Looking beyond borders to understand where the outdoor industry is headed is now a necessity, even for those covering trails and trekking in Italy. AllTrails’ new guide, Trails Worth the Trip, clearly captures a growing trend: sports tourism and trekking as the primary reason for travel, rather than just a side activity.
From the Julian Alps to the Tatra Mountains, from the French Massif Central to the vast expanses of Canada and New Zealand, AllTrails’ 2026 selection focuses on regions where the trail is an experience, an identity, and a way to interpret the landscape. It’s an approach that resonates with us, too—we’re used to looking abroad for inspiration but often overlook the richness of our own hiking network.
Italy is featured in the guide with the Julian Alps, favored by trail runners and hikers for their cross-border nature and lack of crowds. This recognition reminds us how competitive our country is in the trekking world, thanks to a high density of historic paths and trails crossing the Alps, Apennines, and islands—often with a low environmental impact and a strong cultural connection.
Observing the international destinations selected by AllTrails helps us better understand our own regions. The value lies not just in the scenery, but in the quality of the outdoor experience, trail maintenance, and the ability to welcome hikers and runners year-round. It’s a lesson worth the trip, but one that also applies to the trails right on our doorstep—the ones that remain the true heritage of the Italian outdoors.
