Cinque Terre Hiking Tour on the Italian Riviera
Hike cliff-top trails from Camogli past Portofino and through the five Cinque Terre villages to Portovenere. We book all 7 nights and move your luggage, so your only job is to hike, swim and eat your way along the coast.
TL;DR
Our self-guided Cinque Terre hiking tour spends 8 days (6 hiking days) on the Italian Riviera: from Camogli to San Fruttuoso Abbey and Portofino, along the coast from Levanto, through the five Cinque Terre villages, and over the cliffs to Portovenere. Hike every day and you cover 55.0 to 64.8 km (34 to 40 miles), it is graded a Good first trip, and every stone staircase counts toward tonight’s gelato.
This is hiking at the pace of la dolce vita: pesto where it was invented, seafood straight off the boat, a chilled glass of Ligurian white as the sun goes down, and a long lunch whenever the view deserves one.
We book 7 nights in family-run 3-star hotels with breakfast, your luggage is moved for you on Day 4 and Day 7, and every tour includes a free custom training plan (valued at €300) and WhatsApp support throughout your trip.
Worried the steep stairs will be too much? Take the boat to Portofino on Day 2 or the train back from Vernazza on Day 5, and Day 6 can be a rest day by the sea, so you decide how hard each day is.
“We were nervous about our first self-guided hike, but it couldn’t have been easier.” – Michael
Cinque Terre Hiking Tour From Camogli to Portovenere: Tour at a Glance
| Start and finish | Camogli to Portovenere, via Portofino and the five Cinque Terre villages |
|---|---|
| Tour length | 8 days, 7 nights, 6 hiking days |
| Distance | 55.0 to 64.8 km (34 to 40 miles) if you hike every day |
| Total ascent | 2,830 to 3,726 m (9,280 to 12,220 ft) |
| Difficulty | Good first trip |
| Price | From €1,495 per person (March and October starts), €1,649 April to September, based on double accommodation |
| Accommodation | 7 nights in family-run 3-star hotels or equivalent, private bathroom |
| Luggage | Transferred on Day 4 and Day 7 |
| Season | March 1 to October 31 (we recommend spring or fall before it’s too hot) |
| Support | WhatsApp support throughout your trip |
| Training | Free custom training plan (valued at €300) |
Highlights of Your Cinque Terre Hiking Tour on the Italian Riviera
- Hike through the five Cinque Terre villages, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, on coastal paths and more stone stairs than your quads were told about.
- Hike to San Fruttuoso Abbey, a medieval monastery you can only reach on foot or by boat, then on through olive groves to Portofino’s yacht-filled harbor.
- Leave the crowds behind on the cliff-top hike from Riomaggiore to Portovenere, the most dramatic scenery on the route.
- Hike through old railway tunnels from Levanto to Bonassola, then on to Framura on the quieter northern Ligurian coast.
- Eat your way along the coast: pesto in the region that invented it, fresh fish and seafood by the harbor, warm focaccia straight from the bakery and gelato after every set of stairs.
- Finish each day the Italian way, with a glass of Ligurian white wine, your feet up and the sea in front of you.
- Get a free personalized fitness plan built for the Cinque Terre hiking tour, so the stairs feel like part of the fun.
Cinque Terre Hiking Tour Overview: Portofino, the Five Villages and Portovenere
Picture this: you set off from a fishing village in the morning, eat lunch beside a medieval abbey you can only reach on foot or by boat, and finish the day watching yachts in Portofino. That is just Day 2. Our self-guided Cinque Terre hiking tour spends 8 days on the Italian Riviera, from Camogli to Portovenere, and links the five villages of the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Beyond the famous routes, you hike quieter paths through pine forests, over the lookout at Punta Mesco and along an old railway line from Levanto to Bonassola, with sea views most visitors miss.
One of the highlights is Day 7 from Riomaggiore to Portovenere. You leave the crowds within minutes and follow the cliffs all the way to Portovenere, with some of the most dramatic scenery on the route.
You will love our Cinque Terre hiking tour if you want an active vacation that balances adventure and la dolce vita: hike in the morning, then take your time over trofie al pesto, fresh seafood and a glass of local white wine by the sea. Some sections are steep, with plenty of stairs, but the route is not technical, and Days 2, 5 and 6 all have easier options.
A hiking holiday in Cinque Terre, Italy is a great way to see the famous spots and the quiet corners most visitors miss, and those quiet corners are our favorite part of the route.
Your Free Personalized Cinque Terre Fitness Plan (€300 Value)
Every Cinque Terre hiking tour booking includes a training plan built for this route, your current fitness level and where you live, even if it is flat as a table. The villages are joined by steep stone stairs, and Day 7 from Riomaggiore to Portovenere asks for 723 m (2,372 ft) of climbing over 17 km (10.6 miles). Put the work in now and your future self, somewhere above Manarola, will be extremely grateful.
How It Works
You Hike the Stairs. We Handle the Cinque Terre Logistics.
Book securely online
Choose a start date between March 1 and October 31 and complete our booking form. A 30% deposit holds your dates, and the balance is due 40 days before you hike.
We book every night
We reserve all 7 nights in family-run 3-star hotels in Camogli, Levanto, Monterosso and Portovenere, and we let you know once all your accommodation is confirmed, so you know when it is safe to book flights.
Your route info arrives
GPS navigation routes, a detailed route description with hiking times, and your free personalized fitness plan (€300 value).
You hike
Set off at your own pace with your own people, and take as long over lunch as you like. WhatsApp support is there throughout your Cinque Terre hiking trip if you need us.
As a small company working with trusted local partners, we actually remember your name and truly care about your trip. Just check out our reviews: happy hikers, repeat adventurers, and rewards when you refer friends.
Self-Guided Cinque Terre Hiking Tour With Us vs. Planning It Yourself vs. a Guided Group Tour
| DIY / Self-Planned | Guided Group Tour | Monkeys and Mountains Self-Guided Cinque Terre Hiking Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation booked for you | No, you book 7 nights yourself, in 4 different towns | Yes | Yes |
| Freedom to hike your own pace | Yes | No, you move with the group | Yes |
| Start earlier or later depending on how you feel | Yes | No, fixed group departure times | Yes |
| Easier options when your legs need a break | You work them out yourself | The group decides | Yes: boat to Portofino (Day 2), train from Vernazza (Day 5), beach day (Day 6) |
| Personalized fitness plan | No | Rarely | Yes, free, €300 value |
| Best value for money | Cheapest, but time consuming | Most expensive | ⭐ Best value |
| Support if something goes wrong | You are on your own | Guide present at all times | WhatsApp support throughout your trip |
| Route planning and navigation | You research and plan it | Guide navigates for you | GPS navigation routes and a detailed route description |
If you are comparing hiking tours in Cinque Terre, Italy, here is the short version. Planning it yourself is the cheapest option, but it is time consuming: you book 7 nights across Camogli, Levanto, Monterosso and Portovenere and work out which trails, trains and boats link them. A guided group tour does the planning for you, but it is the most expensive option and you hike at the group’s pace. Our self-guided Cinque Terre hiking tour sits in between: we book your hotels, you hike at your own pace with your own people, and you get GPS routes, a free training plan and WhatsApp support.
Cinque Terre Hiking Itinerary: 8 Days From Camogli to Portovenere (6 Hiking Days)
Drop your bags, step outside and breathe in that Mediterranean air that says “I’m on vacation.” Camogli is a fishing village and the starting point of your Cinque Terre hiking tour.
Explore the historic center, take a photo of the ruins of Castello della Dragonara, or claim a spot on the rocky beach and call it “resting before tomorrow’s hike.” Nobody needs to know.
Camogli is known for its focaccia and its fried fish, so dinner tonight is the easy part: a table by the water, fresh seafood and a glass of Ligurian white.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Camogli
Your first hiking day starts with a taxi from Camogli up to San Rocco, known for its church and church square. Prefer to earn it? Skip the taxi and hike up instead.
From San Rocco, a shaded path climbs to a picnic area in the woods, then drops through an oak-filled ravine to San Fruttuoso, an abbey hidden at the edge of the sea. You can only get here on foot or by boat, which makes lunch feel extra special. Picnic on the beach or grab a table at one of the restaurants.
Then choose: the boat to Portofino, or hike there (our recommendation) up to Base O, where picnic tables make a great rest stop, and on through terraced olive groves. In Portofino, admire the yachts, visit Castello Brown or browse the high-end shops like you are definitely just looking. When you are done, head back to Camogli.
- Hiking today: 11.5 km (7.1 miles), 670 m (2,198 ft) ascent, 890 m (2,920 ft) descent to Portofino, or 7 km (4.3 miles), 370 m (1,214 ft) ascent, 590 m (1,936 ft) descent to San Fruttuoso
- Optional: hike to San Rocco instead of the taxi, 1.7 km (1.1 miles) and 215 m (705 ft) ascent
- Transfer: taxi from Camogli to San Rocco (about €30, not included)
- Accommodation: Hotel in Camogli
Pack up and take the train (about 1 hour) to Levanto, where you drop your luggage at your hotel before you hike. Yes, today you are your own luggage transfer. It is one train ride, and the hard part is over before you start.
The first stretch follows an old railway line turned into a relatively flat cycling path, through tunnels and over bridges with the sea on one side and cliffs on the other, all the way to the seaside town of Bonassola. Enjoy the flat part. Your stairs are coming.
From Bonassola to Framura the trail gets properly panoramic, with wide views over the northern Ligurian coast. Then it is the train back to Levanto for the night.
- Hiking today: 8.2 km (5.1 miles), 560 m (1,837 ft) ascent, 545 m (1,788 ft) descent
- Note: train fares not included
- Accommodation: Hotel in Levanto
Today you climb to the ridge and the lookout at Punta Mesco, with views over the hills wrapped around the gulf. Take your time up here. The photos come out better when you are not panting.
Once you have had your fill of the view, you head downhill to Monterosso al Mare, the first Cinque Terre village on your tour and your home for the next three nights. Your luggage is already waiting at the hotel, which feels like a small miracle after yesterday. Monterosso is the place for anchovies, pesto and a long aperitivo by the beach, and you have three nights to work through all of it.
- Hiking today: 8 km (5 miles), 440 m (1,444 ft) ascent, 435 m (1,427 ft) descent
- Luggage: transferred to your hotel in Monterosso
- Accommodation: Hotel in Monterosso
A short transfer of less than 15 minutes takes you up to Soviore Monastery, the Santuario Nostra Signora di Soviore. It is the oldest Marian sanctuary in Liguria, perched 450 m (1,476 ft) above the sea on the hills above Monterosso al Mare, and the viewpoint over the coast is worth the stop on its own. Take a few minutes to look inside before you start hiking.
From the sanctuary, you follow an asphalt road for 1.5 km (0.9 miles), then a panoramic path eases down to the Sanctuary of Madonna di Reggio, and a stone path leads you into Vernazza. Gelato here is technically optional. We just don’t recommend skipping it.
From Vernazza, you hike the Sentiero Azzurro (the Blue Trail), the coastal path back to Monterosso. If your legs vote no, the train from Vernazza takes you back to Monterosso, but we highly recommend the full hike.
- Hiking today: 10.1 km (6.3 miles), 643 m (2,110 ft) ascent, about 4 hours, to Monterosso; or 5.8 km (3.6 miles), 266 m (873 ft) ascent, about 3 hours, to Vernazza
- Note: transfer to Soviore Monastery not included
- Accommodation: Hotel in Monterosso
Today is yours. Spend it by the blue sea of the Cinque Terre, or pick one of two hikes.
Option A: Monterosso loop via Colle di Gritta. Want quieter trails? Head inland past the Chiesa dei Cappuccini to Colle di Gritta and follow the ridge through stretches of forest over Monte Molinelli, Monte Rossini, Montenegro and Colla dei Bagari to the lookout at Punta Mesco. Add the short detour to the ruins of Sant’Antonio del Mesco if you like, then descend old stone footpaths to Monterosso. The trail is steep and some short parts have been damaged by rain, so watch your footing.
- Hiking today: 9 km (5.6 miles), 690 m (2,264 ft) ascent, about 4.5 hours
Option B: Corniglia to Riomaggiore via Volastra. Want the best of the Cinque Terre in one day? This is it. A short train ride takes you to the medieval village of Corniglia, and the first climb is steep (but oh so worth it). At Volastra the path flattens out and the views open up all the way to Manarola. The last stretch into Riomaggiore, the most popular Cinque Terre village, is on steep stairs. Then take the train back to Monterosso.
- Hiking today: 10 km (6.2 miles), 471 m (1,545 ft) ascent, about 4 hours
- Note: train fares to Corniglia and from Riomaggiore not included
- Accommodation: Hotel in Monterosso
A short train ride takes you to Riomaggiore, and within minutes of starting to hike, the crowds are gone. You climb to the edge of the hill that borders the Cinque Terre area.
From Colle del Telegrafo, you follow the edge all the way to Portovenere, passing through the village of Campiglia, with long views back over the Cinque Terre coastline you have just spent days hiking. The finale is the cliffs of Portovenere.
At 17 km, it is your longest day. Because this is a self-guided tour, it is also entirely optional: if you would rather spend the day on the beach with a gelato and take the boat or train to Portovenere instead, that is a perfectly good day too. Either way your luggage is waiting at your hotel in Portovenere, and so is dinner by the harbor.
- Hiking today: 17 km (10.6 miles), 723 m (2,372 ft) ascent, about 4.5 hours
- Note: train fare to Riomaggiore not included
- Luggage: transferred to your hotel in Portovenere
- Accommodation: Hotel in Portovenere
You did it. From Camogli to Portovenere you hiked up to 64.8 km (40 miles) and climbed up to 3,726 m (12,220 ft), past Portofino and through the Cinque Terre, one staircase at a time. Consider every gelato, every plate of trofie al pesto and every glass of white wine fully justified.
After breakfast, head to La Spezia or on to your next destination. From La Spezia you can easily reach the airports in Pisa, Genoa, Florence and Milan if you are continuing your travels in Italy.
- Note: taxi to La Spezia not included
How Much Does the Cinque Terre Hiking Tour Cost? 2027 Prices and Start Dates
CINQUE TERRE, CAMOGLI TO PORTOVENERE:
8-day self-guided hiking tour
PRICE:
From €1,495
AVAILABILITY:
March 1st – October 31st
30% is due when you book. The remainder is due 40 days in advance.
- Price per person, March and October: €1,495 based on double accommodation, for start dates from March 1 to 31 and October 1 to 31.
- Price per person, April to September: €1,649 based on double accommodation, for start dates from April 1 to September 30.
- Single supplement: €739 for March and October start dates, or €789 from April to September, which covers your own room every night.
- Season: start dates run from March 1 to October 31. We recommend spring or fall, before it’s too hot.
- Extra nights before or after your tour are quoted for your dates. Contact us and we will price them.
See our booking terms and conditions.
Book with confidence
A 30% deposit holds your dates, balance due 40 days before you hike
We book every night of your trip, and if we can’t secure your accommodation, you get a full refund
WhatsApp support from our local partners throughout your trip
Rated 4.9/5 from 187 hiker reviews
8 Days. Self-Guided. Camogli to Portovenere.
Book Your Cinque Terre Hiking Tour Questions? Contact UsCinque Terre Hiking Tour Inclusions
WHAT’S INCLUDED
✔ 7 nights in family-run 3-star hotels or equivalent, with a private bathroom: 2 nights in Camogli, 1 in Levanto, 3 in Monterosso and 1 in Portovenere
✔ 7 breakfasts, every day except your arrival day
✔ 6 days of hiking, with easier options on Days 2, 5 and 6
✔ Luggage transfer on Day 4 (Levanto to Monterosso) and Day 7 (Monterosso to Portovenere)
✔ 2-day Cinque Terre card, which covers the hiking permit
✔ Detailed route description, trip notes, hiking times and GPS navigation routes
✔ Unlimited email support pre-tour
✔ WhatsApp support throughout your trip
✔ Personalized Training Plan for the Cinque Terre (valued at €300), free with your booking
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Travel insurance and trip cancellation insurance that covers you for this tour and includes emergency evacuation and hospital care in the unlikely event that you get injured. We recommend our free Adventure Travel Insurance Finder, which finds the best policy based on your needs.
- Flights and airport transfers. See our guide on how to get to Cinque Terre.
- Trains, boats and buses, unless stated.
- The taxi from Camogli to San Rocco on Day 2 (about €30) and the transfer to Soviore Monastery on Day 5.
- Luggage transfer on Day 3: you take it on the train to Levanto and drop it off at your hotel, before you start hiking.
- The taxi to La Spezia on Day 8.
- Hotel tax each night.
- Lunches and dinners, so you eat where you want, when you want.
- Anything not indicated above.
Reviews of Our Self-Guided Cinque Terre Hiking Tours
You can also see more client reviews on our Facebook page.
★★★★★
“We loved how effortless this tour was! Everything was organized, but we still felt like adventurers! The coastal trails, charming villages, and amazing food made this the perfect Cinque Terre girls getaway. Thank you to Laurel and her team for such an amazing trip!”
Margaret
★★★★★
“We were nervous about our first self-guided hike, but it couldn’t have been easier. The instructions were clear, the views were unbelievable, and having the freedom to stop and explore the villages at our own pace was incredible. Best hiking trip ever! Highly recommend Monkeys and Mountains”
Michael
★★★★★
“The service was top-notch, and the self-guided format made it so easy to take in the stunning scenery at our own pace. We hiked through vineyards, enjoyed delicious local food, drank too much wine, ate gelato every day and discovered trails we would have never found on our own!”
Anne
★★★★★
“Exploring Cinque Terre at my own pace was the best decision I made and the highlight of my Italy trip. The breathtaking views, charming villages, and freedom to choose my route made it an unforgettable experience. The support team was just a phone call away if I needed anything, which gave me so much peace of mind as a solo traveller!”
Lisa
★★★★★
“The self-guided tour was perfect for us! We loved having everything planned, but still having the flexibility to explore Cinque Terre on our own. Every hike revealed something more stunning than the last. Highly recommend this tour and Monkeys and Mountains if you want a mix of adventure and relaxation.”
Jim & Christine
★★★★★
“Cinque Terre is a dream, and this tour made it even more magical! Every hike brought us to new and spectacular views, and the mix of flexibility and support was perfect. We’ll definitely be back for another adventure with Monkeys and Mountains.”
Jen
Your Tour Planner
Laurel Robbins, Founder of Monkeys and Mountains
Laurel has hiked parts of this route many times, twice on her own, so if you are a woman thinking about hiking the Cinque Terre solo, she can tell you first-hand that it feels safe and sociable. She has been running self-guided hiking tours for 8 years and hiking for more than 25, she lives in Europe close to the trails our tours use, and she has strong opinions about where the best gelato is.
How to Get to the Cinque Terre Hiking Tour: Flights and Trains to Camogli
Check out our guide: How to Get to Cinque Terre
Flying to the Cinque Terre Hiking Tour: Genoa, Pisa or Milan
The closest airport to Camogli, where your Cinque Terre hiking tour starts, is Genoa, followed by Pisa. You can also fly into Milan, which is often cheaper. We recommend Skyscanner to compare flights.
Please wait to book your flights until we have confirmed all of your accommodation.
Trains to Camogli and Home From La Spezia
There are frequent trains from Milan, Pisa and Genoa to Camogli, where your trip starts. Your tour ends in Portovenere, and from nearby La Spezia there are trains to Pisa, Genoa, Florence and Milan.
Cinque Terre Hiking Tour Info: Accommodation, Luggage, Fitness and Getting Around
Start dates for the Cinque Terre hiking tour run from March 1 to October 31 (we recommend spring or fall before it’s too hot).
Our self-guided Cinque Terre hiking tour is perfect if you like having everything planned, with the freedom to explore on your own. Using GPS routes and well-marked paths, you’ll navigate the trails with confidence, and most first-timers get the hang of it quickly. Plus, you’ll have WhatsApp support for anything you need along the way. You should feel comfortable taking trains and boats, which adds to the adventure and keeps it budget-friendly. Once you try self-guided travel, you’ll be hooked!
Your luggage is transferred for you on Day 4 (Levanto to Monterosso) and Day 7 (Monterosso to Portovenere). On Day 3 you take it on the train to Levanto and drop it off at your hotel, before you start hiking. The rest of the time you stay put, including three nights in Monterosso.
The Cinque Terre hiking tour is graded a Good first trip, and you’ll still need some basic fitness. The route isn’t technical, but expect steep sections and plenty of stone stairs. Your longest day is 17 km (10.6 miles) with 723 m (2,372 ft) of ascent, and Days 2, 5 and 6 have easier options. Your free personalized fitness plan gets you ready for exactly this.
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). You stay 2 nights in Camogli, 1 in Levanto, 3 in Monterosso and 1 in Portovenere.
Breakfast is included every morning except your arrival day. Lunches and dinners aren’t included, which leaves you free for a picnic on the beach at San Fruttuoso, seafood by the harbor or pesto in Monterosso.
Low hiking shoes and a day pack are all you need for the Cinque Terre hiking tour. Hiking poles aren’t necessary, and if you bring them, make sure they have rubber grips on the bottom, because there are a lot of stairs.
A 2-day Cinque Terre card, which covers the hiking permit, is included. Some days use short train or boat rides (fares not included), and a car isn’t recommended because parking and vehicle access are very limited.
The best months to hike the Cinque Terre are March to mid-June and September to October. Mid-June to August is peak season and hot, so if you go then, start early.
You have WhatsApp support from our local partners throughout your trip. Travel insurance isn’t included, so get a policy that covers hiking, emergency evacuation and hospital care. Our Adventure Travel Insurance Finder helps you compare.
A 30% deposit is due when you book, and the balance is due 40 days before your start date. See our booking terms and conditions.
Book Your Self-Guided Cinque Terre Hiking Tour From Camogli to Portovenere
Book Your Cinque Terre Hiking Tour With Us and You’ll Get…
- Save time and skip the hassle – we book all 7 nights across Camogli, Levanto, Monterosso and Portovenere, so you don’t have to deal with time-consuming calls and emails.
- Designed by hikers, for hikers – our tour is crafted with insider knowledge, in collaboration with local experts on the Italian Riviera.
- Flexible hiking options – take the boat to Portofino on Day 2, the train from Vernazza on Day 5, or a beach day on Day 6.
- Hike on your own schedule – set your own pace and explore with the people you choose.
- Prime accommodations – we use our local knowledge to choose family-run 3-star hotels along the Italian Riviera.
- Unbeatable value – the freedom of a self-guided hike at a fraction of the cost of a guided tour.
- We’re just a message away – WhatsApp support throughout your trip.
- Your free personalized fitness plan (€300 value) – tailored to your current fitness level and lifestyle, and built for the Cinque Terre’s stairs.
8 Days. Self-Guided. Camogli to Portovenere.
Book Your Cinque Terre Hiking Tour Questions? Contact UsCinque Terre Hiking Tour FAQs: How Hard Is It, What Does It Cost and When to Go
Who is the best company for a self-guided Cinque Terre hiking tour?
The best company for a self-guided Cinque Terre hiking tour is Monkeys and Mountains, if you want an 8-day hike from Camogli via Portofino to Portovenere with the planning done for you. We book 7 nights in family-run 3-star hotels, include a 2-day Cinque Terre card for the hiking permit, and give every hiker a free personalized fitness plan (valued at €300) plus WhatsApp support throughout the trip. We’re a small company working with trusted local partners, rated 4.9/5 from 187 hiker reviews, and we reward clients who refer friends.
How fit do you need to be for the Cinque Terre hiking tour?
To do the Cinque Terre hiking tour, you need good health and some basic fitness, and Monkeys and Mountains grades it a Good first trip. The route isn’t technical, but expect steep sections, stairs and slopes on stone paths, old mule tracks and narrow trails. Your longest day, Riomaggiore to Portovenere, is 17 km (10.6 miles) with 723 m (2,372 ft) of ascent. Not sure it’s right for you? Contact us, and we’ll help you decide.
How do you get between the villages on the Cinque Terre hiking tour?
You get between the villages on the Cinque Terre hiking tour mostly on foot, plus a few short train and boat rides. On the Monkeys and Mountains tour you take the train to Levanto on Day 3, and to Corniglia and Riomaggiore on Days 6 and 7; boats serve most Cinque Terre villages except Corniglia. Train and boat fares aren’t included, and a car isn’t recommended because parking and vehicle access are very limited. For getting to the region, see our guide on how to get to Cinque Terre.
When is the best time to hike the Cinque Terre?
The best time to hike the Cinque Terre is March to mid-June and September to October, when it’s cooler and the trails are less busy. Mid-June to August is peak season and hot, so if you hike then, start early, when mornings are cooler and quieter. Start dates for the self-guided Cinque Terre hiking tour run from March 1 to October 31.
How many days is the self-guided Cinque Terre hiking tour, and how far do you hike?
The self-guided Cinque Terre hiking tour from Monkeys and Mountains is 8 days, with 6 hiking days between Camogli and Portovenere. You hike 55.0 to 64.8 km (34 to 40 miles) in total, with 2,830 to 3,726 m (9,280 to 12,220 ft) of ascent, depending on the route options you choose. The longest day is Day 7, from Riomaggiore to Portovenere, at 17 km (11 miles). The tour runs from March 1 to October 31.
How hard is the self-guided Cinque Terre hiking tour?
The self-guided Cinque Terre hiking tour is graded a Good first trip by Monkeys and Mountains, and it suits hikers who want an active vacation that balances adventure and relaxation. You’ll still need some basic fitness, since there are steep sections and stairs, and every booking includes a free custom training plan to get you ready. Several days have easier options, like the boat to Portofino on Day 2 or the train back from Vernazza on Day 5.
Is the Cinque Terre hiking tour good for a first multi-day hike?
Yes, the Cinque Terre hiking tour is good for a first multi-day hike if you have some basic fitness, and Monkeys and Mountains grades it a Good first trip. The route isn’t technical, you get GPS routes for well-marked paths, and a free custom training plan helps you prepare. You’ll also take trains and boats between some villages, so it helps to feel comfortable using public transportation.
Where do you stay on the Cinque Terre hiking tour?
On the Cinque Terre hiking tour you stay 7 nights in comfortable, family-run 3-star hotels or equivalent, each with a private bathroom: 2 nights in Camogli, 1 in Levanto, 3 in Monterosso and 1 in Portovenere. An Italian breakfast is included every morning except your arrival day. Monkeys and Mountains and its trusted local partners handle all the accommodation bookings, so you don’t have to call or email hotels yourself.
Is luggage transfer included on the Cinque Terre hiking tour?
Luggage transfer is included on two days of the Monkeys and Mountains Cinque Terre hiking tour: Day 4, from Levanto to Monterosso, and Day 7, from Monterosso to Portovenere. On Day 3 you take your luggage on the train from Camogli to Levanto and drop it at your hotel before you start hiking. The rest of the time you stay put, including three nights in Monterosso.
Is the Cinque Terre hiking permit included on the self-guided Cinque Terre hiking tour?
Yes, the Cinque Terre hiking permit is included on the self-guided Cinque Terre hiking tour from Monkeys and Mountains, through a 2-day Cinque Terre card. Some day-to-day travel isn’t included, like train fares to trailheads, boats, the taxi to San Rocco on Day 2 and the transfer to Soviore Monastery on Day 5, so budget for those.
What is the nearest airport for the Cinque Terre hiking tour?
The nearest airport for the Cinque Terre hiking tour is Genoa, the closest to Camogli, where the tour starts, followed by Pisa. Milan is often cheaper to fly into, and there are frequent trains from Milan, Pisa and Genoa to Camogli. The tour ends in Portovenere, and from La Spezia you can reach the airports in Pisa, Genoa, Florence and Milan. Wait to book flights until Monkeys and Mountains emails to confirm all your accommodation. For every route to the region, including trains and transfers, see our guide on how to get to Cinque Terre.
How do you find your way on the self-guided Cinque Terre hiking tour?
You find your way on the self-guided Cinque Terre hiking tour with GPS navigation routes, a detailed route description, trip notes and hiking times, all included with your Monkeys and Mountains booking. The paths are well marked, and most first-timers find navigating easy to get the hang of. If you have a question on the trail, WhatsApp support is available throughout your trip. New to this style of trip? Our guide on how self-guided hiking tours work walks you through exactly what you get and who should skip one.
What happens if something goes wrong on the Cinque Terre hiking tour?
If something goes wrong on the Cinque Terre hiking tour, you have WhatsApp support throughout your trip, provided through Monkeys and Mountains’ trusted local partners. Travel insurance isn’t included, so get a policy that covers hiking in Italy, including emergency evacuation and hospital care. Our free Adventure Travel Insurance Finder can help you compare policies based on your needs.
How much does the Cinque Terre hiking tour cost with Monkeys and Mountains?
The Monkeys and Mountains Cinque Terre hiking tour costs €1,495 per person for March and October start dates and €1,649 per person for April to September start dates, based on double accommodation. The single supplement is €739 in March and October and €789 from April to September. A 30% deposit holds your dates, and the balance is due 40 days before you hike. Lunches, dinners, hotel tax, train and boat fares and the taxi to San Rocco on Day 2 (about €30) aren’t included.
Does the Cinque Terre hiking tour include Portofino?
Yes, the Monkeys and Mountains Cinque Terre hiking tour includes Portofino on Day 2. You hike from San Rocco above Camogli down to San Fruttuoso Abbey, then take the boat to Portofino or hike on through terraced olive groves, 11.5 km (7.1 miles) in total. From there the tour continues along the coast from Levanto, through the five Cinque Terre villages, to Portovenere.
Is the Cinque Terre hiking tour a small group tour?
No, the Monkeys and Mountains Cinque Terre hiking tour isn’t a small group tour. Unlike small group tours in Cinque Terre, it’s self-guided: you hike only with the people you choose, at your own pace, using GPS routes and a detailed route description. We book your hotels and the luggage transfers on Day 4 and Day 7, and WhatsApp support is there throughout your trip.
Can you do the Cinque Terre hiking tour solo?
Yes, you can do the Monkeys and Mountains Cinque Terre hiking tour solo, and it’s a great route to hike on your own. Our founder Laurel has hiked parts of it solo twice and found it safe and sociable, including as a woman hiking alone. Solo hikers pay a single supplement, which covers your own room every night.
Does the Cinque Terre hiking tour include the Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro)?
Yes, the Monkeys and Mountains Cinque Terre hiking tour includes the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) coastal path from Vernazza to Monterosso on Day 5, after a hike down from Soviore Monastery to Vernazza. The full day is 10.1 km (6.3 miles) with 643 m (2,110 ft) of ascent, and you can shorten it by taking the train from Vernazza back to Monterosso.
Photos From Our Cinque Terre Hiking Tours in Portofino, the Cinque Terre and Portovenere
8 Days. Self-Guided. Camogli to Portovenere.
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