Italy really is Europe’s treasure box. It has it all! You name it, spectacular mountain ranges, beautiful lakes, idyllic islands, splendid cities with a wealth of culture, a perfect climate, amazing cuisine, and warm and friendly people. Plus it offers sun-drenched limestone and granite crags in glorious mountain and beach settings. A climbing trip here will be unforgettable!

WHAT IS CLIMBING LIKE IN ITALY?

Italy has quality climbing sites in each region, but many of the best equipped are found in the northern part of the country and on the islands. Italy is not as popular a destination as France, and most people will say it is because the grading system in Italy is a big harder.  Having climbed both I have to agree, if you are looking to bag routes based on grade head to France, but for great climbing on high quality limestone and granite Italy has attracted climbers from all over the world. There is boulder sites, short single-pitch routes, and major big-walls and alpine ascents to enjoy, and the climbing season is as varied as the landscape so you can always find a place that is in season.

ABOUT THIS GUIDE TO CLIMBING ITALY

I have started listing the climbing sites I have climbed at over the past 30 years. Some sights may no long be active but as I have time I will try to update the information. This guide is designed to get you started not replace guidebooks being produced by local climbers.  If you are visiting an area include the cost of a local guide into your travel budget, it helps the areas stay clean and bolted.

Sites listed are organized by region and then province. Many can be reached by public transportation. Sites listed are sport climbing areas were you only need some quick draws, rope and harness. There are a few multi-pitch sites listed in the rock climbing section, but only those that are well bolted and provide easy access. 

GREAT OPTIONS TO INCLUDE A CLIMBING DAY IN YOUR ITALIAN ADVENTURE.

If you are looking for a few climbing days while in Italy there are a few destinations you can held too. In the northern region Arco is perhaps the best developed and known area.  The entire valley north of Lake Garda hosts several sites and there are climbs for all levels.  If you are traveling along the Italian Riviera in the Liguria Region you can stop over in Finale for some great climbing.  In the Central region of Italy you might want to visit Ferentillo in the Umbria Region.  Also there are several cliffs along the coastline south of Roma, the best known is perhaps Sperlonga.  These are all accessible by public transportation and if you choose to rent a car there are hundreds of locations to explore along with the main cultural sites in Italy.