Italy - Walking in Cinque Terre and The Portofino Peninsula

After checking in at the hotel in Levanto, it will be possible to take a stroll around the city center or even a swim in the Mediterranean Sea to freshen up after the journey.

Hotel (example): Hotel Nuovo Garden***

The first walking day takes you along the coast to Monterosso al Mare. The first stretch of the walk leads you up towards Punta Mesco, one of the most beautiful promontories of Liguria and also a perfect place for a lunch stop. On the way back it is possible to walk past the ruins of a hermitage from the 11th century, with an amazing view to the rocky coastline.  You will continue via a steep path bringing you down to the colorful town of Monterosso, which rises above the waterfront. Here there is time to explore the village before heading back to Levanto with the local train. It is also possible to hike back to Levanto through a fine alternative mountain route if you wish.

Walking: approx. 3-4 hours
Distance: 8km
+350 / -350
Hotel (example): Hotel Nuovo Garden***

You start the day by train to Riomaggiore, the southernmost of the five Cinque Terre villages (approx €2-3 p.p.). You can choose to walk or take the train on to Manarola - a multi-coloured little village set in majestic, steep terrain overlooking a beautiful, rocky natural harbour. Take a look at this pretty little town before heading up an incredibly beautiful route via the winter terraces to the tiny village of Volastra. From here the path winds around the mountains with stunning views along the coast towards your next stop, the charming village of Corniglia. 

You will continue through terraced olive groves and citrus groves, eventually descending steeply to the village of Vernazza itself, with its dominating ancient fortress and some of the best views in Liguria. Vernazza is known as the most beautiful of the surrounding villages and here you can visit the castle tower, which offers a mountainous view of the harbour area with its colourful fishing boats. It is full of cosy cafés where you can buy refreshments before taking the train back to the hotel in Levanto.

Walking time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 15km
+450 / -450
Hotel (example): Hotel Nuovo Garden***

Today you will take the train back to Riomaggiore, from where you will head east towards Portovenere. A long flight of steps takes you up to the Santuario della Madonna di Montenero. From here the climb continues through vineyards and along beautiful coastal slopes bordered by the clear azure sea. Here is the Sentiero Rosso ridge, which runs all the way through Cinque Terre. After passing through the small village of Campiglia, a good place for a refreshment stop, the route descends through the pine forest towards Portovenere. You will arrive at the beautiful 16th-century castle that towers over Portovenere with views that, weather permitting, stretch to the distant Alpi Apuane mountains on the horizon. A flight of steps brings you down to the heart of the village, where there will be time to explore before checking into a hotel in town. 

Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 13km
+650 / -650
Hotel (example): 3 star Hotel in Portovenere

After the long walk yesterday, today is time to recover. There is an opportunity for a gentle walk around the island of Palmaria, just across the bay from Portovenere. There is a short boat crossing and then you have the whole day to experience the atmosphere of this very typical Mediterranean island, with its dense vegetation, and views of the cliffs and only the seagulls and azure sky above you. Take time to explore the impressive fortresses too, and perhaps go for a swim on one of the secluded beaches. When you return by boat to the mainland, you'll still have time to enjoy the charming Portovenere.

Walking time: 3 hours
Distance: 5-6km
+300 / -300
Hotel (example): 3 star Hotel in Portovenere

From Portovenere, take the bus to La Spezia and then the train to Camogli, where you will drop off your luggage at the hotel. Then start your first hike on the Portofino peninsula towards the uniquely located monastery of San Fruttuoso, which dates back to the 11th century. It is set in a beautiful bay and is only accessible on foot or by boat. The route passes through the woods and, with a number of impressive viewpoints, the church of San Rocco. From San Fruttuoso it is possible to either walk or take a boat back to Camogli.

Walking time: about 3.5 hours
Distance: 8km
+550 / -550
Hotel (example): Hotel La Camogliese**
If there is no availability in Camogli, we will book you in an equivalent hotel in Santa Margherita Ligure, saving you the train ride on day 7 (the ride takes 5 minutes by local train). 

Begin the day with a short train ride to Santa Margherita, where there will be time to explore this attractive town. Then you will walk to Portofino, which besides being a large resort town, and popular holiday destination for the Italien jet set, it is also a beautiful colorful village. It is possible to visit the castle and the lighthouse, which offers spectacular views. If you have the extra energy, you can continue along the trails and enjoy the magnificent views of the Gulf of Genoa to San Fruttuoso, highlighting the monastery from a different angle. From here you can choose to sail back to Santa Margherita or even back to Camogli.

Longer walk: 
Walking: approx. 4-5 hours
Distance: 14km
+350 / -350

Shorter walk: 
Walking: Approx. 3.5 hours
Distance: 6 km
+/-250m
Hotel (example): Hotel La Camogliese**

If you are booked into a hotel in Santa Margherita instead of Camogli, no train rides are necessary today.

 

After breakfast it is time to pack your luggage and check out from the hotel for departure.