Cinque Terre

Program

Day 1

Levanto
Arrival in Levanto, bathed in waves, enclosed and protected by the green mountains of the Appennines. Afterwards, you’ll have time for a little sightseeing and perhaps a swim to shake off the day’s fatigue. Overnight in a 3* hotel in Levanto.

Day 2 to Day 5

Several hikes are available:

Levanto – Punta Mesco – Monterosso al Mare
This day’s walk takes you to Monterrosso al Mare along the coast with its superb beaches. The first part of the hike takes you to Punta Mesco, the most remarkable promontory in the region. It’s also a great place for a picnic! Nearby, you can take a short detour to discover the ruins of an old 12th-century hermitage, and to see the nearby semaphore from where you can enjoy magnificent views of the indented coastline. Then down a steep path to Monterosso, a colorful village with blue, red and yellow houses clustered around the beach. Take time to explore this village before catching a local train back to Levanto. For those who wish, it is possible to take a more forested route inland back to Levanto.
Approx. 4h30 walking, 350 to 700 m ascent depending on option chosen.

Levanto and the coastal villages
Leaving Levanto for the west today, you’ll pass over the first hills to descend to the small town of Bonnassola and reach Framura with a detour to the Saut de le Lepre lookout. From here you can either make a loop and return to Framura or continue on to Deiva Marina. Walking along the coast, you’ll come across several charming little villages, where you can enjoy a coffee or simply relax. You can also have lunch there.
From any of these villages, you can take the train back to Levanto, should you wish to shorten the hike.
Approx. 5 to 7 hours’ walking, 500 or 700 metres ascent depending on the option chosen.

Manarola – Corniglia or Vernazza
First, take the train to Manarola, a pretty village of multicolored houses overlooking a rocky harbor. The panoramic path takes you to the village of Volastra, amidst olive groves and terraced vineyards. At the crossroads, you have the choice of descending to Corniglia, a village perched on a ledge overlooking the sea, or continuing to the Cigoleta pass (without descending to Corniglia) and descending to Vernazza, passing the Madonna San Bernardino.
Approx. 3 h to 5h30 walking time, 300 to 600 m ascent.

Monterosso – Madonna di Reggio – Madonna di Saviore
Your hike takes you into the Cinque Terre interior, to the churches of Madonna di Reggio and Madonna di Saviore. Take the train to Monterosso, then walk along the coast to Vernazza, approaching this charming little town from the other side. After a coffee break, you start by climbing up to the little church of San Bernardo, with beautiful views of the coast; then continue to the sanctuary of Madonna di Reggio. After that, your walk more or less follows the contour lines: you continue through the hills to the other sanctuary of Madonna di Saviore. Here you can grab a bite to eat and stop for a while, before making your way back down to the coast and Monterosso, passing small chapels.
Approx. 5 hours’ walk, 500 metres ascent.

Riomaggiore – Campiglia – Portovenere
Today’s route takes you eastwards. From Riomaggiore, you’ll head for Campiglia and Portovenere. Climb a series of steps and continue along a paved path through a steep canyon to the sanctuary of Madonna di Montenero. As you continue your ascent, you’ll wind your way along coastal cliffs, through terraced vineyards, admiring magnificent views of the coast and the deep blue sea. You’re now on the “Sentiero Rosso”, the ridgeline traverse that runs from one end of the Cinque Terre to the other. You pass several strange sculptures and arrive at the small hamlet of Campiglia, where you can stop for refreshments. Descending through the pine forest, the path becomes narrower as you approach Portovenere, with several spectacular viewpoints. Arriving at the 16th-century castle overlooking the village, you should be able to see the distant peaks of the Apennines. A long flight of steps takes you to the heart of the village. You’ll have some time to visit this charming place and Punta San Pietro, before returning to Levanto by train.
Approx. 6 hours’ walk, 650 metres ascent.

Santa Margherita – Portofino
You start with a train transfer to Santa Margherita, where you have time to wander around this attractive little town. From here, you walk towards Portofino, along a jet-set resort. But apart from that, the village is beautiful and very colourful! If your legs allow you, you can continue along the path, with splendid views over the Gulf of Genoa to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, approaching this 12th-century jewel from the other side. You return by boat to Santa Margherita, from where you take the train back to Levanto.
Approx. 4 to 7 hours’ walking, approx. 500 metres ascent.

Day 6

Levanto
End of stay after breakfast