Hiking adventure in Cinque Terre

ITINERARY

DAY 1

La Spezia - Porto Venere

Meeting in the train station of La Spezia. Before taking the boat to Porto Venere, we take a stroll through its great pedestrian area. Once in Porto Venere, we move to the hotel. After dinner, we take a walk by the beautiful Italian town. Porto Venere, marine town of Roman times, has a historical old town with a unique configuration in the entire region of Liguria, with aligned buildings that act as fortification and house. We can visit the church of San Pedro, the castle, the walls, and the Muzzerone Fort. In front of Porto Venere we see the Palmaria Island, tomorrow's destination.

DAY 2

Palmaria Island - Porto Venere

After an abundant breakfast, we go to the wharf, where we take a boat to the Palmaria Island, the largest island of the archipelago of Porto Venere and of great historical importance due to its old military function. Today we hike around this wonderful island. The flora is made up of around 500 different species, some important species of reptiles, gulls, crows, bats, and hawks, among others. In the afternoon we take the boat back to Porto Venere. Walking time: 5h30

DAY 3

Porto Venere – Riomaggiore

Today’s destination is Riomaggiore. We begin the day climbing towards Campiglia, one of the best-known towns in Italy for the culture of saffron. There we make a stop and enjoy the magnificent views towards the Gulf of La Spezia and the Mediterranean Sea. We continue the long walk, almost flat, between the leafy Mediterranean pines, enjoying churches that are more than 1000 years old and small towns that are practically abandoned. With Riomaggiore at our feet (some 365 meters below us) we sleep on a hill in front of the sea. Walking time: 7h

DAY 4

Riomaggiore - Corniglia

After a hearty breakfast, we walk towards Corniglia, the only town in Cinque Terre far from the beach. But first we visit Riomaggiore, founded in the 7th century by a group of Greek fugitives; the houses, built in parallel rows, are crossed by lofty stairs and straight alleys. We'll take a walk to the Guardiola Tower, enjoying the spectacular views. On the way back we'll hike the “Lover’s Walk” towards Manarola. Its houses are hung partially in a colorful spur that extends towards the sea. After the visit to Manarola, we take the footpath that leads us to Corniglia, being different from the rest by its more rural character, and by the linear disposition of the houses. Walking time: 6h30

DAY 5

Corniglia - Monteroso al Mare

We hike towards Vernazza, whose origin dates back from the Roman times. Its importance in the history of Liguria stands out because of its city-planning structure, characterized by houses-towers raised with galleries, porches and decorated doors. Oaks and cypresses will give us wonderful shades, and we admire the beautiful view of Vernazza. Today’s trail is well off-the-beaten-path and we'll hardly see any other hikers. Walking time: 7h

DAY 6

Monteroso al Mare - Levanto

We begin the day with a downhill of 80 minutes towards Monteroso al Mare, covered with olive trees, vines and gorgeous plants of lemons. This is the last town that belongs to Cinque Terre, and holds one of the greatest beaches of all. It dates from the times of Republican Rome. We walk towards Punta Mesco, the most northern part of the tour, where the views from the route speak for themselves. Later, we hike towards Levanto, with the Mediterranean Sea always on our left, and enjoying a pretty footpath through the forest. Walking time: 6h30

DAY 7

Levanto – Porto Venere

Indeed, today is the day for memories; why? Because after breakfast, our destination is nothing less than to take the boat to Porto Venere, seeing all the coastline from the sea, all the towns of Cinque Terre, our footpaths, the magical moments, and our great hike. We enjoy the landscape that we have walked from the boat, with the wind in our faces and the beating of the waves, I can assure you that is a true wonder, so what are you waiting for?