The walks are along well marked footpaths and mule tracks. It can be tiring walking along the stone steps of diverse sizes. Take the local train to get to and from the walks. The park wardens try to keep all of the paths open throughout the year, however heavy rains and summer fires can cause temporary closure of certain stretches, so be sure to check with the park office.
Start: Monterosso Finish: Bonassola
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 have two itineraries to choose from. Both of them will offer you gorgeous views of Cinque Terre typical landscape.
Before departing for your walk, go to the Park Information Office at Monterosso Train station and collect your Cinque Terre Card.
WALK A: Monterosso-Vernazza-Corniglia (7 km)
Today you walk along the busy coastal trail that connects the five villages of the Cinque Terre. The 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.
Challenge: 3 hours, 7 km / 4,5 mi, 482m ascent, 404m descent
WALK B: Train to Riomaggiore and walk to Portovenere via coastal or inland (13 - 17 km / 8 - 10,5 mi)
A short train ride takes you to Riomaggiore where the day’s itinerary starts. The first 1.3km climb gradually to Colle delTelegrafo from where you gently descend to Portovenerewalking on panoramic ridge trail and passing through the villageof Campiglia.
Today’s route is very scenic, with spectacular views on theCinque 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 abus to Marola and then another bus to Portovenere. At the end of the walk, return to Monterosso.
Challenge: 4 or 5 hours, 13 - 17 km / 8 - 10,5 mi, 723m ascent, 744m descent
The day's walk is along the coastline following the most popular trail in Liguria (n.1). You can stop in Levanto for a visit of the centre and of the Sant' Andrea Church.
The trail is characterized by spectacular views on the Cinque Terre and on the Levante Ligure. To avoid the second part of the walk along the hills, you can take the train in Levanto or walk on the cycle path towards Bonassola.
Challenge: 3/4 hours, 10 km / 6 mi, 770m ascent, 774m descent
Today you walk through the hills of theEast 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 return to Monterosso by train.
Challenge: 5 hours, 12.5 km / 8 mi, 657m ascent, 643m descent
The trip and our services end after breakfast. You can depart Bonassola by train and easily reach Pisa, Genoa, Florence or Milan airports.
All accomodations are carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. All rooms are en-suite.
We choose comfortable 3* hotels, farmhouses and B&Bs where all rooms have private en-suite bathroom.
You can find below the standard hotels of this trip. If a hotel is fully booked, then we will book a similar one for you and inform you about the alternative booked.
Extra overnight: You can book additional night(s) at any of the accommodations along the way.
Hotel Marina lies in a quiet area, 100 meters from the sea. Rooms are beautifully decorated and well finished with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning/heated, TV, telephone. Breakfast is very good and various, and the staff is welcoming and helpful.
Hotel Villa Belvedere is located on a hill overlooking the blue bay of Bonassola and has a big garden. Rooms overlooking the sea and the surroundings and are furnished in a simple way, clean but not very soundproofed. Accommodations have heating, telephone, TV, Free Wi-Fi, ceiling fan. Breakfast is good and various.
Small, well behaved dogs are allowed free of charge on this trip.
During the walks dogs have to be kept on a leash.
You can start on any day of the week, subject to availability, between March and October.
The nearest airports to the Cinque Terre are in Genoa (GOA) and Pisa (PSA). Florence airport (FLR) also has good connections.
Nearly all trains from Genoa go directly to Monterosso, only sometimes you need to change either in Sestri Levante or la Spezia (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours).
From Pisa airport (PSA), you have to change at Pisa Centrale, and again at La Spezia for a local train that stops in Monterosso al Mare (approximately 2 hours).
On departure, you can easily reach the aiports of Pisa (PSA), Genova (GOA) and Florence (FLR) from Bonassola.
Train timetables available on www.trenitalia.com.
If you come by car, there are two large, open-air, private parking areas in Monterosso.
GPS tracks are available on request.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am – 6:00pm (CET)
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am – 6:00pm (CET)