If you want to go on a delicious hike in the mountains with enchanting views and contact with nature, Italy is the place. That’s right, it goes far beyond Milan or Rome! Italy mountain destinations is by far one of the most wanted things in the country.
Mountain destinations: Check it now!
Getting away from the radar is our goal so our list of 5 italy mountain destinations to weekend hike in north in summer 2022 does not feature famous mountains like Messner Mountain in Sudtirol. Among the 3 main italian mountain ranges, the perfect hiking destinations are in the Italian Alps and the Dolomites, with trails that last from 2 hours to a full day of pure adventure and fun.
Monte Leone
Our first mountain destination is Monte Leone, one of a cluster of mountains in northern Italy that are a perfect place for a long walk in summer.
Where is it?
Monte Leone is on the border between Italy and Switzerland, located in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola in Piedmont.
How long a walk?
The hike along this mountainous route takes between 2 and 4 hours to visit various points, which can vary according to the places you wish to visit or not. It is also possible to alternate the walk with cable car rides from one point to another.
Which places to go?
The Alpe Veglia is the best mountain destination in Monte Leone. It is a natural park a very beautiful natural park, with stunning nature all around, loose animals and small groups of villages along its area. It is close to the ski resort, San Domenico di Varzo.
Another destination is the Ponte Campo, which you can visit both in summer and winter. Our recommendation is that you do the loop around the mountain and go down the Bridge on your way back, to enjoy the cooler breeze and the beauty of the sunset.
Monte Secco
Following on with our list is Monte Secco, which like Monte Leone is part of one of the Italian mountain ranges, the Alps.
As it is very close to other mountains, it forms a simply amazing landscape with many hiking destinations to enjoy in a weekend.
What to do?
Lots of things! Starting with a visit to Valcanale, an Italian pearl surrounded by nature and green landscapes. There, right at the start of the island, you can enjoy the Valcanale Lake to bathe in the refreshing waters, sunbathe in the huge open area or perhaps have a picnic.
Another highlight to visit is the Branchino Lake and the clearings with excellent views for a selfie or just to register the beauty of the place.
Where is it?
Between Lombardy and Bergamo, within the Bergamasque Preals mountain range.
How long does it take to visit Monte Secco?
A full day. There are many signs indicating the paths and the approximate time to get there, but it is best if you know most of the region.
So walk the trails in the morning, stop for a delicious lunch at Refugio Alpe Corte, then see some more nature, walk around and do other activities that interest you. If you want to see other mountains of the Italian mountain range that are nearby, use one Saturday and one Sunday to visit both.
Pale di San Martino
The Dolomites are surely the most beautiful mountains in Italy! They make the northern region even more fascinating. And although many seek them out in winter, walking through them at the weekend during the summer is a spectacular experience, precisely because of the cool and very pleasant temperature, as well as having lakes and various trails to complete the hike.
The Pale di San Martino is a group of Dolomite mountains, and as much as it is true that the Dolomites are some of the most popular Italian mountains in tourist circles, the Pale di San Martino is a hidden mountain destination as incredible or even more so than the more well-known Dolomite mountains and trails, the ideal mountain for a weekend hike alone.
What to do?
Head to the Pirimiero Valley and see the vertiginous wall of the Pale di San Martino at sunset, it’s the best weekend hike you can do in summer. The sight of the burning peaks is breathtaking.
Then go to the San Martino plateau and hike up to the Altopiano delle Pale di San Martino and be enchanted by a little piece of the moon.
Where is it?
Pale di San Martino is in Tretino and Belluno, located between the Valle de Agostino and Valle del Biois, the valleys of the Primiero.
For weekend walks, we recommend you stay in the tourist town San Martino di Casteozza, in Primiero Valley.
Valsassina
Valsassina is a green oasis with beautiful flower-filled meadows, waterfalls and cliffs. A positive aspect is that Valsassina is a remote place and a perfect mountain destination for a weekend stroll during the summer holidays, or even outside the summer, as it is hot even in other seasons.
What to do?
Valsassina is a relatively simple but very beautiful place. It is ideal for walks alone, with family or with friends. The best thing to do is to enjoy the clean air, the incredible views and the summer sun.
The weather is warm, but with light clothing it’s great for sitting out in the pasture and enjoying the amazing views, having a picnic or reading a book.
Where is it?
Valsassina is in the province of Leixões, between the Orobie Pre-Alps and the Gringe mountain range.
How long does it take to visit Pale di San Martino?
The Valley is a 1h drive from Milan and the walk takes 1.5 to 3h, depending on where you want to stay.
Monte Rosa
Monte Rosa is the second highest mountain in the country and lies on the border between Italy and Switzerland, belonging to the former, with most of the mountain being in the latter. With an impressive cultural mix, it is one of the best destinations in northern Italy.
And by the way, you don’t even necessarily have to be on the Mount to see it; if you decide to go on a Saturday hike on the lakes of Lombardy and Maggiore in the heat of the warm season, you can see it and enjoy the view by hiking in other instances.
What to do?
The best thing to do in Monte Rosa is to go to Bardonecchia, a hidden and well-kept jewel of the region that overflows culture, history and tradition in its stunning setting that takes you away from the crowds and provides you with a range of entertainment possibilities.
The cultural beauties and mountain top activities are perfect summer attractions, such as the magnificent green water lake, the bike rides and climbing available from the ski resort (that’s right, the ski resort also has activities for the summer! Don’t miss it).
Where is it?
Bardonecchia is in the Piedmont region, while Monte Rosa, meanwhile, is situated on both sides of the Italy-Switzerland border, in Italy’s Aosta Valley and Switzerland’s canton of Valais.
And then what?
After the weekend’s hiking there are countless other activities to enjoy in this mountainous destination:
- There are numerous festivals to attend and different activities to get to know;
- It has traditional wood carvings to enjoy.
- Repairs, shows and exhibitions at Palazzo delle Feste.
