Active holidays in Italy 

From paddleboarding in Riva to mountain biking in Canazei, trying new activities isn't just something interesting to do - it's also a pretty way cool to visit (or rediscover) somewhere. And that's especially true for Italy. 

There's Drei Zinnen in the Dolomites, Malcesine in Lake Garda, plus easy access to climbing, via ferrata and other mountain sports throughout – making active holidays a great way to explore the even greater outdoors in Italy. 

Main image: ©Alex Moling

  • More choice. New experiences. That's a real breath of fresh air
  • Destinations in depth – nobody knows them better
  • Award-winning service and 24/7 support on holiday
  • All at your own pace. Do as much (or as little) as you'd like
  • Travel, transfers and accommodation included

Recommended active holiday destinations

Active holidays in Canazei

Pedal high passes (there's over 400 routes to explore) and splash about at the Doloandes Wellness Centre with the family. Cable cars lead to mountaintop via ferrata routes and high ropes courses.

Active holidays in Corvara

Whether it's golf, biking or family adventure parks, Corvara offers plenty of ways to stay active during your summer holiday.

Active holidays in Madonna di Campiglio

There's plenty of dedicated indoor and outdoor activities in Madonna di Campiglio, so you're spoilt for choice - think indoor golf, padel, cycle paths and via ferrata routes.

Active holidays in Malcesine

It'd be impossible to resist watersports here - why not try paddleboarding, sailing or kite surfing? There's also lovely gentle cycles along Lake Garda.

Canazei Dolomites Italy Ciampac Crest Panoramic Crossing 8

Corvara Colfosco Alta Badia Dolomites 4Peaks Alex Moling

Madonna Di Campiglio Italy Activities Biking Paolo Bisti

Malcesine Lake Garda Paragliders Over Monte Baldo

Things to do in Italy

Discover our top recommended activities for active holidays in Italy

The Brenta Dolomites is famous for its waterfalls. Walk along the Sentiero dell'Orso (Bear Path) to the Vallesinella Waterfalls, which are the most famous waterfalls in the Adamello-Brenta Natural Park. The trail starts by the Spinale Gondola station, and heads through forests all the way up to the highest of the waterfalls, the Malga Valesinella di Sopra. Or, you could spend the day enjoying a picnic in the stunning Val Nambrone, where you can scope out the Cascata Amola. You can walk to the falls from the Rifugio Val Nambrone which you can get to by heading to the next door town of Madonna di Campiglio, Pinzolo.

Image copyright: Paolo Bisti

Explore the Dolomites on two wheels from Canazei, with more than 400 cycling routes to choose from. Pedal through spectacular mountain scenery, with routes ranging from relaxed valley rides to more challenging days in the hills.

One of the most popular routes follows the Fassa and Fiemme valleys alongside the River Avisio, combining beautiful scenery with a chance to discover more of this impressive corner of the Dolomites at your own pace.

Windsurfing on Lake Garda, Family Holidays in Italy

Head to the lakeside and rent out a paddle board or a kayak. If you're on a family holiday, this is the best way to get some family bonding time in, there’s nothing better than gliding across the water on a paddle board- for more of a challenge you could even try tandem paddle boarding. Sailing is also a great way to get youngsters trying their hand at something new.

Windsurfing is also very popular in Riva and you can normally see it taking place from the piazza. Get involved and try it for yourself, there are plenty of places locally to book lessons or rent equipment. If you’d rather relax then sit yourself down on the white pebble beach. It’s a popular spot for swimmers and sun bathing.

The wind conditions in the North of the lake are perfect for watersports, so you won’t struggle to get going!

Expertly crafted active holidays in Italy 

Browse our wide selection of biggest active holiday deals, filtering results to match your preferred destination, departure date and more. 

Family Biking
Kids fly free in 2027

One child flies FREE with every adult on selected routes in May, July & August school holidays. Prices shown include discount. T&Cs apply

Active holidays inspiration

Read More Insider Guides

Recommended Multi-Centre Holidays

Discover our multi-centre holidays that are perfect for active holidays

  • Image Alt

    Merano & Madonna di Campiglio multi-centre holiday

    Experience Italy’s blend of Austrian and Italian culture in Merano before exploring the lakes, waterfalls, and mountains of Madonna di Campiglio. This multi-centre holiday lets you stroll along the Passer River, taste local wine, and walk scenic trails past hidden waterfalls and alpine lakes.

    7 nights from £2,086pp

    View details
  • Image Alt

    Verona & The Dolomites multi-centre holiday

    A multi-centre holiday to Verona and the Dolomites gives you the best of both worlds: city sights and mountain views. Wander Verona’s historic streets and Shakespearean landmarks before heading to Selva to explore the stunning Dolomite peaks.

    7 nights from £1,841pp

    View details
  • Image Alt

    Verona and Lake Garda Multi-Centre Holiday

    Experience the romance of Verona and the beauty of Lake Garda. Explore historic streets and Shakespearean gems before relaxing by the lake in charming towns like Sirmione and Bardolino.

    7 nights from £1,433pp

    View details
  • Image Alt

    Madonna di Campiglio & Lake Ledro multi-centre holiday

    This Italian multi-centre holiday offers outdoor adventures like canoeing on Italy's cleanest lake, walking the Ponale Way, and exploring the Five Lakes of Madonna di Campiglio. Enjoy the Brenta Dolomites, Lake Ledro, and the nearby beauty of Lake Garda.

    7 nights from £1,652pp

    View details
  • Image Alt

    Dolomites & Lake Garda multi-centre holiday

    Discover Italy’s stunning Dolomites and Lake Garda on one holiday. Walk along breath taking mountain trails before relaxing by the lake in charming towns like Riva and Bardolino.

    7 nights from £2,211pp

    View details
  • Image Alt

    Dolomites Discovery multi-centre holiday

    Discover Northern Italy’s mountains with a trip to the Dolomites and South Tyrol. Visit Merano, Madonna di Campiglio, Selva, Corvara, Kronplatz or Canazei and explore the unique culture and stunning landscapes of each.

    7 nights from £2,021pp

    View details
  • Image Alt

    Venice city break add-on

    Venice is unlike any city you’ve ever wandered through. Canals replace streets, gondolas glide where cars would tread, and every corner reveals a slice of history dripping with charm. Lose yourself in the labyrinth of alleys, sample cicchetti in a tucked-away bacaro, and let the grandeur of St Mark’s Square take your breath away.

    View details
  • Image Alt

    Verona city break add-on

    Verona is a city that effortlessly blends romance, history, and a touch of drama. Wander the cobbled streets past Roman amphitheatres, elegant piazzas, and Juliet’s famous balcony, and you’ll quickly see why Shakespeare set his greatest love story here. Compact and walkable, Verona makes a delightful city add-on - full of charm, local flavours, and just enough intrigue to make you wish you had more time.

    View details
  • Image Alt

    Milan city break add-on

    Milan is a city that pulses with style, culture, and a hint of ambition. From the awe-inspiring Duomo to the world-class galleries and buzzing fashion streets, there’s a mix of history and modern energy around every corner. Perfect as a city add-on to your walking holiday, Milan packs iconic landmarks, legendary shopping, and vibrant cafés into a compact experience that’s as sophisticated as it is effortlessly lively.

    View details
  • Image Alt

    Florence city break add-on

    Florence is a treasure trove of art, history, and Renaissance charm. Stroll along the Arno, gaze up at Brunelleschi’s Duomo, and lose yourself in world-class galleries where every corner tells a story. Ideal as a city add-on to holidays in Liguria and Tuscany, Florence offers a rich, compact experience where cobbled streets, vibrant markets, and centuries of culture make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a masterpiece.

    View details
Multi-centre
Read our walking product reviews

Why book your summer holiday with Inghams

The summer holiday experts. Discover the great outdoors with Inghams. Find out more

  • A real breath of fresh air

    An expertly crafted summer holiday with more choice, new experiences and more of what you know and love about Europe.

    Discover your perfect holiday

  • Destinations in depth

    Culture… traditions… local cuisine - you’ll experience much more than the scenery for a richer, more rewarding holiday. 

    View all destinations

  • Award winning service for 90 years

    Excellent service makes an outstanding holiday. And you’ll feel the difference when you travel with us. 

    Why book with us

  • All at your own pace

    Do as much or as little as you'd like – relax, try new activities or find your perfect balance of the two.

    View our holiday types

  • Championing the great outdoors

    If natures on your mind, then know it’s on ours too. The landscapes in Europe are special places and we’re determined to help keep them that way. 

    Our Impacts

  • We're the whole package

    With a package holiday, everything’s sorted (and protected by ABTA and ATOL) including travel, transfers, accommodation and expert advice tailored to you. 

    Our service