Italy’s New Trail of the Parks: Sentiero dei Parchi

Italy is on its way to having its own Camino de Santiago with a new route that will connect all of the country’s national parks. The project was announced on the European Day of Parks by the Ministry for the Environment and the Italian Alpine Club.

Introduction to Sentiero dei Parchi

The new Sentiero dei Parchi (“Trail of the Parks”) is largely inspired by the Way of St. James – a single trail connecting all twenty-five of Italy’s national parks, from the Alps through the Apennines to the isles of Sicily and Sardinia. “Our national parks are a treasure chest of nature,” said Italian Minister for the Environment Sergio Costa in a statement. “We have to guarantee their conservation, but also their availability.”

Trail Development

The trail will develop along the pre-existing Sentiero Italia (“Italy Trail”), created and managed by the Italian Alpine Club – currently more than 7,000 kilometers long, touching eighteen of the twenty-five national parks. This new trail will enhance the existing network by incorporating all of the national parks, as well as protected areas, biosphere reserves, and UNESCO natural sites.

Unique Features of the Trail

Moreover, there will be a passport for those who travel along the trail, enabling each stop to be stamped for recognition. Consequently, a final symbolic acknowledgment can be awarded to those who complete the entire trail. The Minister for the Environment described this initiative as an important sign of “how much we value our immense natural heritage and its valorization when it comes to sustainable tourism, especially in this post-COVID moment when we all feel the need to be outside a bit more.”

Learn More About Sentiero dei Parchi

If you want more information on the Sentiero dei Parchi or its official opening date, you can check out both the website of the Ministry for Environment and the Italian Alpine Club.