The Most Adventurous Things to Do in Italy
Italy is commonly known for its exquisite cuisine and stunning scenery, but rather than sitting idly by and relaxing with a glass of wine in hand (as tempting as that may be), consider taking part in one of the many adventures that can be had in this beautiful country.
While exploring the small towns and countryside of Italy can certainly be considered an adventure on its own, those looking for a more extreme experience shouldn’t shy away from the many opportunities that can be found throughout the country. For example, biking is very popular in Italy, and can be done along the rigid mountainsides, as well as the ski runs found Aprica when the snow has melted. These aren’t simply casual trails however, so understand that a fair amount of cycling experience is required for your safety.
If you’d rather be standing on two feet while exploring the breathtaking mountain ranges Italy has to offer, hiking is the right adventure for you. Of course, Aprica’s ski slopes are great for walking trails, but to limit yourself to just mountains throughout the country would be foolish. The Amalfi Coast, for example, almost requires a hike to venture through the streets of its towns, while providing an incredible view of the Tyrrhenian Sea. There are also several national parks that can be found in regions all across Italy, like the Gran Paradiso, Monti Sibillini, and Val Grande national parks.
For those looking for a truly thrilling adventure, hang gliding and paragliding are available to the public thanks to flight schools in several Italian provinces. Though you will have to go through a few certification courses beforehand, the moment you are floating effortlessly through peaks and valleys high above the ground, you’ll be happy you did.
The waters of Italy are some of the best in the world for adventuring, with a variety of activities to take part in. Kayaking along the Amalfi Coast or through the waterways of Venice is one of the more relaxing adventures to do on the water, but snorkeling and scuba diving off the coast of Sicily, or around the island of Capri can be a visually stunning adventure in remarkably clear waters that allow you to see several hundred feet out into the ocean.
Whether you prefer lakes or oceans, windsurfing is yet another water-based adventure you can experience in and around Italy. So long as the weather is permitting, travelers are able to enroll in simple classes teaching the basics of windsurfing, and eventually put their skills to the test in places like Lake Garda, the coast of Sorrento, and the waters of Palermo, Sicily, just to name a few.