The 10 Best Hikes In Milan
Milan is the capital of Lombardy and Italy's second largest city after Rome. Its first inhabitants arrived at around 600 B.C. and today it is home to an estimated 1.3 million citizens. Although much of the town was destroyed during WWII, it was quickly rebuilt and has been transformed into a beautiful and powerful city.
Milan is one of the best places for European fashion, the industrial center of Italy, as well as home to incredible art galleries and impressive buildings like the world's fifth biggest cathedral. Art enthusiasts will probably know that Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, The Last Supper, is housed in a museum in Milan and you can book a tour to see it.
In Milan, you will find stunning greenspaces and public parks that freshen up the city streets and make for great walking and hiking spaces. If you are someone who enjoys spending time outside in nature then you should take advantage of these public spaces to do some hiking. These activities can sometimes prove challenging which is why you should stop by the nearest luggage storage facility in Milan to stow away your bags. Take a trek without the extra weight of bags!
Our Top Hiking Trail Picks in Milan
Parco dell'Adamello
One of the most popular hikes in Milan is located at Parco dell'Adamello. The route spans about 85 kilometers and reaches an elevation of between 2000 and 3000 meters above sea level. The park has both easier and more challenging trails so most people can find something perfect for their fitness level.
We recommend starting with one of the shorter trails and if you feel up to it you can always continue, as most of the paths can be hiked in stages. The park is just over an hour and a half drive away from central Milan but hiking here is a great way to spend a morning.
Monte San Primo
A great place for outdoor enthusiasts to take a hike near Milan is Monte San Primo. You'll find yourself on a mountain that is easy to navigate near the base but can get quite challenging the closer you get to the summit. The path is narrow at some points and gets quite steep so make sure you pack hiking boots and proper gear to make the trip more enjoyable.
Once you reach the peaks of Monte San Primo your hard work will be rewarded with a beautiful view of Lake Como. This hiking trail is located in the Italian pre-Alps and will take a bit under two hours to reach by car. The trail takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete and makes for a great day trip out into the mountains.
Parco dell'Alto Garda Bresciano
The largest of all Milan's lakes is Lake Garda which can be found in this nature park. There are several trails in the area, and although they aren't easy the trails aren't difficult either. If you want to see beautiful sights, we recommend walking the Sentiero della Ponale which brings you past the waterfall on the Ponale stream. Other paths can bring you near the Town of Limone and also have great views of the lake.
This park is about two and a half hours away from Milan. Since there is more than one trail available you can combine them to make a full day hike and stop midday for a picnic by Lake Garda.
Greenway del Lago di Como
A simple but gorgeous trail is the Lake Como Greenway. It is less challenging than most of the other paths in the area, making it a fun place for the whole family to go on an adventure. History lovers and fans of museums will also have a blast since you will be walking by ancient churches and hamlets displaying impressive Baroque and Romanesque architecture.
The Greenway del Lago di Como is just over two hours away but all visitors who have walked along the trail recommend it. Pack up some food and water to stop for a picnic on the greenway!
Sasso del Ferro
Make your way to the Pallanza region near Milan for some more great hiking trails. You should first stop by the Villa Taranto to see the botanical gardens and then head out on your hike. You will get to see the Borromean Islands before heading towards the mountain of Sasso del Ferro which has a lookout point located at 1000 meters above sea level.
At the viewpoint, you will get the chance to see stunning panoramic views of the deep valleys and Italian Alps. The drive here should take you about two hours if you are traveling from the center of Milan.
Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio
Head to the Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio to try the Sentiero Glaciologico dei Forni trail which will bring you around the base of the mountain near Valle dei Forni. This hike is well suited for those who are adventurous as it can be difficult but exciting and will bring you over the Frodolfo stream on a suspended bridge.
During the trek, you will be taken right by the water and might even get to see some wildlife. Foxes, wild deer, marmots and ibex are the most common sightings, so bring a camera and try to snap some photos if you can. The trail is between 3 and 4 hours away by car but the paths are wonderful.
Santa Caterina Valfurva
Found in the ski village close by the Parco Nazionale di Stelvio is a mountain valley with a great hiking trail network. It gets quite windy here so make sure to pack the proper shoes and clothing, especially in the winter since it can get very cold on the mountain. The path also gets steep so be careful and watch your footing.
This is one of the more difficult hikes and is located a bit further away from Milan so we recommend that only the most daring and experienced hikers give it a try. It will take you between 3 and 4 hours to drive here so you should definitely make a day trip out of it. You can choose to hike to the ski lodge on top, which will take about an hour and a half, or continue for an additional two to three hours to hike Monte Sobretta.
Parco delle Orobie Bergamasche
One of the most popular trails in all of Europe is found in the Parco delle Orobie Bergamasche. Once you reach the area, keep your eye out for signs to the Sentiero dei Fiori e delle Farfalle, which translates to the Path of the Birds and the Butterflies. It is popular for its rich biodiversity in plants and animals, making it a favorite among nature lovers.
The hike isn't too difficult either so anyone can discover the wonders of Parco delle Orobie Bergamasche. It's a wonderful activity for the kids. If you are driving here it will take about an hour and a half to get to, but the area is a beauty and well worth the drive.
Monte Belettone
One of the best scenic hikes in Milan is the Monte Beletonne hike. The trails are open and not covered by forests making it an easy walk that offers some beautiful sights of the surrounding area on a clear day. Once you reach the summit you will be able to see the deep valleys and plains below as well as the lake to the side. The path is fairly wide for most of the way but does narrow down at some points.
Once you arrive you will have two different hiking trails to choose from. One will bring you to a point and you will have to turn around to come back, and the other one makes a loop so you can just follow it the whole way. The trail is found in the Italian Alps and takes about an hour and a half to reach by car. Once you begin the trail, be prepared to hike for 2 to 3 hours.
Parco Regionale della Grigne Settentrionale
The Grigne Mountains are great for hiking although the terrain can be a bit challenging to navigate. The mount is located near Lecca and its silhouette can even be seen from the Lake Como Greenway. The biggest and most impressive mountain is called Grignone, which translates to Big Grigna, and reaches a height of 2410 meters. If you make your way to the top you will find the Brioschi Refuge which is a nice place to stop for some food and coffee or even to stay the night.
For amazing views of the landscape, you can explore the Grignetta or Little Grigna. Other than trekking, this mountain is great for rock climbing and mountaineering. Driving to the park will take about two hours.
Easy Hikes in Milan
Monte Belettone
The Monte Belettone is perfect for anyone who isn't very well acquainted with hiking but still wants to experience beautiful views and the thrill of climbing a mountain. It will still take you a couple of hours to complete so make sure that you bring a water bottle and some snacks.
Parco delle Orobie Bergamasche
The Path of the Birds and the Butterflies on this reserve is great for beginners since the terrain isn't too challenging. It is also rewarding since you will be surrounded by nature and might even get to see some wildlife.
Greenway del Lago di Como
The Greenway is more of a road than a hiking trail but it brings you past some beautiful areas. The path offers nice views of the city and surrounding landscapes but does not require any climbing and is a good spot for someone who is looking for an easy hike.
Intermediate Hikes in Milan
Monte San Primo
Since Monte San Primo has several trails with different difficulty levels, it is a good spot for intermediate hikers. Start with trails near the base, and if you feel comfortable you can expand your hike to include paths going towards the summit.
Parco dell'Adamello
This park is also great for all hikers since visitors can choose a trail that is the right challenge level for them. Some of the paths do reach an elevation level of several thousand meters, so only the more experienced trekkers should try those routes.
Parco dell'Alto Garda Bresciano
The trails in this park are a good combination of relaxing and difficult and it is the perfect spot for new hikers who want to challenge themselves and experienced hikers who want to take it easy.
Sasso del Ferro
This trail is not the easiest but it is not too difficult either. The trail has a lookout point with gorgeous views so you can pause there to take it all in when you need a break.
Difficult Hikes in Milan
Santa Caterina Valfurva
The Santa Caterina Valfurva hike is one of the more challenging ones and should only be attempted by experienced hikers. You will reach high elevations and the area is very windy and cold, especially in the colder months, so you might want to try it during the summer.
Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio
This trail is located out in nature and you will have to navigate over some challenging obstacles, like a bridge over the stream and through rocky paths. Make sure you have the proper equipment with you if you want to attempt this hike.
Parco Regionale della Grigne Settentrionale
This park is made up of the Grigne mountains and the paths can be difficult. If you are up for the challenge, the hikes will reward with you gorgeous views, and it is also a good place to try mountaineering or rock climbing.
Enjoying Nature in Milan
Flying into Malpensa Airport you'll no doubt see the mountains of the region. Whether you are an experienced hiker or someone who is just starting out, you won't have to search far to find somewhere to hike in Milan. Since the city is surrounded by the Italian Alps, it has lots of trail networks for you to discover and you can find the right place for you no matter what your experience level is.
Of course, remember to pack the appropriate hiking gear and maybe a map if you are going to be trying the more challenging hikes. Milan is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and with the wonderful hiking options nearby, you are in for a treat!