Hiking Cinque Terre


The Cinque Terre is a rugged portion of coast on the Italian Riviera. It is in the Liguria region of Italy, to the west of the city of La Spezia. "The Five Lands" comprises five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The coastline, the five villages, and the surrounding hillsides are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Noted for its beauty, Cinque Terre draws many tourists to see the carefully built terraces and villages perched over rugged, steep landscape right up to the sea. Part of its charm is the lack of visible "modern" development. Paths, trains and boats connect the villages, and cars cannot reach it from the outside.


On this hiking tour, we propose 4 nights but it can be extended to 6 nights, which is a great add-on to an Italian vacation, particularly after a Tuscany visit. In this tour we also include the island of Palmaria and the town(s) of Portovenere with boat transportation. You will also visit Levanto and hike back to Monterosso. To extend to 6 nights you would add Portofino and Riomaggiore. The hiking is moderate to easy with well developed foot paths, however it is very hilly. The climate is mild year round, but the best times for this tour are April-June and October. Rain is possible in the spring time. We strong urge advance bookings and to avoid July and August.

Itinerary

Click on a day to see that days itinerary.

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

Day 1 - MONTEROSSO
Individual arrival in Monterosso where you first hotel accommodation is located. To arrive, the best is to take the train to La Spezia and then connect to the local train for the Cinque Terre villages; Monterosso is the primary stop for Cinque Terre. At your hotel you will be given your hiking maps and cue sheets as well as boat/ferry/train tickets. On this trip we do not include an on-site orientation, but local assistance is available by phone to help get you started. Superior 3 star quality hotel included; dinner included in a local restaurant. (D)

Day 2 : PALMARIA ISLAND AND PORTOVENERE

After breakfast, train transfer to La Spezia. From here by boat (vaporetto = 'water bus') to the Palmaria Island for a circular tour of this little island rich in Mediterranean vegetation. Depending on the period you can see the bloom of cistus and nice rare orchids and admire the colorful wood. Along the way spectacular scenery on the sea and the coastline. In the first afternoon you will reach by boat Portovenere where you will visit the medial town, the Churches of San Pietro and San Lorenzo and the Byron Grotto. Return to La Spezia by boat and to Monterosso by train. Return to the same hotel and overnight. 3.5 hours hiking, 200m+ elev gain. (B,D)

Day 3 : LEVANTO, PUNTA MESCO AND MONTEROSSO

After breakfast, train transfer to Levanto and visit of the little historical centre dated XII century. From here start the ascent to the promontory of Punta Mesco walking along ancient colonial houses. The path runs with up and downs and views on the marine reserve and the below beaches. The dominant Mediterranean vegetation hides some rarely Cork oak. You arrive at the ruins of the ancient Eremo of Sant Antonio. From here starts a deep descent towards Monterosso. Return to your same hotel with dinner out. Hiking 4 hours approx with +350m elev gain. (B,D).

Day 4 : MONTEROSSO - RIOMAGGIORE AND VIA DELL'AMORE

The today's walk bring you in the hearth of the National Park of Cinque Terre. With start from Monterosso the first stop is at Vernazza, important and historical burg and the only natural harbor of the Cinque Terre that is well worth a visit. Out of Vernazza you walk along the olive groves and with views on the beach of Guvano. In Manarola starts the Via dell'Amore, one of the most famous path in Italy, till Riomaggiore. Return by train. Overnight in Monterosso again. 4 hours hiking; +600m elev gain; + time to linger and explore the villages! (B,D)

Day 5

After breakfast depart on your own back through La Spezia. Added hiking possible or simply added nights in other villages of the Cinque Terre. Additional hikes of 4-6 hours possible including Portofino and more time to Riomaggiore and Portovenere. (B)



Virtual Tour

See more of this region by clicking below for the virtual tour

Accommodation:

Lodging on this tour is a top quality 3 star hotel but small in terms of rooms. Service is very welcoming, but advance reservations are necessary! Hiking in Cinque Terre is one of the best ways to experience this famous site, traveling from one famous village to another along foot paths or via local public transport.

4 nights in very charming Hotel La Colonnina or Punta Mesco, and price varies by season. See price info at the right.

Images from this Tour


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