Trekking Cinque Terre

The first day walk takes you along the coast to Monterosso al Mare. The first part of the walk leads up towards Punta Mesco, the most notable promontory in the region. This is a good spot to stop at for a picnic lunch. Just short of the headland you can make a small detour to the ruins of an old 11th-century hermitage and the nearby ‘semaforo’, where you will enjoy marvellous views of the rugged coastline. Then you follow a fairly steep path down into Monterosso, a colourful village with blue, red & yellow houses that cluster behind the beachfront. There is then time to explore the town before taking the local train back to Levanto. For those who feel like it there is also the option of walking back from here, following a more inland forested path, which brings you back over the ridge behind the castle of Levanto.
Day 3: To the Coast West of Levanto (approx. 16 km, approx. 6 hours)
Today you walk in a western direction from Levanto. The first part of the walk goes along the beach, then the path goes up into the nearby hills and down to the little seaside village of Bonassola. It then goes through the seaside hills towards the small ‘village’ of Framura, an aggregation of scattered hamlets on the hillside. From Costa, the highest hamlet, an almost level path contours the hillside, with nice views over the sea. A steep descent brings you down to the next resort, Deiva Marina (with the option of continuing to Moneglia or even Sestri Levante). This walk along the coast brings you through several charming little villages, where you have the time to grab a coffee or just relax. You’ll get the chance to have lunch there as well. You can take the train back to Levanto from any of the villages on the way, in case you want to shorten the walk.
Day 4: The “Walk of Love” (approx. 5 km., approx. 3.5 hours + sightseeing time (5,5 h. with extra option)
You first take the train to Riomaggiore, the southernmost of the five villages, where you can drop your luggage off at the hotel already. Then you start the most ‘classic’ of all walks in the Cinque Terre: the walk along the famous ‘Sentiero dell’Amore’ (‘Lover’s Walk’) to Manarola, an attractive little village with steep multicoloured houses overlooking a rocky port. Then head up the 365 steps to Corniglia, perched on a ridge overlooking the sea. From there you continue through terraced vineyards and the occasional citrus grove. As you approach Vernazza, dominated by its old fortress, you enjoy some of the best views in the region. You contour around the hillsides following a narrow track that leads you up and down, before a fairly steep descent brings you into the village itself. In Vernazza, arguably the prettiest of all the villages, there is time to climb the castle tower for a stunning view of the port with its brightly painted boats. There are numerous cafés and bars where you can enjoy refreshments before taking the train back to your hotel.
Day 5: From Riomaggiore to Portovenere (approx. 13 km, approx. 5.5 hours + sightseeing time)
oday you walk to the eastern tip of the peninsula. By train or boat you travel to Riomaggiore. Here starts your walk to Campiglia and Portovenere. You first hike up a long flight of steps to the Santuario della Madonna di Montenero (optional bus). Continuing uphill you begin walking along the coastal cliffs, through terraced vineyards, enjoying wonderful views of the coastline framed by clear blue waters. You are now on the ‘Sentiero Rosso’, the ridge-top traverse that goes from one end of the Cinque Terre to the other. You pass through the little hamlet of Campiglia where you can stop for some refreshments. The track narrows as you continue walking down into the pine forest towards Portovenere with further spectacular views. Arriving at the 16th-century castle above the village, you may be able to see the distant peaks of the Alpi Apuane before a long flight of steps takes you into the heart of the village. There is time to visit the charming village and Punta San Pietro, before returning to Levanto by boat.