Cinque Terre Walking Tour

Embark on a delightful walking adventure commencing on the western edge of the Portofino Peninsula in the tranquil Camogli village, which can be conveniently accessed from Genoa Airport by train, with the journey taking roughly an hour. 

Camogli, located on the Riviera di Levante, is a breathtaking seafront village that is not widely known, making it a hidden gem. Visitors will be captivated by the stunning views, delicious Italian cuisine, and proximity to Portofino. Take some time to explore the local shops or enjoy a stroll along the oceanfront promenade, where you can admire the sight of fishing boats swaying gently on the rocky coastline.

Begin the day with an invigorating climb to the Church of San Rocco, marking the start of a scenic walk along mountain paths and through pine forests overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Take a break at the picturesque Port of San Fruttuoso. From here, you can continue the walk or hop on a ferry (at additional cost) to the charming fishing village of Portofino on the other side of the bay.

En route to Portofino, discover Il Faro, a lighthouse perched on the headland of Portofino, or the 16th-century fortress and art museum of Castello Brown. Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the iconic town of Portofino. Later, catch a ferry back to Camogli, bidding farewell to the vibrant scenery of Portofino and returning to the tranquil coastal retreat.

Transfer from Camogli to Deiva Marina, a tranquil seaside town in the La Spezia province. Deiva Marina is surrounded by sprawling sandy beaches and verdant hillsides, making for a spectacular view. From here, embark on a walk through the hills of the east riviera, rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the northern Ligurian coast and Bonassola.

There’s an option to break up today’s walk by stopping in Framura for a long lunch before taking a train to Bonassola. Or you can continue the hike to Bonassola. Conclude the day’s walk with a refreshing dip in the waters of the beach at Bonassola and perhaps indulge in a glass of wine or a spritz in a seafront restaurant before catching the train to Monterosso in the Cinque Terre.

This morning, return by train to Bonassola to start your walk along the old railway tracks. As you make your way along the rugged coastline, enjoy the changing terrain as you pass through tunnels and over bridges, leading you into the verdant interior valley of Levanto, with its charming village distinguished by its church spires and towers. Here, you may take a train back to Monterosso to shorten the walk.

After leaving the railway path, continue on mountain paths towards Colla Bagari. Once you reach the ridgetop, you can bask in the panoramic views of the rolling mountains that encircle the “Gulf of Paradise.” After, descend along olive groves and vineyards to Punta Mesco. Just like that, you will be back in Monterosso for another night.

Following a train transfer, embark on a picturesque walk from Manarola, one of the most charming Cinque Terre villages, with its colorful houses clinging to the cliff edge and the azure blue waters below. Take your time to explore the village, maybe indulging in local cuisine.

Via Beccara follows the original path between Manarola and Riomaggiore, with a steep ascent and descent along the mountain path that offers breathtaking views of the Cinque Terre coastline and terraced vineyards. Visit Riomaggiore before taking the train back to Monterosso, where you can enjoy a relaxing evening.

Begin the day with a train ride to Corniglia, the quietest of the Cinque Terre villages. Take a steep but rewarding hike back to Monterosso, stopping in Vernazza for breathtaking views of the natural harbor and colorful buildings. This village is rich in history, with its original walls, Doria Castle watch tower, and religious sites. 

For those who wish to shorten the walk, there’s an option to take the train back to Monterosso from Vernazza. Or you can continue on the panoramic path, taking in more stunning coastal views before finishing the day in the now-already well-known Monterosso.

Take the train to Riomaggiore to start the final walk of the trip. The path leads out of Cinque Terre and into the hills bordering Portovenere, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has inspired artists and writers like Byron. 

Walk along the ridgeline to Campiglia and descend to Portovenere, admiring the brightly colored houses stacked side by side, which once served as a united wall against pirate attacks. You can spot marks and holes that scar them from those days. Visit the Gothic Church of St. Peter, known for its black-and-white stripe, the nearby cemetery, and the stone fortress overlooking the Gulf of Poets.

After your final night in Liguria, you will depart from Portovenere. You can explore the charming town in the time you have left before catching a bus to La Spezia. From there, you can board public transportation of your choice, either to one of the nearby airports or your next stop on holiday in Italy.