Hiking
Italy
Everyone should experience Cinque Terre on foot! The five small, car-free villages lie in a row along the Italian Riviera, surrounded by steep cliffs, vineyards, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Here, you walk from village to village on paths high above the sea, with plenty of time to stop along the way. A coffee in Vernazza, a swim in Manarola, gelato in Riomaggiore – and perhaps a slightly longer lunch than planned.
And the best part? You decide the pace yourself.
Cinque Terre means “the five towns / countries” (pronounced *cheen-kweh teh-rreh*) and consists of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Five wonderful ‘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 and is a popular destination for hikers from all over the world. Several of the sections have steep parts, stairs, and quite a bit of elevation gain, but the paths are well-maintained and clearly marked.
The paths connecting the five towns are considered some of Europe's most beautiful – an experience that delights most. And don't forget the breaks along the way – a cappuccino and a ‘gelato’ in each town is a must.
It is easy to find your way between the towns, and the paths are well-marked. It is possible to hike between all five towns in one day, but you decide how many stages you want to complete. There are trains and boats running between all the towns if you prefer to only visit a couple of towns per day.
It is hard to choose a single favorite among these 5 beautiful, car-free ‘Cardamom Towns’ clinging to the mountainsides: Monterosso – Vernazza – Corniglia – Manarola – Riomaggiore.
This tour is designed for those who want freedom and flexibility. You decide how far you want to walk each day, and can use the train or boat between the villages whenever you wish.
The paths between the villages are well-marked, and the terrain varies with steep sections, stairs, and elevation gain. Along the way, you will experience Cinque Terre on foot, with small villages, dramatic hillsides, and sea views along major parts of the route.
The beauty of walking at your own pace is that you decide where you want to spend a little extra time along the way – perhaps explore one of the villages a bit closer, take a swim, or stop for a coffee and a 'gelato' before walking on.
You will stay in lively Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five towns. The path goes from there to lively Vernazza, further to the slightly more secluded Corniglia, and continues to beautiful Manarola before you finish in the smallest town, Riomaggiore. We recommend the train or boat back home.
📍 Monterosso al Mare
The largest and most "resort-like" of the five villages in Cinque Terre, known among other things for its beach and excellent seafood restaurants. Monterosso is split into an old and a newer part, joined together by a short tunnel along the sea. The old town is full of small alleys, local restaurants, lemon trees, and small shops – while the newer part features a beach promenade, outdoor seating, and views straight out to the sea.
Perched on the cliffs, you will find the famous Il Gigante statue – an enormous stone sculpture carved into the rock.
Monterosso is the northernmost of the five villages in Cinque Terre. This is also where we at Expa Travel most often stay when we visit the area.
Here, much is about seafood, local white wines, pesto, lemons, and long lunches in the sun … and very many 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, colorful houses around the bay, and romantic atmosphere. This is probably also the town people take the most photos of – whether they arrive walking 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 and restaurants along the water.
Great for taking a swim here, with easy access to the sea for both adults and children. And if you have plenty of time, Vernazza is perfect 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 that is not located right by the sea. Corniglia sits high up on the cliffs, surrounded by vineyards and offering fantastic views along the coast. Here, there are fewer tourists, and the atmosphere feels more local than in the other villages. Many also consider this to be the most authentic of the five.
Corniglia is famous for wine production – and this is probably the most "wine-centric" 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 hillsides above the village. Here, small rail-bound "trolleys" go up and down the terrain during the harvest – built specifically to transport grapes in the precipitously steep vineyards. Fun to see in practice!
The village is also known for its small wine bars and the atmosphere in the evening, when people gather on the cliffs to watch the sun go down over the sea.
📍 Riomaggiore
Furthest south in Cinque Terre lies Riomaggiore – perhaps the most lively of the five villages.
Between Riomaggiore and Manarola lies the famous coastal path Via dell’Amore – also known as the "Path of Love". Here, the colorful houses sit close together up the hillsides, while restaurants, small bars, and people 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 others who enjoy a bit more life in the evening.
🍷 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 sea views.
And don't forget to try the famous lemon sorbet served in a frozen lemon – tart, ice-cold, and really great on a hot day.
Remember swimwear! Several of the villages have small beaches and nice swimming spots – perfect for a cooling break along the way.
Good shoes are important. The paths can be steep and uneven, with both stairs and lots of elevation gain.
Always keep some water in your backpack – especially on hot days.
Do not be in a hurry! Set aside time for spontaneous stops along the way, whether it's a cappuccino, a gelato, a swim, or an extra long lunch.
Each of the five villages in Cinque Terre has its own railway station, and the train ride between the villages usually takes just a few minutes. This makes it easy to combine hiking with train travel along the way.
Cinque Terre is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, together with Portovenere and the islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto. The landscape with the small villages, steep hillsides, and terraced vineyards has been shaped by humans over centuries.
To walk on the paid trails in the national park, you need a Cinque Terre Trekking Card. The card can be purchased online or at the park's info points. The price for one day is €10 per adult, or €15 on certain high-demand days (2026 prices).
The revenue from the cards goes, among other things, towards the maintenance of the area and the hiking trails.
The famous paths between the five villages are an experience in themselves, but there is much more to explore in the area:
Hikes in the hills around the villages: We especially recommend the hike from Riomaggiore to Portovenere, which is considered one of the finest in the area.
Portofino and Santa Margherita: Two famous places along the Ligurian coast that are great to combine with your stay in Cinque Terre.
More places along the coast: If you have plenty of time, it is worth stopping outside of the five famous villages as well. In the program further down the page, you will find more of our recommendations.
Then Monterosso or Vernazza are the best choices. You can of course swim in all five villages, but here it is easiest to combine the hike with a few hours on the beach or a dip in the sea.
If you wish to travel with an experienced tour guide, you can contact us at info@expa.no for a non-binding offer.
We have arranged everything – the rest you decide yourself. Walk entire stages or take the train part of the way, stop for a swim along the way, spend a little extra time in a village you like, or find a trattoria with sea views.
That is precisely what is so wonderful about experiencing Cinque Terre on your own – the days can be taken entirely at your own pace.
This tour is designed for those who want freedom and flexibility. You decide how far you want to walk each day, and can use the train or boat between the villages whenever you wish.
The paths between the villages are well-marked, and the terrain varies with steep sections, stairs, and elevation gain. Along the way, you will experience Cinque Terre on foot, with small villages, dramatic hillsides, and sea views along major parts of the route.
The beauty of walking at your own pace is that you decide where you want to spend a little extra time along the way – perhaps explore one of the villages a bit closer, take a swim, or stop for a coffee and a 'gelato' before walking on.
You will stay in lively Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five towns. The path goes from there to lively Vernazza, further to the slightly more secluded Corniglia, and continues to beautiful Manarola before you finish in the smallest town, Riomaggiore. We recommend the train or boat back home.
📍 Monterosso al Mare
The largest and most "resort-like" of the five villages in Cinque Terre, known among other things for its beach and excellent seafood restaurants. Monterosso is split into an old and a newer part, joined together by a short tunnel along the sea. The old town is full of small alleys, local restaurants, lemon trees, and small shops – while the newer part features a beach promenade, outdoor seating, and views straight out to the sea.
Perched on the cliffs, you will find the famous Il Gigante statue – an enormous stone sculpture carved into the rock.
Monterosso is the northernmost of the five villages in Cinque Terre. This is also where we at Expa Travel most often stay when we visit the area.
Here, much is about seafood, local white wines, pesto, lemons, and long lunches in the sun … and very many 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, colorful houses around the bay, and romantic atmosphere. This is probably also the town people take the most photos of – whether they arrive walking 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 and restaurants along the water.
Great for taking a swim here, with easy access to the sea for both adults and children. And if you have plenty of time, Vernazza is perfect 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 that is not located right by the sea. Corniglia sits high up on the cliffs, surrounded by vineyards and offering fantastic views along the coast. Here, there are fewer tourists, and the atmosphere feels more local than in the other villages. Many also consider this to be the most authentic of the five.
Corniglia is famous for wine production – and this is probably the most "wine-centric" 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 hillsides above the village. Here, small rail-bound "trolleys" go up and down the terrain during the harvest – built specifically to transport grapes in the precipitously steep vineyards. Fun to see in practice!
The village is also known for its small wine bars and the atmosphere in the evening, when people gather on the cliffs to watch the sun go down over the sea.
📍 Riomaggiore
Furthest south in Cinque Terre lies Riomaggiore – perhaps the most lively of the five villages.
Between Riomaggiore and Manarola lies the famous coastal path Via dell’Amore – also known as the "Path of Love". Here, the colorful houses sit close together up the hillsides, while restaurants, small bars, and people 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 others who enjoy a bit more life in the evening.
🍷 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 sea views.
And don't forget to try the famous lemon sorbet served in a frozen lemon – tart, ice-cold, and really great on a hot day.
Remember swimwear! Several of the villages have small beaches and nice swimming spots – perfect for a cooling break along the way.
Good shoes are important. The paths can be steep and uneven, with both stairs and lots of elevation gain.
Always keep some water in your backpack – especially on hot days.
Do not be in a hurry! Set aside time for spontaneous stops along the way, whether it's a cappuccino, a gelato, a swim, or an extra long lunch.
Each of the five villages in Cinque Terre has its own railway station, and the train ride between the villages usually takes just a few minutes. This makes it easy to combine hiking with train travel along the way.
Cinque Terre is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, together with Portovenere and the islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto. The landscape with the small villages, steep hillsides, and terraced vineyards has been shaped by humans over centuries.
To walk on the paid trails in the national park, you need a Cinque Terre Trekking Card. The card can be purchased online or at the park's info points. The price for one day is €10 per adult, or €15 on certain high-demand days (2026 prices).
The revenue from the cards goes, among other things, towards the maintenance of the area and the hiking trails.
The famous paths between the five villages are an experience in themselves, but there is much more to explore in the area:
Hikes in the hills around the villages: We especially recommend the hike from Riomaggiore to Portovenere, which is considered one of the finest in the area.
Portofino and Santa Margherita: Two famous places along the Ligurian coast that are great to combine with your stay in Cinque Terre.
More places along the coast: If you have plenty of time, it is worth stopping outside of the five famous villages as well. In the program further down the page, you will find more of our recommendations.
Then Monterosso or Vernazza are the best choices. You can of course swim in all five villages, but here it is easiest to combine the hike with a few hours on the beach or a dip in the sea.
If you wish to travel with an experienced tour guide, you can contact us at info@expa.no for a non-binding offer.
We have arranged everything – the rest you decide yourself. Walk entire stages or take the train part of the way, stop for a swim along the way, spend a little extra time in a village you like, or find a trattoria with sea views.
That is precisely what is so wonderful about experiencing Cinque Terre on your own – the days can be taken entirely at your own pace.
The five colorful "Cardamom Towns" along the Ligurian coast
The hike between Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore
Dinner at the restaurant in the mountains above Monterosso
Steep vineyards, coastal paths, and views of the Mediterranean Sea
Fresh seafood, local pesto, and white wine from the area
The freedom to walk at your own pace – with train and boat as alternatives between the villages
April – Oct, optional date
This is only a suggested itinerary, you can of course choose for yourself which days you wish to visit the cities.
Expa Travel reserves the right to make corrections for any typographical errors, as well as any currency exchange rate and/or price changes.
This is only a suggested itinerary, you can of course choose for yourself which days you wish to visit the cities.
Expa Travel reserves the right to make corrections for any typographical errors, as well as any currency exchange rate and/or price changes.
Arrival at the hotel in Monterosso al Mare, the northernmost and largest of the five villages of the Cinque Terre. This is where you will stay during your entire trip.
Feel free to use the first day to get to know Monterosso, stroll through the old town, or head down to the beach.
Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).
If you start from Monterosso, you get a quite demanding start with a lot of uphill sections and many steps. In return, you quickly get great views once you reach the heights. The entire stretch between the five villages is approx. 17 kilometers in hilly terrain, and you should expect about 6–7 hours if you wish to walk the whole way, including breaks and lunch stops.
You decide, of course, how many stages you want to walk. Trains run between the villages, so it is easy to end the hike along the way and take the train back to Monterosso. If the weather permits, we recommend taking the boat back – then you get to see the entire coast and the villages from the sea.
Walk at a leisurely pace and set aside time for stops along the way. We recommend lunch in Corniglia (not included) if you walk the entire stretch. And feel free to pack swimwear in your backpack – there are nice swimming opportunities along the way.
Put on good shoes and comfortable clothes, and pack a rain jacket, some snacks, and water in a small backpack.
In the evening, dinner awaits at a small, rustic restaurant up in the mountains above Monterosso (included in the price). Much of what is served comes from ingredients that the owners themselves have grown or hunted, and the restaurant has great views of the coast.
The restaurant owner will pick you up with a minibus in the old town of Monterosso and drive you up to the restaurant, about a 5-minute drive.
You can find the meeting point at this link. If you cannot find the way or are delayed, you can call Jonathan at +39 339 3950672 (English speaking) for further instructions.
Lunch on your own (not included).
Today you have several options. Maybe you want to spend more time in Cinque Terre, walk one of the stages you didn't manage yesterday, or visit one of the villages again. Or you can use the day to experience more of the surrounding area.
Option 1 – More of Cinque Terre
Take the train or the boat to one of the five villages and spend the day exactly as you wish. Maybe there is a stage you didn't have time to walk yesterday, a village you want to see more of, or a place you would like to visit again.
Option 2 – Hike to Levanto
After breakfast, you can set out on a half-day hike from Monterosso towards Levanto. The hike starts with a demanding climb up from Monterosso, but once you get up to the heights, you get great views of the sea and the coast around Cinque Terre.
The path continues towards Levanto, where you will find a long beach that is perfect for a swim and lunch. From there, you can easily take the train back to Monterosso.
Option 3 – Portofino
Take the train to Santa Margherita and continue to Portofino. From Santa Margherita, you can walk the beautiful coastal road to Portofino, approx. 5 km one way, or take a bus or boat.
Portofino is one of the most famous small towns along the Italian Riviera, and especially during the high season, you must expect many people.
Option 4 – Discover more places along the coast
Hop on the train and visit Chiavari or Rapallo, or head to some of the smaller places along the coast such as Bonassola, Deiva Marina, or Moneglia. The train makes it easy to explore the area and combine several stops if you wish.
Option 5 – Beach day in Monterosso
Or do very little. Find yourself a spot on the beach in Monterosso, take a swim, stroll through the old town, and enjoy the day exactly as you want.
Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).
If you want a real full-day excursion, we recommend the hike between Portovenere and Riomaggiore. Or maybe you would rather spend the day on more of Cinque Terre – walk one of the paths you didn't have time for earlier, or spend more time in one of the villages.
If you choose the Portovenere hike, this goes on a path that is less used than the famous paths between the five villages in Cinque Terre, and there are usually fewer people along the way.
Feel free to take the boat from Monterosso to Portovenere (not included) and start the hike from there. The hike goes through varied and hilly terrain with great views of the coast, before you finally arrive at Riomaggiore. From here, you take the train back to Monterosso. Expect approx. 7–9 hours from the time you leave Monterosso until you are back.
You can, of course, also do the hike in the opposite direction. Then we recommend starting with the train to Riomaggiore, walking to Portovenere, and finishing the hike with a late lunch before taking the boat back to Monterosso (not included).
Back in Monterosso, we recommend dinner at one of the restaurants in the old town. One of our tips is Al Pozzo, which is especially famous for seafood. 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 further to the airport, whether you fly from Pisa, Florence, Milan, or Genoa.
Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).
Arrival at the hotel in Monterosso al Mare, the northernmost and largest of the five villages of the Cinque Terre. This is where you will stay during your entire trip.
Feel free to use the first day to get to know Monterosso, stroll through the old town, or head down to the beach.
Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).
If you start from Monterosso, you get a quite demanding start with a lot of uphill sections and many steps. In return, you quickly get great views once you reach the heights. The entire stretch between the five villages is approx. 17 kilometers in hilly terrain, and you should expect about 6–7 hours if you wish to walk the whole way, including breaks and lunch stops.
You decide, of course, how many stages you want to walk. Trains run between the villages, so it is easy to end the hike along the way and take the train back to Monterosso. If the weather permits, we recommend taking the boat back – then you get to see the entire coast and the villages from the sea.
Walk at a leisurely pace and set aside time for stops along the way. We recommend lunch in Corniglia (not included) if you walk the entire stretch. And feel free to pack swimwear in your backpack – there are nice swimming opportunities along the way.
Put on good shoes and comfortable clothes, and pack a rain jacket, some snacks, and water in a small backpack.
In the evening, dinner awaits at a small, rustic restaurant up in the mountains above Monterosso (included in the price). Much of what is served comes from ingredients that the owners themselves have grown or hunted, and the restaurant has great views of the coast.
The restaurant owner will pick you up with a minibus in the old town of Monterosso and drive you up to the restaurant, about a 5-minute drive.
You can find the meeting point at this link. If you cannot find the way or are delayed, you can call Jonathan at +39 339 3950672 (English speaking) for further instructions.
Lunch on your own (not included).
Today you have several options. Maybe you want to spend more time in Cinque Terre, walk one of the stages you didn't manage yesterday, or visit one of the villages again. Or you can use the day to experience more of the surrounding area.
Option 1 – More of Cinque Terre
Take the train or the boat to one of the five villages and spend the day exactly as you wish. Maybe there is a stage you didn't have time to walk yesterday, a village you want to see more of, or a place you would like to visit again.
Option 2 – Hike to Levanto
After breakfast, you can set out on a half-day hike from Monterosso towards Levanto. The hike starts with a demanding climb up from Monterosso, but once you get up to the heights, you get great views of the sea and the coast around Cinque Terre.
The path continues towards Levanto, where you will find a long beach that is perfect for a swim and lunch. From there, you can easily take the train back to Monterosso.
Option 3 – Portofino
Take the train to Santa Margherita and continue to Portofino. From Santa Margherita, you can walk the beautiful coastal road to Portofino, approx. 5 km one way, or take a bus or boat.
Portofino is one of the most famous small towns along the Italian Riviera, and especially during the high season, you must expect many people.
Option 4 – Discover more places along the coast
Hop on the train and visit Chiavari or Rapallo, or head to some of the smaller places along the coast such as Bonassola, Deiva Marina, or Moneglia. The train makes it easy to explore the area and combine several stops if you wish.
Option 5 – Beach day in Monterosso
Or do very little. Find yourself a spot on the beach in Monterosso, take a swim, stroll through the old town, and enjoy the day exactly as you want.
Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).
If you want a real full-day excursion, we recommend the hike between Portovenere and Riomaggiore. Or maybe you would rather spend the day on more of Cinque Terre – walk one of the paths you didn't have time for earlier, or spend more time in one of the villages.
If you choose the Portovenere hike, this goes on a path that is less used than the famous paths between the five villages in Cinque Terre, and there are usually fewer people along the way.
Feel free to take the boat from Monterosso to Portovenere (not included) and start the hike from there. The hike goes through varied and hilly terrain with great views of the coast, before you finally arrive at Riomaggiore. From here, you take the train back to Monterosso. Expect approx. 7–9 hours from the time you leave Monterosso until you are back.
You can, of course, also do the hike in the opposite direction. Then we recommend starting with the train to Riomaggiore, walking to Portovenere, and finishing the hike with a late lunch before taking the boat back to Monterosso (not included).
Back in Monterosso, we recommend dinner at one of the restaurants in the old town. One of our tips is Al Pozzo, which is especially famous for seafood. 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 further to the airport, whether you fly from Pisa, Florence, Milan, or Genoa.
Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).
Arrival at the hotel in Monterosso al Mare, the northernmost and largest of the five villages of the Cinque Terre. This is where you will stay during your entire trip.
Feel free to use the first day to get to know Monterosso, stroll through the old town, or head down to the beach.
Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).
If you start from Monterosso, you get a quite demanding start with a lot of uphill sections and many steps. In return, you quickly get great views once you reach the heights. The entire stretch between the five villages is approx. 17 kilometers in hilly terrain, and you should expect about 6–7 hours if you wish to walk the whole way, including breaks and lunch stops.
You decide, of course, how many stages you want to walk. Trains run between the villages, so it is easy to end the hike along the way and take the train back to Monterosso. If the weather permits, we recommend taking the boat back – then you get to see the entire coast and the villages from the sea.
Walk at a leisurely pace and set aside time for stops along the way. We recommend lunch in Corniglia (not included) if you walk the entire stretch. And feel free to pack swimwear in your backpack – there are nice swimming opportunities along the way.
Put on good shoes and comfortable clothes, and pack a rain jacket, some snacks, and water in a small backpack.
In the evening, dinner awaits at a small, rustic restaurant up in the mountains above Monterosso (included in the price). Much of what is served comes from ingredients that the owners themselves have grown or hunted, and the restaurant has great views of the coast.
The restaurant owner will pick you up with a minibus in the old town of Monterosso and drive you up to the restaurant, about a 5-minute drive.
You can find the meeting point at this link. If you cannot find the way or are delayed, you can call Jonathan at +39 339 3950672 (English speaking) for further instructions.
Lunch on your own (not included).
Today you have several options. Maybe you want to spend more time in Cinque Terre, walk one of the stages you didn't manage yesterday, or visit one of the villages again. Or you can use the day to experience more of the surrounding area.
Option 1 – More of Cinque Terre
Take the train or the boat to one of the five villages and spend the day exactly as you wish. Maybe there is a stage you didn't have time to walk yesterday, a village you want to see more of, or a place you would like to visit again.
Option 2 – Hike to Levanto
After breakfast, you can set out on a half-day hike from Monterosso towards Levanto. The hike starts with a demanding climb up from Monterosso, but once you get up to the heights, you get great views of the sea and the coast around Cinque Terre.
The path continues towards Levanto, where you will find a long beach that is perfect for a swim and lunch. From there, you can easily take the train back to Monterosso.
Option 3 – Portofino
Take the train to Santa Margherita and continue to Portofino. From Santa Margherita, you can walk the beautiful coastal road to Portofino, approx. 5 km one way, or take a bus or boat.
Portofino is one of the most famous small towns along the Italian Riviera, and especially during the high season, you must expect many people.
Option 4 – Discover more places along the coast
Hop on the train and visit Chiavari or Rapallo, or head to some of the smaller places along the coast such as Bonassola, Deiva Marina, or Moneglia. The train makes it easy to explore the area and combine several stops if you wish.
Option 5 – Beach day in Monterosso
Or do very little. Find yourself a spot on the beach in Monterosso, take a swim, stroll through the old town, and enjoy the day exactly as you want.
Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).
If you want a real full-day excursion, we recommend the hike between Portovenere and Riomaggiore. Or maybe you would rather spend the day on more of Cinque Terre – walk one of the paths you didn't have time for earlier, or spend more time in one of the villages.
If you choose the Portovenere hike, this goes on a path that is less used than the famous paths between the five villages in Cinque Terre, and there are usually fewer people along the way.
Feel free to take the boat from Monterosso to Portovenere (not included) and start the hike from there. The hike goes through varied and hilly terrain with great views of the coast, before you finally arrive at Riomaggiore. From here, you take the train back to Monterosso. Expect approx. 7–9 hours from the time you leave Monterosso until you are back.
You can, of course, also do the hike in the opposite direction. Then we recommend starting with the train to Riomaggiore, walking to Portovenere, and finishing the hike with a late lunch before taking the boat back to Monterosso (not included).
Back in Monterosso, we recommend dinner at one of the restaurants in the old town. One of our tips is Al Pozzo, which is especially famous for seafood. 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 further to the airport, whether you fly from Pisa, Florence, Milan, or Genoa.
Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).
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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