Walking in the Cinque Terre and Portofino

Walking information

5 days optional centre-based walking, low altitude throughout.This is a self-guided tour, so you can walk at your own pace (we recommend taking plenty of time to rest and enjoy the views!). Although some walks will get your pulse racing you will also have plenty of time to rest, admire the views and on many days you can also enjoy swim breaks. Over the course of the week, the terrain and type of path will vary from man made paved tracks and tarmac to forest trails. Some areas may be rocky underfoot with narrow, overgrown or exposed paths. Although the walks are not technically challenging, you do need to be steady on your feet. All walks take between 2 and 6 hours including lunch stops and require a moderate level of fitness. Please note that, as on all of our walking trips, when the weather is wet some of the paths can be slippy. The steep sections on Palmaria Island have ropes to help with this. Public transport is recommended (the cost is not included in the trip) in order to reduce your carbon footprint. The transport timetables will be provided in your route notes so you can choose the bus or train time that suits you best.

Day 1: Arrive Sestri Levante

Make your way to Sestri Levante. Your hotel, the Sole e Luna, is positioned in an excellent location a stones throw from the beach and 5 minutes walk from the centre of town.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Walk in the heart of the Cinque Terre National Park 11 km / 7 miles

The walk today really allows you to explore the National Park of the Cinque Terre. Starting from Monterosso you walk along the olive groves with panoramic views out to the sea. Your path continues gently towards Vernazza and Corniglia, today's destinations. Return by train.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Palmaria Island 7 km / 4 miles

After a train to La Spezia (40 mins) you take a boat (vaporetto) to Palmaria island; which is rich in Mediterranean vegetation. Depending on the season in which you travel you can see cistus and rare orchids blooming, and enjoy the beautiful coastal views. In the afternoon take a boat to the medieval town of Portovenere, and visit the churches of San Pietro and San Lorenzo, and the Byron Grotto. Return to La Spezia by boat or bus, and then back to Sestri Levante by train.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 4: Cinque Terre Park: Corniglia to Manarola 7 km / 4.5 miles

This morning take a train transfer from Sestri Levante to Corniglia and from here, once you've reached the city centre you can start your walk along the Cinque Terre coast. Along the way you get the chance to experience the local vegetation and species such as rosemary, thyme and lavender. After you've reached the sanctuary in Volastra you can have your lunch here or in Manarola, your next destination. From Manarola either take the train back to Sestri Levante or stop off in Riomaggiore, the starting point of the following day.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Panoramic coastal path from Riomaggiore to Portovenere 12 km / 7 miles

Today you take a train to Riomaggiore where you will start your trek to Portovenere. This panoramic path really allows you to admire the beautiful coastline and tempting colours of the sea! From Portovenere return by boat to Monterosso, or by bus to La Spezia and then by train.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 6: Walk across the park of Portofino 12 km / 7 miles

After breakfast take a train to Camogli, and then a bus on to Ruta di Camogli where the trek starts across the Park of Portofino: Paradiso - Pietre Strette - San Fruttuoso. The path is surrounded by holm oak, mixed wood, and the Mediterranean bush. Stop at the ancient Abbey in San Fruttuoso. Once you are done exploring, continue on to Santa Margherita Ligure before taking a train back to Sestri Levante.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: End Sestri Levante

Make your own way back to the airport, or add on additional nights in Pisa if you wish.

Meals: Breakfast