CINQUE TERRE HIKING TOUR (SELF-GUIDED) OVERVIEW
Discover the magic of the Italian Riviera on our Cinque Terre hiking tour, where you’ll walk historic coastal trails connecting the five stunning villages of Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Beyond the popular routes, you’ll explore hidden paths through pine forests with breathtaking views most visitors miss. You’ll hike to the secluded San Fruttuoso Abbey, a 1,000-year-old monastery accessible only by foot or boat, and visit the glamorous port of Portofino, where you can reward yourself with fresh seafood by a yacht-filled harbor.
One of the tour’s highlights is the hike from Riomaggiore to Portovenere—escape the crowds within minutes as you trek along cliffs with some of the most dramatic scenery on the route.
With fewer crowds and more adventure, our Cinque Terre walking tour self-guided lets you experience the region like a true local.
Who Will Enjoy Our Cinque Terre Walking Holiday?
You’ll love our self-guided Cinque Terre walking tour (what Americans and Canadians would call a hiking tour – some sections are steep) if you’re after an active vacation with the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Hike the famous trails, savor delicious local food and wine at seaside restaurants, and explore both the iconic Cinque Terre and hidden gems of the Italian Riviera—all at your own pace.
HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR CINQUE TERRE WALKING TOUR (SELF-GUIDED)
🌊 Walk the iconic coastal route through the five breathtaking villages of the Cinque Terre—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
🌟 Discover the glamorous Portofino and explore charming, hidden gems along the Ligurian Riviera like Camogli, Framura, and Levanto.
🚶♂️ Hike secret, off-the-beaten-path trails offering spectacular coastal views—some of the best-kept secrets in the Italian Riviera.
🍇 Stroll through olive groves and vineyards with stunning panoramas of the Ligurian Sea, immersing yourself in the region’s natural beauty.
🍝 Savor authentic Italian cuisine and local wine every night, with fresh seafood, pesto, and flavors of the lemon groves and olive orchards you’ve passed during your hike.
8-DAY SELF-GUIDED CINQUE TERRE HIKING TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive in Camogli
Get settled in your accommodation and then step outside and breathe in the fresh, crisp air of the Mediterranean Sea that says “I’m on vacation”. Camogli (population 5342) is a fishing village. Explore the historic centre, take a photo of the ruins of Castle Della Dragonara or relax on the rocky beach in preparation for tomorrow’s walk.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Camogli
Day 2: Hike from Camogli to Portofino via San Fruttuoso
After a short private transfer to San Rocco known for its church and church square you’ll continue ascending along a shaded path until you reach a picnic area in the woods.
Then, you’ll make your way down an oak-filled ravine to the magnificent site of San Fruttuoso. It’s a stunning abbey hidden away at the edge of the sea and only reachable by foot or boat.
After exploring the abbey, you can have lunch here – either a picnic on the beach or at one of the restaurants, you can either take a boat to Portofino or hike there (our recommendation) making your way up to Base O which has picnic tables and makes for a great rest stop.
From there, you’ll continue hiking through terraced olive groves until you reach Portofino. Stop to admire the yachts, visit the castle Castello Brown, or check out the high-end shops. When you’re done exploring, head to the train station to take the train or go by boat back to Camogli.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Camogli
- Transfer: Taxi from Camogli to San Rocco (cost: ~ €30€, not included).
- If you wish to hike this section and skip the transfer: 1.7 km and 215m ascent
- Hiking Distance:
- 11.5 km, 670 m ascent / 890m descent to Portofino,
- or 7 km 370 m ascent / 590 m descent to San Fruttuoso
Day 3: Hike from Levanto to Framura
The first part of your hike today runs along an old railway that’s been transformed into a relatively flat cycling path.
You’ll hike through tunnels and bridges with spectacular views over the sea and the cliffs until you arrive at the seaside town of Bonassola.
The second part of this walk (Bonassola – Framura) is extremely panoramic with wonderful views over the northern Ligurian Coast. You’ll return to Levanto by train. (not included)
- Accommodation: Hotel in Levanto
- Hiking Distance: 8.2 km, 560 m ascent / 545m descent
- Note: train fare not included
Day 4: Hike from Levanto to Monterosso al Mare
Today, you hike up to the ridge to the lookout point of Punta Mesco. Here, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views over the hills surrounding the gulf.
Once you’ve had your fill of WOW, you’ll head downhill towards the charming village of Monterosso, the first Cinque Terre village that you’ll be visiting. You’ll spend the night here.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Monterosso
- Hiking Distance: 8 km, 440 m ascent / 435m descent
Day 5: From Soviore Monastery Hike the Coastal Path Between the Cinque Terre Villages of Vernazza and Monterosso
Today you’ll take a short transfer to Soviore Monastery which dates back to the 11th-century. We recommend a short visit before starting the hike back to Monterosso from Vernazza.
From the sanctuary, you’ll walk on an asphalt road for 1.5km, before taking a nice panoramic path with a gradual descent to the Sanctuary of Madonna di Reggio. You’ll continue walking on a stone path down to Vernazza.
From there, walk the panoramic coastal path back to Monterosso. To shorten the walk, you can take a train in Vernazza back to Monterosso, but we highly recommend the walk.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Monterosso
- Hiking Distance: 10.1 km, 643 m ascent, 4 hour (to Monterosso), 5.8 km, 266 m, 3 hours (to Vernazza)
- Note: transfer to Savoire Monastery not included
Day 6: Choice of Hike in and Around the Cinque Terre
Take is your day to enjoy the sun and the blue sea of the Cinque Terre or continue exploring on foot with one of the following two walks.
Option A: Hike Monterosso Loop via Colle di Gritta
You’ll head inland past the ‘Chiesa dei Cappucini’ to Colla di Gritta. Continue over the graceful mountain ridge through stretches of lush forests, passing over Monte Molinelli, Monte Rossini, Montenegro and Colla dei Bagari until you reach the lookout point of Punta Mesco.
Here you can opt for a short extension to the ruins of Sant’ Antonio del Mesco. Return to Monterosso by descending a series of captivating old stone footpaths. The trail is steep and in some short parts has been ruined by rain so be careful with your footing. Choose this route if you want to walk on quieter trails.
- Hiking Distance: 9 km, 690 m ascent, 4.5 hours
Option B: Hike From Corniglia-Volastra-Riomaggiore
A short train ride takes you to the Cinque Terre medieval village of Corniglia where you’ll start walking. The first part is quite steep (but oh so worth it). Then, you’ll take the path to Volastra where the route flattens out and becomes incredibly panoramic as you make your way to the Cinque Terre Village of Manarola.
The last section to Riomaggiore, the most popular of all the Cinque Terre villages is on steep stairs. If you’re looking to see the best that the Cinque Terre offers, we recommend this route. From Riomaggiore take a train back to Monterosso (not included).
- Accommodation: Hotel in Monterosso
- Hiking Distance: 10 km, 471 m ascent, 4 hours
- Note: Train fare to Corniglia not included
Day 7: Walk from Riomaggiore to Portovenere
You’ll take a short train ride to the famed Cinque Terre village of Riomaggiore. From where you’ll quickly leave the crowds as you walk to the edge of the hill which borders the Cinque Terre area.
From Colle del Telegrafo, you’ll follow the edge till you reach Portovenere, passing through the village of Campiglia. The day’s itinerary is spectacular, thanks to the great views over the Cinque Terre coastline and the impressive cliffs of Portovenere at the end.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Portovenere
- Hiking Distance: 17 km, 723 m ascent, 4.5 hours
- Note: train fare to Riomaggiore not included
Day 8: Arrivederci Cinque Terre!
It’s time to say Arrivederci. Your Cinque Terre walking tour is sadly over.
It’s time to head to La Spezia, or you next destination after your breakfast.
From La Spezia you can easily reach airports in Pisa, Genoa, Florence and Milan, if you wish to continue your travels in Italy.
Note: taxi to La Spezia not included
CINQUE TERRE HIKING TOUR PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
Mar 1st – 31st & Oct 1st – 31st: €1250 pp based on double accommodation
April 1st – Sept 30th: €1395 pp based on double accommodaton
30% is due when you book. Your remaining balance is due 40 days in advance. You can see the booking terms and conditions here.
Availability
Our Cinque Terre Walking Tour is available from March 1st to Oct 31st.
Accommodation
We use comfortable 3-star hotels (or equivalent)with a friendly family-run atmosphere. You’ll have a private bathroom, and a delicious Italian breakfast is included each morning (except on your arrival day).
WHAT’S INCLUDED
✔ 7 nights of accommodation in a 3-star hotel or equivalent
✔ 7 Breakfasts (Every day except the first day)
✔ Luggage transfer from Levanto to Monterosso and from Monterosso to Portovenere
✔ 2- day Cinque Terre card which covers the hiking permit
✔ Detailed route description, trip notes, walking times, GPS navigation routes
✔ Unlimited email support pre-tour
-✔ Phone support while on your tour in case of emergency
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Airport Transfers. Check out our article: How to Get to Cinque Terre
- Transfers (trains, boats, and buses ), when required are not included unless stated
- Luggage transfer from Camogli to Levanto (you take it on the train with you)
- Hotel tax each night
- Lunches and dinners
- Travel insurance that covers you for this tour and includes emergency evacuation and hospital care in the unlikely incident that you get injured. HeyMondo insurance covers this which is why we recommend it. Plus, you’ll get a 5% discount for booking with Monkeys and Mountains.
- Anything not indicated above.
How We Work
Ready to hit the trails with confidence? 🥾 Book with us, your adventure matchmakers and secure your seamless Cinque Terre adventure! Once you’ve completed your tour reservation through us, our trusted local partners take over, handling all your tour logistics, from accommodations to routes, so you can focus on enjoying your hike and eating delicious Italian food. We’ve curated the best experience (and tested it ourselves multiple times) for a hassle-free trip. 🏞️ Your dream hike, made easy – let’s get you out there!
Benefits of Booking Your Cinque Terre Hiking Tour (Self-Guided) With Us:
✅ Save Time & Skip the Hassle – We handle all your accommodations across the scenic Cinque Terre, so you can avoid the time-consuming calls and emails. Just focus on enjoying your adventure!
✅ Designed by Hikers, for Hikers – Our tour is expertly crafted with insider knowledge and in collaboration with local experts in the Cinque Terre, ensuring you get an exceptional hiking experience every step of the way.
✅ Flexible Hiking Options – Want to take it easy? Choose alternative routes where available, allowing you to rest and recharge while still soaking in the beauty of the Italian Riviera.
✅ Hike on Your Own Schedule – Set your own pace and explore the Cinque Terre with the people you choose, giving you the ultimate freedom to craft your perfect adventure.
✅ Prime Accommodations – Using our local knowledge, we secure the best stays in the Cinque Terre.
✅ Unbeatable Value – Experience the freedom of a self-guided hike at a fraction of the cost of a guided tour, without compromising the quality of your Italian Riviera adventure!
✅ We’re Just a Call Away – Need help during your trip? We’re always available by phone for any support you might need, ensuring peace of mind throughout your journey.
GETTING TO ITALY
Check out our guide: How to Get to Cinque Terre
By plane:
The closest airport to Camogli is Genoa, followed by Pisa. You can also fly into Milan, which is often cheaper.
I find the best deals on Skyscanner and book most of my flights through them.
Note: We highly recommend waiting to book your flights or making other travel arrangements until you receive an email from us notifying you that all your accommodation has been confirmed.
By train:
There are frequent trains from Milan, Pisa and Genova to Camogli (where your trip starts) and Portoverne (where your trip ends).
Refer to this site for train and bus options.
Self-Guided Cinque Terre Hiking Tour Reviews
You can also see more client reviews on our Facebook page and on our Google Profile page.
What You Need to Know About Your Self-Guided Cinque Terre Hiking Tour
Our self-guided Cinque Terre hiking tour is perfect if you enjoy having everything planned for you, with the freedom to explore on your own. Using a GPS route and well-marked paths, you’ll confidently navigate the trails—most first-timers find it easy to get the hang of. Plus, we offer a service hotline for any support you need along the way.
You should feel comfortable taking public transportation like trains and boats, which not only adds to the adventure but also keeps it budget-friendly.
Our Cinque Terre walking tour offers the best of both worlds—expert planning combined with the freedom to explore Cinque Terre’s vibrant villages, savor local wine and cuisine, and soak in stunning coastal views at your own pace. Once you try self-guided travel, you’ll be hooked!
How Fit Do You Need to Be to Do the Cinque Terre Hiking Tour?
You’ll need to be in good health and a regular walker or hiker. While the route isn’t technical, expect some steep sections, stairs, and slopes. You’ll hike on stone paths, old mule tracks, and narrow trails—at your own pace, which is the beauty of a self-guided hiking tour. Not sure if it’s right for you? Contact us, and we’ll help assess your fit!
