It may not be known for its bungy jumping but if you’re looking to travel to Italy for some outdoor activity, why not try hiking, swimming, horse riding, cycling or a range of extreme sports?

Hiking in Lake Garda, Veneto

If you’re travelling to Italy on the cheap and fancy communing with nature, then head to scenic Lake Garda Trentino in Veneto. This picturesque region has lots of great walks ranging from 30 minute strolls to 7 hour mountainous treks. Most of the walks are on average two hours long and many take in archaeological sites, medieval villages and castle ruins.

The official website www.gardatrentino.it has detailed information on each of the walks and fitness level needed. It also provides information on upcoming events in the region.

Swimming or Snorkeling in Italy

Italy has loads of beautiful beaches, and because it's in the Med it's extremely non-tidal. No waiting five hours for the tide to come in and no huge waves either which makes it great for practising your backstroke or snorkeling and also safe for kids.

Check out these top picks when you next travel to Italy:

• Maronti Beach, Ischia: Resort, 3km of serene coast surrounded by cliffs and mountains, restaurants & bars, safe swimming for children
• Fontane Bianche, Sicily: Warm waters, gorgeous sands, sunbathing, watersports, busy nightlife
• Lido di Ostia, Rome: Close vicinity to Rome, free use, popular with tourists, can be busy.

Horse Riding in Chianti

What better way to explore the Tuscan countryside than ambling around on horseback? A typical day trip normally takes around 6 hours and includes a ½ hour lesson, a two hour ride through vineyards, olive groves and Middle Age villages, then lunch at a Tuscan farmhouse followed by wine tasting. Visit www.viator.com for more information on their horse riding package.

Cycling in Lucca

Lucca is a walled city and a great way to see it is by renting a bike and riding around the ramparts. The walls were built between 400 and 500 years ago as a defense against intruders but are now more like tree-lined gardens. It doesn't take long to do a circuit and afterwards you can ride down into the township and explore the alleyways. Everyone rides bikes in Lucca as cars are no longer allowed inside the encircled part of the town. Don't forget to stop for a gelato along the way and visit the main piazza which has specialty shops.

Bikes can be rented at some hotels or several bicycle rental locations can be found near the North entrance to the city, Porta Santa Maria, near Porta San Pietro and walking from Porta Elisa towards the center.

Skiing, Outdoor Climbing, Wind-surfing in Italy

If skiing or snowboarding is your thing then check out this site www.adventuresportsholidays.com for the most popular destinations.

They also offer information on other extreme sports you can do in various regions such as rock-climbing, kite surfing, whitewater rafting and wind-surfing.

(Photos courtesy of the internet)

If you liked this article you may also like the following:

Positano is a Stairmaster Heaven

Three Days in Sardinia