Hiking in the Cinque Terre and Portofino peninsula
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationCinque Terre / Italy
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions67.22 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
Italian
In a few words
Discover a jewel of the Ligurian coast where humankind and nature have, over the centuries, shaped a landscape of rare harmony. East of Genoa, the Cinque Terre National Park unfolds its trails along the clifftops between turquoise sea and rugged mountains. This exceptional region can be explored from village to village, from Monterosso to Riomaggiore , across thousands of kilometers of dry-stone terraces .
Along the winding paths, immerse yourself in the authentic local traditions, where farmers still cultivate olive trees and vines to produce Sciacchetrà , the famous "elixir of the gods." The adventure continues on the prestigious Portofino peninsula , a Mediterranean gem nestled in a verdant setting. Between the colorful facades of the fishing ports and the secluded coves, this trip offers a complete immersion in the Italian way of life. A journey combining culture and hiking, ideal for lovers of seascapes and preserved heritage.
The highlights
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Immerse yourself in the 5 iconic villages, from Monterosso to Riomaggiore, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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2 boat crossings included and the Portofino peninsula
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Swimming is possible every day.
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Physical level:
For motivated, fit walkers who engage in varied and regular physical activity
Stages of 2 to 5 hours of walking. From 100 to 650m of positive elevation gain.
Technical level:
Numerous scree slope crossings without technical difficulty
High-top shoes with rigid soles are recommended for better comfort on scree slopes.
Telescopic poles are recommended.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 506 m
- Average daily descent: 496 m
Management
French
Italian
Qualified French or French-speaking mid-mountain guide, with good knowledge of Italy.
The swimming activities mentioned in the program are optional and undertaken at the participants' own risk during free time. They are not supervised by the guide.
Program
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Moneglia
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at 7pm in Moneglia, welcome by your guide and presentation of the week's program.
Check-in at the 2* hotel, where we are staying all week.
(You can leave your luggage there if you arrive earlier).
Day 1 -
Framura - Levanto
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After taking the train to the village of Framura (10 minutes), we set foot on the Ligurian coast and hike along a magnificent coastal path that leads us to Bonassola, a charming seaside resort. From there, we continue on to Levanto, the final stop of the day and gateway to the Cinque Terre National Park. We'll explore Levanto before returning by train to Moneglia (15 minutes).
Day 2 -
Monterosso - Corniglia
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Transfer by train to Monterosso al Mare (20 min), the westernmost village in the National Park. Visit the fishing village before taking the coastal path to Vernazza; the charm of this place is enchanting. We continue our day on the trail to Corniglia, the third village in the park. Visit the village and climb to the viewpoint, where the view is breathtaking.
Return to the hotel by train (30 min).
Day 3 -
Portofino Peninsula
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Transfer by train to Camogli (40 min) where we visit this charming fishing port, famous for its trompe-l'œil paintings. We then take a boat to the Monastery of San Fruttuoso, nestled at the end of a sheltered and idyllic cove. Here begins our exploration of the Portofino Regional Natural Park, a superb hike along the promontory to reach Portofino: the Saint-Tropez of the Ligurian coast! Enjoy a magnificent view of the town from the Church of San Giorgio.
Return to Moneglia by public transport (1 hour, bus then train).
Day 4 -
Corniglia - Manarola
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Positive elevation gain 430 m
- Negative elevation 430 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Transfer by train to Corniglia (20 min). This small village stands out from the other Cinque Terre villages as it is the only one without direct access to the sea. We offer a splendid walk through terraced vineyards to reach Volastra. Panoramic descent to Manarola and return to Moneglia by train (35 min).
Day 5 -
Riomaggiore - Campiglia - Portovenere
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Transfer by train to Riomaggiore (40 min). We then set off on the trail that passes by the sanctuary of "La Madonna di Montenero". A ridge path leads us to the village of Campiglia before descending to Portovenere: a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its tower houses and the Church of San Pietro, which guards the entrance to the Gulf of La Spezia. We return by boat (1 hour) to Monterosso. During this journey, we admire the entire route we have taken between the five villages. From Monterosso, transfer by train to Moneglia (30 min).
Day 6 -
Moneglia
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
End of stay and departure in Moneglia after breakfast.
Day 7
Note
We chose to base our stay in Moneglia, a pretty little village in the Cinque Terre, quieter and less crowded than others. It also allowed us, on the train line connecting these villages, to be among the passengers who generally have a seat when departing in the morning (because it's closer to the beginning of the line).
The Cinque Terre National Park administration reserves the right to close certain sections of trails unexpectedly.
The severe weather of recent years has caused landslides, leading the Park administration to temporarily close certain paths. This is the case for the "Via dell'Amore," which has been closed since autumn 2012. In the event of a closure, our guides know many alternative routes, often more interesting and less crowded!
The program was established based on the latest information available at the time of writing and may be subject to change in the interest of quality. Furthermore, circumstances beyond our control may alter the course of your stay (weather, road closures, cancelled or delayed flights, strikes, local festivals, etc.).
Since all the small villages are served by the local train, it will always be possible for some to shorten a walk and therefore considerably reduce its difficulty.
The swimming activities mentioned in the program are optional and undertaken at the participants' own risk.
Accommodation
Accommodation is offered on a half-board basis (picnic lunch) in a family-run 2-star hotel in Moneglia. It is located in the village center, a short walk from the beach. Swimming is possible every day.
The narrow streets of Moneglia can be lively in the evenings. We recommend earplugs for light sleepers.
Access
APPOINTMENT :
Day 1 at 7pm at the hotel reception in Moneglia to be met by your guide. If you arrive earlier, you can go to the hotel and leave your luggage there.
If you arrive late, your tour leader can order a cold meal; simply call them on the day of your arrival before 7:00 PM to let them know. The hotel reception closes around 10:00 PM, so please inform your guide if you will be arriving later.
You will receive an email confirmation approximately 2 weeks before your departure: it summarizes the information you need to get to the meeting point (contact details of your first accommodation, first name and phone number of your guide, our emergency mobile number, etc.).
DISPERSION:
Day 7 after breakfast in Moneglia.
Go to the starting point
Moneglia access station via Genoa
Pisa Airport:
- The bus company "Pisana Trasporti CPT" offers quick service to Pisa's main train station (Pisa Centrale) (tickets cost €1, payable locally). From Pisa Centrale, numerous trains run to Moneglia (with a change in La Spezia). The journey takes approximately 2 hours and costs between €15 and €20 depending on the type of train chosen (regional trains being the most economical).
Genoa Airport:
- The Volabus shuttle (cost: €6, frequency: every 40 minutes) will quickly take you to Genova Piazza Principe station. From Genova Piazza Principe (the main station), there are numerous direct trains to Moneglia (journey time: 1 to 1.5 hours depending on the train, ticket cost: approximately €6). You cannot buy your tickets in France, but you can purchase them upon arrival at the station ticket office or, even better (and faster), from the ticket machines located in all station halls.
To reach Moneglia and leave your car there:
- Take the A6/A7/A10/or A26 motorway to Genoa (Genova), then follow the A12 motorway towards Genova Este - Livorno. Approximately 50km past Genoa, take the Sestri Levante exit, drive through the town, and follow the signs for Riva Trigoso (about 6km). At the Riva exit, you will reach an old railway tunnel where traffic alternates (maximum wait 15 minutes), which provides quick access to Moneglia.
- Driving is strongly discouraged within the Cinque Terre National Park, where alternatives to private vehicles are encouraged: train, boat, and electric minibuses. On some spring weekends, smaller roads are closed due to overcrowding.
Parking in Moneglia:
- We also recommend the paid parking lots at the train station, the one near the cinema, or the Campo Sportivo, which is quite far away (the price varies depending on the attendant at the entrance, but expect to pay at least €50 per week). Reservations are not necessary. Depending on your hotel, they may offer a nearby private parking lot (€60 per week, payable in cash on arrival; reservations are required when you register). This is a secure, enclosed parking lot (maximum height 2m).
Price details
The price includes
- The stay will be supervised by a mountain guide.
- Accommodation in a 2-star hotel with half-board
- Tourist taxes
- Picnics at lunchtime
- The Cinque Terre park access "pass"
- The train transfers scheduled in the program
- The two boat crossings Camogli - San Fruttuoso and Portovenere - Monterosso
The price does not include
- Transportation to and from the meeting point.
- Drinks and personal expenses (note that in restaurants, bottled mineral water is sold separately instead of tap water)
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Single room (subject to availability) : CHF265.29 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
- During your stay, you must have your valid identity card or passport, your health insurance card, your personal insurance policy number and phone number (if you are not covered by our insurance), and for stays in Europe, your European Health Insurance Card. This card is very useful if you have any issues paying upfront for medical care in European countries; you must apply for it at least 15 days in advance at your social security office.
- It is possible to travel to this European Union country without a passport, using only a national identity card. If your identity card was issued between January 2, 2004, and December 31, 2013, and you were an adult at the time of issuance, its validity has been automatically extended by 5 years (formalized agreement between France and your destination country).
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
LUGGAGE
- One travel bag per person (or a rolling suitcase; recommended for trips with public transport included for transfers). Oversized luggage should be avoided as it would cause problems with bus capacity or logistical organization.
- One 35-40 liter backpack with a flexible frame, hip belt, and well-ventilated back panel for your comfort (to carry your personal belongings for the day: camera, packed lunch, water bottle, snacks, windbreaker, sweater, rain gear, etc.). This bag is usually placed in the cabin for any air travel (10kg maximum per person, typically).
FOR THE PICNIC
- Cutlery (reusable, not disposable)
- 1 airtight plastic container with a minimum capacity of 0.5 liters. It can be used as a plate and for storage, without getting your bag dirty.
- 1 plastic or aluminum cup with an insulated handle to prevent burns from hot drinks
- 1 folding pocket knife (optional)
- One insulated or aluminum water bottle of at least 1.5 liters, or a flexible water bottle (not recommended in winter). Especially useful in winter, also bring (optional) an insulated bottle to carry tea, coffee, etc. during the hike.
OTHERS
- 1 large plastic bag to slip into your backpack to protect your belongings from the elements and/or 1 rain cover
- 1 waterproof pouch containing: your assistance contract, your identity documents, health insurance card and any other document mentioned in the formalities section
- 1 sturdy and lightweight umbrella (optional but very useful in case of rain, or even heatwave)
- 1 pair of telescopic walking poles (depending on your habits or the technical level of the hikes, refer to the "Technical Level" section of the trip's technical sheet)
- 1 pair of good quality sunglasses (protection level 3 or 4) that provide good side coverage
- Sunscreen with a good protection factor (30 minimum)
- Toiletries kit (toothbrush, deodorant, etc.)
- Earplugs made of wax or foam (against neighbors' snoring or other noise pollution)
- Handkerchiefs
- 1 headlamp or flashlight + survival blanket: these should always be in your backpack, as an unexpected delay due to an incident can occur even during an easy hike
- Spare glasses (if you wear prescription glasses)
- Camera
- Binoculars (optional)
- Mosquito repellent is really necessary in the summer.
Clothing to bring
For the upper body, the 3-layer principle allows you to manage almost all situations:
- a light and breathable layer
- a warm layer
- a waterproof and breathable layer.
When hiking in calm, sunny weather, a base layer may be sufficient. In rainy or windy conditions, simply add this waterproof jacket. In very cold weather or during breaks, a fleece jacket is an essential addition.
Choose clothes that dry quickly, so avoid cotton. Opt for synthetic fibers that will keep you dry and warm for as long as possible.
Remember to dress warmly before you get cold, but especially to remove layers before you get too hot. Sweat is a hiker's enemy, as it dampens clothing that quickly becomes icy during breaks. Therefore, it's very rare to undertake a climb wearing a fleece jacket.
The complete and ideal list: (although this should be adapted depending on the hike, the season, and your habits)
- 1 sun hat or cap, or scarf
- 1 fleece hat or headband and/or a neck warmer
- 1 pair of lightweight gloves
- Short-sleeved T-shirts in breathable material preferred (1 for every 2 days of walking).
- 1 long-sleeved base layer in breathable material or a shirt (sometimes the peaks are windy and a light layer is welcome during the lunch break),
- 1 warm fleece-type jacket (or even water-repellent) or a warm and compressible type)
- 1 waterproof and breathable windproof jacket with hood
- 1 rain poncho (optional) and/or sleeping bag cover
- 1 pair of sturdy, loose-fitting, comfortable, water-repellent hiking trousers
- 1 pair of waterproof and breathable overtrousers
- 1 pair of shorts or capris, comfortable and durable
- 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.
- One pair of hiking boots that provide good ankle support and are waterproof, with a sole that grips well on uneven terrain and is abrasion-resistant. Consider testing new boots and those that haven't been used for a long time beforehand, or if you're used to hiking, a pair of low-cut trail shoes is ideal, especially for summer trips.
- 1 swimsuit and 1 quick-drying towel (optional in case of swimming)
- 1 pair of comfortable trousers for the evening
- 1 pair of lightweight casual shoes for the evening, like sneakers, which can also be used for sightseeing or walks in town.
They traveled with us
