Hiking in the Cinque Terre, staying in a 3-star hotel
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationItaly / Cinque Terre
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions53.16 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
The Cinque Terre are five villages nestled in secluded coves, where colorful houses face the sea. They still produce olive oil, anchovies , and the famous sciacchetrà , nicknamed "elixir of the gods" by the Romans.
After an unforgettable day of walking, on the terrace of a trattoria, facing the setting sun, enjoy a focaccia and a glass of white wine.
For maximum flexibility, we designed this trip with customizable options. Ideal for this destination! Length of stay, comfort level, daily hike – you choose!
We deliberately offer this stay as a bed and breakfast package, allowing you the freedom to choose your dinner each evening in one of these charming Italian villages. The frequent local train service makes travel easy and guarantees the success of this "à la carte" option!
The highlights
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A "homemade" hiking program on less-traveled paths
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Hotels in the very heart of the Cinque Terre
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Hiking logbook and mobile guide app
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 565 m
- Average daily descent: 583 m
Management
Complete travel package, "paper" version, including: marked hiking map, roadbook, tourist guide and detailed practical information (boat schedules etc.).
A hiking pack is provided for 1 to 6 people.
📱When registering, you can opt for the digital navigation app. A few days before departure, we'll send you the information to download the app to your smartphone. You'll then have access to your route (using Openmap) and can discover points of interest along the way. With real-time geolocation and turn-by-turn directions, it's simple and fun to use!
Once the route is downloaded, this application works in airplane mode. Depending on its battery life, we recommend bringing a small external battery.
Program
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Arrival
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival at your accommodation, first night.
Day 1 -
The gateway to the Cinque Terre (Levanto > Monterosso)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You choose your hikes from our unique routes , created and scouted by our team directly on the ground. They guarantee you'll avoid the crowds and discover the best of the Cinque Terre along the trails.
OUR FORMULA:
Each day, you choose a starting village and reach it in a short train ride. Your hike will take you to the next village via the hills, allowing you to soak up the unique Mediterranean atmosphere and enjoy spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. You'll end your day exploring this new, colorful village overlooking the sea before returning to your base camp, gently rocked by the coastal train.
You choose your hike for the day from about ten different routes:
The gateway to the Cinque Terre (Levanto > Monterosso)
You start the day in Levanto, gateway to the Cinque Terre. On the seafront, you watch the surfers before heading to the residential areas overlooking the bay of Levanto.
Between scrubland and pine forests, this route leads you to the discovery of the San Antonio semaphore station.
You'll discover Monterosso, whose old town and Gothic church with its black and white striped marble will leave you speechless! It's here that you can enjoy a well-deserved swim alongside its famous "Giant"...
Day 2 -
Exploring the hinterland (Corniglia > Vernazza)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 680 m
- Negative elevation 750 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This wild and secluded hike allows you to explore the Cinque Terre's hinterland, a much less touristy area. You'll discover a lesser-known side of this little Italian paradise. This route winds through forests, vineyards, and olive groves, promising a truly unique experience!
You discover the pretty little village of San Bernardino, from where you can enjoy the view over Corniglia.
To reward your efforts, treat yourself to a delicious gelato by the sea…
Day 3 -
When the mountain plunges into the Mediterranean Sea (Riomaggiore > Portovenere)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Head south! Starting from Riomaggiore, you'll reach the ridge that separates the Gulf of La Spezia from the Cinque Terre. Enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the cliffs, the gulf, and then Portovenere with its fort. This charming village in the Bay of Poets, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, delights its visitors with its colorful streets, small fishing boats, and local specialties.
OUR TIP : Choose the boat for the return trip: a (unique!) opportunity to admire the Cinque Terre from a new perspective from the sea!
Day 4 -
A summary of the Cinque Terre (Manarola > Corniglia)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 480 m
- Negative elevation 480 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Dive into the heart of the Cinque Terre to discover all its treasures!
You climb to admire Manarola, a colorful village clinging to the mountainside. Many who love the area consider it the most beautiful of the five villages!
After climbing through olive groves and gardens to reach Groppo and Volastra, you'll reach Corniglia via a terraced path through the vineyards. Breathtaking views guaranteed!
Day 5
Note
You choose your program for the day from the 8 routes in your hiking booklet.
The hikes offer variations for each stage, allowing you to personalize your itinerary.
Here are 4 examples of hikes suggested in your roadbook.
You take the local train every day to get to the starting point of the hike (between 5 and 25 minutes) and/or back to your accommodation.
This program is based on 5 days and 4 nights. To extend the enjoyment, you can add extra nights à la carte!
Accommodation
You have two options for your hotel : Monterosso or Manarola. You choose where you would like to stay by specifying your preference when booking (subject to availability) !
In Monterosso , you're right in the heart of the Cinque Terre! The hotel is located in historic Monterosso, nestled in the maze of vaulted alleyways called "carruggi." It's a village that's both picturesque (with its arcades and church made of serpentine stone and white marble) and lively (with a wide selection of restaurants and shops). Monterosso is the only Cinque Terre village with a beach . A swim in the sea will be most welcome after a day of hiking!
In Manarola , you are also in the heart of the Cinque Terre! It is undoubtedly the most authentic of the five hamlets and the smallest.
The hotel rooms have all been renovated and offer a very high standard.
You will appreciate the tranquility of this village.
Access
Our partner collaborates with an establishment located in Monterosso and another in Manarola . If you have a preference for one of these two villages, simply let us know when you make your reservation. We will do our best to accommodate your request, subject to availability on your chosen dates!
Go to the starting point
Take the train to Milan, Genoa or La Spezia.
From there you can take another ticket to Levanto (between 7am and 11pm) and then Manarola or Monterosso.
Please note that trains are often delayed. Allow extra time for connections.
✈️ Genoa Airport:
- The Volabus shuttle (cost: €10 per adult, every 40 to 45 minutes) will allow you to reach Genova Brignole station in 30 minutes .
- From Genova Brignole, there are many direct trains to Levanto (journey time: 1 to 2 hours depending on the train, ticket cost: approximately €8).
You will not be able to buy your tickets in France but you can get them on arrival at the station ticket office or better (because it is faster) from the vending machines which are available in all station halls.
✈️ Pisa Airport: direct flights from Paris to Pisa by Alitalia, Air France, Easyjet or Ryanair (from Beauvais).
- The bus company "Pisa Mover" allows you to arrive quickly (5min) at the main train station in Pisa (Pisa Centrale) (ticket cost €6.50) to be purchased on site or online.
- From Pisa Centrale, there are many trains to Levanto (allow 2 hours and from €11 to €20 depending on the type of train chosen, regional trains being the most economical).
This mode of transport is strongly discouraged. The area in question is within a National Natural Park, where alternatives to private vehicles are encouraged: train, boat, and electric minibuses. Furthermore, you will have no use for them once you arrive. Everything is done by train.
However, here are the road directions:
- Manarola: Take the motorway to Genoa (Genova), then follow signs for Livorno and take the La Spezia-Santo Stefano exit. Follow signs for La Spezia, Cinque Terre (SP370) towards Manarola.
- Monterosso: Take the motorway to Genoa (Genova), then follow signs for Livorno and take the exit for Carrodano-Levanto . Follow the signs for Monterosso.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in the hotel of your choice, in a double room, subject to availability.
- Breakfasts
- The provision of a complete hiking kit (including a map of the marked routes, a roadbook, a tourist guide and all practical information)
- Access to the smartphone navigation app must be requested upon registration.
The price does not include
- Lunch and dinner
- The pass provides access to local trains and park trails.
- The ferry trip from Porto Venere (approximately €22)
- Drinks and personal expenses
Options
- Extra night BEFORE stay - With breakfast : CHF73.18 / unit
- Additional night AFTER your stay - Breakfast included : CHF73.18 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
During the hike, you must have the following documents in your possession:
- Valid identity card or passport.
- Your travel insurance leaflet received when you registered (if you purchased the insurance we offer) or your personal insurance (contract number + telephone number).
- Health insurance card.
- The " European Health Insurance Card ".
Equipment
Equipment to bring
In your bag for the day:
- 1 backpack (30 to 35 L) equipped with a waist belt.
- 1 thermos or a water bottle, preferably insulated (2 litres minimum).
- Picnic essentials: 1 pocket knife, 1 fork-spoon, 1 cup, 1 Tupperware -type airtight container (for a portion of salad).
- Race snacks (because being outdoors can make you a little hungry, don't hesitate to bring: energy bars, dried fruit or a few squares of chocolate for those with a sweet tooth).
- 1 external battery for your mobile phone if you are using it for your hike.
- 1 small pouch (preferably waterproof) to hold your money, ID card, health insurance card and assistance contract received upon registration if you subscribed to this insurance or that of your personal insurance.
- 1 personal first aid kit (see complete kit suggestion below)
- 1 pack of tissues
- 1 pair of sunglasses + sunscreen.
- 1 hat or 1 cap.
- A scarf or a "buff" (neck warmer) provides a solution for all situations to cover the neck and head, whether it is hot or cold.
- Optionally: a rain cover (to protect it from the rain) + 1 sturdy plastic bag (to protect the inside) + 1 headlamp or flashlight + 1 survival blanket.
Clothing to bring
Don't carry unnecessary weight: you will have to carry your travel bag or suitcase from the station or parking lot (not very close) to your accommodation (wheels strongly recommended).
List to be adapted according to the season:
- Several short or long sleeve t-shirts, made of breathable material (1 for 2 days of walking).
- Loose and comfortable trekking trousers and/or shorts (opt for 2-in-1).
- 1 fleece jacket or 1 down jacket, summers in the mountains can be cool.
- 1 rain cape or a sleeping bag cover.
- 1 waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type windproof jacket with hood.
- 1 pair of waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type overtrousers, especially in spring or autumn.
- Hiking socks (1 pair for 2 days of hiking). Opt for wool or specific hiking socks like terry cloth, which will prevent your feet from overheating prematurely. Be careful with cotton, as it can cause blisters.
- One pair of hiking boots in good condition, with good ankle support and waterproofing, with Vibram-type soles. Remember to test new and unused boots beforehand. for a long time (check in particular if the glue on the sole is still holding and re-waterproof them).
- 1 comfortable outfit for the evening.
- 1 swimsuit and 1 bath towel for accommodations with a swimming pool or wellness area.
- Toiletries (opt for the essentials, small sizes, samples and travel kits).
- Earplugs or ear pads (optional).
- If you wear glasses, remember to bring a spare pair.
Suggestions for a personal first aid kit:
- Your usual medications.
- Pain medication: paracetamol preferred.
- Lozenges for sore throats.
- Elastic adhesive strip, Elastoplast type, 8 cm wide.
- Sets of adhesive bandages + disinfectant compresses.
- Double skin (like Compeed or SOS blisters).
- Vitamin C.
- 1 pair of tweezers.
- 1 tick remover.
- Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.
