Quiet mountain villages, green alpine meadows, majestic peaks, and the feeling that you’ve discovered a place where time has stood still. That is the Valle Maira, a hidden gem in the southern Italian Alps, near the French border. Here, there are no ski slopes or mass tourism, but rather unspoiled nature, sunny days, small-scale accommodations, and delicious local cuisine.
Discover this region on an 8-day hiking vacation in Valle Maira. It’s a place you’ll fall in love with. In this article, I’ll tell you all about the hiking trails, the atmosphere in the villages, and practical tips for your trip. You can book the trip directly with our local specialist. Go directly to practical tips and request a quote.
The Valle Maira has become increasingly popular with hikers in recent years, but it still feels like a well-kept secret. There you’ll find:
Every day, you’ll discover a different part of the valley. The great thing is that on some days, you can choose between an easier or more challenging hike—perfect if you’re looking for some variety.
Your first glimpse of Valle Maira: a small mountain village at an elevation of 1,370 meters. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome and a delicious dinner.
Overnight stay at Locanda La Tano di Grich, including breakfast, a picnic, and dinner
Overnight stay at Locanda La Tano di Grich, including breakfast, a picnic, and dinner
Distance: 17 km | Elevation gain: +1045 m / -985 m | Duration: approx. 7 hours
A challenging hike through mountain passes and abandoned granges (old farmhouses). You’ll end up in Ponte Maira, where homemade cake awaits as your reward.
Overnight stay at Locanda Mistral, including breakfast, a picnic, and dinner
Overnight stay at Locanda Mistral, including breakfast, a picnic, and dinner
Distance: 13 km | Elevation gain: +945 m / -930 m | Duration: approx. 6 hours
A scenic hike along crystal-clear mountain lakes, including Lago Apzoi. Along the way, you’ll see bunkers that Mussolini once had built.
Overnight stay at Locanda Mistral, including breakfast, a picnic, and dinner
Distance: 10 km | Elevation gain: +665 m / -745 m | Duration: approx. 4 hours
One of the most beautiful spots in the Valle Maira. The deep-blue lake lies at an elevation of 2,227 meters, surrounded by larch forests and offering views of Rocca la Meja and Monviso.
Overnight stay at Albergo Diffuso Pensione Ceaglio, including breakfast, a picnic, and dinner
Distance: 9 km | Elevation gain: +510 m / -500 m | Duration: approx. 3 hours
A leisurely walk through eleven small hamlets. Here you’ll discover centuries-old frescoes, local architecture, and the peaceful life of the valley.
Overnight stay at Albergo Diffuso Pensione Ceaglio, including breakfast, a picnic, and dinner
After one last breakfast, you’ll return to Prazzo and take the bus to Dronero.
Price per person based on a double room
Includes
Exclusive
The trip is available from June through October (daily arrivals). This is the time of year with the most hours of sunshine and pleasant temperatures in the mountains. However, the weather can change quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on the latest weather reports.
The hikes range from moderate to challenging: 4–7 hours per day, with elevation gains of up to 1,000 meters. There are options for easier routes. This is a self-guided hiking trip, so it’s not a group tour. In case of an emergency, local assistance is available 7 days a week. It’s essential that you’re in good physical condition before starting the hike. Proper hiking gear is a must. Click here for practical tips for your hike.
You’ll stay in charming, renovated farmhouses in small villages. All rooms have a private bathroom. Breakfast, a packed lunch, and dinner featuring local dishes are included.
Your luggage is transported every day, so you’ll be hiking with just a daypack.
Als je een offerte aanvraagt, sturen we deze door naar de lokale partner en zij bevestigen direct aan jou de prijs en beschikbaarheid (Engelstalig). Als je akkoord gaat, bevestig je de reis. Je betaalt dezelfde prijs als wanneer je direct reserveert. Verdere afhandeling van de reservering en betaling regel je met de lokale leverancier (met wie wij goed contact en afspraken hebben). Wij blijven altijd beschikbaar voor mogelijke vragen.
"*" geeft vereiste velden aan
Hiking in Valle Maira offers everything from challenging mountain hikes to leisurely walks. The area features a very diverse landscape. It is a place where nature, culture, and tranquility come together. Read more here about the Valle Maira’s sustainability policy.
Met een passie voor reizen en fotografie én meer dan 30 jaar ervaring in de reisbranche, deel ik graag mijn bijzondere natuur-reistips. Reizen is heerlijk en belangrijk, je ontmoet nieuwe mensen en culturen en het opent je blik op de wereld.
Nature in Central Sweden: Waterfalls, Viewpoints, and Bears Around Ytterhogdal If you drive north on the E45, you’ll pass through Ytterhogdal. Most people just drive right through here. That’s understandable—Lapland beckons. But not far from the geographic center of...
Hiking in Arouca: The Most Spectacular Hiking Trails in Portugal's Lush North 516 meters long, 175 meters above a raging river, and no turning back halfway across. That’s the Arouca 516 suspension bridge, the icon of the Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark. This geopark is...
Laat je inspireren
Ben je op zoek naar de mooiste wandel- en fietsroutes? Of wil je informatie over reizen met de trein of advies voor de mooiste roadtrips door de natuur. Laat je inspireren voor je volgende reis in het groen; ideeën om je eigen reis te plannen of te kiezen voor een georganiseerde reis.
