Sports in Italy

If you know by heart the unforgettable exploits of cycling champion Marco Pantani, you've probably already heard of Campo Imperatore. Just in Abruzzo, “il Pirata” flew in 1999 towards the first of his four stage victories of that Giro d 'Italia. Campo Imperatore is mainly known for its ski area, among the best known and equipped in central Italy. The town of Abruzzo is today a point of reference also for bicycle tourists. In addition to having cable cars, chairlifts and cranks, in fact, Campo Imperatore has a long tradition as a stage venue for the main cycling stage races, which have always attracted a festive crowd of cycling enthusiasts and which still today, in spring and summer, welcomes a constant flow of cyclists and bikepackers, arriving from Italy and abroad.

Practised on a roller board of various sizes, skateboarding is not just an extreme sporting activity, but a real lifestyle. It makes use of benches, steps and handrails, as well as specially designed spaces such as skateparks. Rome, between one archaeological site and another, is home to numerous spots, but two locations deserve special attention: the Bunker Skatepark and The Spot Skatepark Ostia. Let's find out together.

Flying over the mountainous landscape of the Veneto Pre-Alps is a spectacular sight, to then glide over the hills of the Veneto foothills, with its hilltop villages, cities of art, and the valleys of the Brenta and Piave rivers. Thanks to its natural updrafts, the climate, the accessibility of the take-off and landing areas and the still scarcely urbanised nature, the area lends itself very well to this pursuit. The Grappa massif, a mecca for free flight, located between the provinces of Vicenza, Belluno and Treviso, is the ideal place for hang-gliding and paragliding.

What does it take to soar through the blue sky aboard a hang glider? Naturally, a hill or a slope where to launch and then take off from with favourable currents, suitable weather conditions, a good dose of courage and the irrepressible desire, which man has cradled since the dawn of time, to observe the world from above. If you are looking for the place where all these conditions come together to create the perfect free flight experience, welcome to Umbria, where you will also have the opportunity to explore one of Italy's sweetest and most prized natural and artistic landscapes from a different point of view (from above). Umbria offers several flight centres for beginners and experts where you can experience the thrill of tandem flying with an experienced pilot for the first time, or get personally involved if you are already good, surrounded by enchanting natural scenery.

In the heart of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will find a perfect new dimension in uncontaminated territory where you can cycle on routes covering over 400 kilometres. Would you like to learn more about the opportunity? We’ll provide you with a few details. Given your particular interest, an ideal location would be Paganella, where the local bike park offers access to a series of routes winding across a spectacular mountain range, with downhill, free-ride and ‘flow’ trails, and also single-track zones. Tracks of various grades for all levels and types of biking activities.

Rocky coastline overlooking the sea paths that wind between the Mediterranean scrub, cliffs overlooking the beaches with vibrant colors and crystal clear waters: Sardinia with its wild interior and spectacular views has long been known as one of the most fascinating destinations for lovers of climbing. Thanks to its mild climate, the island offers the possibility to climb throughout the year and, as of late spring, a vacation that combines relaxation on the beach with sports. Cala Gonone in the province of Nuoro, Jerzu in the province of Ogliastra, Isili in the province of Cagliari, Supramonte in the central-eastern area, and Iglesiente in the southwest of the island, are just some of the places not to miss if you want to explore Sardinia’s walls of rock. Climbable walls are present, however, all over the island and recently areas such as Sassari and Alghero are becoming popular. These courses tend to be well-equipped and periodically checked. They were initially discovered and evaluated by Sardinian and European outdoorsmen, and are now beloved throughout Europe.

Who said that rafting is a sport reserved for athletic types and trained experts? In Umbria between the Monti Sibillini National Park and Marmore Waterfall, anyone can experience the thrill of going down a river, safely. The stretch of river along where the Corno river and the Nera river converge, is an ideal spot to practice rafting, even for beginners. On one condition: you can swim.

A fun activity for everyone, suitable for all levels of athletic ability and all ages: nowadays, many see kayaking as an alternative way to discover an area, on a par with walking or going for a bike ride. Routes often overlap, so it may also be an option to pick up your kayak after cycling or walking along one of Italy's many uniquely stunning trails. Natural, wild landscapes, or rivers running through cities: Italy offers plenty of routes that are suitable for everyone, with excursions lasting for a few hours or - for real enthusiasts - several days.

Perhaps you had never thought about it, but the River Dora Baltea, which flows through the Aosta Valley , touching many of the best known locations, is a paradise for rafting enthusiasts thanks to its sudden changes in current. Between rapids, jumps and waterfalls, practising this discipline along its course is both challenging and exhilarating.

In the Monti Sibillini National Park, the natural scenery for this sport is practically perfect, and this is thanks to the meeting of the Velino and Nera rivers, which myth has it were two lovers, from whose tormented and endless love the Marmore Falls, among the highest in Europe, would be created. Fun is guaranteed by the natural springboards that invite you to dive in.

Standing on a board and holding a paddle in your hands: if you too are a Stand Up Paddle enthusiast, which has been sweeping the beaches in recent years along with the more traditional surfing, check this out. Have you ever thought that this water sport can also be enjoyed with great satisfaction in a lake? The crystal clear waters of Trentino, surrounded by forests, are perfect. Here is a map to help you find your way around.

The popularity of this sport has grown exponentially in recent years, from those who decide to practice it regularly, attending courses and obtaining certifications, to those who consider it a holiday activity along with other watersports. Fitting yourself out with a wetsuit, board and sail and following the wind - literally - along the Italian coasts or lakes in search of the best kitesurfing beaches is guaranteed fun. If you are wondering where to go kitesurfing in Italy, by the sea or a lake, we have great news: the wide beaches and climate make the Italian landscape from north to south very conducive to this sport, all in breathtaking locations.

Visiting Campania by paraglider or hang-glider is like nothing you could have imagined and yet harbours unforgettable emotions. In fact, for free-flying enthusiasts, who love to take to the skies and explore the Italian landscapes from above, exclusively aboard unpowered aircraft such as hang-gliders or paragliders, the varied territory of Campania is an air park that offers formidable panoramas, whether maritime or mountainous. Those who are new to the sport can find an opportunity here to indulge in a baptism of the air in a two-seater aircraft, driven by the expert hands of a professional pilot.

Flying over the mountainous landscape of the Veneto Pre-Alps is a spectacular sight, to then glide over the hills of the Veneto foothills, with its hilltop villages, cities of art, and the valleys of the Brenta and Piave rivers. Thanks to its natural updrafts, the climate, the accessibility of the take-off and landing areas and the still scarcely urbanised nature, the area lends itself very well to this pursuit. The Grappa massif, a mecca for free flight, located between the provinces of Vicenza, Belluno and Treviso, is the ideal place for hang-gliding and paragliding.

The undisputed star is the River Noce, which flows through the valley and is, according to the authoritative National Geographic, among the 10 best in the world for the practice of this discipline. It is beautiful, and everyone can have a go. Rafting in Val di Sole does not require any special skills, as long as you use an experienced guide for the descent, who will adapt the difficulty of the route to the experience of the participants. In short, if you are on holiday in these parts and want to have fun surrounded by a breathtaking natural environment, rafting is an option not to be underestimated.

Rafting originated in the United States and was brought to Italy in 1984. A few years later, in 1987, the Italian Rafting Federation (F.I.Raft.) was founded and in 2010 rafting was recognised by CONI as a sport. There are two rivers in Abruzzo where this sport can be practised, the Aventino River, which flows through the province of Chieti, and the Sagittario River, which rises from Lake Scanno and flows into the Aterno-Pescara. The torrential stretches of these rivers, especially when water is plentiful, make them ideal for rafting and enjoy the scenery from a privileged viewpoint.

Hidden in the heart of the Pollino National Park is the protected natural reserve Gole del Raganello, between the municipalities of San Lorenzo Bellizzi, Civita and Cerchiara (CS). Here, in an area of 1,600 hectares, a 17-kilometre-long canyon winds its way to the delight of canyoneers. The route starts at the Sorgente della Lamia and stretches almost to the municipality of Civita. With a helmet and steady nerves, you are guaranteed a trip featuring an adrenalin rush and bursts of happiness.

Who said that rafting is a sport reserved for athletic types and trained experts? In Umbria between the Monti Sibillini National Park and Marmore Waterfall, anyone can experience the thrill of going down a river, safely. The stretch of river along where the Corno river and the Nera river converge, is an ideal spot to practice rafting, even for beginners. On one condition: you can swim.

Surrounded by the extraordinary landscape of the Dolomites, with 450 ski lifts and 1,200 kilometers of ski slopes in twelve different ski areas where you can ski with just one single ski pass, Dolomiti Superski is one of the largest and most exciting ski areas in the world. Each of the twelve Dolomiti Superski areas boasts a number of one-of-a-kind features that are worth knowing about. Let's find out about them.

In the Upper Tagliamento Valley, the Forni di Sopra ski resort is the perfect ski holiday for those seeking fun, sports and relaxation, far from the crowds, in the enchanting scenery of the Friulian Dolomites Natural Park, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009. The ski resort of Forni di Sopra, which rises up from 900 to 2,500 metres above sea level, offers activities to suit everyone, with downhill slopes, cross-country trails, a well-equipped snow park, ski mountaineering and hiking routes, ice climbing, an ice rink and a sports centre with facilities dedicated to wellness and indoor activities.

Val di Fiemme , has 50 ski facilities serving 100km of slopes, 3 snow parks and 2 slopes for sledding. This haven for winter sports is in the wonderful setting of the Latemar massif. You can even ski at night on the Cemis and Obereggen slopes. Val di Fiemme is also an area with great mountain culture and traditions, and an ancient institution that presides over its development.

While it is true that there is no shortage of ski slopes in Italy, it is equally true that nowadays the mountains cater for everyone, including snowboard enthusiasts. Indeed, in the main ski resorts you will find designated areas where you can ride with a board on your feet and adrenaline through your blood. Here are five of the most famous and enjoyable Italian snowparks, ready to satisfy your freestyler spirit with jumps, rails, kickers and boxes.

The Milan - Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics is scheduled for February 6th to the 22nd 2026: two electrifying weeks of pure competition, showcasing the best athletes in the world involved in 16 different disciplines. In the meantime, why not explore the places that will host this unmissable international event and learn about the activities and events scheduled? Here are the places and activities so that you can already start to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Milan - Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

It was once also renowned for a spring of iron-rich water of various qualities, which has since been lost. It rises in a basin, between Bormio, the Stelvio Pass and the Passa Gavia, at the foot of the mountains of the Ortles Cevedale group and there is no season when mountain lovers cannot appreciate it. Of course, skiing is the reigning discipline here. Santa Caterina Valfurva hosted the Women's Alpine Skiing World Championships and several Alpine and Nordic Skiing World Cup races in 1985. Its real attraction is the slope dedicated to Deborah Compagnoni, a three-time Alpine skiing gold medallist, inaugurated for the World Championships in 2005 and illuminated at night to allow moonlight skiing. It is over three kilometres long, reaches a gradient of 75 per cent (only in some places) and is one of the most varied and exciting slopes in the entire Alpine region. In the heart of the Stelvio National Park, the ski area is a true jewel of nature and snow-capped peaks. An oasis where you can find tranquillity amidst the mountain scenery.

The road, winding through the Mediterranean maquis and on scenic undulations along the northern coast of the island – known as Settentrionale Sicula – is the perfect route for riders tackling this stage of the Giro di Sicilia. In all, there are 199 kilometres with no major difficulties, to the delight of the sprinters who will cover the course in one go. But for those who are just bike enthusiasts, the route we are talking about here is an invitation to slow down the pace, to enjoy the lush nature and important historical traces. Watch out, however, not to be too distracted by the view: you are on a Statale road (No. 113), so keep your eyes on the road and, if you are with others, proceed in single file.

A good 171 kilometres, with 2,530 metres of total elevation gain – this is the identikit of the third stage of the Giro di Sicilia 2023 Credite Agricole, a route that from the fine sandstone of the southern coast plunges into an inland that smells of almonds and olives. But there is much more to find out along this route, especially for lovers of history and art. Here, then, are the main attractions for those who want to retrace the exploits of the pro riders and at the same time also enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.

There is a cycling race that looks backwards: Milano-Torino, the oldest race in Italy, as its first edition dates back to 1876. In this article let us go over its course together: a 199km journey from Magenta to Rivoli, through the history of our country, the forgotten trades, and the culinary menus scenting of tradition. It is a route that seems to be designed to suit the fast men (except for a short sector, it is pan flat), but also the amateurs who prefer a slower pace, interspersed with some stops. In this way, they can turn their gaze to the past in a territory that is still untouched by major tourism flows. Get in your saddle, then, and off we go.

Versilia: land of tourists, sailors, artists and bike lovers. We’re talking about the athletes who, from Lido di Camaiore – the stage of numerous Giro d’Italia finishes: in 1997, 2002, and 2007 – head straight for Forte dei Marmi, before returning to their starting point in the individual time trial that kicks off the Tirreno-Adriatico competition. But also land of the many amateurs who for 12 months of the year, thanks to a particularly mild climate, ride up and down the hills and the Apuan Alps that look like the austere guardians of this trendy and full-service stretch of coast.

The fifth appointment of Tirreno-Adriatico, the two-wheeled race that runs across the Peninsula, from sea to sea, has quite a telling fame. It is called the "stage of the walls". Don’t get deceived though: with its 155 kilometres it is a fairly short route for the professional riders, yet super hard. Let’s have a look at it. The first half of the route runs on mild slopes, dotted with people-friendly villages, but in the second half the riders deal with almost vertical asphalted ‘walls’, that test even the best trained riders. Take up the challenge, if you’d like. If worse comes to worse, you get off your bike. What about the booby prize? A dinner with fish-broth-based courses and a glass of verdicchio wine, that is, some of the iconic products of the food-and-wine local tradition.

A farmer on his way back from the fields, an ancient Roman on a road heading North, a never-forgotten champion holding the handlebar with all his might. What about you? Who are you dreaming to be? The hinterland in Le Marche plays the main role in the second to last stage of Tirreno-Adriatico, the coast-to-coast race in which the cycling top contenders face off. The itinerary we are describing in these lines, however, lends itself to the (perhaps down-scaled) effort of the cycling enthusiasts. The merit goes to its mild slopes, immersed in the woods or surrounded by sunflower fields, its artistic richness and its wide culinary offer. Who among you, once off the bike, can say ‘no’ to a dish of cold cuts paired with some Vernaccia?