Cinque Terre, Portofino & Portovenere – Liguria

Arrive in Camogli a paradise for nature and hiking enthusiasts it’s also rich in historically significant sites, including the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta dating back to the twelfth century and standing on the ancient medieval island, the hub of the village. Accessible from the small square of the nearby marina, today it represents the symbol of Camogli, in the past it was where the political and religious life of the hamlet was carried out. If time permits visit Dragone Castle, overlooking the most extreme part of Camogli and providing picturesque views of the sea and the village.

Walking: No scheduled walking for today

Accommodation: Albergo La Camogliese

After a short private transfer from Camogli today’s walk starts from San Rocco, via the Portofino Regional Park. The cobbled path is surrounded by olive groves with lovely views over the countryside that surrounds Camogli. As you wind downward through the olive terraces you will glimpse the gorgeous beach of San Frutuosso and its sparkling turquoise water.

Take the time to explore the San Frutuosso Abbey before heading to the cute town of Portofino, either by foot (easy 2-hour walk) or take the ferry. Enjoy wonderful views from Il Faro (the Light House) located at the extreme point of the promontory, just 1km from Portofino where you will catch a train or boat back to Camogli.

Total distance: Moderate/ 13 or 7km / 5.5 hr or 3.5hrs
Ascent: 1165 m or 734
Descent: 1185m or 394
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Albergo La Camogliese

There is a short train ride to the charming village of Bonassola, where you will enjoy the coastal beauty and breathtaking views of the East Riviera along the way to Framura. While in Framura take in the sea views from Scoglio Ciamia, this beautiful rock formation protects the small port where boats moore and you can swim in the crystal-clear water.  Although it’s not a large town Framura has several churches worth visiting. Savor the local cuisine on offer at the trattoria in the charming village. You can choose to end the walk here or continue to Deiva Marina and return to Bonassola by train.

Total distance: 12.5km or 5.5km / 5 or 2.5 hrs
Ascent: 657m or 350m
Descent: 643 m or 280m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation:Hotel Villa Belvedere

You will start todays walk on a trail that runs along an old railroad. You will traverse coastal paths, walk through tunnels and over bridges, enjoy the spectacular views over the sea and marvel at the terraced hills covered with vineyards, lemon trees and olive groves arriving in the lovely town of Levanto. The Church of Sant’Andrea’s is worth a visit for its striking façade of white Carra marble and local green serpentine. Then make your way to Punta Mesco and walk down towards the Village of Monterosso.

Total distance: Moderate / 10.km / 4 hrs
Ascent: 753m
Descent: 746m or 226m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Albergo Marina

A short transfer takes you to Soviore Monastery, where you can stop for a visit before starting the walk back to Monterosso via Vernazza. The trail has variety in its slopes and rises and is famous for its diversity of greenery and landscapes. The hiking path through the Mediterranean scrub then descends to the Madonna di Reggio, a sanctuary hidden in the hills behind the little town of Vernazza. Visit the Costello Doria and Gelateria Vernazza, before making you way back to Monterosso along the panoramic coastal path. To shorten the walk you can take a train back from Vernazza to Monterosso.

Total distance: Moderate /9km / 4 hrs
Ascent: 329m
Descent: 740m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Albergo Marina

Today you have the choice to relax and enjoy the sun and sea of the Cinque Terre or alternatively choose one of the two walks

Walk A:  Monterosso loop via Colle di Gritta

Head inland on mule tracks and paths, past the Church of San Francesco, located in a wonderful position above the town of Monterosso to the Colla di Gritta. From there you head over the mountain ridge and travel through the woods passing over Monte Rossini, Monte Molinelli and Colla dei Bagari heading through the extremely scenic stretch to Punta Mesco. You can take the short walk along the wooded path to visit the hermitage of Sant’Antonio del Mesco. Located 311 meters above sea level, you can enjoy a broad panorama that ranges from the promontory of Portofino to the Cinque Terre and the island of Palmaria. Make your way back to Monterosso down the steep old stone footpaths.

Total distance: 9 km / 4-5 hrs
Ascent: 690 m
Descent: 696 m

Walk B: Corniglia-Volastra-Riomaggiore

A short train ride takes you to the village of Corniglia where the day’s itinerary starts. The first part of the hike to Volastra, the mountain village is very steep through vineyards, with ocean views. The trail then flattens and winds along terraces with breathtaking views towards the town of Riomaggiore. The descent to Riomaggiore the southernmost village is steep. Enjoy the lively atmosphere with plenty of restaurants to choose from and local shops to explore. From here take a train back to Monterosso.

Total distance: 10 km / 4 hrs
Ascent: 471 m
Descent: 448 m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Albergo Marina

Today the hike starts in Riomaggiore, just a short train ride from Monterosso. The first part of the walk on parts of a narrow-cobbled trail heads upwards to Colle del Telegrafo, where you will continue through the woodland and descend into the tiny village of Campiglia. The stretch from Campiglia offers wonderful views of the coastline, the town impressive cliffs of Potovenere and the bay of La Spezia. If you want to shorten the walk, from Campiglia walk or take a bus to Marola and then another bus to Portovenere

Total distance: 13 km or 17km / 4 to 5 hrs
Ascent: 723 m
Descent: 744 m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Paradiso

It is possible to book a rest night here and spend more time exploring this marvellous region.

Arrivederci Cinque Terre

After breakfast, you may have time to enjoy more of Portovenere.