How to Start a Walking Group in Your Neighbourhood

A new walking group in Isola has drawn more than 30 neighbours for weekly strolls along via Pasubio, underscoring renewed interest in community fitness across Milan’s neighbourhoods this summer.

This surge comes as many Milanesi search for ways to boost physical activity and social connection, especially after a string of recent local and national headlines—ranging from youth violence to urban wellness programs—has prompted fresh attention on building healthier, more connected communities. Experts say the benefits extend beyond physical health, with lower rates of loneliness and improved mental wellbeing reported among regular group participants.

Getting Milan on Its Feet

Walking groups are not new to Milan, but local enthusiasm has grown noticeably since the city council launched Passeggiate Milanesi last autumn—a 12-week initiative offering guided walks in Parco Sempione and Parco Nord. At Sempione Park, Saturday morning walkers meet by the Arco della Pace at 8:30am. Meanwhile, smaller groups organised via WhatsApp and Facebook have popped up in Ticinese, Dergano, and along the canal-side paths of Navigli, where volunteers like those from the Naviglio Grande Social Club coordinate twice-weekly outings before aperitivo hours.

For residents keen on starting their own walking groups, inspiration—and support—can be found at hubs like Cascina Cuccagna (via Cuccagna 2/4), which hosts wellness meet-ups and offers space for local initiatives. Many groups set loops of 3-5 kilometres—an easy 45-60 minutes at a brisk pace—along routes such as the well-shaded viale Tunisia or the quieter paths of Porta Romana’s Giardini della Guastalla.

Evidence Strolls In

Recent research from ATS Milano, the city’s public health agency, indicates that only 41% of Milanese adults meet the recommended 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week—a figure virtually unchanged since pre-pandemic times. Group exercise is proven to help: the University of Milan’s MOVE study found participants in structured walking groups were 27% more likely to keep up weekly activity for at least six months, compared to solo walkers. Plus, the costs are minimal: setting up a basic WhatsApp group or posting flyers in your local bar or bakery on via Paolo Sarpi is free, and the city’s parks are open daily from 6:30am to 11:30pm all summer.

Kickoff events, like the Stramilano’s annual community walks (registration €15, next scheduled for March 2027), attract thousands, but even a group of five neighbours gathering on their street can make a difference. Organisers recommend sharing start times, meeting points and route details a week in advance, and agreeing on a pace that fits everyone—fast enough to raise your heart rate, but relaxed enough for conversation.

To keep momentum going, Milan’s local pharmacies often print out easy walking plans (piani di camminata) on request, while municipal libraries in NoLo and Città Studi have bulletin boards for advertising new groups. Several insurance providers, including UnipolSai, offer discounts on activity-trackers for groups—ask about the "Benessere in Cammino" program for local deals.

Get Started, Stay Connected

The hardest part, say organisers, is often the first step. Setting a regular day and time, such as Wednesday evenings at 7pm, makes participation part of the weekly rhythm. Consider choosing a public place as your meeting point—like Piazza XXIV Maggio in Porta Ticinese—and inviting new members through neighbourhood Facebook groups or dedicated city channels such as MilanoCammina. Once your group is up and running, celebrating milestones with a morning coffee, or even a group aperitivo in Darsena, can help cement the habit and cultivate lasting friendships.

Above all, remember that every group starts small, and the mix of regular exercise and Milan’s rich social life can make even a weekday walk feel like an event. For personal health concerns, check in with your medico di base or local pharmacist before starting any new physical activity, and tap into city-run resources through the Comune di Milano’s sport and wellness pages to find upcoming walking events and additional support.