Step by Step Through Italy
Walking in Italy is a paradox—it’s both the most rewarding way to experience the country and potentially the most challenging. Coming from car-dependent Arizona, where a “long walk” might mean crossing a shopping mall parking lot, adjusting to Italy’s walking culture was a revelation. Whether you’re an enthusiastic walker or someone who dreads it, this guide will help you navigate Italy’s streets, hills, and cobblestones.
The Reality of Walking in Italy
Walking isn’t just a mode of transportation in Italy—it’s integral to the experience. The most memorable moments often happen between destinations: stumbling upon a tiny church with a Caravaggio painting, discovering a family-run gelateria down a side street, or witnessing an Italian grandmother hanging laundry from a medieval window.
However, Italy’s charm comes with challenges: uneven cobblestones, steep hills, endless stairs, and a general lack of accessibility planning. A “short walk” by Italian standards might mean 30 minutes uphill. Understanding this reality helps set expectations, whether you’re excited about walking or concerned about it.
Essential Italian Walking Phrases
| English | Italian | Pronunciation |
| How far is it on foot? | Quanto è lontano a piedi? | KWAN-toh eh lon-TAN-oh ah pee-EH-dee |
| Is there a shortcut? | C’è una scorciatoia? | cheh OO-nah skor-cha-TOY-ah |
| Are there stairs? | Ci sono scale? | chee SO-no SKAH-leh |
| Is there an elevator? | C’è un ascensore? | cheh oon ah-shen-SO-reh |
| I need to rest | Ho bisogno di riposare | oh bee-ZON-yo dee ree-po-ZAR-eh |
For Those Who Love Walking
The Joy of Wandering
Italy rewards the wanderer. Each city has its own walking personality—Rome is a sprawling archaeological adventure, Venice is a labyrinthine maze without cars, Florence is a compact Renaissance jewel box, and smaller hill towns offer vertigo-inducing but breathtaking climbs.
Best Cities for Walking Enthusiasts
- Bologna – Elegant porticoes protect you from sun and rain while you explore this less-touristed culinary capital
- Lucca – Flat, car-free historic center with intact medieval walls you can walk or bike around
- Orvieto – Spectacular hilltop town with relatively flat central areas once you’re up top
- Verona – Compact, romantic city center with excellent pedestrian areas
- Siena – Despite hills, its medieval shell-shaped center is manageable and rewarding
Epic Walking Itineraries
- The Heart of Rome Walk: Spanish Steps → Trevi Fountain → Pantheon → Piazza Navona → Campo de’ Fiori (2-3 hours)
- Venice’s Secret Backstreets: Rialto → San Polo → Dorsoduro → Accademia (half day with stops)
- Florence Renaissance Trail: Duomo → Palazzo Vecchio → Ponte Vecchio → Pitti Palace → Boboli Gardens (full day)
- Cinque Terre Coastal Path: The famous hiking trail connecting all five villages (full day, moderate difficulty)
- Via Francigena: The ancient pilgrim route through Tuscany (multi-day hiking adventure)
Tips for Walking Enthusiasts
- Wake up early – Experience Italian cities before the crowds (and heat) arrive
- Download offline maps – Google Maps works offline if you download the area first
- Consider city walking tours – Local guides reveal hidden stories behind facades
- Pack proper footwear – Those Instagram-worthy sandals won’t feel so pretty after 20,000 steps
- Research pedestrian zones – Many Italian city centers are car-free or have limited traffic zones
For Those Who Prefer Not to Walk
Navigating Italy with Limited Mobility
Italy’s ancient charm means accessibility challenges, but with planning, you can still have a magical experience without excessive walking.
Accommodations for Limited Walking
- Strategic hotel locations – Pay more to stay central, near major sights or transportation
- Private drivers – Surprisingly affordable compared to US rates, especially for day trips
- Accessible tours – Companies like Accessible Italy specialize in routes for limited mobility
- Public transportation – Most major cities have decent bus networks, metros, or trams
- Taxis and rideshares – Keep the MyTaxi app (Italy’s Uber equivalent) on your phone
Best Cities for Those Who Prefer Less Walking
- Milan – Excellent metro system and flat terrain
- Turin – Wide boulevards, good public transport, and fewer tourists
- Naples – Despite its reputation, its metro can take you to major sights
- Sorrento – Compact center with beautiful sea views and good transport options
- Lake Como towns – Ferry boats connect the picturesque villages
Rest Stop Strategies
- Plan cappuccino breaks – Italian bars are perfect rest stops (sitting costs more but is worth it)
- Church pews – Most churches have seating where you can rest while absorbing art
- Museum benches – Italian museums often place seating in front of major works
- Schedule long lunches – Italians understand the 2-hour lunch break; use it to recharge
- Public gardens – Every Italian city has beautiful gardens with plenty of benches
Tips for Those Who Prefer Not to Walk
- Split activity days with rest days – Alternate sightseeing with relaxing
- Consider a cruise – Many Italian coastal destinations are accessible by cruise ship
- Book hotels with elevators – Not a given in historic buildings, always confirm
- Rent mobility scooters – Available in major cities with advance reservation
- Research “skip the line” passes – Avoid standing in long queues
Finding Your Balance
Most travelers fall somewhere between walking enthusiasts and those who prefer to minimize it. Here’s how to strike your personal balance:
- Be realistic about your abilities – Plan for less than you think you can handle
- Build in recovery time – Schedule rest every 2 hours and full afternoons off
- Mix walking with public transport – Walk downhill, take buses uphill
- Consider seasonal timing – Spring/fall means more pleasant walking temperatures
- Look for accommodations with rooftop terraces – Enjoy views without extra walking
My Personal Walking Journey
When I first visited Italy, I was overwhelmed by how much walking was required. Coming from Arizona where we drive everywhere, I found myself exhausted after just one day in Rome. Over time, I’ve built up my walking stamina and now regularly hit 20,000 steps without noticing—but I’ve also learned to balance activity with rest and to use transportation strategically.
Whether you’re training for your trip by adding extra steps at home (highly recommended) or researching the most accessible routes, remember that Italy rewards those who move at their own pace. The country has been there for thousands of years—it’s not going anywhere while you take a moment to catch your breath.