Top 10 Riding Spots in Italy
Italy combines extraordinary landscape variety — Alpine peaks, Tuscan vineyards, Sardinian coast, Sicilian volcanoes — with a deep horse heritage that includes the Maremma cowboy (butteri) tradition, Sicily's annual Palio races, and an extensive network of agriturismi that include riding. All centres are on the map.
1. Maremma, Southern Tuscany
The coastal plain of southern Tuscany is the country of the butteri — Italy's working cattle herdsmen — and of the Maremmano horse. Several agriturismi between Grosseto and the Argentario coast — among them La Maremma — offer rides through pine forest and coastal pasture. April-November.
2. Chianti and Val d'Orcia
The vineyard country of central Tuscany is one of Europe's most photogenic riding landscapes. Several agriturismi-cum-riding-centres operate between Siena, Pienza, and Montalcino. Year-round; spring and autumn ideal.
3. Dolomites
Alpine pasture rides at 1,500-2,000 m through the Dolomites, especially around Cortina, Val Pusteria, and Val Gardena. Multi-day pack trips link mountain rifugi. June-September.
4. Sardinia — Costa Verde and Gallura
Sardinia offers Mediterranean beach rides on the Costa Verde and inland mountain riding in the Gallura. The Anglo-Arab Sardo is a distinctive island breed. April-October.
5. Sicily — Etna and the Madonie
Etna's lower flanks and the Madonie and Nebrodi mountain ranges offer dramatic volcanic and forested riding. Several operators around Castelbuono. Year-round at lower elevations; higher Etna April-October.
6. Puglia — Murge and Valle d'Itria
The limestone Murge plateau and the trulli country of the Valle d'Itria offer rides through olive groves and dry-stone-walled fields. Several masserie offer riding. Year-round; spring ideal.
7. Umbria
The hill country of Umbria around Assisi, Spoleto, and the Sibillini mountains is some of Italy's quietest and most beautiful riding country. Several established centres. Year-round.
8. Abruzzo High Apennines
The Gran Sasso and Maiella mountains in Abruzzo offer high-Apennine pack rides through wolf and bear country. National park territory; remote and quiet. June-October.
9. Piemonte — Langhe and Monferrato
The wine-growing hills of the Langhe and Monferrato in Piemonte offer rides through vineyards and woodland combined with the region's exceptional food and wine culture. Year-round.
10. Lake Garda Hinterland
The hills behind Lake Garda, particularly around Salò and the Valpolicella, offer rides combining lake views with vineyard terrain. Several agriturismi. April-October.
The Maremmano and Italian breeds
The Maremmano is the working horse of the Tuscan butteri — sturdy, calm, traditionally ridden in a saddle with high pommel and cantle. The Italian Saddle Horse and the Sicilian Anglo-Arab are the principal Italian sport breeds; the Murgese is the dark draft horse of Puglia.
Agriturismi as bases
The agriturismo system is the standard accommodation for riding holidays in Italy — working farms with rooms, meals, and often horses. Bookable directly or via national agriturismo associations. Standard varies hugely.
Booking and season
Italian riding holidays operate year-round in central and southern regions; Alpine programmes run June-September. Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November) are ideal. Book agriturismi well in advance for peak season.
Where will you go first?
Pull up the map, find the places from this guide and see which one fits your next free weekend.