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Cinque Terre walking tours are so popular for a reason. Who wouldn’t want to stroll among the “Flower Riviera” in blissful peace and tranquillity on great hiking trails? No holidays in Cinque Terre would be complete without sampling some of the locally produces crisp white wine, whilst gazing out at the Ligurian Sea. Sitting just north of Tuscany, this self-guided Cinque Terre walking tour starts in Monterosso on the coast and has the first 4 nights based in this beautiful town (6-night option). Our Cinque Terre walking holidays then move south towards the stunning town of Bonassola where you will spend the latter nights of the trip.
The Cinque Terre or “five villages of Cinque Terre” that have given their name to this section of the Ligurian Coast are often difficult to reach by car but are connected by a railroad track and a fabulous network of Cinque Terre hiking trails and some of the best coastal footpaths in Europe. On your hiking vacation in Italy you will walk along this footpath, taking in the surrounding views of the terraced hills where vineyards, olive and lemon plantations and wildflowers provide a stunning backdrop to the views of the sea.
Not only is the coastal area beautiful, but the inland to the mountains also offer a varied landscape with vegetation and old chestnut forests. This Cinque Terre walking holiday is graded level 2, accessible to a wide range of leisure walkers. You will make day trips from Monterosso and Bonassola, using the train or boat to get to and from the many picturesque villages dotted along the coast where you can relax after a day’s walk sipping a cool glass of the excellent local white wine!
Monterosso
The length of the walks varies between the 7 and 14 km. The maximum variety in height is 900 metre. Most of the routes are well marked. You’ll be out walking between the 3 and 7 hours (without the breaks). The park wardens try to keep all the paths open throughout the year, but heavy rains and summer fires can cause the temporary closure of certain stretches, so you should always check with the park.
The accommodation we use is small comfortable 3 star hotels with a friendly family-run atmosphere. Breakfast is always included. On our 4 night option, you stay 2 nights in each location and you can choose which walks you wish to do.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Hooked on Walking that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the chosen activity and for emergency evacuation and hospital care.
4 night tour takes in days 1,4,5,6,7
As soon as you get settled in your accommodation, step outside and breathe in the incredibly fresh, crisp air of the Mediterranean Sea. In the afternoon you can visit the historic centre, and in the evening, let all your senses be delighted as you prepare for your phenomenal walking adventure ahead.
Today you head inland past the ‘Chiesa dei Cappucini’ to the Colla di Gritta. Continue over the graceful mountain ridge through stretches of lush forests, passing over Monte Molinelli, Monte Rossini, Montenegro and Colla dei Bagari until you reach Punta Mesco. Return to Monterosso by descending a series of captivating old stone footpaths. Overnight in Monterosso
Today you can select from a choice of 3 walks depending on your interests. Each departs from the tourist information centre in Monterosso.
–Bus to Soviore and walk back to Monterosso via Vernazza
To avoid a very steep section at the beginning of the day, you can take a bus from Monterosso to Soviore Monastery. Otherwise, you can walk up on an ancient cobbled path to Soviore. Stop for a visit and then, from the Sanctuary you walk on asphalt road or 1.5km, then take a nice panoramic path that slightly descends to the Madonna di Reggio. Continue walking on a stone path down to Vernazza and here you take the coastal path to Monterosso.
– Corniglia-Volastra-Riomaggiore-Manarola
Reach Corniglia by train from Monterosso and reach the village. Then you walk up and take the path towards Volastra that finally will take you to Riomaggiore. Once you arrive in Riomaggiore, you could take a train to go back to Monterosso or follow the famous “Via dell’Amore” to reach Manarola. At the end of your walk in Manarola, get on a train back to Monterosso.
– Monterosso-Vernazza-Corniglia
Today you walk along the busy coastal trail that connects the five villages of the Cinque Terre. The Cinque Terre walking trail contours the coastline, ascending and descending, and it includes some stone staircases that can be challenging. The route is straightforward and easy to follow. At the end of the walk, take the train back to Monterosso.
A short train ride takes you to Riomaggiore where today’s walk starts. The first 1.3km climbs gradually to Colle del Telegrafo from where you gently descend to Portovenere walking on panoramic ridge trail and passing through the village of Campiglia. Today’s route is very scenic, with spectacular views on the Cinque Terre coastline, Portovenere and the Gulf of La Spezia, walking on well-beaten and well-marked footpaths. If you want to shorten the walk, from Campiglia walk or take a bus to Marola and then another bus to Portovenere. At the end of the walk, return to Monterosso.
Follow the coastline from Monterosso to the idyllic painter’s paradise of Levanto, walking on one of the most popular paths of the Cinque Terre. Levanto is located in the centre of a charming valley surrounded by green hills and uncontaminated nature, worthwhile the visit of the Sant’Andrea Chapel. Enjoy the spectacular views on the Cinque Terre and on the Levante Ligure, glance out over the crystal clear waters and take in the essence of Liguria. In Levanto, continue your walk to Bonassola. Overnight in Bonassola
Today you walk through the hills of the East Riviera, between Bonassola, Framura and Deiva Marina. The first part of this walk is extremely panoramic with wonderful views over the northern Ligurian coast. Visit the nice villages of Bonassola and Deiva Marina and after the walk returns to Monterosso by train. Overnight in Bonassola
The trip and our services end after breakfast. You can depart Bonassola by train and easily reach the Pisa, Genoa, Florence or Milan airports.
It is easy to reach the Cinque Terre by train via La Spezia where you have to change to catch the local train that stops at Monterosso
The nearest airports are Pisa and Genoa. Also, Florence has good connections. Nearly all trains from Genoa go directly to Monterosso, without having to change (approx. 1.30’ – 2h. From Pisa airport, you have to change at Pisa Centrale and at La Spezia time approx. 2.15’. From La Spezia, there is a local train that stops at Monterosso.
Note
The last train from La Spezia to Monterosso leaves around 10.00 pm.
