Explore the coastal trails of the Ligurian Riviera on foot with this adventurous itinerary. Starting in the seaside village of Camogli, you’ll make your way south, visiting beachside San Fruttuoso and Portofino before hopping a train to the iconic Cinque Terre. These five colorful villages are set like gems along steep sea cliffs, and you’ll walk between them via the region’s famed footpaths. Your final day ends in Portovenere, where you can watch the sunset over the shimmering Bay of Poets.

Highlights

  • Explore the five villages of Italy's beloved Cinque Terre
  • Discover the hidden beachfront Abbey of San Fruttuoso
  • Stroll the seafront in the glittering resort of Portofino
  • Sample Ligurian cuisine, known for its bold pestos and white wines
  • Hike clifftop paths amidst unspoiled countryside and sea views

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Camogli Camogli
Day 2 Walk from Camogli to Portofino via San Fruttuoso Camogli
Day 3 Walk from Bonassola to Deiva Marina via Framura Bonassola
Day 4 Walk from Bonassola to Monterosso al Mare via Levanto Monterosso al Mare
Day 5 Transfer to Soviore and walk back to Monterosso via Vernazza Monterosso al Mare
Day 6 Walk Corniglia-Volastra-Riomaggiore Monterosso al Mare
Day 7 Walk from Riomaggiore to Portovenere Portovenere
Day 8 Arrivederci, Cinque Terre!  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Camogli

Camogli
Camogli

Start your Ligurian adventure in the sleepy seaside town of Camogli, a lesser-known spot beloved by locals and free from the Riviera crowds. As soon as you get settled into your accommodation, step outside and breathe in the incredibly fresh, crisp air of the Mediterranean Sea. In the afternoon, you'll visit the historic center, and in the evening, let your senses be delighted with the local cuisine as you prepare for your week of walking ahead.

Day 2: Walk from Camogli to Portofino via San Fruttuoso

San Fruttuoso Abbey
San Fruttuoso Abbey

After a short private transfer from Camogli, your day starts with dizzying clifftop views from the church of San Rocco, before setting off into the lush surrounds of Mount Portofino Natural Regional Park. Shortly you’ll arrive at the hidden San Fruttuoso Abbey, a 10th-century Benedictine monastery only accessible by foot and boat. From San Fruttuoso, you'll walk or take a ferry to Portofino, rubbing shoulders with the jet-set while wandering the resort’s picturesque streets. Then you’ll make your way to Portofino’s promontory for incredible sea vistas from Il Faro (The Lighthouse), before taking the train or a boat back to Camogli.

Walking time: 6 hours

Walking distance: 8 miles (13 km)

Day 3: Walk from Bonassola to Deiva Marina via Framura

Framura
Framura

Today begins with a short train ride to Bonassola, where you’ll start your walk through three smaller,  less famous gems of the Riviera. From the quiet seaside resort of Bonassola, you’ll tread one of the most stunning stretches of the coastal path before reaching the town of Framura. Made up of five tiny, medieval hamlets, Framura is consistently named one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Tired feet can head back to Bonassola by train from here. If you’re feeling intrepid, follow the coast for one further stretch to reach Deiva Marina, taking in its historic stone watchtower, pastel houses, and wide, inviting beaches before catching the train back to your base.

Walking time: 5 hours

Walking distance: 7 miles (11 km)

Day 4: Walk from Bonassola to Monterosso al Mare via Levanto

Plan your trip to Italy
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Cinque Terre National Park
Cinque Terre National Park

Day four leaves Bonassola and sets out along the tracks of a historic railway, recently transformed into a smooth cycle path. You’ll pass through old tunnels and bridges with spectacular clifftop views before arriving at the vibrant small resort of Levanto. Continuing south, the trail turns rocky, passing through pine and oak forests to reach the promontory and lookout point of Punta Mesco, giving you a glorious vantage over the surrounding mountains and sea. A short downhill stroll takes you to colorful Monterosso, first of the five villages of the Cinque Terre, and your base for the night.

Walking time: 4.5 hours

Walking distance: 7 miles (11 km)

Day 5: Transfer to Soviore and walk back to Monterosso via Vernazza

Vernazza
Vernazza

Start day five with a quick transfer to Santuario della Madonna di Soviore, a peaceful 13th-century monastery and shrine to the Madonna di Soviore, patron of the region’s seafarers and fisherman. On the hike back to Monterosso, you’ll pass another small sanctuary—the Madonna di Reggio—flanked by ancient cypress trees. From there, your path takes you down to Vernazza, considered the prettiest of the Cinque Terre villages with its medieval belltower and sheltered bay. After an afternoon discovering Vernazza’s charms, you’ll stroll the panoramic coastal path back to Monterosso, or jump on the fast train if your feet need a rest.

Walking time: 4.5 hours

Walking distance: 6 miles (9.5 km)

Day 6: Walk Corniglia-Volastra-Riomaggiore

Corniglia
Corniglia

A short train ride takes you to Corniglia, the smallest village on the Cinque Terre. What it lacks in beaches it makes up for in dramatic cliffs and steep atmospheric alleys. After exploring its charms, you’ll head towards Volastra, a tiny town of two streets and a medieval church perched high above the sea. Past Volastra, a steep staircase through terraced olive groves begins your descent towards Riomaggiore, the largest and southernmost village of the Cinque Terre. Opt for a slight detour to the town of Manarola, or keep going to Riomaggiore. When you’ve had your fill of sightseeing, a short train ride takes you back to Monterosso for the night.

Walking time: 4 hours

Walking distance: 5.5 miles (9 km(

Day 7: Walk from Riomaggiore to Portovenere

Portovenere
Portovenere

Day seven starts with a brief train journey to the southernmost Cinque Terre village of Riomaggiore, whose colorful houses crowd around a turquoise port. From here, you’ll climb to the highest point of the hike, Colle del Telegrafo, before descending through the village of Campiglia and ending in Portovenere for the evening. This lovely fortified town sits just outside the Cinque Terre and is known for its literary associations and stunning views. Finish your day with a glass of wine and a final sunset over the stunning Bay of Poets.

Walking time: 5 hours

Walking distance: 8 miles (13 km)

Day 8: Arrivederci Cinque Terre!

Ligurian Coast near the Cinque Terre
Ligurian Coast near the Cinque Terre

After a final cappuccino over breakfast, your trip comes to an end as you bid the Italian Riviera arrivederci and catch the train back to Monterosso, heading home towards the Pisa, Genoa, Florence, or Milan airports.

Map

Map of Walk the Ligurian Coast: Portofino, Cinque Terre & Portovenere - 8 Days
Map of Walk the Ligurian Coast: Portofino, Cinque Terre & Portovenere - 8 Days
Sonya
Written by Sonya Pevzner, updated Aug 3, 2021