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SEVEN OF ITALY’S MOST EPIC
ADVENTURE SPOTS

Chosen by some of our favourite outdoor photographers

 

 

There will come a time when exploration is possible again. And when that time comes, you’ll want to be ready. We’ve reached out to a handful of our favourite European adventure photographer friends to compile an expedition tick-list that should help you plan the most epic of returns to the outdoors.

LAGAZUOI, DOLOMITES

Chosen by Camilla Pizzini

Why do you love this place?

“About a year ago my mother gave me a present for my graduation: one night at the Lagazuoi refuge, so for the first time I could take pictures of the sunset, the stars and the whole sunrise without sleeping in a tent (or not sleeping at all). The first time I reached the top of this mountain, I found one of the most beautiful views of the Dolomites.”

What’s your favourite way to explore it?

“There are many paths to reach the top of Lagazuoi, but my favourite is the one through the Kaser Jager path. It offers beautiful views over the valley below, but also some passages on exposed rock and even a suspended bridge. It's a nice mix of adventure and stunning views. The path isn’t too difficult and has an elevation of around 650m. In 60-90 minutes you can reach the top. I recommend bringing a helmet, though.”

What about for first-timers?

“For the less experienced, a cable car remains the easiest way to reach the top and to perhaps enjoy the downhill route.”

What to pack for your adventure? 

“I would never leave home without my camera, a duster and carabiners.”

Best photo opportunity?

“In my opinion, the most beautiful picture to take is the view of Monte Pelmo from the top.”

Favourite place for a bite to eat afterwards?

“The Lagazuoi refuge offers delicious dishes with fresh ingredients.”

GRAN SASSO, APENNINES

Chosen by Eugenia Di Pasquale

Why do you love this place?

“As a child, the Gran Sasso mountain was a kind of fairytale told to me by my grandparents and by my uncle. Almost every Sunday they went there. When they returned, I heard them talking and commenting on the landscape they had seen, the colour of the mountains, the light of dawn that made it a paradise. They told me they had seen many wild animals, breathtaking views, but to see them myself I had to wait for them to develop the camera film they always carried in the backpack. For me it represents the combination of many emotions, the memory of many stories that still make my heart beat. It’s a thread that keeps me tied to my affections and a place where I feel free to laugh, cry, take a deep breath to clear my thoughts and worries, and find peace.”

What’s your favourite way to explore it?

“I love walking along Campo Imperatore (1,800 m), especially during the spring, when everything becomes green, the meadows reach the maximum of their vigour, everything blooms. It can be reached from the A24 Roma-L'Aquila-Teramo motorway (exit 14), Assergi exit. Then continue to Fonte Cerreto and follow the signs (SS17 bis). The walking ascent is around three or four hours, and two or three for descent. Keep in mind though, that for the last stretch you have to climb on easy rocks - I do not recommend it to those afraid of heights.

What about for first-timers?

“Beginners should look for the west summit of the Corno Grande, or to jump on the cable car from Fonte Cerreto.”

What to pack for your adventure? 

“My usual travel companions include my camera to capture the beauty of the place that my words cannot express; my bread and eggs for energy; and my grandfather’s wooden walking stick, which helps me feel close to him when I’m at the summit.”

Best photo opportunity?

There are many glimpses that will attract your attention, especially in the very first and last hours of light. When the rays of sun illuminate the highest peak of the Apennines with warm and golden colours, you’re getting an unforgettable scene.”

Favourite place for a bite to eat after the descent?

Located on the plateau of Campo Imperatore (Fonte Vetica), I highly recommend the Ristoro Giuliani. It’s an isolated hut in the valley, where you can taste typical products of Abruzzo, from cheeses to meats roasted outdoors, all accompanied by a good glass of wine. In short, it’s a mandatory stop.”

CIMA VIEZZENA, TRENTINO

Chosen by Gaia Panozzo

Why do you love this place?

“The peace, tranquillity and sense of freedom this place gives at the first light of dawn are priceless. It is easy to reach but at the same time isolated from everyone. I discovered this place thanks to a childhood friend who, after not seeing each other for more than ten years, suggested we take some pictures at dawn up there.”

What’s your favourite way to explore it?

“Absolutely at dawn. At dawn, it’s not a trip but an experience. There are two routes to get there. The first starts directly from Predazzo 1018m or from Bellamonte 1373m. At the beginning of the village of Bellamonte, take the road that then becomes a path that goes towards the top. The second is starts from Bellamonte 1373m, then towards the refuge Lusia 2055m, and then on until you can take the path to the summit 2490m.  For both options you need to be trained to walk because there are steep slopes at some points and a gain of 1000m from Bellamonte.”

What about for first-timers?

“If it’s your first time, I recommend taking the second option. It’s flatter.”

What to pack for your adventure? 

“For a dawn hike, spare socks are indispensable. The humidity and low temperatures often mean a frost and cold damp feet. Other than that, definitely your camera, a camping stove, a Moka coffee pot and your favourite biscuits.”

Best photo opportunity?

“The best thing about sunrise photography is that the constant change in light. Your frame will change dramatically every five minutes. So instead of standing still, move around – lay on the ground, stand on a rock – and soon you’ll discover a situation that you like and that you have never seen before.”

Favourite place for a bite to eat afterwards?

“On the way back, there are two refuges that are always open. But for me, the best place is on the mountain, with sandwiches, biscuits, fruit, and whatever else you’ve packed, eaten on a stone or in the grass and admiring the show you are in front of.”

CINQUE TORRI, DOLOMITES

Chosen by Giacomo Gorza

Why do you love this place?

“Located in the middle of the Ampezzo Dolomites, it offers the kind of 360° landscape you can find in few other parts of the world. I chose it for the beauty and the ease of access. People should go there to enjoy a beautiful hike in mountain, with friends and relatives, surrounded by nature.”

What’s your favourite way to explore it?

My favorite way to enjoy this place is to make it a two-day adventure, sleeping in a tent overnight. This way you can live the mountain life and be wholly in contact with nature. I’d choose a route longer than normal to get to Cinque Torri - to leave the car at Giau Pass, follow path 433 up to the Cinque Torri refuge; then around the towers following path 425. It is about 25-minute walk, enough to get a taste of the beauty of the place. Then, I’d stop for the night in one of the wide grass fields that surround the Cinque Torri and in the morning I’d walk along path 440 until I reached the refuge Nuvolau. From there I’d walk along path 452 until coming back to the Giau Pass. Overall, it’s a seven-hour walk over a two-day period. However, it is possible to do this trip even in the day as the path I followed can be shortened significantly by choosing shorter trails. It is possible start from the Giau Pass and you can choose various routes to get there. The trails are all very simple and also suitable for families.”

What about for first-timers?

Head along the 452, change to the 464 at the junction, and keep going until you reach the refuge Averau. Then, take path 439 until Cinque Torri. This is the easiest route and it offers a better view of the landscape.”

What to pack for your adventure? 

“Three things to put in the backpack are: the camera, a water bottle and the immense desire to explore new mountains!”

Best photo opportunity?

“You must photograph the Cinque Torri during sunset and at dawn! If you’re lucky enough to be under a starry, moonless night endure the cold and enjoy a unique sky. My biggest tip for photography here though? Around the Cinque Torri there is a small secret cave from which you can take a unique photo. Keep an eye out for it.”

Favourite place for a bite to eat afterwards?

“Before leaving, stop at the refuge Passo Giau.”

PIANI RESINELLI, GRIGNE, LOMBARDY

Chosen by Matteo Castelnuovo

Why do you love this place?

“It’s the access point to the Grigne mountain group and gives you outstanding view of Lecco and its lakes.”

What’s your favourite way to explore it?

“Once you reach Ballabio, which is a small town and the entrance to Valsassina, there are clear directions for ‘Piani dei Resinelli’. Coming from Ballabio, it takes about 20 minutes by car, so I would say that it’s not difficult at all.”

What about for first-timers?

“The more experienced hikers can reach the summit of southern Grigna by following the path of the Cermenati ridge – a steep walk that takes a couple of hours. Starting from Piani Resinelli, this path will allow you to literally touch the sky with a finger. The less experienced, or those families with small children, can take a walk that in just half an hour takes you to the top of Mount Coltignone. It is a wonderful natural balcony on Lecco and Brianza. During this walk you will meet many panoramic points.”

What to pack for your adventure? 

“Always a waterproof shell, as this area is famous for sudden climatic changes - thunderstorms are very frequent, even on the most beautiful and warm summer days.”

Best photo opportunity?

“There photo that I absolutely recommend getting once you arrive at Piani Resinelli are taken from the Belvedere of Monte Coltignone. You will find yourself framing the Southern Grigna with its peaks in your camera and turning Lake Lecco and the Brianza by 180 ° with a view that reaches to Milan on clear days. Wait for sunset, or, if you are crazy like me, go there before sunrise.”

Favourite place for a bite to eat afterwards?

“The best place to eat is, in my opinion, the Forno della Grigna which is located right on Piani dei Resinelli. After an excursion or a climb, the kindness and hospitality of Geppe and his family (and his super pizza) will make you forget every effort.”

 

ASPROMONTE, CALABRIA

Chosen by Pietro Ienca

Why do you love this place?

“It is a unique land, hugely underestimated and easy to fall in love with. The friendliness of its people leaves you speechless. There are huge waterfalls, and skiing while watching the sea. There are so many possibilities there.”

What’s your favourite way to explore it?

“Some of the most fascinating opportunites include the path leading to Montalto (the highest peak), the Maesano Waterfalls and skiing in Gambarie. To visit the Aspromonte you must know how to appreciate wild difficulties - the national park is working hard to improve the services, but you must expect a natural territory.”

What about for first-timers?

“Apart from the accessibility problems caused by bumpy roads, there’s not much of an altitude change here, making it perfect for the less experienced explorer.”

What to pack for your adventure? 

“Make sure you have a good water reserve. A filter for water in drought situations can help. I like to pack a little spicy l’nduja for snacking, too.”

Best photo opportunity?

Waterfalls and wild animals, and interesting meetings with the locals.

Favourite place for a bite to eat after the descent?

Sapori Calabria, a small local sandwich shop in Gambarie di Aspromonte. Try the sandwich with capicollo, pecorino cheese and mushrooms in oil.”

LATEMAR, DOLOMITES

Chosen by Tommaso Paloschi 

Why do you love this place?

This is where my passion for the mountains was born. As a child I visited the Dolomites often with my parents and I inherited their love for these mountains. The landmark of this place is the Latemar – a wonderful place from which rises Lake Carezza, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.”

What’s your favourite way to explore it?

“Go to admire the sunrise from the top of the Corno Bianco - a small mountain with a rocky top located right in front of the Dolomites area. The view from the top leaves all hikers speechless. The easiest way to get there is to leave the car at the foot of the Corno Bianco (Passo Oclini) where there is free and accessible parking. Then take Path 5 leading to the top of Corno Bianco. It takes just over an hour and it’s well marked.”

What about for first-timers?

“Try the path that starts from Obereggen (located almost underneath the Latemar) and leads to Lake Carezza. With its beautiful blue water, the scent of the surrounding woods and the Latemar as a backdrop, is of course one of the most popular places in the Dolomites.”

What to pack for your adventure?

“I always carry a windbreaker, camera and a small camping stove to enjoy a good hot coffee once I get to the top. There is nothing better than warming your hands with a nice cup of hot coffee while you sit and admire the sun rising from behind the Latemar.”

Best photo opportunity?

"The ideal would be to make a nice 360° shot for the entire panoramic view, but my favourite is a beautiful Latemar skyline with the sun rising from behind the peaks.”

Favourite place for a bite to eat afterwards?

The Malga Ora, located near the Passo Lavazè, is the absolute best place to eat at after a long day of adventure, and easily accessible by car. You won’t find a better Sachertorte anywhere in the area.”

If you’re up for exploring further afield, check out these hit-lists for France , the UK  and AustriaGermany and Switzerland.