Walking the Ligurian Riviera

Typical Itinerary

1. Day 1: Fly to Genoa & transfer by train to Sestri Levante

2. Day 2: Walk from Bonassola to Monterosso al Mare

   This morning take the train to Bonassola. Following the path along the sea, head for the quaint seaside town of Levanto. The buildings of Levanto have a distinctively different design than the villages in Cinque Terre, and as you walk you'll notice that what seems like windows and balconies from afar are in fact wall paintings!

   We recommend visiting the Castle and Clock Tower on your way up the hill to Monterosso, as you learn more about the area's history. This is the simplest trail of the week, easily accessible on well-maintained paths up to Punta Mesca and then downhill until you reach Monterosso al Mare.

   Walking distance: 11 km | Ascent: 400 m | Descent: 400 m

3. Day 3: Walk from Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza & Corniglia

   Today's walk is in the heart of the Cinque Terre National Park along the famous Blue Trail. Your walk begins with stunning coastal views as you traverse through olive groves. When you reach Vernazza we recommend exploring this historic fishing village, the only natural port in Cinque Terre. The colourful houses that line the marina, the Santa Margherita di Antiochia Church and Doria Castle are beautiful places to explore. Vernazza is the most photographed village of the Cinque Terre, so make sure you bring your camera!

   Olive groves become a familiar sight today. You continue hiking until you reach the central town of Corniglia, the smallest and oldest of the five villages, perched 100 metres atop a hill with breathtaking views of the coast and cultivated vines.

   Walking distance: 8 km | Ascent: 500 m | Descent: 500 m 

4. Day 4: Walk from Corniglia to Riomaggiore via Manarola

   Your stops on today's walk - Corniglia and Riomaggiore - are some of the quieter villages of the Cinque Terre, with the former having fewer tourists and the latter being one of the quietest towns. Today's path is also one of the most scenic of your holiday, and you walk uphill before enjoying a wine tasting. You then descend towards Manarola, where again you're greeted by the colourful buildings. This is a lovely place to take lunch, and you can explore its small harbour and piazza lined with seafood restaurants.

   Take a dip in the sea and continue walking towards Riomaggiore (a more demanding route) or spend the remainder of the day by the coast. If you decide to hike to Riomaggiore, you follow a steep path that was once the original connection road between the villages of Riomaggiore and Manarola, used until the construction of the famous Via Dell’Amore (still closed for works).

   The multicoloured houses of Riomaggiore are built into a natural harbour carved from the rocks, and makes for a great photo opportunity.

   Walking distance: 8 km | Ascent: 550 m | Descent: 550 m

5. Day 5: Walk from Riomaggiore to Portovenere

   Take the train to Riomaggiore to begin the walk to the medieval town of Portovenere, a World Heritage Site. This picturesque path offers rewarding views of the Ligurian coastline. On arrival in Portovenere, you can see popular attractions such as the clifftop fortress attesting to its medieval history and the spectacular landscape that proves just why this village is part of a protected natural park.

   Take a boat back to your hotel or by local transportation via La Spezia, and enjoy the sunset.

   Walking distance: 13 km | Ascent: 600 m | Descent: 600 m

6. Day 6: Walk from Camogli to Portofino

   Today, you once again transfer to Camogli and pass the Gentile River, mule tracks, olive, groves, high-walled paths and winding roads. Your first stop is the tiny village of San Fruttuoso, which is only accessible by foot. You may want to visit the coastal San Fruttuoso Abbey, nestled on a small bay, and afterwards take a dip in the sea.

   You can either return to Camogli by boat or continue walking to the iconic town of Portofino and enjoy your final evening here watching the sunset, taking in the brightly coloured houses and main square, Piazzetta.

   Walking distance: 11 km | Ascent: 500 m | Descent: 500 m

7. Day 7: Depart UK