Il Cammino di Oropa, Italy
‘Il Cammino di Oropa’ – The Oropa Way is one of the most well-renowned thru-hikes in Piedmont, Italy. This hiking trail stretches for approximately 65 kilometres, connecting the city of Santhià to the majestic Oropa Sanctuary, UNESCO World Heritage site. 🏞️
This hike will immerse you in the heart of Piedmont’s landscape. Il cammino di Oropa trave scenic landscapes and the route often takes hikers through a variety of terrains, including lush green valleys, dense forests, and meandering mountain trails. The changing scenery provides with a diverse and immersive experience as they make their way toward the Sanctuary of Oropa.
Big plus? The food is unbelievable! All the Italian food is good, but Autumn food is just comfort food to me 🤤
Catch you outside,
Elena
PS: this hike is for every one! It is well marked and the elevation gain is fair, but make sure to be well prepared for any emergency.
DAY 1 | Santhia' to Magnano
- Walking Track: 26km
- Elevation Gain: 696+m.
- Descent: 245+m
- Difficulty: Easy
- Average Moving Time: 6h
The journey begins in Santhià, a charming town in Piedmont that can be easily reached from Milan and Turin by train. With multiple trains available throughout the day, you have the flexibility to commence your hike early in the morning.
The initial leg of the trail is relatively flat, offering a scenic walk surrounded by the breathtaking Alps. This path meanders through various villages, and among them, Roppolo stands out as a personal favorite. The view from Roppolo’s castle is truly mesmerizing, making it an ideal spot for a delightful lunch break.
Continuing on, another noteworthy viewpoint awaits at the Big Bench overlooking Lake Viverone. It’s a recommended stop to take a rest and soak in the stunning scenery.
Before concluding your journey, consider a visit to the Bose Sanctuary. If intrigued, don’t miss their unique mess, a departure from the usual religious services. Additionally, explore the opportunity to purchase snacks, particularly the Pasta di Meliga, a distinctive biscuit from Piedmont that’s worth trying.
In Magnano, I chose to stay at the Locanda del Borgo Antico, where a remarkable dinner was served, adding a perfect finishing touch to the day’s adventures.
Are you visiting the whole Piedmont region?
I have prepared the perfect guide for you!
DAY 2 | Magnano To Graglia
- Walking Track: 22.63km
- Elevation Gain: 773+m.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Average Moving Time: 6-7h
The second day offers a scenic journey through Torrazzo, a town with an open-air art museum.
Along the way you will also pass landmarks like the Minimal Museum of Serra Stones and the Flowered House(“La casa fiorita”), which is a a place with countless Kinder surprises on the roadside walls and on house balconies,.
The Graglia’s sanctuary, a renowned holiday spot, features a guesthouse with 40 rooms, where the furnishings are antique, beautiful, and spacious. Many paintings hang on the walls of the corridor outside my room. I highly recommend to spend the night there, where you can also enjoy a communal dinner at the sanctuary’s restaurant.
The best view of the Sanctuary is just before entering the small town.
Are you visiting the whole Piedmont region?
I have prepared the perfect guide for you!
DAY 3 | Graglia to Oropa
- Walking Track: 16.7km
- Elevation Gain: 887+m.
- Difficulty: Easy to medium
- Average Moving Time: 5h
The trail from Graglia to Oropa is well-marked, ensuring hikers stay on course. The journey passes through Sordevolo, known for its quinquennial Passion play deeply rooted in tradition since 1814. On this day you have 2 options: traversing the former tramway route or taking the steeper way. I did the tramway and really loved this variant.
The trek concludes at the Oropa sanctuary, where pilgrims can collect their Cammino completion certificates. If you arrive before 4PM you can also attend the mass, where the priest will name you and the other pellegrins. Even if you are not religious, I highly recommend to attend the pilgrim’s mass, bringing a shared sense of accomplishment among those completing the journey.
The overnight stay at the sanctuary’s guesthouse provides a peaceful retreat, offering the chance to explore the surroundings further.
If you need some help booking this hike, you can contact the Cammino d’Oropa here, they offer the booking service for a small fee (20Euros). Highly recommended as they will help you organize your trip and answer all the questions you might have both in Italian and English!
Are you visiting the whole Piedmont region?
I have prepared the perfect guide for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Dog allowed?
Yes, You can take your puppy… but only if you collect their 💩!!
Where to sleep? Tent?
- Not many accommodations along the Alta Via, so plan to stay in B&Bs or hotels in coastal villages.
- Book in advance, especially during peak seasons, as demand is high.
- If you stay up on the Alta Via there are plenty of places where you can set up a tent, but bear in mind that you need to think about water and food supplies
Difficulty
It doesn’t present any major challenge, but make sure you are happy with elevation gain
Credentials?
There are no credentials.
Best months to hike it?
- The mild climate makes the Alta Via suitable for year-round hiking, but would avoid July and August. (I did it in August and it was way too hot).
- As usual, check weather forecasts for safety, avoiding the trail during heavy rain or strong winds.
What to bring?
- Wear sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes suitable for various terrains. It is not a walk in the park and is more challenging than expected.
- Carry trekking poles for stability.
Trail waymarking
- Marked trail with signage, but it could be improved.
- Especially if you don’t speak Italian, I would recommend having a gpx map with you.
Planning Information
Cinque Terre and sourroundigs areas can get packed and fully booked quite in advance. So make sure you book your stays and plan the whole hike in advance.
Getting there & Away
Few options:
- I recommend starting in Levanto, which is accessible by train from La Spezia or Milan. Trains are the most practical mode of transportation between Cinque Terre villages.
- If you want to start from Porto Venere, then you need to get a bus 11/P from La Spezia
- If you travel by car consider leaving your car in Campiglia, a village midway between Portovenere and Telegrafo and then getting to the beginning of the trail (hitchhiking, hiking, booking a taxi in advance…)
Permits & Fees
No Permits required.
IMPORTANT: Pay close attention to the data contained in this description.
They may be incomplete or outdated. The paths may change over time due to bad weather, fires or simply the change of seasons. Check in the comments if anyone has made any reports or recommended any changes.
Do you still have a question?
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