Discover Breathtaking Treks and Scenic Routes with Club Alpino Italiano

Tuscany may be best known for its rolling vineyards and Renaissance art, but in 2025, it’s also one of Italy’s most popular destinations for outdoor adventure and hiking. Thanks to the CAI (Club Alpino Italiano) network of marked trails, this region offers a treasure trove of well-maintained trekking routes, ranging from easy panoramic walks to more challenging alpine trails.

This guide will introduce you to the most scenic and rewarding CAI routes in Tuscany, updated with the latest tips and recommendations based on user trends and current trail conditions.

What is CAI and Why Follow Their Trails?

Founded in 1863, the Club Alpino Italiano is the national alpine club of Italy, responsible for developing and maintaining a vast network of marked trails, called sentieri CAI. These trails are categorized by difficulty and meticulously marked with red-white-red signs and numeric codes, ensuring both safety and clarity for hikers of all levels.

In Tuscany, the CAI manages hundreds of kilometers of trails that traverse mountains, forests, historic villages, and coastal parks—making them the perfect choice for those seeking authentic, immersive trekking experiences in 2025.

1. The Via degli Dei (Path of the Gods)

Trail Code: CAI 00 (partially)
Distance: ~130 km
Level: Intermediate
Keywords: Via degli Dei Tuscany, Bologna to Florence hike

Arguably the most iconic trekking route in Tuscany, the Via degli Dei connects Bologna to Florence, crossing the Apennine Mountains and entering Tuscany through the Mugello region. Portions of the trail are part of the CAI 00 path, the “Grande Escursione Appenninica” (GEA). In 2025, this trail remains a top choice thanks to its mix of ancient Roman roads, hilltop views, and cultural stops like Fiesole and San Piero a Sieve.

2. Monte Amiata Trails

Trail Codes: CAI 17, 19, 52
Location: Southern Tuscany
Level: Moderate to Difficult
Keywords: Monte Amiata trekking, CAI hiking Southern Tuscany

Monte Amiata is a dormant volcano and one of Tuscany’s best-kept secrets for hikers. With trails like CAI 17 to the summit, or CAI 52 through beech forests and thermal valleys, this area offers cool summer hikes with panoramic views and cultural points like Santa Fiora and Bagni San Filippo.

Recommended in 2025 for those looking to escape tourist-heavy routes and explore wild, forested Tuscany.

3. Apuan Alps (Alpi Apuane)

Trail Codes: CAI 126, 143, 146
Location: Northern Tuscany (Versilia/Garfagnana)
Level: Difficult
Keywords: Apuan Alps hiking, CAI trails Garfagnana, trekking Versilia

For experienced hikers, the Apuan Alps are home to some of the most challenging and spectacular CAI hikes in Tuscany. Trails like CAI 143 from Foce di Mosceta to Pania della Croce or CAI 146 to Monte Forato offer dramatic limestone peaks, sea views, and rugged terrain.

In 2025, these routes are trending among international hikers thanks to their adventure factor and lesser-known status.

4. Casentino Forests, Monte Falterona and Campigna National Park

Trail Codes: CAI 00, 51, 67
Location: Eastern Tuscany
Level: Easy to Moderate
Keywords: Casentino Forests hike, Monte Falterona CAI trail, Tuscany national park trekking

This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a paradise of ancient forests, monasteries, and wildlife. The CAI 00 trail cuts through the heart of the park, including a climb to Monte Falterona, the source of the Arno River.

In 2025, it’s a popular route for families and nature lovers, with a peaceful and spiritual vibe enhanced by stops at Camaldoli and La Verna sanctuaries.

5. Chianti Trails (Radda, Gaiole, Greve)

Trail Codes: CAI 301, 305, 310
Location: Central Tuscany
Level: Easy
Keywords: Chianti hiking Tuscany, CAI trails wine region, Tuscan countryside walk

Not all great hikes involve mountains. The Chianti region, famous for its vineyards and hilltop villages, is crisscrossed by easy CAI trails perfect for slow hiking and wine lovers. Try CAI 305 from Radda to Volpaia, with its vineyard paths and medieval charm, or CAI 310, winding past castles and wineries.

These routes are ideal in 2025 for those combining light outdoor activity with culinary experiences.

Best Time to Hike in Tuscany (2025 Update)

The best months for trekking in Tuscany are April to June and September to early November. In 2025, forecasts predict mild temperatures and less rain in early spring and autumn, making these periods perfect for enjoying Tuscany’s outdoor routes without the summer heat.

Tips for Hiking CAI Trails in Tuscany

  • ✅ Download the official CAI trail maps or use the Outdooractive app

  • ✅ Check the difficulty rating: T (Touristic), E (Excursion), EE (Expert)

  • ✅ Stay in local agriturismi for an immersive experience

  • ✅ Use trail markers: Red-White-Red stripes with trail number

  • ✅ Respect nature and private properties—stick to marked paths

Why CAI Trails Are the Best Way to Discover Tuscany

Whether you’re exploring ancient Roman roads, hiking to a mountaintop sanctuary, or strolling through vineyards, the CAI trails in Tuscany offer something for every type of traveler. With more hikers seeking authentic and sustainable ways to experience Italy in 2025, these marked paths provide safe, scenic, and enriching adventures that combine nature, culture, and wellness.

If you’re planning a hiking trip to Italy this year, don’t miss the chance to experience Tuscany on foot with CAI—it’s where history meets hiking and every step tells a story.