Mi piace fare escursioni in montagna.

I like hiking in the mountains.

Pronunciation

e-scur-SIO-ni: stress on the third syllable. 'Montagna' = mon-TA-gna, with 'gn' like the 'ny' in 'canyon'.

When to use it

Use this when describing outdoor leisure activities. It works well in conversations about nature, fitness, or travel. Italians from northern regions are especially enthusiastic about mountain activities.

What it means

'Fare' + noun is a very productive Italian pattern for expressing activities: fare escursioni (hiking), fare sport (doing sport), fare shopping, fare una passeggiata (taking a walk). It is more natural than using a specific verb in many contexts.

Variations

Adoro camminare in montagna.

I love walking in the mountains.

Uses 'camminare' (to walk) for a simpler phrasing

Faccio trekking ogni estate.

I go trekking every summer.

'Trekking' is widely used in Italian as a loanword

Vado spesso in montagna a fare delle belle camminate.

I often go to the mountains for nice walks.

More conversational and descriptive

Mini Dialogue

— Sei più da mare o da montagna? — Decisamente da montagna. Mi piace fare escursioni in montagna. — Hai già camminato sulle Dolomiti? — Sì, l'anno scorso. È stato incredibile!

— Are you more of a sea or mountain person? — Definitely mountain. I like hiking in the mountains. — Have you already walked in the Dolomites? — Yes, last year. It was incredible!

Cultural Note

The Dolomites in northeast Italy are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy's most beloved hiking destinations. Mountain culture ('cultura alpina') is very strong in regions like Trentino-Alto Adige and Valle d'Aosta, with centuries-old hiking traditions.

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