Italy - Walking in Cinque Terre, 1 week

Arrival in Levanto. After settling into your hotel, there's time for a short visit to the town centre and perhaps a swim to wash away the fatigue of your journey. If you're arriving in the morning, you can take the relatively short walk to Monterosso now.

Hotel (example): Hotel Nuovo Garden***

The first day of walking will take you down the coast to Monterosso al Mare. The first part of the trails are leading up to the remarkable promontory Punta Mesco. To the east there are views of the rugged coastline of Cinque Terre and to the west you will get a view of Levanto. This is a good place to stop for a picnic lunch. Shortly after Punta Mesco, you can make a small detour to the ruins of an ancient hermitage, from the 11th century. Upon that you will follow a fairly steep path down into Monterosso, a colorful village, with blue, red and yellow houses that cling on to the rocks. There is plenty of time to explore the city before heading back to Levanto. For those who wish, it is also possible to go back to Levanto via an alternative route over the mountains. This route ends up behind the old castle in Levanto.

Walking time: 3 hours
Distance: approx. 5km
+350 / -350
Hotel (example): Hotel Nuovo Garden***

Today you walk from Levanto in a western direction. The first part goes on the ride along the beach, then the trails goes up into the hills and then down to the small coastal town of Bonassola. A coastal trail continues to Framura, where a number of small villages have grown together in the hilly landscape. From the upper village of Costa the path continues horizontally on green hillsides along the coast, with breathtaking views of the sea. A steep descent brings you down to Deiva Marina. From here it is possible to continue to Moneglia. This coastal walk takes you through several charming little villages where you will have time to drink a cup of coffee or just relax. There are also good opportunities to have lunch. you can go as far as you like, as it is possible from most of the villages to jump on the train back to Levanto.

Walking time: 5½ hours
Distance: approx. 16km
+700 / -700
Hotel (example): Hotel Nuovo Garden***

After breakfast you take the train to Riomaggiore, the most southern of the five villages. Here you start today's walk to Manarola, an attractive village with multi-colored houses, winding its way up the cliff sides, overlooking the natural rocky harbor. From Manarola the path goes up through the wine terraces towards Corniglia, which is nicely perched on a ridge overlooking the sea. From here the trail passes through vineyards and citrus groves. When you approach the village of Vernazza which and its old fortress, you will experience some of the most incredible views in the entire region. The path winds around the hillsides, until a fairly steep descent brings you into Vernazza, which is the most beautiful of all the villages on the coast. You must not spare yourself the experience to climb up the castle tower, which offers a magnificent view of the harbor with its many beautiful and colorful boats. There are many charming cafes where you can enjoy a drink or a nice lunch before going back to Levanto.

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

Today's hike takes you into the back country, of the central Cinque Terre, to the churches of Madonna di Reggio and Madonna di Saviore. You take the first train to Vernazza and then walk along the beach to Monterosso. After a good coffee break, begin the ascent to the sanctuary, Madonna di Saviore. This is a great spot to relax and have lunch before continuing to the next sanctuary, Madonna di Reggio. From here the path passes through the hills, to the little church of San Bernardo. The view of the coast from here is indescribable and the walk is pleasant. Eventually the trail descends to the coast and Vernazza, where you catch the train back to Riomaggiore. It is possible to shorten the trip by going directly from Madonna di Reggio, along a series of small chapels, down to Vernazza.

Walking time: 4½ hours
Distance: approx. 9km
+550 / -550
Hotel (example): Hotel Nuovo Garden***

From Riomaggiore the path takes you in an eastern direction to Campiglia and Portovenere. You walk up a long flight of stairs to the Santuario della Madonna di Montenero. After the ascent the trail continues horizontal along the coastal cliffs and through beautiful vineyards. The dramatic coastline is perfectly framed by the clear azure blue waters. You are now at the Sentiero Rosso ridge that travels from one end of the Cinque Terre to the other. When passing through the small village of Campiglia, it is possible to stop for refreshments. From Campiglia you will hike down through the pine forest to Portovenere. Again, the views here are spectacular when passing by the fine old castle, from the 16th century, that lies above the Portovenere. From here you can see the distant peaks of the Alpi Apuane mountains. A wide staircase leads you into the heart of the village, and here there is time to explore the charming village and Punta San Pietro, before you check in to your hotel.

Walking time: 5½ hours
Distance: approx. 13km
+650 / -650
Hotel (example): Hotel Paradiso

After yesterday's long walk, today you have some time to recover. There's a beautiful, easy walk across the island of Palmaria, just across the bay from Portovenere. By boat you make the short crossing, and then you have all day to experience the beauty of this very Mediterranean island, shrouded in the dense vegetation, overlooking the cliffs with only the seagulls and azure sky above you. Take time to explore the impressive fortresses and perhaps take a swim on one of the secluded beaches. When you return by boat to the mainland, you'll still have time to visit the charming village of Portovenere itself and choose a restaurant for your last dinner in Venus' Harbour.

Walking time: 3 hours
Distance: approx. 5-6km
+300 / -300
Hotel (example): Hotel Paradiso

After breakfast it is time to pack your luggage and check-out of the hotel.