Since last April, EAVF has been a partner in the European HIKE project, aiming to promote healthy and sustainable lifestyles and to encourage hiking as a tool for well-being and personal development. The project organizes free cultural and sporting activities, open to all, over three months along the Via Francigena in Italy in September, the Via Egnatia in Greece in October, and the Tolerance way in Turkey in November (check the details here).

The HIKE-branded initiatives will kick off in September with a full schedule of walks and events along the Via Francigena in Southern Italy in Apulia, organized by EAVF in collaboration with the Apulia Region and the involved municipalities. Among the numerous activities, there are two workshops focused on physical preparation and safety during the walk, which are fundamental aspects for those approaching the world of slow tourism, whether on foot or by bike, and not only. Guides, experts in hiking and trekking, doctors, nutritionists, and travel bloggers will take turns in a series of meetings to offer practical advice and effective strategies for making the most of an outdoor activity lasting one or more days.

📌 Check the HIKE calendar in Apulia HERE

Two Moments of Discussion and Sharing

Specifically, the first weekend of walks in Apulia will see participants covering the stages connecting Bari to Monopoli, and will be inaugurated on Thursday, September 12 at 5 PM at the University of Bari (Sala del Consiglio del Dipartimento di Studi Classici di Bari Vecchia, Str. della Torretta 31, 70122 Bari) with a workshop dedicated to physical preparation for hikes. During the workshop, topics such as pre-hike training, the importance of endurance and muscle strength, and specific stretching techniques to prevent injuries will be discussed, while expert nutritionists will provide tips on how to eat before, during, and after physical activity, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet to maintain energy and focus during the walk.

The meetings will feature official greetings from representatives of the University of Bari, the host municipality, and the Region, with an introduction by Simona Spinola, EAVF’s communications manager and the HIKE project.

Speakers at the meeting include:

• Lorenzo Lozito, Environmental Guide
• Michael Bolognini, METHOD Wilderness Experience
• Rosa Grassi, Pilgrim and Host
• Dr. Domenico Meleleo, Nutritionist
• Nico Colucci, Travel Blogger @ilcamminodelcretino

The second weekend will see participants walking and cycling the stages of the Francigena that connect Torre Canne (Fasano) to Brindisi, where on Sunday, September 29, a workshop on safety during hikes will be held at the Conference Hall of the Accademia degli Erranti (Via Giovanni Tarantini, 35, 72100 Brindisi). Safety on the trail is another crucial topic, where trekking and hiking experts will share useful advice, from choosing the right equipment to understanding the terrain, covering orientation techniques and risk management, as well as tips on dealing with adverse weather conditions and emergency situations.

Speakers at the meeting include:

• Claudio Focarazzo, Environmental Guide
• Michael Bolognini, METHOD Wilderness Experience
• Dr. Monica Fontanavive, Wellness Coach, Association of Experts in Promoting Bicycle Mobility
• Dr. Giampiero Sorace, Sports Medicine Doctor
• Adriano Bolognese, Mollare Mai Association
• Antonio Melcore, Brindisi and Antiche Strade
• Anna Pernice, Travel Blogger @anna_pernice

Both meetings will be moderated by Angelofabio Attolico from the Apulia Region Tourism Department and introduced by Simona Spinola, EAVF’s communication manager for the HIKE project. The meetings will include official greetings from local authorities, institutions, and associations such as the University of Bari and the Brindisi Antiche Strade Association.

Participating in these workshops means embarking on a journey that goes beyond simply walking: it’s an opportunity for personal growth, enhancing one’s physical and mental well-being, and acquiring new skills. The integration of physical activity, learning, and cultural discovery makes the HIKE project a unique experience, capable of leaving a lasting impact on anyone who takes part.

These workshops not only prepare participants to experience hiking in a more conscious and safe way but also guide them on a path of overall well-being, where body and mind meet in harmony with nature.

📌 Check the workshop program HERE

📌 Sign up for HIKE walks and events by clicking HERE