Italy
Cinque Terre Walking Tour: 6 Days Through All Five Villages & Portovenere
6 days
Hiking tours
startdag(en): Daily
55km
Intermediate
The Complete Cinque Terre Coastal Hike
This 6-day self-guided walking tour is the most rounded way to experience the Cinque Terre: all five clifftop villages, the quieter coastline around Levanto and Bonassola, and a full-day hike to the UNESCO village of Portovenere. You’ll walk well-marked coastal and ridge trails past terraced vineyards, pine forests and pastel-colored houses stacked above the Mediterranean, with your luggage transferred ahead of you each day.
Because the route is self-guided, you choose your own daily pace and, on Day 2, pick from three different trail options depending on the experience you’re after. It’s a strong middle-ground choice for hikers who want more than a short introduction but don’t need the full 7-day version.
Looking for something shorter or longer? This same route is also available as a 5-day or 7-day walking tour, or combined with the Portofino peninsula on our 8-day Cinque Terre & Portofino tour.
Highlights of this 6-day Cinque Terre walking tour
Ligurian cuisine — pesto, focaccia, fresh seafood and local wines like Vermentino
All five Cinque Terre villages — Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore
A full day to Portovenere — one of the most spectacular ridge hikes on the Ligurian coast, ending at the clifftop church of San Pietro
Choice of three routes on Day 2 — coastal, hillside, or a mix, so you can tailor the trip to your fitness and interests
Levanto, Bonassola, Framura & Deiva Marina — quieter towns away from the Cinque Terre crowds
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Settle into Monterosso, the largest Cinque Terre village, and get oriented with a trail briefing and Cinque Terre Trail Pass information before your hiking days begin.
Route A: Soviore Monastery → Vernazza → back to Monterosso via the classic coastal path. Route B: Corniglia → Volastra vineyards → Manarola → Riomaggiore. Route C: The classic Monterosso → Vernazza → Corniglia coastal trail.
A quieter panoramic route via the Colle di Gritta viewpoint to Levanto, then on to Bonassola through former railway tunnels along the coast.
Hilltop hamlets, sea viewpoints and terraced trails connect three of the Riviera di Levante’s most photogenic towns.
The signature day of this itinerary: a demanding but rewarding ridge hike via Colle del Telegrafo and the hamlet of Campiglia, descending into the UNESCO village of Portovenere with views over Palmaria and Tino islands.
After breakfast, your walking tour ends, with easy onward train connections to Pisa, Genoa, Florence or Milan.
Sights along the route
Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso al Mare is the largest and most accessible village in Cinque Terre. It is known for its wide sandy beaches, charming historic center, and colorful houses nestled against the green hills.
Highlights include the Church of San Giovanni Battista, the medieval Aurora Tower, and the scenic viewpoint at Punta Mesco. With its waterfront promenade, beautiful beaches, and convenient train connections, Monterosso is an ideal base for exploring Cinque Terre.
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is one of the world’s most iconic coastal landscapes. Five pastel-colored villages cling to steep cliffs, connected by ancient coastal trails and terraces covered with vineyards. As you hike, you’ll be surrounded by the sound of the sea, the gentle rustling of grapevines, and breathtaking views that change around every corner.
The unique combination of color, light, nature, and culture makes this UNESCO World Heritage Site an absolute must-see for every hiker.
Vernazza
Vernazza may be the most photogenic village in Cinque Terre.
Its natural harbor, historic tower, pastel-colored houses, and narrow alleyways create a charming atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. The descent into the village is an experience in itself, with lemon trees, hillside terraces, and spectacular views that unfold with every step.
Vernazza feels like a postcard brought to life — warm, authentic, and irresistibly charming.
Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore is the southernmost and perhaps one of the most photogenic villages in Cinque Terre. Its pastel-colored houses seem to rise almost vertically along the cliffs, while the small harbor opens onto the deep-blue Mediterranean Sea.
The village is known for its steep, narrow streets, inviting wine bars, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the cliffs. It is also the starting point of the famous Via dell’Amore, the romantic coastal path to Manarola, when open.
Lively yet authentic, Riomaggiore perfectly captures the charm and character of Liguria.
Bonassola
Bonassola is a peaceful and charming coastal village on the Italian Riviera, ideal for hikers looking to escape the crowds of Cinque Terre. The village is known for its wide beach, pedestrian-friendly center, and relaxed atmosphere.
From Bonassola, scenic hiking and cycling trails lead along the coast, including the panoramic route to Levanto and Framura. With its local restaurants, inviting terraces, and views of the surrounding green hills, Bonassola is the perfect place to unwind and end a day of hiking.
Portovenere
Portovenere is a charming coastal town at the edge of Cinque Terre, known for its colorful harbor, narrow alleyways, and the iconic Church of San Pietro perched on the rocks. With beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and Palmaria Island, it is the perfect place to end a day of hiking and unwind after an active day outdoors.
Prices and departure dates
Prices per person.
| Period | Double Room | Triple Room | Single Room (shared group) | Solo Traveler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 27 – October 31, 2026 | €833 | €688 | €1,075 | €1,156 |
Prices for season 2027 will follow soon!
Included
- 5 nights in hotels with breakfast (3 nights Monterosso, 2 nights Bonassola)
- Luggage transfer from Monterosso to Bonassola
- Cinque Terre Trail Card + 2-day train pass
- Digital route notes, maps and GPX files
- Access to the hiking app
- 24/7 local phone support
Not included
- Flights to and from Italy
- Lunches and dinners
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Train or boat journeys not specifically mentioned
- Tourist tax (€3 per person per night in Monterosso + €2 per person per night in Bonassola)
Optional extras
| Optional service | Price |
|---|---|
| Extra nights | On request |
Practical information
- Trip type: self-guided walking tour
- Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
- Active hiking days: 4
- Daily distance: 7–15 km
- Elevation: up to ±900 m per day
- Difficulty: moderate — good base fitness recommended
- Start: Monterosso al Mare
- End: Bonassola
- Nearest airports: Genoa, Pisa, Florence
- Season: daily departures March–October
Getting to Monterosso
Nearest Airports:
- Genoa
- Pisa
- Florence
Approximate Travel Times:
- Genoa Airport → Monterosso: approximately 1.5–2 hours by direct train
- Pisa Airport → Monterosso: approximately 2 hours 15 minutes via Pisa Centrale and La Spezia
Hiking gear & what to bring
- Sturdy hiking shoes with good traction are required
- Hiking poles are recommended for steep or wet sections
- Bring plenty of water, as some coastal trails offer limited shade
- Sun protection, including a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
- A rain jacket or lightweight windbreaker, as coastal weather can change quickly
Trail difficulty & conditions
- The hiking routes range from moderate to challenging, mainly due to steep hills and numerous stairs
- Daily distances are relatively short but often include demanding ascents and descents
- Many trails follow historic mule paths and well-marked hiking trails
- Some sections feature large, uneven stone steps that can be physically demanding
- Cinque Terre trails may occasionally be closed due to heavy rain, storm damage, or fire prevention measures. Always check the latest trail status before setting out.
Local train connections are essential for reaching the starting and finishing points of many hikes.
Carbon Footprint
Estimated carbon footprint per person: 84 / 71 / 56 kg CO₂, depending on the accommodation option.
Frequent asked questions about this Cinque Terre walking tour
The 6-day version is the only one that includes the full Portovenere ridge hike as a dedicated day, while keeping the trip to under a week. The 7-day tour adds an extra rest/exploration day, and the 5-day tour shortens the route for a quicker trip.
It’s the most demanding day of the trip, around 15 km with a ridge climb via Colle del Telegrafo — but can be shortened via Campiglia with a bus connection to La Spezia if needed.
Yes, it’s family-friendly and suitable for children from around age 7, though the Portovenere day is best suited to reasonably fit walkers.
Genoa (GOA) and Pisa (PSA) are closest; Florence (FLR) also connects well by train
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