Stay Active This Fall—The 5 Best Hiking Trips for the Golden Season!
When the summer heat subsides, the best time for hiking begins. Pleasantly mild temperatures, clear views, and vibrant fall colors make fall the ideal time to travel. Hikes in the southern Alps and the Mediterranean region promise pleasant, warm temperatures with plenty of sunshine, allowing us to extend the summer.
Which trips are especially worth taking in the fall?
We’ll show you the top 5 hiking trips for your fall bucket list:
1. Merano High-Altitude Trail
- Duration: 6 days
- Total distance: approx. 41 km
- Elevation gain: ↑ 2,250 m ↓ 2,040 m
South Tyrol captivates visitors with its alpine mountain scenery, Mediterranean climate, and a culture of enjoyment that makes guests feel welcome right away.
Our self-guided tour is designed to offer the ultimate in nature experiences and a high level of comfort. During the five-day hiking trip, you’ll stay at the same hotel throughout and will be comfortably transported each day to the starting point of that day’s hike.
Highlights
- 1,000-Step Gorge
- Ride on the basket lift
- Village of Tirol
Source: Feuer und Eis Touristik
2. Hiking around Lake Garda
- Duration: 8 days
- Total distance: approx. 78 km
- Elevation gain: ↑ 2,800 m ↓ 2,350 m
Amid olive groves, lemon orchards, and spectacular views of Italy’s largest lake, you’ll experience the pure joy of hiking and a chance to slow down.
This circular hike takes you through the three regions of Trentino, Lombardy, and Veneto. Along scenic high-altitude trails, idyllic promenades, and by boat, you’ll discover the most beautiful aspects of Lake Garda—always accompanied by views of the sparkling water and the surrounding mountains.
Highlights
- Panoramic hikes with views of Lake Garda
- Picturesque towns such as Limone and Riva del Garda
- Boat Tours on Lake Garda
Source: FunActive Tours
3. Alpe Adria – from Cividale to Trieste
- Duration: 8 days
- Total distance: approx. 122 km
- Elevation gain: ↑ 2,720 m ↓ 2,820 m
The Alpe-Adria region captivates visitors with its rolling vineyards, historic towns, and Mediterranean charm. On this diverse hiking tour, you’ll experience a unique blend of Italian, Slovenian, and Austrian cultures—culminating in your final destination on the Adriatic Sea in Trieste.
The route leads from Cividale del Friuli through the pilgrimage site of Castelmonte, across the Collio and Brda wine regions, and through the Karst landscape to the former Habsburg city of Trieste. Culinary delights, culture, and breathtaking views accompany you at every stage.
Highlights
- Cividale del Friuli (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- The Collio and Brda Wine Regions
- Karst Landscape and the Rilke Trail
- Trieste – an elegant port city on the Adriatic Sea
Source: Shutterstock
4. Cinque Terre – Vineyards with Ocean Views
- Duration: 8 days
- Total distance: approx. 47 km
- Elevation gain: ↑ 2,270 m ↓ 2,270 m
The Cinque Terre is known for its iconic facade colors, which transform the five villages along the Ligurian coastline into a unique work of art. The villages are connected by well-marked hiking trails and offer breathtaking views of the sea. On the most beautiful hikes, you’ll really get to know this dream destination.
Highlights
- The Five Villages of the Cinque Terre
- Panoramic Hikes with Ocean Views
- A day at the beach in Moneglia, or Pisa and Lucca
Source: Shutterstock
5. From the French Maritime Alps to the Mediterranean Sea
- Duration: 6 days
- Total distance: approx. 64 km
- Elevation gain: ↑ 2,400 m ↓ 3,050 m
The French Maritime Alps captivate visitors with their unspoiled mountain landscapes, charming mountain villages, and the unique contrast between alpine nature and the Mediterranean coast. Few hiking trips combine panoramic views from the peaks with the sea so impressively.
Starting in the High Alps, the route winds its way step by step toward the Mediterranean, passing through scenic high-altitude trails and historic villages. The beach promenade and the azure-blue sea provide the perfect finale to this extraordinary hiking trip.
Highlights
- The Spectacular Landscape of the French Maritime Alps
- Historic mountain villages and Mediterranean vegetation
- Menton – the Pearl of the Côte d’Azur
Source: Shutterstock
Our Tip for Fall
Whether it’s scenic hikes in South Tyrol, Mediterranean coastal trails along the Italian Riviera, or a leisurely trek across the Alps to the sea—fall offers ideal conditions for an active vacation. Fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures, and stunning landscapes make this season a true hidden gem.
Discover our fall favorites and find your dream trip.
Do you prefer to hop on a bike? Then check out our Top 5 Tips for Your Fall Bike Trip!