Hiking the Orecchiella Natural Reserve in Italy

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. 

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Italy, please refer to the Italian Ministry of Health website.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

What you get on this adventure:

• An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
• A full day of hiking 
• Packed lunch

What’s not included:

• Transportation to the Park’s entrance 
• Accommodations

The best thing about hiking in the Orecchiella Natural Reserve is that there are incredible options for all skill levels. If you can walk for 5 miles (four to six hours) with some elevation gain, you are good to go! The trails are family-friendly and with elevation gain of +150m, and the trails are well marked, on a dirt road or dirt track. There are no exposed sections or noticeable technical difficulties. Keep in mind, the weather in summer can be very hot and you’ll also be packing a daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day.

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

• Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
• Hiking poles — optional
• Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
• Packed lunch and snacks
• Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
• Spare clothes for layering
• Waterproof rain jacket
• Sunhat
• Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Sunglasses
• Camera — optional (but recommended)

Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and prices:

• For the private adventures, the max client to guide ratio is 15:1. 
• The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family!

Hiking in Pania della Croce can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:

• If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
• Minors as young as 8 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

To get to the Orecchiella Natural Reserve, most people fly into Pisa International Airport just an hour away. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to the Park’s entrance, where you’ll meet with your guides.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best exact place to meet. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.