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Hiking in Cinque Terre with Expa Travel

Hiking

Italy

Cinque Terre with Anne Grethe, May 2027

Cinque Terre – hiking and holiday at your own pace

NB: This is a booked trip, and therefore only for specifically invited guests.

Active holidays in Cinque Terre

Everyone should experience walking in the fantastic mountains and enjoying the spectacular views in Cinque Terre! This beautiful area on the Italian Riviera is famous for its five car-free villages clinging to the hillsides between Genoa and La Spezia. Here you get fantastic mountain hikes, unforgettable views and authentic Italian charm – entirely at your own pace!

What is Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre means “the five towns” (pronounced *cheen-kweh teh-rreh*) and consists of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Five lovely ‘Cardamom Towns’ along the coast between Genoa and La Spezia. Cliffs, grapevines, gelato, colorful houses, cappuccino, small beaches, and lovely small restaurants in every town. Simply beautiful!!

The area is perhaps best known for the paths between the towns, which is a popular hike for people of all ages and from all corners of the world. Some of the stages are a bit steep at the beginning, but there are great paths with steps where needed. The paths connecting the five towns are considered some of Europe's most beautiful – an experience that delights most people. And don't forget the breaks along the way – a cappuccino and a ‘gelato’ in each town is a must.

Easy navigation between the towns means a map is not necessary. You can easily hike to all 5 towns in one single day if you wish. There are trains and boats running between all the towns if you prefer to only visit a couple of towns per day.  

It is difficult to choose just one favorite among these 5 beautiful car-free ‘Cardamom Towns’ that cling to the hillsides in this beautiful area: Monterosso – Vernazza – Corniglia – Manarola – Riomaggiore.

Easy and organized trip – with Anne Grethe as your guide

This trip is designed for those who want freedom and flexibility. The trails in Cinque Terre are relatively well-marked, so you do not need a map to find your way. Easy navigation and well-kept trails make it an experience for all ages. Whether you love exploring nature, tasting local specialties, or simply enjoying the view, Cinque Terre is an experience that will delight you.

Where do you stay?

You will stay in lively Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the 5 towns. The trail goes from there to the highly visited Vernazza, continues to the slightly more secluded Corniglia, and proceeds to gorgeous Manarola before ending in the smallest town, Riomaggiore. We recommend taking the train or boat back home.

Tips for the trip

  • Remember swimwear! Several of the villages have small beaches perfect for a refreshing break.

  • Take time for a cappuccino and a gelato in each town – an experience you won't soon forget.

UNESCO World Heritage List

Each village in Cinque Terre has its own railway station, and it takes no more than 10–15 minutes by train from one village to the next. The entire area, including the coastline, the five villages, and the surrounding hillsides, is part of the Cinque Terre National Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Access to the national park

To explore the national park, you must purchase a hiking pass. This can be pre-ordered or bought at ticket booths at the start of the trails. The price is approx. 10 Euros, and the proceeds are used for the maintenance of the popular hiking trails.

Cinque Terre is more than just the trails between the villages

The famous trails between the five villages are an experience in themselves, but there is much more to explore in the Cinque Terre area:

  • Hikes in the hills around the towns: We especially recommend the hike from Riomaggiore to Portovenere, which is considered one of the finest in the area.

  • Famous destinations: Visit Portofino and Santa Margherita for a taste of Italian luxury and culture.

  • Lesser-known gems: Perhaps it is much more alluring to stop along the way to experience the lesser-known places located along the coast. See more about this in the itinerary further down the page.

A long weekend full of highlights

We have arranged everything so you can have a spectacular and eventful long weekend in Cinque Terre! Enjoy the stunning nature, the charming villages, and the freedom to experience this unique area at your own pace.

Easy and organized trip – with Anne Grethe as your guide

This trip is designed for those who want freedom and flexibility. The trails in Cinque Terre are relatively well-marked, so you do not need a map to find your way. Easy navigation and well-kept trails make it an experience for all ages. Whether you love exploring nature, tasting local specialties, or simply enjoying the view, Cinque Terre is an experience that will delight you.

Where do you stay?

You will stay in lively Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the 5 towns. The trail goes from there to the highly visited Vernazza, continues to the slightly more secluded Corniglia, and proceeds to gorgeous Manarola before ending in the smallest town, Riomaggiore. We recommend taking the train or boat back home.

Tips for the trip

  • Remember swimwear! Several of the villages have small beaches perfect for a refreshing break.

  • Take time for a cappuccino and a gelato in each town – an experience you won't soon forget.

UNESCO World Heritage List

Each village in Cinque Terre has its own railway station, and it takes no more than 10–15 minutes by train from one village to the next. The entire area, including the coastline, the five villages, and the surrounding hillsides, is part of the Cinque Terre National Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Access to the national park

To explore the national park, you must purchase a hiking pass. This can be pre-ordered or bought at ticket booths at the start of the trails. The price is approx. 10 Euros, and the proceeds are used for the maintenance of the popular hiking trails.

Cinque Terre is more than just the trails between the villages

The famous trails between the five villages are an experience in themselves, but there is much more to explore in the Cinque Terre area:

  • Hikes in the hills around the towns: We especially recommend the hike from Riomaggiore to Portovenere, which is considered one of the finest in the area.

  • Famous destinations: Visit Portofino and Santa Margherita for a taste of Italian luxury and culture.

  • Lesser-known gems: Perhaps it is much more alluring to stop along the way to experience the lesser-known places located along the coast. See more about this in the itinerary further down the page.

A long weekend full of highlights

We have arranged everything so you can have a spectacular and eventful long weekend in Cinque Terre! Enjoy the stunning nature, the charming villages, and the freedom to experience this unique area at your own pace.

Highlights

  • The 5 unique, charming 'Cardamom towns' of Cinque Terre

  • The break in each of the unique 'Cardamom towns' - we recommend Gelato & Cappuccino

  • Dinner at the restaurant in the mountains above Monterosso

  • The beautiful landscape, surrounded by sea and vineyards

  • The fantastic seafood restaurants

  • The beautiful national park - and the magical views

  • Tour leader Anne Grethe is with you throughout the trip and facilitates great, active days

Available dates & Contact info

from 9,900

Would you like more information about the trip?

Program

The program is preliminary; changes may occur. Expa Travel AS reserves the right to make corrections for any typographical errors, as well as modifications to prices and/or currency exchange rates.

The program is preliminary; changes may occur. Expa Travel AS reserves the right to make corrections for any typographical errors, as well as modifications to prices and/or currency exchange rates.

Day 1Arrival Cinque Terre and Monterosso al Mare

Monterosso i Cinque Terre

Arrival at the hotel in the town of Monterosso al Mare. This town is one of the 5 villages of Cinque Terre. Here you will stay during your entire stay.

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

AccommodationHotel in Monterosso

Day 2Hike in Cinque Terre

Vernazza i Cinque Terre

After a good breakfast, it's time for the famous hike in Cinque Terre, an exciting and active day! You hike between the five beautiful towns Monterosso – Vernazza – Corniglia – Manarola - Riomaggiore. The paths connecting these five towns are considered some of Europe's most beautiful trails. A fantastic experience that thrills most people.

Expect a demanding start, there is a lot of uphill in the beginning of the hike, but really worth it once you've made it up to the heights!

The total distance for walking is approx. 17 kilometers, in hilly terrain on a trail.
You can easily visit all the towns in one day, a distance that takes approx. 6-7 hours, including breaks and lunch stops. Walk at a peaceful pace and enjoy the area, the fantastic view and the obligatory ice cream and coffee break in all the towns. We recommend eating lunch in the third town; Corniglia (not included).

For this hike, comfortable clothes, good running shoes or similar, possibly a rain jacket, camera/mobile phone and a small backpack are important. Also put swimwear in your bag – swimming is popular in the towns of Vernazza, Manarola or Riomaggiore.
There is a train back to Monterosso from all the towns you pass. The train back takes approx. 20 minutes from the town furthest away (Riomaggiore), but if it fits and weather permitting, we recommend the boat back to Monterosso – a fantastic experience.

Dinner on this day is included, we will return to time and place.

Lunch on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast & Dinner
AccommodationHotel in Monterosso
DistanceApprox. 17 km

Day 3Hike to Levanto

Utsikt fra stien mellom Levanto og Cinque Terre

On this day we recommend the following possibilities and choices:

Option 1 - Levanto
Start after breakfast, approx. 09:30, and take a half-day hike towards Levanto. The hike starts with a demanding climb up towards the top of the mountain. Here it feels as if you are standing on the roof of the world – a priceless view of the sea and the landscape around Cinque Terre.
Then continue on the path towards the town of Levanto. Here there is a looong beach for a possible swim and lunch before you take the train home to Monterosso.
The afternoon can potentially be used for relaxing on the beach or to relax completely at some of the cozy places around Monterosso etc.

Option 2 - Portofino
Another option is to go to the famous town of Portofino. This town is so beautiful that it has been copied several places around the world, including in Florida, USA. Note! Portofino is full of tourists in high season. Tourists from all over the world. So it can easily get crowded there.
To get to Portofino, take the train to Santa Margherita – where you can choose to walk the beautiful coastal road out to Portofino (the walk along the coastal road is approx. 5 km one way), or take a bus / boat from Santa Margherita to Portofino.

Option 3 - Chiavari, Rapallo, Bonassola, Deiva Marina or Moneglia

Alternatively, we recommend taking the train to some of the slightly less known towns like Chiavari or Rapallo. Quite big towns. Or to some of the tiny, but very cozy places Bonassola, Deiva Marina or Moneglia. 

Option 4
Relaxing, sun and swimming in the crystal blue water at Monterosso. Stroll around the streets there. It's your choice.

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationHotel in Monterosso

Day 4Hike to Portovenere

Riomaggiore i Cinque Terre

With Monterosso al Mare as a starting point, the options are many. Maybe you want to take a closer look at one of the 5 towns (Cinque Terre) and take a train / boat there.
Possibly the beach and relaxation in Monterosso tempt even more?

Or how about finding another trail along the ridge in Monterosso and seeing the town from a completely different angle?
A really great hike, which is less used and therefore has fewer people, is the hike between Portovenere and Riomaggiore. Maybe this is the finest hike of all in this area…? This hike can advantageously start with you taking the boat from Monterosso to Portovenere (not included). Then you walk all the way to Riomaggiore. From here you take the train the last bit back to Monterosso. Count on the trip taking the whole day (approx. 7-9 hours) from you start until you are back. Walking the opposite way is also an option, then we recommend ending the hike with a delicious lunch in Portovenere, and then taking the boat back (not included). The options are many, free choice on the top shelf!

Once back in Monterosso, we recommend dinner in one of the town's many restaurants. For example at perhaps the town's best seafood restaurant – Al Pozzo – located in the old town of Monterosso. A cozy place with fantastic food. And should you not like seafood, there are of course alternatives. We are happy to book a table for you.

Lunch and dinner, as well as any transport by boat, train, etc. are not included.

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationHotel in Monterosso

Day 5Departure from Cinque Terre

Corniglia i Cinque Terre

Check-out from the hotel after breakfast.
We recommend the train to the airport. Regardless of whether you fly from Pisa, Florence, Milan or Genoa.

Lunch and dinner are not included.

Expa Travel reserves the right to make printing errors.

MealsBreakfast

Day 1Arrival Cinque Terre and Monterosso al Mare

Monterosso i Cinque Terre

Arrival at the hotel in the town of Monterosso al Mare. This town is one of the 5 villages of Cinque Terre. Here you will stay during your entire stay.

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

AccommodationHotel in Monterosso

Day 2Hike in Cinque Terre

Vernazza i Cinque Terre

After a good breakfast, it's time for the famous hike in Cinque Terre, an exciting and active day! You hike between the five beautiful towns Monterosso – Vernazza – Corniglia – Manarola - Riomaggiore. The paths connecting these five towns are considered some of Europe's most beautiful trails. A fantastic experience that thrills most people.

Expect a demanding start, there is a lot of uphill in the beginning of the hike, but really worth it once you've made it up to the heights!

The total distance for walking is approx. 17 kilometers, in hilly terrain on a trail.
You can easily visit all the towns in one day, a distance that takes approx. 6-7 hours, including breaks and lunch stops. Walk at a peaceful pace and enjoy the area, the fantastic view and the obligatory ice cream and coffee break in all the towns. We recommend eating lunch in the third town; Corniglia (not included).

For this hike, comfortable clothes, good running shoes or similar, possibly a rain jacket, camera/mobile phone and a small backpack are important. Also put swimwear in your bag – swimming is popular in the towns of Vernazza, Manarola or Riomaggiore.
There is a train back to Monterosso from all the towns you pass. The train back takes approx. 20 minutes from the town furthest away (Riomaggiore), but if it fits and weather permitting, we recommend the boat back to Monterosso – a fantastic experience.

Dinner on this day is included, we will return to time and place.

Lunch on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast & Dinner
AccommodationHotel in Monterosso
DistanceApprox. 17 km

Day 3Hike to Levanto

Utsikt fra stien mellom Levanto og Cinque Terre

On this day we recommend the following possibilities and choices:

Option 1 - Levanto
Start after breakfast, approx. 09:30, and take a half-day hike towards Levanto. The hike starts with a demanding climb up towards the top of the mountain. Here it feels as if you are standing on the roof of the world – a priceless view of the sea and the landscape around Cinque Terre.
Then continue on the path towards the town of Levanto. Here there is a looong beach for a possible swim and lunch before you take the train home to Monterosso.
The afternoon can potentially be used for relaxing on the beach or to relax completely at some of the cozy places around Monterosso etc.

Option 2 - Portofino
Another option is to go to the famous town of Portofino. This town is so beautiful that it has been copied several places around the world, including in Florida, USA. Note! Portofino is full of tourists in high season. Tourists from all over the world. So it can easily get crowded there.
To get to Portofino, take the train to Santa Margherita – where you can choose to walk the beautiful coastal road out to Portofino (the walk along the coastal road is approx. 5 km one way), or take a bus / boat from Santa Margherita to Portofino.

Option 3 - Chiavari, Rapallo, Bonassola, Deiva Marina or Moneglia

Alternatively, we recommend taking the train to some of the slightly less known towns like Chiavari or Rapallo. Quite big towns. Or to some of the tiny, but very cozy places Bonassola, Deiva Marina or Moneglia. 

Option 4
Relaxing, sun and swimming in the crystal blue water at Monterosso. Stroll around the streets there. It's your choice.

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationHotel in Monterosso

Day 4Hike to Portovenere

Riomaggiore i Cinque Terre

With Monterosso al Mare as a starting point, the options are many. Maybe you want to take a closer look at one of the 5 towns (Cinque Terre) and take a train / boat there.
Possibly the beach and relaxation in Monterosso tempt even more?

Or how about finding another trail along the ridge in Monterosso and seeing the town from a completely different angle?
A really great hike, which is less used and therefore has fewer people, is the hike between Portovenere and Riomaggiore. Maybe this is the finest hike of all in this area…? This hike can advantageously start with you taking the boat from Monterosso to Portovenere (not included). Then you walk all the way to Riomaggiore. From here you take the train the last bit back to Monterosso. Count on the trip taking the whole day (approx. 7-9 hours) from you start until you are back. Walking the opposite way is also an option, then we recommend ending the hike with a delicious lunch in Portovenere, and then taking the boat back (not included). The options are many, free choice on the top shelf!

Once back in Monterosso, we recommend dinner in one of the town's many restaurants. For example at perhaps the town's best seafood restaurant – Al Pozzo – located in the old town of Monterosso. A cozy place with fantastic food. And should you not like seafood, there are of course alternatives. We are happy to book a table for you.

Lunch and dinner, as well as any transport by boat, train, etc. are not included.

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationHotel in Monterosso

Day 5Departure from Cinque Terre

Corniglia i Cinque Terre

Check-out from the hotel after breakfast.
We recommend the train to the airport. Regardless of whether you fly from Pisa, Florence, Milan or Genoa.

Lunch and dinner are not included.

Expa Travel reserves the right to make printing errors.

MealsBreakfast

Day 1Arrival Cinque Terre and Monterosso al Mare

Monterosso i Cinque Terre

Arrival at the hotel in the town of Monterosso al Mare. This town is one of the 5 villages of Cinque Terre. Here you will stay during your entire stay.

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

AccommodationHotel in Monterosso

Day 2Hike in Cinque Terre

Vernazza i Cinque Terre

After a good breakfast, it's time for the famous hike in Cinque Terre, an exciting and active day! You hike between the five beautiful towns Monterosso – Vernazza – Corniglia – Manarola - Riomaggiore. The paths connecting these five towns are considered some of Europe's most beautiful trails. A fantastic experience that thrills most people.

Expect a demanding start, there is a lot of uphill in the beginning of the hike, but really worth it once you've made it up to the heights!

The total distance for walking is approx. 17 kilometers, in hilly terrain on a trail.
You can easily visit all the towns in one day, a distance that takes approx. 6-7 hours, including breaks and lunch stops. Walk at a peaceful pace and enjoy the area, the fantastic view and the obligatory ice cream and coffee break in all the towns. We recommend eating lunch in the third town; Corniglia (not included).

For this hike, comfortable clothes, good running shoes or similar, possibly a rain jacket, camera/mobile phone and a small backpack are important. Also put swimwear in your bag – swimming is popular in the towns of Vernazza, Manarola or Riomaggiore.
There is a train back to Monterosso from all the towns you pass. The train back takes approx. 20 minutes from the town furthest away (Riomaggiore), but if it fits and weather permitting, we recommend the boat back to Monterosso – a fantastic experience.

Dinner on this day is included, we will return to time and place.

Lunch on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast & Dinner
AccommodationHotel in Monterosso
DistanceApprox. 17 km

Day 3Hike to Levanto

Utsikt fra stien mellom Levanto og Cinque Terre

On this day we recommend the following possibilities and choices:

Option 1 - Levanto
Start after breakfast, approx. 09:30, and take a half-day hike towards Levanto. The hike starts with a demanding climb up towards the top of the mountain. Here it feels as if you are standing on the roof of the world – a priceless view of the sea and the landscape around Cinque Terre.
Then continue on the path towards the town of Levanto. Here there is a looong beach for a possible swim and lunch before you take the train home to Monterosso.
The afternoon can potentially be used for relaxing on the beach or to relax completely at some of the cozy places around Monterosso etc.

Option 2 - Portofino
Another option is to go to the famous town of Portofino. This town is so beautiful that it has been copied several places around the world, including in Florida, USA. Note! Portofino is full of tourists in high season. Tourists from all over the world. So it can easily get crowded there.
To get to Portofino, take the train to Santa Margherita – where you can choose to walk the beautiful coastal road out to Portofino (the walk along the coastal road is approx. 5 km one way), or take a bus / boat from Santa Margherita to Portofino.

Option 3 - Chiavari, Rapallo, Bonassola, Deiva Marina or Moneglia

Alternatively, we recommend taking the train to some of the slightly less known towns like Chiavari or Rapallo. Quite big towns. Or to some of the tiny, but very cozy places Bonassola, Deiva Marina or Moneglia. 

Option 4
Relaxing, sun and swimming in the crystal blue water at Monterosso. Stroll around the streets there. It's your choice.

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationHotel in Monterosso

Day 4Hike to Portovenere

Riomaggiore i Cinque Terre

With Monterosso al Mare as a starting point, the options are many. Maybe you want to take a closer look at one of the 5 towns (Cinque Terre) and take a train / boat there.
Possibly the beach and relaxation in Monterosso tempt even more?

Or how about finding another trail along the ridge in Monterosso and seeing the town from a completely different angle?
A really great hike, which is less used and therefore has fewer people, is the hike between Portovenere and Riomaggiore. Maybe this is the finest hike of all in this area…? This hike can advantageously start with you taking the boat from Monterosso to Portovenere (not included). Then you walk all the way to Riomaggiore. From here you take the train the last bit back to Monterosso. Count on the trip taking the whole day (approx. 7-9 hours) from you start until you are back. Walking the opposite way is also an option, then we recommend ending the hike with a delicious lunch in Portovenere, and then taking the boat back (not included). The options are many, free choice on the top shelf!

Once back in Monterosso, we recommend dinner in one of the town's many restaurants. For example at perhaps the town's best seafood restaurant – Al Pozzo – located in the old town of Monterosso. A cozy place with fantastic food. And should you not like seafood, there are of course alternatives. We are happy to book a table for you.

Lunch and dinner, as well as any transport by boat, train, etc. are not included.

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationHotel in Monterosso

Day 5Departure from Cinque Terre

Corniglia i Cinque Terre

Check-out from the hotel after breakfast.
We recommend the train to the airport. Regardless of whether you fly from Pisa, Florence, Milan or Genoa.

Lunch and dinner are not included.

Expa Travel reserves the right to make printing errors.

MealsBreakfast

Map

Included & practical info

Included & practical info

Included

Additions

Other information

Guides

Anne Grethe Thiis Vestrheim - tour guide for Expa Travel

Anne Grethe Thiis Vestrheim

Tour leader at Expa Travel Norway

Anne Grethe is a tour leader with Expa Travel, with extensive experience in mountains, outdoor life, and leadership. She inspires participants towards activity and mastery – whether the trip goes to the Dolomites, Jotunheimen, or the Spanish mountains.

Read more

Video

Video

Packing list

Packing list

This is only a recommendation – feel free to borrow gear from friends or use what you already have. Look at the list as a starting point, and adapt it to your needs and what you feel you will need on the trip.

This is only a recommendation – feel free to borrow gear from friends or use what you already have. Look at the list as a starting point, and adapt it to your needs and what you feel you will need on the trip.

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