Stroll
Cinque Terre
Italy

Cinque Terre

Perched on the cliffs of the Italian Riviera, the five pastel-coloured villages of Cinque Terre form one of the most iconic and rewarding coastal walks in all of Europe.

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Overview

Cinque Terre translates simply as Five Lands, but there is nothing simple about what this stretch of the Ligurian coastline delivers. The five villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore cling to sheer cliffs above the Mediterranean, connected by over 100 kilometres of trails that have linked these communities for centuries. The area is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy's most celebrated national parks.

The walking here is coastal at its most dramatic. The Sentiero Azzurro, or Blue Trail, traces the clifftops between all five villages, passing through terraced vineyards, fragrant lemon groves and ancient stone-walled paths with the Ligurian Sea shimmering far below. Each village has its own distinct character, and arriving on foot, rather than by train, is the only way to understand what makes this corner of Italy so special truly.

End each day with freshly caught seafood, a glass of local Sciacchetrà wine and views that justify every step of the climb.

Available Strolls

San Pietro Church in Portovenere
Self-Guided

Cinque Terre, Portofino & Portovenere: Liguria - 8 Days

Duration8 days
Walking Grade
4
From£1,175
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Portofino Cinque terre
Self-Guided

Cinque Terre and Portofino: Liguria - 8 Days

Duration8 days
Walking Grade
From£940
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The Cinque Terre experience

Wonder
Walk the Sentiero Azzurro between the five villages of Vernazza, Riomaggiore, Monterosso, Manarola, and Corniglia
Visit the Soviore Monastery above Vernazza, believed to be the oldest Marian sanctuary in Liguria
Cover the full Ligurian Riviera from Camogli to Portovenere, staying in each village overnight
Wellness
Walking these ancient paths is the most immersive way to experience the Ligurian coast
Focaccia, local pesto, and white wines from terraced Ligurian vineyards fuel each day's walk
The Cinque Terre National Park protects these coastal villages and the terraced landscape around them
Nature
Dramatically terraced vineyards, olive groves, and clifftop paths above the glittering Mediterranean
Climb to the Colle del Telegrafo for sweeping views over the Cinque Terre and the Ligurian coast
Mediterranean scrub, pine forest, and exposed rocky headlands alternate through the clifftop paths
Coming soon
Local recommendations are coming soon.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The walk begins in Camogli, on the Ligurian coast. The nearest airports are Genoa and Pisa, both of which have good train connections to the region. Florence also has connections worth considering. From any of these airports, trains get you to the coast without much fuss.

Luggage transfers are included on select days between accommodations — your itinerary will specify which days. On days where a transfer is not included, you will need to take your luggage with you on the train. Keep bags manageable in size for those days, and make sure they are clearly labelled with your name and next accommodation at all times.

You'll stay in comfortable, family-run 3-star hotels throughout, all with private ensuite bathrooms. The villages of the Cinque Terre and the Ligurian coast are compact and full of character — your accommodation sits right in the heart of it all. Breakfast is included each morning.

Breakfast is included daily. Lunch and dinner are your own to organise, which is one of the real pleasures of this walk. The Ligurian coast is known for outstanding food — fresh seafood, pesto, focaccia, and a wide range of regional wines. There is no shortage of places to eat well along the route.

Italy uses the Euro. Cards are widely accepted, including in smaller villages, but it's worth carrying some cash for smaller purchases and cafes along the trail. ATMs are available in most towns along the route.

Tipping is not a strong cultural expectation in Italy, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount for good service at a restaurant is appreciated and perfectly normal.

A comfortable daypack with water, snacks, a rain jacket, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit is all you need on the trail. The walks involve some steep climbs and stone steps, so good footwear with solid ankle support is important. Walking poles are worth considering for the more demanding descents. A power bank is also a sensible addition — some of the smaller hotels have limited charging points.

The Cinque Terre has a classic Mediterranean climate — warm and generally dry, particularly from spring through to autumn. Summer can be hot, so starting walks early in the day is a good habit. Come prepared for the occasional shower, particularly in spring and autumn.

Italian food is one of the great joys of this walk, and most restaurants are well set up to accommodate common dietary needs. If you have allergies or intolerances, it's worth learning a few key phrases in Italian before you go. Let us know your requirements at the time of booking and we will do our best to inform your hosts.

Yes, and it is a condition of booking. Your policy must cover injury, cancellation, luggage loss, and medical evacuation. All medical treatment in Italy is chargeable, and you will be expected to settle any bills before leaving the country.

Some sections of the coastal paths can be closed temporarily due to heavy rain or summer fires. It is worth checking with the local park office if conditions look uncertain. The trails involve steep and uneven terrain in places, so pay attention to your footing and don't rush the descents.

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