The Cinque Terre & Portovenere Explored - CIN1
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But the area has more to offer than the Cinque Terre only: you will walk to the small town of Portovenere, where you will spend the last nights. On the last walking day you’ll visit Palmaria, a wonderful island just in front of Portovenere, at the entrance to the ‘Gulf of Poets’.
Of course you’ll have the time to explore lively Levanto, a charming medieval town with a broad beach, where you’ll stay during the first days of your tour. Levanto is a lively little town with a good beach and a charming medieval centre. As the town doesn’t live from tourism only, also out of season there is still some ‘local life’, with bars and restaurants open. Upon request you can then either move to one of the villages on the Cinque Terre coast (we recommend Riomaggiore) or travel by train to the start of the walks.
This is a moderately easy tour which is suitable for those who have some experience of walking and a good general physical condition. Through the extensive footpath network of the area you walk from village to village, between forest and vineyards, through a spectacular terraced landscape overlooking the sea. You also have the time to visit the historic towns of Levanto, Portovenere and of course the five charming villages which make up the ‘Cinque Terre’, little gems of colourful houses in a green landscape. Walking here is an unforgettable experience!
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Day 1
Arrival in Levanto. After settling in your hotel there is time for a short visit to the town centre and maybe a swim to wash off the tiredness of the journey.
Hotel in Levanto
Total walking time: around 1 hour + sightseeing time
Day 2
The first day walk takes you along the coast to Monterosso al Mare. The first part of the walk leads up towards Punta Mesco, the most notable promontory in the region. This is a good spot to stop for a picnic lunch. Just short of the point you can make a small detour to the ruins of an old 11th century hermitage and the nearby ‘semaforo’, from where you will enjoy marvellous views of the rugged coastline. Then you follow a fairly steep path down into Monterosso, a colourful village, with blue, red & yellow houses that cluster behind the beachfront. There is then time to explore the town before taking the local train back to Levanto. For those who want there is also the option to walk back from here, following a more inland forested path, which over the ridge brings us back behind the castle of Levanto.
Hotel in Levanto
Total walking time: around 3,5 hours + sightseeing time (4-5 hours with extra option).
Day 3
From Levanto you walk in western direction today. The first part of the walk goes along the beach, then the path goes up into the first hills and down to the little seaside village of Bonassola. Then it goes through the seaside hills towards the small ‘village’ of Framura, an aggregation of scattered hamlets on the hillside. From Costa, the highest hamlet, an almost level path contours the hills, with nice views over the sea. A steep descend brings you down to the next resort, Deiva Marina (with the option to continue to Moneglia or even Sestri Levante). This walk along the coast brings you through several charming little villages, where you have the time to drink a coffee or just relax. Also do you have the possibility to have lunch here. From all the villages on the way you can take the train back to Levanto, in case you want to shorten the walk.
Hotel in Levanto
Total walking time: around 3,5- 4 hours + sightseeing time (to Framura train station) + 2,5 hours (to Deiva Marina)
Day 4
You first take the train to Riomaggiore, the most southerly of the five villages, where you can already leave your luggage in the hotel. Then you start the most ‘classical’ of all walks in the Cinque Terre: the coastal path linking all five villages together. First you walk a short stretch along the famous ‘Sentiero del’Amore’ (‘Lover’s Walk’). Then you head for Manarola, an attractive little village with steep multi-coloured houses overlooking a rocky port. From here you hike up to the rural hamlet of Volastra, before descending back to Corniglia, perched on a ridge overlooking the sea, in the midst of stunning terraced vineyards, with awesome views over the whole area. Take your time to look around in Corniglia and then continue through terraced vineyards and the occasional citrus grove. As you approach Vernazza, dominated by its old fortress, you enjoy some of the best views in the region. You contour around the hillsides following a narrow track that leads us up and down, before a fairly steep descent brings us into the village itself. In Vernazza, arguably the prettiest of all the villages, there is time to ascend the castle tower for a stunning view of the port with its brightly painted boats. There are numerous cafés and bars where you can enjoy refreshment before taking the train back to your hotel.
Hotel in Riomaggiore
Total walking time: around 3,5 hours + sightseeing time (5,5 hours with extra option).
Day 5
Today’s walk takes you into the inland of the Cinque Terre, to the churches of Madonna di Reggio and Madonna di Saviore. You first take the train to Vernazza and then walk along the coast to Monterosso, approaching this beautiful little town from the other end. After a coffee break you start climbing up to the sanctuary of Madonna di Saviore. Here you can eat something or relax for a while, before walking on to the next sanctuary, that of Madonna di Reggio. Then the walk continues more or less along the contour lines; through the hills you walk to the little church of San Bernardo, with beautiful views over the coast, and from there you descend down to the coast at Vernazza again. A shorter option takes you directly from Madonna di Reggio, along a number of little chapels, back down to Vernazza.
Hotel in Riomaggiore
Total walking time: around 4,5 hours + sightseeing time.
Day 6
Today you walk in eastern direction. From Riomaggiore, you commence your walk to Campiglia and Portovenere. You first hike up a long flight of stairs to the Santuario della Madonna di Montenero (optional bus). Continuing uphill you begin contouring along the coastal cliffs, through terraced vineyards, enjoying wonderful views of the coastline framed by clear blue waters. You are now on the ‘Sentiero Rosso’, the ridge-top traverse that goes from one end of the Cinque Terre to the other. You pass through the little hamlet of Campiglia where you can stop for some refreshment. Walking down into the pine forest, the track narrows as you continue towards Portovenere with further spectacular views. Arriving at the 16th century castle above the village, you may be able to see the distant peaks of the Alpi Apuane before a long staircase takes us into the heart of the village. There is time to visit the charming village and Punta San Pietro, before settling in your hotel overlooking the Gulf of the Poets.
Hotel in Portovenere
Total walking time: around 4,5 hours + sightseeing time (5,5 hours with extra option).
Day 7
After the longer walk yesterday, today you’ll have some time to recover. There is the possibility to make an easy roundwalk over the island of Palmaria, just across the bay from Portovenere. By boat you make the short crossing and then you’ll have the whole day to discover the beauty of this very Mediterranean island, immersed in the dense vegetation, overlooking the cliffs with the seagulls and azure blue sky above you. Take some time as well to discover the impressive fortresses and perhaps go for a swim on one of the remote beaches. Upon returning by boat to the main land you still have time to visit the charming village of Portovenere itself and choose the restaurant for your last supper in the harbour of Venus.
Hotel in Portovenere
Total walking time: around 3,5 hours + sightseeing time.
Day 8
End of the tour.
An extension onto the amazing Peninsula of Portofino is strongly recommended!
N.B. Due to several problems along the paths of the Cinque Terre, the day walks may be subject to change. We monitor the state of the paths carefully and keep our route info up-to-date, to make sure you do the best possible walks. For more info have a look at our dedicated page: www.genius-loci.it/tour/cinque-terre-footpaths-hiking-trails The very frequent trains, which link all the villages, make it easy to modify the programme. It gives you all the freedom to do the walks in your own rhythm, or alternatively, do some sightseeing.
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
Accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis in 3-star quality hotels. All rooms have en-suite facilities.
Accommodation is on B&B basis, in all accommodations. So no evening meals are included, and you are free to choose from the wide choice of restaurants in the area. Your accommodation holder can give you good tips. On some occasions you can also choose to eat at the premises of the hotel.
No picnic lunches are included in the tour price, but these can be prepared for you by the accommodation holders, or materials for picnics can be purchased in the villages where you stay. On some occasions you have the option to have your lunch in a restaurant along the way.
Nights 1, 2 & 3: These are spent at Levanto, a nice old medieval city. Here we stay in a welcoming and comfortable hotel, centrally located at walking distance from the train station, all the main monuments of the medieval town centre and the sea shore.
Nights 4 & 5: These two nights are spent in the lively little village of Riomaggiore, the most eastern of the five villages, with colourful houses and a charming little harbour.
Nights 6 & 7: The last two nights are spent in the beautiful fishing village of Portovenere, on the Gulf of the Poets, in a comfortable hotel, overlooking the Bay.
UPGRADE/CHANGES IN ACCOMODATION
It is possible to do this tour, staying in more luxurious 4-star hotels. Accommodation in Monterosso – the biggest village of the Cinque Terre – is also available, either to substitute the days in Levanto, or those in Riomaggiore. Prices on request.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
Moderately easy (2-3): Mostly easy walks, on well maintained paths, but with nonetheless some walking uphill, sometimes on paths with rough surfaces. On some days extensions or shortcuts are possible.
Fitness: High standard of fitness is not necessary but clients should be able to walk for up to 5 hours a day in hot sun on dusty or stony tracks.
FOOT PATHS & WAYMARKING
Most paths are relatively well maintained, but during the season some paths can get overgrown (we are in continuous contact with local authorities to keep the paths clean – please help us by providing you feedback on the quality of the paths).
Waymarking: A large part of the route is waymarked (mainly by the parks); elsewhere it is necessary to follow the route descriptions provided together with the maps. With these it is always possible to find your rou
INCLUSIONS :
- 3 nights Hotel in Levanto – BB
- 2 nights in Riomaggiore – BB
- 2 nights in Portovenere – BB
- 1 Transfer luggage Riomaggiore – Portovenere (day 6)
- Extensive route notes, with description of the route & tourist information
- Maps at 1 : 25.000 scale
- 24/24 h local assistance
NOT INCLUDED:
- Departure taxes
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Drinks and meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional additional tours or activities
- Tips
- Items of personal nature
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
Arrival: The tour starts in LEVANTO. There are frequent trains from all directions. There is the possibility to park a car here (about € 12,00 /day).
Departure: The tour ends after breakfast on day 9 in Portovenere. The return is most easily made by train (from La Spezia – which can be reached by taxi or local bus).
N.B. Please note that there is no (cheap) parking space anywhere on the Cinque Terre except for Levanto!
EXTRA NIGHTS
It is possible to include extra nights in any of the accommodations en route. Extra walking or sightseeing options will be provided !!!
At the beginning or the end of the tour there is also an opportunity to visit Genova and/or Pisa / Florence, or spend some time on the beach, somewhere in Liguria. The tour can easily be extended with a few days in Pisa or Florence. Several good accommodations are available. Details & prices on request.
SHORTER & LONGER VERSIONS
An extension onto the amazing Peninsula of Portofino is strongly recommended!
Extra days can also be booked in any of the accommodations ‘en route’. Extra walking options will be provided!!!
A shorter, 6- or 7 -day version of this tour is also available. See also our other Cinque Terre tours !
The very frequent trains, which link all the villages, make it easy to modify the programme. It gives you all the freedom to do the walks in your own rhythm, or alternatively, do some sightseeing.
Therefore it would be also possible to opt for different accommodations on the Cinque Terre, without changing the walks, e.g. it would be possible to opt for only one accommodation on the Cinque Terre, instead of two (Levanto & Riomaggiore). This one accommodation could either be Levanto, Monterosso or Riomaggiore (we usually opt for Levanto, a slightly bigger place, more ‘lively’, with a good choice of restaurants and a broad beach).
 | You can book this tour with a minimum of 1 person. |
 | There are a very limited number of available places on these dates. Immediate booking is recommended. |
 | Availability and prices on request. |
- Prices are per person and based on the season within which the first night of the tour falls.
- Prices are based on 2 people sharing double or twin accommodation. Single rooms (double rooms – single) are available on most trips however the supplements listed apply.
- If you are travelling alone then on some trips (which include taxi transfers) a ‘Solo Traveller Supplement’ will be applied instead of the normal single supplement.
- Prices are expressed in Euro’s. There will never be a currency surcharge.
- Actual exchange rates: GB £ - US $ - CAN $ - CHF - DKK - SEK - NOK - Other currencies.
It is possible to include some extra nights in your tour, in any of the accommodations ‘en route’.
Extra walking or sightseeing options will be provided !!!
The very frequent trains, which link all the villages, make it easy to modify the programme. It gives you all the freedom to do the walks in your own rhythm, or alternatively, do some sightseeing.
Therefore it is also possible to opt for only one accommodation on the Cinque Terre, instead of two (Levanto & Riomaggiore). This one accommodation can either be Levanto, Monterosso or Riomaggiore.
At the beginning or the end of the tour there is also an opportunity to visit Genova and/or Pisa / Florence, or spend some time on the beach, somewhere in Liguria. The tour can easily be extended with a few days in Pisa or Florence. Several good accommodations are available. Details & prices on request.
SHORTER & LONGER VERSIONS
A longer, 10 -day version of this tour is also available, including two days on the Portofino Peninsula.
Also shorter 6- and 7-day versions are available. Prices on request.
See also our other Cinque Terre tours !
