Hiking
Italy
Everyone should experience hiking 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!
Cinque Terre means “the five towns” (pronounced *cheen-kweh teh-rreh*) and consists of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Five delightful seaside towns along the coast between Genoa and La Spezia. Cliffs, vineyards, gelato, colorful houses, cappuccino, small beaches, and lovely little restaurants in every town. Simply beautiful!!
The area is perhaps best known for the trails between the towns, a popular hike for people of all ages from all corners of the world. Some of the stages are a bit steep at the beginning, but there are great trails with steps where needed. The trails linking the five towns together are considered among 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 a single day if you wish. There are trains and boats 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 towns clinging to the hillsides in this beautiful area: Monterosso – Vernazza – Corniglia – Manarola – Riomaggiore.
This hike is arranged 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-maintained trails make it an experience for all ages. Whether you love exploring nature, tasting local specialties, or just enjoying the view, Cinque Terre is an experience that will delight you.
You will stay in lively Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the 5 towns. The trail goes from there to the well-visited Vernazza, further to the slightly more secluded Corniglia, and continues to beautiful Manarola before you finish in the smallest town, Riomaggiore. We recommend taking the train or boat back home.
📍 Monterosso al Mare
The largest and most "resort-town-like" of the five villages in Cinque Terre, known for its beach, its slightly slower pace, and its excellent seafood restaurants. Monterosso is divided into an old and a newer part, linked together by a short tunnel along the sea. The old town is full of narrow alleys, local restaurants, lemon trees, and small shops — while the newer part features a beach promenade, outdoor dining, and views straight out to the sea.
Far out on the cliffs, you will find the famous Il Gigante statue — a massive stone sculpture carved into the mountainside overlooking the sea.
Monterosso is the northernmost of the five villages in Cinque Terre. This is also where we at Expa Travel stay when we visit the area.
Here, it is all about seafood, local white wines, pesto, lemons, and long lunches in the sun …and very many people end the day with a wonderful limoncello by the beach.
📍 Vernazza
Perhaps the most classic and photogenic of the five villages in Cinque Terre, known for its small harbor, key colorful houses around the bay, and its romantic atmosphere. This is probably also the town of which people take the most photos — whether they arrive on foot from Monterosso or from Corniglia.
Vernazza is often referred to as the "postcard town" of Cinque Terre — and you quickly understand why when standing at the harbor looking out at the small boats, the colorful houses, and the restaurants along the sea.
It is great for going for a swim here, with easy access to the sea for both adults and children.
Vernazza is perhaps the most romantic of the villages — the perfect town for a long dinner by the harbor as the sun goes down.
📍 Corniglia
The smallest and quietest of the five villages in Cinque Terre — and the only one not located right at sea level. Corniglia is perched high on the cliffs, surrounded by vineyards, and offers fantastic views of both the coast and the sea. Here, the pace is slower, there are fewer tourists, and the atmosphere feels more local than in the other villages. Many also believe that this is the most authentic town in Cinque Terre.
Corniglia is known for wine production — and this is probably the most "winey" of the villages, with small trattorias, local vineyards, and long lunches overlooking the vineyards.
📍 Manarola
Manarola is famous for the steep vineyards that cling to the mountainsides above the village. Here, small rail-tracked "train carriages" travel up and down the terrain during the harvest — built specifically to transport grapes in the extremely steep landscape. Fun to see in action!
The village is also known for its small wine bars, its evening atmosphere, and the crowds gathering on the cliffs at sunset.
📍 Riomaggiore
At the southern end of Cinque Terre lies Riomaggiore — perhaps the most lively of the five villages.
Riomaggiore is just a short trip from Manarola, connected by the famous coastal path Via dell’Amore — also known as "The Path of Love". Here, the colorful houses are stacked tightly high up the mountainsides, while restaurants, small bars, and crowds fill the streets down by the harbor.
Riomaggiore has perhaps a bit more energy than the other villages and is often a favorite among younger travelers, couples, and people who enjoy a livelier evening vibe.
🍷 And what about the food?
No matter which of the villages you end up in, much of Cinque Terre is about fresh seafood, pesto, local white wines, Sciacchetrà (the famous dessert wine from the area), small trattorias, and long lunches with views over the sea.
And don't forget to try the famous lemon sorbet served in a frozen lemon – simply unforgettably delicious.
Remember swimsuits! Several of the villages have small beaches perfect for a refreshing break.
Take your time for a cup of cappuccino and a gelato in each town – an experience you will not soon forget.
Every 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 mountainsides, is part of the Cinque Terre National Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To explore the national park, you have to 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 to maintain the popular hiking trails.
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 more tempting 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.
You do that best in Monterosso or Vernazza. You can, of course, swim in all the towns, but these are the most child- and swim-friendly.
If you would like to have an experienced tour leader with you, you can contact us at info@expa.no for a non-binding offer.
We have arranged everything so that you get a spectacular and action-packed long weekend in Cinque Terre! Enjoy the fantastic nature, the charming villages, and the freedom to experience this unique area at your own pace.
This hike is arranged 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-maintained trails make it an experience for all ages. Whether you love exploring nature, tasting local specialties, or just enjoying the view, Cinque Terre is an experience that will delight you.
You will stay in lively Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the 5 towns. The trail goes from there to the well-visited Vernazza, further to the slightly more secluded Corniglia, and continues to beautiful Manarola before you finish in the smallest town, Riomaggiore. We recommend taking the train or boat back home.
📍 Monterosso al Mare
The largest and most "resort-town-like" of the five villages in Cinque Terre, known for its beach, its slightly slower pace, and its excellent seafood restaurants. Monterosso is divided into an old and a newer part, linked together by a short tunnel along the sea. The old town is full of narrow alleys, local restaurants, lemon trees, and small shops — while the newer part features a beach promenade, outdoor dining, and views straight out to the sea.
Far out on the cliffs, you will find the famous Il Gigante statue — a massive stone sculpture carved into the mountainside overlooking the sea.
Monterosso is the northernmost of the five villages in Cinque Terre. This is also where we at Expa Travel stay when we visit the area.
Here, it is all about seafood, local white wines, pesto, lemons, and long lunches in the sun …and very many people end the day with a wonderful limoncello by the beach.
📍 Vernazza
Perhaps the most classic and photogenic of the five villages in Cinque Terre, known for its small harbor, key colorful houses around the bay, and its romantic atmosphere. This is probably also the town of which people take the most photos — whether they arrive on foot from Monterosso or from Corniglia.
Vernazza is often referred to as the "postcard town" of Cinque Terre — and you quickly understand why when standing at the harbor looking out at the small boats, the colorful houses, and the restaurants along the sea.
It is great for going for a swim here, with easy access to the sea for both adults and children.
Vernazza is perhaps the most romantic of the villages — the perfect town for a long dinner by the harbor as the sun goes down.
📍 Corniglia
The smallest and quietest of the five villages in Cinque Terre — and the only one not located right at sea level. Corniglia is perched high on the cliffs, surrounded by vineyards, and offers fantastic views of both the coast and the sea. Here, the pace is slower, there are fewer tourists, and the atmosphere feels more local than in the other villages. Many also believe that this is the most authentic town in Cinque Terre.
Corniglia is known for wine production — and this is probably the most "winey" of the villages, with small trattorias, local vineyards, and long lunches overlooking the vineyards.
📍 Manarola
Manarola is famous for the steep vineyards that cling to the mountainsides above the village. Here, small rail-tracked "train carriages" travel up and down the terrain during the harvest — built specifically to transport grapes in the extremely steep landscape. Fun to see in action!
The village is also known for its small wine bars, its evening atmosphere, and the crowds gathering on the cliffs at sunset.
📍 Riomaggiore
At the southern end of Cinque Terre lies Riomaggiore — perhaps the most lively of the five villages.
Riomaggiore is just a short trip from Manarola, connected by the famous coastal path Via dell’Amore — also known as "The Path of Love". Here, the colorful houses are stacked tightly high up the mountainsides, while restaurants, small bars, and crowds fill the streets down by the harbor.
Riomaggiore has perhaps a bit more energy than the other villages and is often a favorite among younger travelers, couples, and people who enjoy a livelier evening vibe.
🍷 And what about the food?
No matter which of the villages you end up in, much of Cinque Terre is about fresh seafood, pesto, local white wines, Sciacchetrà (the famous dessert wine from the area), small trattorias, and long lunches with views over the sea.
And don't forget to try the famous lemon sorbet served in a frozen lemon – simply unforgettably delicious.
Remember swimsuits! Several of the villages have small beaches perfect for a refreshing break.
Take your time for a cup of cappuccino and a gelato in each town – an experience you will not soon forget.
Every 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 mountainsides, is part of the Cinque Terre National Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To explore the national park, you have to 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 to maintain the popular hiking trails.
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 more tempting 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.
You do that best in Monterosso or Vernazza. You can, of course, swim in all the towns, but these are the most child- and swim-friendly.
If you would like to have an experienced tour leader with you, you can contact us at info@expa.no for a non-binding offer.
We have arranged everything so that you get a spectacular and action-packed long weekend in Cinque Terre! Enjoy the fantastic nature, the charming villages, and the freedom to experience this unique area at your own pace.
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
April – Oct, optional date
This is only a suggested itinerary; you of course choose for yourself which days you wish to visit the cities.
This is only a suggested itinerary; you of course choose for yourself which days you wish to visit the cities.
Arrival at the hotel in the town of Monterosso al Mare. This town is one of the 5 villages of Cinque Terre. This is where you will stay during your entire trip.
Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).
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 of Monterosso – Vernazza – Corniglia – Manarola - Riomaggiore. The trails connecting these five towns together are considered among Europe's most beautiful trails. A fantastic experience that thrills most people.
Expect a demanding start, there is a lot of uphill at the beginning of the hike, but truly worth it once you finally reach the height!
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 route 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 having lunch in the third town; Corniglia (not included).
For this hike, comfortable clothes, good sneakers or similar, possibly a rain jacket, camera/mobile, and a small backpack are important. Also put swimwear in your pack – it is popular to swim in the towns of Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola and/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 the weather permits, we recommend a boat back to Monterosso – a fantastic experience.
Dinner this day is at a wonderful restaurant up in the mountains (included in the price). Most of the ingredients served have been grown or hunted by the owners themselves. A simple, rustic, and cozy restaurant with a fantastic view over the entire coast. The restaurant owner picks you up with a minibus in the old town of Monterosso and transports you up to the restaurant (approx. 5 minutes drive).
You can find the meeting point at this link. Should you not find your way / get delayed etc., call Jonathan at +39 339 3950672 (English-speaking) for further instructions.
Lunch on your own (not included).
On this day, we recommend the following options and choices:
Option 1 - Levanto
Start after breakfast, approx. at 09:30, and take a half-day walking tour towards Levanto. The tour starts with a demanding climb towards the top of the mountain. Here it feels as if you are standing on top of the world – a priceless view over the sea and the landscape surrounding Cinque Terre.
Then continue on the trail towards the town of Levanto. Here is a long beach for a potential swim and lunch before you take the train back home to Monterosso.
The afternoon can potentially be used for relaxing on the beach or to unwind 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 in several places around the world, for instance in Florida, USA. Note! Portofino is full of tourists during high season. Tourists from all over the world. So it can quickly get crowded there.
To get to Portofino, you 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, Deive Marina or Moneglia
Alternatively, we recommend taking the train to some of the slightly less-known towns like Chiavari or Rapallo. Quite large towns. Or to some of the tiny, but very cozy places like Bonassola, Deive 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).
With Monterosso al Mare as your starting point, the possibilities are many. Maybe you want to take a closer look at one of the 5 towns (Cinque Terre) and take a train / boat there.
Or maybe the beach and relaxation in Monterosso tempt you 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 frequented and therefore has fewer people, is the hike between Portovenere and Riomaggiore. Perhaps 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 stretch back to Monterosso. Expect the excursion to take the whole day (approx. 7-9 hours) from when you start until you are back. Walking the opposite way is also an option, in which case we recommend finishing the hike with a delicious lunch in Portovenere, and then taking the boat back (not included). The options are many, free choice from the top shelf!
Once back in Monterosso, we recommend dinner at one of the town's many restaurants. For instance at perhaps the best fish restaurant in town – 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.
Check-out from the hotel after breakfast.
We recommend taking 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 changes in case of typographical errors.
Arrival at the hotel in the town of Monterosso al Mare. This town is one of the 5 villages of Cinque Terre. This is where you will stay during your entire trip.
Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).
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 of Monterosso – Vernazza – Corniglia – Manarola - Riomaggiore. The trails connecting these five towns together are considered among Europe's most beautiful trails. A fantastic experience that thrills most people.
Expect a demanding start, there is a lot of uphill at the beginning of the hike, but truly worth it once you finally reach the height!
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 route 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 having lunch in the third town; Corniglia (not included).
For this hike, comfortable clothes, good sneakers or similar, possibly a rain jacket, camera/mobile, and a small backpack are important. Also put swimwear in your pack – it is popular to swim in the towns of Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola and/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 the weather permits, we recommend a boat back to Monterosso – a fantastic experience.
Dinner this day is at a wonderful restaurant up in the mountains (included in the price). Most of the ingredients served have been grown or hunted by the owners themselves. A simple, rustic, and cozy restaurant with a fantastic view over the entire coast. The restaurant owner picks you up with a minibus in the old town of Monterosso and transports you up to the restaurant (approx. 5 minutes drive).
You can find the meeting point at this link. Should you not find your way / get delayed etc., call Jonathan at +39 339 3950672 (English-speaking) for further instructions.
Lunch on your own (not included).
On this day, we recommend the following options and choices:
Option 1 - Levanto
Start after breakfast, approx. at 09:30, and take a half-day walking tour towards Levanto. The tour starts with a demanding climb towards the top of the mountain. Here it feels as if you are standing on top of the world – a priceless view over the sea and the landscape surrounding Cinque Terre.
Then continue on the trail towards the town of Levanto. Here is a long beach for a potential swim and lunch before you take the train back home to Monterosso.
The afternoon can potentially be used for relaxing on the beach or to unwind 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 in several places around the world, for instance in Florida, USA. Note! Portofino is full of tourists during high season. Tourists from all over the world. So it can quickly get crowded there.
To get to Portofino, you 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, Deive Marina or Moneglia
Alternatively, we recommend taking the train to some of the slightly less-known towns like Chiavari or Rapallo. Quite large towns. Or to some of the tiny, but very cozy places like Bonassola, Deive 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).
With Monterosso al Mare as your starting point, the possibilities are many. Maybe you want to take a closer look at one of the 5 towns (Cinque Terre) and take a train / boat there.
Or maybe the beach and relaxation in Monterosso tempt you 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 frequented and therefore has fewer people, is the hike between Portovenere and Riomaggiore. Perhaps 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 stretch back to Monterosso. Expect the excursion to take the whole day (approx. 7-9 hours) from when you start until you are back. Walking the opposite way is also an option, in which case we recommend finishing the hike with a delicious lunch in Portovenere, and then taking the boat back (not included). The options are many, free choice from the top shelf!
Once back in Monterosso, we recommend dinner at one of the town's many restaurants. For instance at perhaps the best fish restaurant in town – 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.
Check-out from the hotel after breakfast.
We recommend taking 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 changes in case of typographical errors.
Arrival at the hotel in the town of Monterosso al Mare. This town is one of the 5 villages of Cinque Terre. This is where you will stay during your entire trip.
Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).
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 of Monterosso – Vernazza – Corniglia – Manarola - Riomaggiore. The trails connecting these five towns together are considered among Europe's most beautiful trails. A fantastic experience that thrills most people.
Expect a demanding start, there is a lot of uphill at the beginning of the hike, but truly worth it once you finally reach the height!
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 route 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 having lunch in the third town; Corniglia (not included).
For this hike, comfortable clothes, good sneakers or similar, possibly a rain jacket, camera/mobile, and a small backpack are important. Also put swimwear in your pack – it is popular to swim in the towns of Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola and/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 the weather permits, we recommend a boat back to Monterosso – a fantastic experience.
Dinner this day is at a wonderful restaurant up in the mountains (included in the price). Most of the ingredients served have been grown or hunted by the owners themselves. A simple, rustic, and cozy restaurant with a fantastic view over the entire coast. The restaurant owner picks you up with a minibus in the old town of Monterosso and transports you up to the restaurant (approx. 5 minutes drive).
You can find the meeting point at this link. Should you not find your way / get delayed etc., call Jonathan at +39 339 3950672 (English-speaking) for further instructions.
Lunch on your own (not included).
On this day, we recommend the following options and choices:
Option 1 - Levanto
Start after breakfast, approx. at 09:30, and take a half-day walking tour towards Levanto. The tour starts with a demanding climb towards the top of the mountain. Here it feels as if you are standing on top of the world – a priceless view over the sea and the landscape surrounding Cinque Terre.
Then continue on the trail towards the town of Levanto. Here is a long beach for a potential swim and lunch before you take the train back home to Monterosso.
The afternoon can potentially be used for relaxing on the beach or to unwind 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 in several places around the world, for instance in Florida, USA. Note! Portofino is full of tourists during high season. Tourists from all over the world. So it can quickly get crowded there.
To get to Portofino, you 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, Deive Marina or Moneglia
Alternatively, we recommend taking the train to some of the slightly less-known towns like Chiavari or Rapallo. Quite large towns. Or to some of the tiny, but very cozy places like Bonassola, Deive 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).
With Monterosso al Mare as your starting point, the possibilities are many. Maybe you want to take a closer look at one of the 5 towns (Cinque Terre) and take a train / boat there.
Or maybe the beach and relaxation in Monterosso tempt you 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 frequented and therefore has fewer people, is the hike between Portovenere and Riomaggiore. Perhaps 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 stretch back to Monterosso. Expect the excursion to take the whole day (approx. 7-9 hours) from when you start until you are back. Walking the opposite way is also an option, in which case we recommend finishing the hike with a delicious lunch in Portovenere, and then taking the boat back (not included). The options are many, free choice from the top shelf!
Once back in Monterosso, we recommend dinner at one of the town's many restaurants. For instance at perhaps the best fish restaurant in town – 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.
Check-out from the hotel after breakfast.
We recommend taking 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 changes in case of typographical errors.
This is a self-guided tour. We at Expa Travel have planned the routes for you, and using GPS as a tool, you cycle / walk / drive the stages at your own pace.
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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.
The trip to Cinque Terre was absolutely fantastic. The hotels were top-notch. Very nice people at the hotel in Monterosso; they gave Expa very good feedback and asked us to say hi to Eric. On day 2, we followed Expa's suggestion and walked from Monterosso to Riomaggiore, taking the boat back. On day 3, we walked to Levanto. We spent a day in the area before following the recommendation to take the train to Riomaggiore to walk to Portovenere, also an absolutely fantastic hike. The dinner arrangement was excellent, a beautiful place with a great view and delicious food. Lucca was also absolutely great; we got the annex so we could have invited 12 people to dinner 😊👍 We were asked to say hi to Expa from them as well. Everything went smoothly, and the recommendations were, as mentioned, great. Even though we usually like to plan things ourselves, we are very glad that we chose Expa as the organizer, and we would certainly consider doing it again.
Winnie and Egil Norderhaug, Cinque Terre on your own
Experiences of a lifetime!! Four years in a row I have been on fantastic trips with Expa Travel, in Cinque Terre, the Dolomites, the Pyrenees, and Selvaggio Blu in Sardinia. The destinations were exciting places I wouldn't have found on my own. Highly recommended!!
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