Where in Italy to do a good, cheap walking/hiking trip?

My friend and I are landing in Rome at the end of December, staying in Italy for 12 days - probably leaving Rome right when we arrive. First and foremost, we want this to be a tight budget trip, with a lot of value for money and some hostel availability, and we do not plan to be visiting any museums, churches, etc. Good value for food and accommodations would be ideal. We want to do this as a pretty much full on very scenic walking / hiking trip, going through nice terrain, hills, exotic villages, and towns for the duration. Not terribly touristy, but student budget accommodations would be a must. Since it will be the winter, going south would be a major plus too, as would cheap transport from Rome.

So basically, cheap, warm, exotic, and adventurous. I do realize that it will be winter there, and not exactly "warm"... but I mean it in a relative sense

Right now, we're looking at the Amalfi coast area. It seems to have what we're looking for. But I would love to hear everyone else's opinions, and suggestions for other regions/towns/cities!

Thanks for the replies!!

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kybourbon on Nov 1, 09 at 10:07 PM

I only know of one hostel in that area and it appears to close during the winter.
http://www.brikette.com/index.html
kybourbon on Nov 1, 09 at 10:23 PM

This campground near Pompeii has bungalows really cheap, but you would have to check and see if they are open at that time of year.
http://www.campingspartacus.it/

You might want to get some type of transportation pass for the area.
http://www.unicocampania.it/index.php?lang=en&center=inside&colonna=turisti&action=costiera&banner=costiera

The bus (Marozzi or Curreri) between Rome and Sorrento will be cheaper than the trains and take about the same time. They only run about once a day in winter. Cost is about 16€.
stepsbeyond on Nov 2, 09 at 08:14 AM

http://www.discovercilento.com/
stepsbeyond on Nov 2, 09 at 09:29 AM

You should also consider le Cinque Terre, even though it is a further train trip from Rome. Because of geography, it actually gets an abundance of sunny weather and some fairly mild temps in winter -- although no guarantees. But it is a popular hiking destination year round. Even though it is touristy, it is not as touristy as the Amalfi and it has a lot more budget accommodations in the five towns, which get even cheaper if you stay outside the five towns, or pick the interior hills instead of the sea. You should be able to cut a deal for a long stay in any b&b. Be sure to get a rock solid you will have heat wherever you go, north or south. Here are some possibilities:

http://www.dreamland-bb.com/

http://www.chincamea.it/DefaultEN.aspx

http://www.rifugiouscio.com/

These two are closer to Genoa:

http://www.larosabiancadiportofino.com/

http://www.rifugiouscio.com/
stepsbeyond on Nov 2, 09 at 09:50 AM

If you are interested in Cilento (which would be my first inclination), you might read up on these kinds of itineraries to help you plan:

http://www.sherpa-walking-holidays.co.uk/tours/inntoinn/jcndos.htm

http://www.nonsolocasa-italy-travel.com/Holiday-homes-Cilento/Cilento-holiday-homes.htm

http://www.morigerati.net/servizi_extra_eng.asp

If you want to stay directly in the Amalfi, check out the town of Atrani, and also the hills away from the sea in Sorrento -- but again, make sure you get a guarantee of heat. Most of the area really shuts up tight in the winter.
stepsbeyond on Nov 2, 09 at 09:52 AM

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2009/aug/09/cilento-italy-amalfi-castellabate-acciaroli
stepsbeyond on Nov 2, 09 at 11:26 AM

I just found this webiste and you might find it very useful. You can use it to search out accommodations on wineries. For the Amalfi and Cilento areas, search for Campagna. For le Cinque Terre hiking, search in Liguria. Some of the accommodations are quite cheap, and the descriptions note if there is heating. Probably some of the wineries would cook you meals, but if not, and you don't have a car, you need to ask how far it is to the nearest restaurant and make sure it will be open during your stay.

http://www.vinogusto.com/en/winetourism
flygirl on Nov 2, 09 at 11:39 AM

I spent ten or so days in Italy, in January, two years ago. It was COLD. Much colder than my recent London trip in February. We were in Orvieto/Assisi/bits of Tuscany. I was well dressed (including nylons under my trousers, and silk camisoles under the sweaters and a thick wool coat and scarf/gloves) and was still freezing.

Oddly enough by the time we made it back around to Florence it became tolerable but it was still not what I'd call hiking weather.
stepsbeyond on Nov 2, 09 at 11:54 AM

Tuscany and Umbria are indeed colder than places on the Mediterranean, but again, no guarantees.
typicalgirls on Nov 2, 09 at 01:56 PM

You should really give Le Marche a go, similar to Tuscany and Umbria but without the tourists and the high costs. The Sibillini national park has amazing hikes, try this link for more information http://www.walkingworld.com/home/index.asp?id=45 and try a stay at funky www.villasanraffaello.com as they are into serious hiking, you can walk into the national park from the villa and they supply you with free itineraries
stepsbeyond on Nov 2, 09 at 04:23 PM

In late December/early January, Le Marche will be extremely cold -- and I mean extremely cold -- and the hikes of the Sibillini impassable and closed.

JudyC on Nov 2, 09 at 04:32 PM

How about Puglia, all way south, cheap and good food , lovely weather in the winter, and interesting sceneries and architecture.

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Where in Italy to do a good, cheap walking/hiking trip?

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