7 walking trails near Bologna to discover

If you have already walked the famous Via degli Dei or the Wool and Silk Road and are looking for new slow adventures, the Bolognese Apennines are home to lesser-known routes full of charm, art and unspoilt nature.

• Cammino di Sant'Antonio

This historic itinerary retraces the life of the Saint from Camposampiero, near Padua, to the sanctuary of La Verna, near Arezzo, in twenty-two stages covering a total of 408 km. Its Emilia-Romagna section is one of the most scenic. Starting from Malalbergo, in the Bologna plain, the trail follows the historic Canale Navile, a reminder of the city’s ancient hydraulic system, before climbing towards the Gessi Bolognesi e Calanchi dell’Abbadessa Regional Park, the Vena del Gesso Romagnola Regional Park and the Casentinesi Forests.  It is the ideal route for anyone seeking a meditative experience, crossing hermitages surrounded by greenery and small villages where time seems to have stood still. Full information about the route is available on the official Cammino di Sant'Antonio website or on the eXtraBO website.

• Via dei Brentatori

Via dei Brentatori is a two-day trail of about 50 kilometres that offers a fascinating dive into medieval Bologna. This route follows the ancient road used by the “Brentatori”, the carriers who transported wine from the hills to the city in their characteristic “brente”, or wooden baskets. Starting from the centre of Bologna (Piazza Maggiore) and heading towards the Samoggia Valley, the trail harmoniously combines hiking with food and wine. Crossing the Pignoletto vineyards and stopping at the historic wineries of the Colli Bolognesi, walkers can savour the very essence of the area. For further details, consult the eXtraBO page on the Via dei Brentatori or the official trail website.

• La Via dei Gessi e dei Calanchi

For those who wish to walk through a landscape that is unique in the world, the Via dei Gessi e dei Calanchi is an unmissable choice. This 102-kilometre route connects Bologna and Brisighella in 7 stages, crossing areas recently recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites for their exceptional karst phenomena. The trail winds its way through imposing gypsum cliffs and spectacular gully formations in the Gessi Bolognesi e Calanchi dell’Abbadessa Regional Park and the Vena del Gesso Romagnola Regional Park, passing through enchanting villages such as Dozza, famous for its painted walls, and Brisighella itself, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. To discover the stages and villages along the route, visit the official trail website and the dedicated page on eXtraBO.