Stroll
Cinque Terre, Portofino & Portovenere: Liguria - 8 Days
ItalyCinque Terre

Cinque Terre, Portofino & Portovenere: Liguria - 8 Days

8 Days
Moderate to Challenging

Cinque Terre, Portofino & Portovenere: Liguria - 8 Days

from £1,175 / person

Overview

This 8-day walk traces the full length of the Ligurian Riviera, from the fishing village of Camogli through the iconic five villages of Cinque Terre to the medieval harbour town of Portovenere. The route takes in some of the most dramatic and varied coastal walking in Italy, combining clifftop paths, terraced vineyards, Mediterranean scrubland and historic villages along the way.

The walk opens in Camogli before passing through the Portofino Regional Park to the San Fruttuoso Abbey and the lighthouse promontory at Portofino. The route then moves east through Cinque Terre, threading between Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare on paths covered in wildflowers with the Ligurian Sea below. A visit to the Soviore Monastery, believed to be the oldest Marian sanctuary in Liguria, adds further depth to the journey before the final descent to Portovenere, where an ancient castle, historic churches and a striking medieval harbour provide a memorable conclusion.

Highlights

  • Visit the historic Saviore Monastery believed to be the oldest Marian sanctuary in Liguria
  • Climb the well beaten paths of the Colle del Telegrafo surrounded by natural beauty of the thick mediterranean scrub and pinewood
  • Enjoy the local cuisine and famous dishes of the Ligurian region, best enjoyed on a terrace overlooking the glistening Mediterranean.
  • Explore some of the less well known but equally stunning coastal villages of the Ligurian Riviera, all with panoramic views.
  • Visit the lighthouse (il Faro di Portofino) at the end of the promontory in the jetsetter town of Portofino. From here, you can see the Ligurian coastline all the way to Tuscany.
  • Explore the old castle, ancient houses and churches of Portovenere

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What's Included

Accommodation

3-star Hotel (7 nights)

Transfers

  • Luggage Transfers
  • Private Vehicle Transfers
  • Train
  • Public Bus

Meals

7 breakfasts

Guidance & Support

  • Itinerary & Walk Notes
  • Walking App for Navigation
  • 24/7 on-trip support

How We Rate This Walk

4

Stroll Walking Grade

Moderate to Challenging

Rated by our team — we walk every route before we recommend it.

Regular hills and varied terrain. These walks involve more challenging sections. Regular walking beforehand is recommended.

View Fitness Guide

6

Days on the trail

10-15 km

Average per walking day

599-1045 m

Gain per day

4/10

Trail difficulty

Where You'll Stay

Accommodation on this tour is in comfortable three and four-star hotels, each one with a friendly and family-run atmosphere in a good location along the Ligurian coast. All rooms have private bathrooms and are well equipped with the amenities you need after a day on the trails. Between May and September, Camogli and the Cinque Terre attract large numbers of visitors, and we cannot always guarantee the specific accommodation listed. We work with several hotels of similar standard, quality and features and will always provide alternatives when required.

As all walks start and end at the central points of the villages, making your way to and from your hotel is your own responsibility.

Should your accommodation differ from what is shown in the programme, please ensure you are aware of your position in relation to the start and end of each route. Where changes are necessary, we will always choose alternatives in a similar location to those originally listed, keeping any adjustments to your routes as minimal as possible

What You'll Eat

Breakfast is provided on all seven mornings of the trip, Italian in style and a proper start before heading out on the trail. Lunch and dinner are yours to explore, and the Ligurian coast is one of Italy's more rewarding regions in which to do so. Your walk notes will include insider tips on where to find the freshest focaccia, where to taste local olive oil and wine, and handpicked recommendations for eating well along the way. The wines here carry a history that stretches back to the Renaissance, when they graced the tables of kings and popes.

Note: Please advise us of any food allergies or intolerances at the time of booking. If you have severe allergies, bringing some of your own snacks is recommended, as specialist ingredients can be harder to source along the way.


More About This Trip

The walk starts in Camogli and finishes in Portovenere, along the Ligurian coast of northwest Italy.

The closest airport is Genoa (GOA), from where trains reach Camogli in around 42 minutes, or a taxi takes around 25 minutes. Pisa (PSA) is a well-connected alternative, with direct trains to Camogli taking around 2 hours 30 minutes. Florence (FLR) is a further option, with trains reaching Camogli in around 2 hours 45 minutes via Rapallo. Book Italian rail tickets in advance through Trenitalia.

Portovenere has no rail connection. At the end of the walk, make your way to one of the nearby towns, La Spezia being the most practical, from where trains connect to Pisa and Genoa airports. Remember to stamp your ticket at the platform machine before boarding any train in Italy.

This walk is available from 1 March to 31 October, with no fixed start days. Spring and autumn are the finest seasons, with comfortable temperatures, quieter trails and the terraced vineyards at their most photogenic. April and May bring wildflowers to the higher paths and the villages are at their most peaceful. Summer is warm and dry, though July and August are the busiest months and early booking is advisable. September and October are particularly rewarding, with golden autumn light, the harvest under way and noticeably fewer visitors. Pack a light waterproof whatever the month.

This walk is graded moderate to challenging. Daily walks average 11.5 kilometres with around 683 metres of ascent and descent, and a terrain difficulty rating of 7 out of 10. The distances are modest, but the elevation is above average and the terrain is rocky and uneven throughout. Sturdy walking boots with good ankle support and reliable grip are essential, and trekking poles are worth considering for added stability.

Elevation is the primary training consideration for this route. Include serious hill climbs in your preparation; a treadmill, stair climber, or local grandstand works well if hills are not accessible. Strength and balance training are equally important on this terrain. Incorporate lunges, squats, step-ups, and core exercises such as planks into your routine to build the stability needed on rocky, uneven ground. Daily walk notes, maps, and GPX tracks are provided.

Travel insurance is required for all Stroll walking holidays, covering cancellation costs, loss of luggage and injury. For international trips, your policy must also include medical evacuation coverage. A cancellation fee applies if you cancel after your holiday has been confirmed.

A detailed information pack and itinerary will be sent to you around six weeks before departure, covering everything you need to know for a seamless experience. In the meantime, our team is always on hand to answer any questions.

The Cinque Terre Trekking Card is included in this trip. The card allows:
- Use of the ATC bus service within the villages
- Free entrance to the CAMeC - Centre of Modern & Contemporary Art of La Spezia
- Free entry to the FAI heritage site Podere Case Lovara, located along the Levanto-Monterosso section of the Sentiero Verde Azzurro (Green Blue Trail)
- Free use of toilets in the railway stations of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso
- Participation in workshops at the Park's Environmental Education Centre, according to the schedule
- Free WI-FI access at the Park's Hot Spot areas
- Reduced-rate entry to the Civic Museums of La Spezia (Amedeo Lia, San Giorgio Castle, Museum of the Seal, Palazzina delle Arti, Ethnographic Museum, Diocesan Museum)

This walk has the luggage transferred on Day 4 (from Bonassola to Monterosso) and Day 7 (Monterosso to Portovenere). Please mark your luggage with the tag provided. On Day 3 you will be required to take your luggage on the train from Camogli to Bonassola, where you can leave it at your accommodation to store whilst you head off to commence your walk.

Dates & Pricing

Choose Your Start Date

Pick any available date — this is your trip, your schedule

July 2026

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Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.

Cinque Terre reviews

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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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