Monterosso | Glimpse of Cinque Terre Independent Walking Tour

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During this 5-day self-guided walking tour you'll discover the magical land of the Cinque Terre, five unique fishing villages along the Ligurian Coast, known as Italy’s ‘Flower-Riviera’. Visit the five illustrious villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore while enjoying breathtaking views of the sapphire blue Mediterranean Sea. Walk along steep terraced hills of olive groves, vineyards and lemon trees and experience outstandingly delicious sea food and the famous Trofie al Pesto.

Day 1: Arrival in Monterosso al Mare

 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. Hotel Albergo Marina will provide your accommodation in Monterosso, or similar.

Day 2: A selection of Walks

Today you can spend a day hanging around the Cinque Terre, enjoy the sun and the blue sea. As an alternative, you can choose to walk one of the two itineraries described below. Before departing for your walk, we recommend going to the Park Information Office at Monterosso Train station to get up to date information about any paths closure and weather forecast. (B)
WALK A:  Monterosso-Vernazza-Corniglia.
Today you can 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.
Walk A challenge: 3 hours, 7 km, 482 m climb, 404 m descent
WALK B:  Riomaggiore-Portovenere. 
A short train ride takes you to Riomaggiore where the day’s itinerary starts. The first 1.3km climb 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 of 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.
Walk B challenge: 4/5 hours, 13/17 km, 723 m climb, 744 m descent

Day 3: Monterosso to Bonassola via Levanto

Enjoy an early breakfast and your hotel and check-out. Then 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 (n.1). Levanto is located in the centre of a charming valley surrounded by green hills and uncontaminated nature. It is well worth a stop for a visit of Levanto's centre and of the Sant' Andrea Chapel. Enjoy the spectacular views on the Cinque Terre, glance out over the crystal clear waters and take in the essence of Liguria. Continue your walk toward Bonassola. Or, if you want to avoid the second part of the walk along the hills, you can take the train from Levanto to Bonassola where you will spend the next 2 nights  at hotel Villa Belvedere, or similar. Your luggage will be transferred directly from Monterosso to your Bonassola hotel. (B)
Challenge: 4 hours, 10 km, 770m climb, 774m descent
There is a free shuttle bus from Bonassola station to Hotel Villa Belvedere available to hotel guests on arrival & departure day only. Guest must call Villa belvedere one day prior to advise their arrival time.

Day 4: Bonassola to Deiva Marina

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 Framura and Deiva Marina at your own pace before making your way back to yBonassola by traintel. (B)
Challenge: 5 hours, 12.5 km, 657 m climb, 643 m descent

Day 5: Arrivederci Cinque Terre!

The trip and our services end after breakfast. You can depart Bonassola by train and easily reach Pisa, Genoa, Florence or Milan airports. (B)
 

Getting there:

The nearest airports to the Cinque Terra are in Genoa and Pisa. Florence airport also has good connections. Nearly all trains from Genoa go directly to Monterosso, without having to change trains (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours). From Pisa airport, you have to change at Pisa Centrale, and again at La Spezia for a local train that stops at Monterosso (approximately 2.15 hours). If you come by car, there are 2 large, open-air, private parking areas in Monterosso. On departure, you can easily reach the aiports of Pisa (PSA), Genova (GOA) and Florence (FLR) from Bonassola. 

Daily Departures

This Self-guided Walking Tour departs daily from March 01 to October 31, 2024.

Lodging: Small comfortable 3 star hotels with a friendly, family-run atmosphere. All the rooms have private en-suite bathrooms.
Optional Services: Additional nights may be booked at any of the accommodations along the way. Airport arrival and/or departure transfers.
THE CHALLENGE: The Challenge: These walks, though not very long, are moderate to demanding because of the steep hills. The walks follow well-marked footpaths & mule tracks, yet it can be tiring to walk along the stone steps of diverse sizes. Several walks can be shortened and you can take the local train to get to and from the walks. The Cinque Terre National Park wardens try to keep all of the paths open throughout the year, however, heavy rains and summer fires can cause a temporary closure of certain stretches, so be sure to check with the park office. 

Also available as 6 & 7 day tour!