in Malcesine.
malcesineitaly.com
ellie64
Apennines
Acera, Umbria
The castle hamlet of Acera is home to about 100 Italians in summer and just a few goats in winter. In the Perugian mountains, 10 miles Spoleto and at an altitude of more than 1,000 metres, there are hikes and on/offroad cycling for all abilities. Acera has no shops, so visit the pizzeria at the bottom of the winding access road before heading up. There are many tracks beginning near the village, from a 15-minute walk with views back towards Spoleto, to a number of peaks to conquer, to treks of more than 15 miles to the valley of the Nera river, clear enough to drink from and take a refreshing swim in. It's best to arrange to be collected by car at the end of your walk/ride. Make sure to stop at Salumificio del Nera, a sausage maker in Sant'Anatolia di Narco, for the most amazing meats. If you ask around in Acera, you may be able to get hold of some local truffle: it's big business around here and absolutely delicious. Accommodation can be found at a number of agriturismi in the area, though, at the moment, not in Acera.
paesaggi.regioneumbria.eu
willismigeenus
Shanticentre yoga retreats, Abruzzo
This wonderful family-run yoga retreat in the countryside has wonderful views across the valley, yoga on the terrace, and lovingly home-grown, home-prepared vegetarian meals to rival anything you've ever tasted (vegetarian or not). Local wine and two yoga classes a day are included, and you can pay for extra treatments, and snacks. Spend your days enjoying views over the mountains while you swim, sauna, hot-tub or just swing in one of the hammocks in the garden. There are day-trips to towns, a beach-yoga day (all included) and a meal in a restaurant (transport included, meal about £15). There are bikes to borrow and a cafe a short walk away for authentic capuccinos (just don't ask for white tea). Stephanie teaches yoga in a calm, confident, serene and non-judgemental way, so you really will be fine even if a beginner or an expert. Her massages are to die for. (Seriously. Have one.) Rupert takes care of all the cooking (and, basically, rocks the kitchen). All together and you get a week (or a weekend) of utter bliss. You'll come back a different person. (And you'll be forever planning your next trip back…)
+39 08587 08273, shanticentre.com
christinabirkett
Ascent of Monte Sibilla (2,173m)
This seven-mile circuit offers amazing views over the hills of Le Marche to the Adriatic, north to the Gran Sasso and of the Sibillini mountains. Drive up the zigzag track to Rifugio Sibilla and then it is a short walk to the fine ridge that leads to the summit. The area is full of legends. The eponymous Sibyl prophetess reputedly lived in a cave nearby the summit with a group of beautiful enchantresses who could turn into snakes if the need arose. Lago di Pilato, nearby, supposedly marks Pontius Pilate's final resting place. We had the mountain to ourselves in April, when fresh snow added to the beauty.
Rifugio Sibilla: +39 33842 92399, rifugiosibilla1540.com
keithjt