Highlights
- Explore the five villages of Italy's beloved Cinque Terre
- Discover the hidden beachfront Abbey of San Fruttuoso
- Stroll the seafront in the glittering resort of Portofino
- Sample Ligurian cuisine, known for its bold pestos and white wines
- Hike clifftop paths amidst unspoiled countryside and sea views
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Camogli | Camogli |
| Day 2 | Walk from Camogli to Portofino via San Fruttuoso | Camogli |
| Day 3 | Walk from Bonassola to Deiva Marina via Framura | Bonassola |
| Day 4 | Walk from Bonassola to Monterosso al Mare via Levanto | Monterosso al Mare |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Soviore and walk back to Monterosso via Vernazza | Monterosso al Mare |
| Day 6 | Walk Corniglia-Volastra-Riomaggiore | Monterosso al Mare |
| Day 7 | Walk from Riomaggiore to Portovenere | Portovenere |
| Day 8 | Arrivederci, Cinque Terre! |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Camogli
Start your Ligurian adventure in the sleepy seaside town of Camogli, a lesser-known spot beloved by locals and free from the Riviera crowds. As soon as you get settled into your accommodation, step outside and breathe in the incredibly fresh, crisp air of the Mediterranean Sea. In the afternoon, you'll visit the historic center, and in the evening, let your senses be delighted with the local cuisine as you prepare for your week of walking ahead.
Day 2: Walk from Camogli to Portofino via San Fruttuoso
After a short private transfer from Camogli, your day starts with dizzying clifftop views from the church of San Rocco, before setting off into the lush surrounds of Mount Portofino Natural Regional Park. Shortly you’ll arrive at the hidden San Fruttuoso Abbey, a 10th-century Benedictine monastery only accessible by foot and boat. From San Fruttuoso, you'll walk or take a ferry to Portofino, rubbing shoulders with the jet-set while wandering the resort’s picturesque streets. Then you’ll make your way to Portofino’s promontory for incredible sea vistas from Il Faro (The Lighthouse), before taking the train or a boat back to Camogli.
Walking time: 6 hours
Walking distance: 8 miles (13 km)
Day 3: Walk from Bonassola to Deiva Marina via Framura
Today begins with a short train ride to Bonassola, where you’ll start your walk through three smaller, less famous gems of the Riviera. From the quiet seaside resort of Bonassola, you’ll tread one of the most stunning stretches of the coastal path before reaching the town of Framura. Made up of five tiny, medieval hamlets, Framura is consistently named one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Tired feet can head back to Bonassola by train from here. If you’re feeling intrepid, follow the coast for one further stretch to reach Deiva Marina, taking in its historic stone watchtower, pastel houses, and wide, inviting beaches before catching the train back to your base.
Walking time: 5 hours
Walking distance: 7 miles (11 km)
Day 4: Walk from Bonassola to Monterosso al Mare via Levanto
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Day four leaves Bonassola and sets out along the tracks of a historic railway, recently transformed into a smooth cycle path. You’ll pass through old tunnels and bridges with spectacular clifftop views before arriving at the vibrant small resort of Levanto. Continuing south, the trail turns rocky, passing through pine and oak forests to reach the promontory and lookout point of Punta Mesco, giving you a glorious vantage over the surrounding mountains and sea. A short downhill stroll takes you to colorful Monterosso, first of the five villages of the Cinque Terre, and your base for the night.
Walking time: 4.5 hours
Walking distance: 7 miles (11 km)
Day 5: Transfer to Soviore and walk back to Monterosso via Vernazza
Start day five with a quick transfer to Santuario della Madonna di Soviore, a peaceful 13th-century monastery and shrine to the Madonna di Soviore, patron of the region’s seafarers and fisherman. On the hike back to Monterosso, you’ll pass another small sanctuary—the Madonna di Reggio—flanked by ancient cypress trees. From there, your path takes you down to Vernazza, considered the prettiest of the Cinque Terre villages with its medieval belltower and sheltered bay. After an afternoon discovering Vernazza’s charms, you’ll stroll the panoramic coastal path back to Monterosso, or jump on the fast train if your feet need a rest.
Walking time: 4.5 hours
Walking distance: 6 miles (9.5 km)
Day 6: Walk Corniglia-Volastra-Riomaggiore
A short train ride takes you to Corniglia, the smallest village on the Cinque Terre. What it lacks in beaches it makes up for in dramatic cliffs and steep atmospheric alleys. After exploring its charms, you’ll head towards Volastra, a tiny town of two streets and a medieval church perched high above the sea. Past Volastra, a steep staircase through terraced olive groves begins your descent towards Riomaggiore, the largest and southernmost village of the Cinque Terre. Opt for a slight detour to the town of Manarola, or keep going to Riomaggiore. When you’ve had your fill of sightseeing, a short train ride takes you back to Monterosso for the night.
Walking time: 4 hours
Walking distance: 5.5 miles (9 km(
Day 7: Walk from Riomaggiore to Portovenere
Day seven starts with a brief train journey to the southernmost Cinque Terre village of Riomaggiore, whose colorful houses crowd around a turquoise port. From here, you’ll climb to the highest point of the hike, Colle del Telegrafo, before descending through the village of Campiglia and ending in Portovenere for the evening. This lovely fortified town sits just outside the Cinque Terre and is known for its literary associations and stunning views. Finish your day with a glass of wine and a final sunset over the stunning Bay of Poets.
Walking time: 5 hours
Walking distance: 8 miles (13 km)
Day 8: Arrivederci Cinque Terre!
After a final cappuccino over breakfast, your trip comes to an end as you bid the Italian Riviera arrivederci and catch the train back to Monterosso, heading home towards the Pisa, Genoa, Florence, or Milan airports.
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