Cinque Terre Coastal Walk, from Levanto to Portovenere

Day 1

Your tour will begin in the charming coastal town of Levanto (on the main Genoa/Rome railway line).

Day 2

Your first walk takes you along a stunning coastal path, meandering through woods and fragrant Mediterranean scrub with breathtaking views of the gulf and the five villages of Cinque Terre. Along the way, you’ll pass the ruins of an abandoned convent before descending into the first village of the Cinque Terre.
(3hrs; 6.5km; min: 0m, max: 314m)

Day 3

Today’s walk begins on the famous Sentiero Azzurro, the renowned path connecting the five villages of the Cinque Terre. The trail winds along cliffs and terraces, offering spectacular views of the bays and villages, eventually leading you to Vernazza.
(2.5hrs; 5km; min: 3m, max: 200m)

Day 4

This morning, you’ll continue along the Sentiero Azzurro, passing through olive groves with views of the ancient terraces climbing the mountains above you. You’ll visit two more Cinque Terre villages, with the option to stop for lunch, before continuing on to the final village where you’ll stay overnight.
(2hrs; 7km; 184m ascent)

If the path between Corniglia and Manarola is still under restoration, an alternative high route through the vineyards of Volastra is available, offering equally beautiful views.
(2hrs; 6km; min: 2m, max: 186m)

Day 5

Today’s walk takes you high above the eastern part of the gulf to Portovenere. It’s a challenging climb to the ridge, with the first stop at a religious sanctuary before continuing through forest to the summit (600m asl). From here, you’ll gradually descend to a small village for a break, followed by a long, steady descent through the forest to the breathtaking town of Portovenere.
(4hrs; 14km; min: 5m, max: 563m)

Day 6

This morning’s walk begins with a short boat ride across the narrow waterway separating Portovenere from a fascinating island, home to a small fishing village and the remains of an 11th-century monastery. After exploring the island, you’ll return by boat to Portovenere.
(2hrs; 6km; min: 1m, max: 181m)

Day 7

After breakfast, you’ll be privately transferred to La Spezia (30 minutes away), a bustling port town known for its excellent museums, picturesque harbour, and vibrant daily markets. La Spezia has regular rail connections to Rome, Florence, and Milan.

If you wish – Extend your journey by 4 days to explore Santa Margherita and Portofino!

See below for details.

Optional Day 1

Santa Margherita Ligure, a lively and picturesque port, sits at the base of the stunning Portofino National Park—a promontory surrounded by cliffs and small coves, offering some of the most rewarding walks on the Italian Riviera. The park’s slopes are blanketed with wild thyme, pine, and holm oak, and the summit provides spectacular views of the coastline. Santa Margherita is easily accessible by rail or road, making it an ideal base for exploring this fascinating part of the Ligurian coast.

Optional Day 2

Today’s walk begins with a short ferry ride around the promontory to a beautifully restored 1,000-year-old abbey nestled in a tiny bay, accessible only by water or foot. From here, an ancient trail leads you through forests up to the top of the national park, then descends through olive groves into Santa Margherita. Along the way, you can opt to visit the charming port of Portofino, known for its picturesque bay, cypress pines, olive groves, and luxurious yachts.
(3 hrs; 9 km; 463m ascent, 453m descent)

Optional Day 3

Take a short train ride to a quaint fishing port on the western side of the national park. This spectacular walk follows the coast around the headland, rises to the ridge, cuts through forests, and gently descends through olive groves and palm trees to the abbey. Here, you can enjoy lunch before catching a ferry back to Santa Margherita.
(3hrs; 8km; 537m ascent, 558m descent)

Optional Day 4

Santa Margherita is just a 40-minute drive from Levanto, the starting point of the Cinque Terre walk. This transfer is included in the cost if you choose to combine both tours.