Sentiero Atestino
A challenging 20km loop through the Euganean Hills, featuring diverse landscapes and ending in the charming village of Arquà Petrarca.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Sentiero Atestino
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging 20km loop through the Euganean Hills, featuring diverse landscapes and ending in the charming village of Arquà Petrarca.
"A demanding but incredibly rewarding trek with breathtaking views and a beautiful historical village finish."
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
The trail is uneven and stony; good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
There are limited opportunities to refill, so pack enough for the 6-hour trek.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pianoro del Mottolone
Central section of the trail
Expansive, panoramic plateau offering breathtaking views of the Euganean Hills.
Arquà Petrarca Village
Trailhead and endpoint
Explore this charming medieval village, home to Petrarch's house and tomb.
Ruins of Convent of Santa Maria di Orbise
Monte Orbieso summit
Discover the historical remnants of a convent perched atop Monte Orbieso.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Challenging Trek
Post-Hike Village Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
The trail is uneven and stony; good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
There are limited opportunities to refill, so pack enough for the 6-hour trek.
🗺️ Follow Trail Markers
The Sentiero Atestino is marked with white and red signs (n.3). Pay attention to them.
🚗 Park at Bar Ventolone
This is a convenient starting point for the Atestino trail.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
The trail is uneven and stony; good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
There are limited opportunities to refill, so pack enough for the 6-hour trek.
🗺️ Follow Trail Markers
The Sentiero Atestino is marked with white and red signs (n.3). Pay attention to them.
🚗 Park at Bar Ventolone
This is a convenient starting point for the Atestino trail.
📸 Capture the Views
The Pianoro del Mottolone offers stunning photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hikers praise the Sentiero Atestino for its challenging yet rewarding nature, offering stunning panoramic views and a beautiful immersion in nature. The well-marked path and the picturesque village of Arquà Petrarca at the end are significant highlights. However, the demanding terrain and length require good physical preparation.
"Path n.3 Atestino
Length of the route 20 km
Starting from the upper village of Arqua' Petrarca, in via Monte Piccolo where the first information board is located next to a votive chapel
The steps to follow:
1) Monte Ventolone/Monte Piccolo
2) Monte Orbieso
3) Monte Fasolo
4) Monte Rusta
5) Pianoro del Mottolone
Path well marked with the usual white/red color/ information boards and signpost n.3
Total travel time: 6 hours
Difficulty: challenging:
The forest path is a continuous up and down and requires attention due to frequent passages on uneven and stony ground. Passages on short stretches of provincial road
If at the end of the route you have some energy left, walk in the village of Arqua' Petrarca, classified among the most beautiful villages in Italy where among other things you can visit Petrarca's house and see the monumental tomb"
michele umer
"A relaxing stroll through hills and valleys, amidst grapes, olive groves, and mushrooms.
Leave your car in the Bar Ventolone parking lot and take the Atestino trail near a votive shrine. Follow the path to the right of the shrine eastward, cutting across the southern and eastern slopes of Monte Piccolo. The trail first winds through olive groves, then through woodland alternating with scrubland. Here, you reach the hamlet of Corte Vigo and descend, still through the thick scrub, to the side road called Via Ventolone. Follow it, turning left through a green valley of cultivated fields, then climbing up to the building called Casa del Parroco. Continue along the eastern ridge of Monte Orbieso, a short detour to the ruins of the Convent of Santa Maria di Orbise, located at the summit of the hill at 330 meters."
gino vavalle
"Beautiful circular tour among olive trees, vines and chestnut trees"
Massimo Marella
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common starting point is Arquà Petrarca, specifically near Bar Ventolone. You can drive and park there. Public transport options might be limited, so check local bus schedules if not driving.
Yes, parking is available at Bar Ventolone, which is a convenient starting point for the trail.
While Arquà Petrarca is the primary starting point, the trail is a loop, so theoretically, you could join it elsewhere, but starting from the designated trailhead is recommended for navigation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Sentiero Atestino is a public hiking trail and does not require any tickets or entry fees.
As an outdoor trail, it's accessible at any time. However, it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
There is no entrance fee to hike the Sentiero Atestino. It's a free public access trail.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Sentiero Atestino is considered challenging due to its 19-20 km length and significant elevation changes, with continuous ups and downs on uneven, stony ground.
The total travel time is estimated at around 6 hours, but this can vary depending on your pace and how often you stop.
Yes, the path is generally well-marked with the usual white and red colors and signpost number 3.
Expect a mix of forest paths, uneven and stony ground, scrubland, and short stretches on provincial roads.
Yes, the Pianoro del Mottolone is a particularly scenic and panoramic spot along the route, offering splendid views.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The trail itself doesn't have many dining facilities. It's advisable to pack your own food and snacks. You can find options in Arquà Petrarca at the beginning or end of your hike.
Water refill stations are scarce. It's crucial to carry sufficient water for the entire 6-hour hike.
📸 📸 Photography
The Pianoro del Mottolone is a highlight for photography, offering wide, panoramic views. The charming village of Arquà Petrarca also provides picturesque scenes.
You'll find diverse scenery including olive groves, woodlands, scrubland, cultivated fields, and stunning hill vistas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider breaking the hike into sections or focusing on shorter loops if available. The village of Arquà Petrarca itself offers a more accessible experience for families, with historical sites like Petrarch's house and tomb that can be explored without strenuous physical activity.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Ensure you inform someone of your hiking plans, carry a fully charged phone, and pack all necessary supplies. The rewarding views from Pianoro del Mottolone and the historical exploration of Arquà Petrarca make it a fulfilling solo adventure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Sentiero Atestino
This trek is characterized by its continuous ascents and descents, demanding a good level of fitness. The terrain is varied, featuring forest paths, uneven and stony ground, and sections of scrubland. Be prepared for a challenging but rewarding experience that showcases the natural beauty of the Euganean Hills.
Key points along the route include Monte Ventolone/Monte Piccolo, Monte Orbieso (with a detour to the ruins of the Convent of Santa Maria di Orbise), Monte Fasolo, Monte Rusta, and the highly scenic Pianoro del Mottolone. The trail also includes short passages on provincial roads, so be mindful of any local traffic.
The Charm of Arquà Petrarca
Don't miss the opportunity to visit Petrarch's House, where the renowned poet Francesco Petrarca spent his final years. You can also see his monumental tomb, a significant historical landmark within the village. Wandering through its medieval streets, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, provides a serene and enriching end to your adventure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit