A new hiking trail winding through the wild and nature-rich landscape of Italy’s Dolomites mountain range has just opened.
Named after the ancient Raeti people who lived in the area during pre-Roman times, the Cammino Retico connects various remote villages between the Veneto and Trentino regions. This circular route spans 170 kilometers and can be completed in seven days. The initiative aims to promote slow and sustainable tourism in some of Italy’s lesser-known areas at risk of depopulation, allowing visitors to explore an uncrowded and “uncontaminated” part of the country.
Established by the social association Carpe Diem, the Cammino Retico starts and ends in Aune di Sovramonte near the city of Belluno. The trail passes through 10 municipalities in the Tesino and Feltrino areas. Each night, hikers can stay in mountain communities, including the walled town of Feltre and the lakeside village of Arsiè. There are already 50 accommodation options along the route.
The trail follows other pre-marked routes, including the ancient Claudia Augusta and paths mapped out by Italy’s Club Alpino (CAI). Elevations along the Cammino Retico range from 400 to 1,450 meters above sea level as the path winds through wild limestone peaks, lush valleys, and lake shores.
“This is a chance for tourists to discover the culture and traditions of these uncontaminated, rural areas,” says Francesco De Bortoli from the Carpe Diem association. “And walking is the best way to do this.”
Along the way, there are various sites of historical interest. Hikers can stop at Monte Avena, where traces of Neanderthal populations have been found. The route passes by the 12th-century, richly frescoed Sanctuary of Saints Vittore and Corona, and the elegant 17th-century Villa delle Centenere. Walkers can also visit the Pedavena Brewery and the bicycle museum in Cesiomaggiore.
Starting in 2025, a parallel route will be available for cyclists. Inspired by the popular Camino de Santiago, the Carpe Diem association plans to introduce a traveler’s passport and diploma for those who complete the circuit.
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