The Ultimate Solo Journey: Ancient Trails and Quiet Discovery in Trentino Walk alone, travel deeply and reconnect through Trentino’s historic long-distance paths

The San Vili Trail: From Trento to Madonna di Campiglio

Time to complete: 5-7 days

Typically opening in April or May, the San Vili Trail is one of Trentino’s most historic walking routes, connecting the city of Trento to the heart of the Brenta Dolomites. Following paths believed to have been walked by Saint Vigilio, Bishop of Trento, in 405 AD, the trail blends ancient routes with newer cycle-pedestrian sections across approximately 100 kilometres.

The journey begins in Piazza Duomo in Trento, beside the Romanesque cathedral that houses the relics of the city’s patron saint. From here, the trail moves north through the Sorasàss bastion and the Valle dei Laghi, before climbing gradually into the Giudicarie and Rendena valleys. Walkers alternate between forest roads, cart tracks, panoramic ledges and quiet village paths, passing through lesser-known communities that offer authentic encounters with Trentino life.

Highlights along the way include the villages of Vezzano and Banale, the ascent to the abandoned settlement of Iròn, and the crossing of Passo Daone. The route finishes in Madonna di Campiglio, reached via an historic road built in 1875.

The San Vili Trail offers two route options:

●     The ‘high’ route: 110 kilometres over five stages, with more challenging elevations for experienced hikers

●     The ‘low’ route: 106 kilometres, easier and more accessible, split into five to seven stages with better links to support points

Like many of Europe’s classic long-distance trails, the San Vili is credentialed, allowing walkers to collect stamps along the route.

Jacopeo d’Anaunia: A pilgrimage through Val di Non

Time to complete: 3-7 days

The Jacopeo d’Anaunia Trail traces the footsteps of 15th-century pilgrims who were spared during the plague epidemic of 1482. Connecting the Basilica of the Saints Anaunensi Martyrs in Sanzeno with the Sanctuary of San Romedio, the route unfolds across forests, apple orchards, country lanes and farming villages in Val di Non.

The trail is divided into seven stages and organised into two loops:

●     A shorter loop of 60 kilometres over three stages

●     A full loop of 160 kilometres across seven stages

Both begin and end in the village of Sanzeno in the Val di Non, the spiritual heart of the valley. It was here, in 397 AD, that Saints Sisinio, Martirio and Alessandro were martyred after being sent by Bishop Vigilio to evangelise the Noce valleys.

Fully marked with a stylised shell and yellow arrow, the Jacopeo d’Anaunia is a safe, clearly signposted trail suitable for most walkers, though a reasonable level of fitness is required. Its gentle rhythm and rural landscapes make it particularly appealing for solo travellers seeking calm and continuity.

The Rhaetian Path: Walking through pre-Roman history

Time to complete: 7-8 days

The Rhaetian Path follows ancient routes between Tesino and Feltrino once travelled by the Rhaetian people, whose presence extended from Trentino across South Tyrol and into present-day Switzerland, highlighting Trentino’s deep pre-Roman past.

The Trentino sections of the route include:

●     Lamon (BL) to Castello Tesino – 22.9 km
Following the presumed line of the Roman Claudia Augusta Altinate road, this stage ends in Castello Tesino, where the archaeological site of Sant’Ippolito reveals Rhaetian houses carved directly into the rock.

●     Tesino Loop – 19.5 km
A circular walk around the Tesino basin, passing through Pieve Tesino — one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages and birthplace of former Prime Minister Alcide De Gasperi. Walkers can visit the “Per Via” Museum, dedicated to the itinerant peddlers who travelled Europe in the 1800s.

●     Castello Tesino to Fonzaso (BL) – 25.5 km
The longest stage, following ancient shepherd routes across varied landscapes and past landmarks such as the Grifone di Vaia sculpture on the Celado.

The Suspended Lands Trail: Val di Cembra’s living heritage

Time to complete: 5-6 days

Just outside Trento lies Val di Cembra, a dramatic valley shaped by terraced vineyards and centuries of wine-making tradition. The Cammino delle Terre Sospese is a 90-kilometre route that links villages, hamlets and farmsteads in a landscape seemingly suspended in time.

Crossing the Avisio River multiple times, the trail reveals stone villages with arched passageways, medieval chapels, castles, historic trade routes and forests threaded with streams. Dry-stone walls support steep vineyard terraces, offering one of Trentino’s most striking cultural landscapes.

More than a walking route, the Cammino delle Terre Sospese is a community-led project, created by local volunteers to encourage sustainable tourism and strengthen connections between visitors and residents. For solo travellers, it offers an authentic encounter with a valley untouched by mass tourism.

Why Trentino’s trails suit solo travellers

●     Deeply historic routes shaped by pilgrimage, trade and ancient settlement

●     Clear waymarking and staged itineraries suitable for independent walking

●     Quiet landscapes ideal for reflection and slow travel
Regular encounters with villages, culture and local life

●     A strong sense of safety, welcome and continuity

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About Trentino:

The beautiful region of Trentino is located in the North-East of Italy, in the heart of the Italian Alps, nestling between Lake Garda and the Dolomites. It's also within reach of the vibrant and stylish cities of Verona, Venice and Milan.

Trentino is famous for its natural landscapes, its impressive mountains, its green valleys and its lakes - there are 297 of them in total. This makes it an ideal year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Winter offers over 800 kilometers of ski slopes, while summer beckons visitors to the shores of Lake Garda and the numerous trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and climbing in the mountains, while autumn provides a delightful experience with its vineyards and charming towns and villages. Truly, Trentino is an Italian destination for every season.

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