A new hiking trail has just opened in Italy’s stunning Dolomites mountain range. Named the Cammino Retico, after the ancient Raeti people, this circular route spans 170 kilometers and can be completed in seven days. The trail connects various remote villages between the Veneto and Trentino regions, promoting slow and sustainable tourism in some of Italy’s lesser-known and depopulating territories.

Set out by the social association Carpe Diem, the Cammino Retico begins and ends in Aune di Sovramonte near the city of Belluno. It passes through 10 municipalities in the Tesino and Feltrino areas, allowing hikers to stay each night in mountain communities, including the walled town of Feltre and the lakeside village of Arsiè, with 50 accommodation options along the route.

The trail follows pre-marked routes like the ancient Claudia Augusta and paths plotted by Italy’s Club Alpino (CAI), offering elevation ranges from 400 to 1,450 meters. It winds through wild limestone peaks, lush valleys, and lake shores, providing an opportunity for tourists to discover the culture and traditions of these untouched rural areas. Francesco De Bortoli from Carpe Diem notes, “Walking is the best way to do this.”

Hikers will encounter historical sites such as Monte Avena, where traces of Neanderthal populations were found, the 12th-century Sanctuary of Saints Vittore and Corona, the 17th-century Villa delle Centenere, the Pedavena Brewery, and the bicycle museum in Cesiomaggiore.

Starting in 2025, a twin route for cyclists will be available. Inspired by the Camino de Santiago, the Carpe Diem association plans to introduce a traveler’s passport and diploma for those who complete the circuit.