Hiking in the Cinque Terre while staying in a hostel
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationItaly / Cinque Terre
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AgeFrom 12 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions35.08 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Between sea and mountains, discover the Cinque Terre , jewels of the Ligurian coast and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This highly customizable trip invites you to explore, at your own pace, five villages perched between sky and sea , where traditions and landscapes have been carefully preserved. Far from the tourist crowds, secluded trails lead you through wild and panoramic nature, between olive groves , steep vineyards, and spectacular views of the Mediterranean . Each day of hiking ends with a delicious experience: crispy focaccia , local sciacchetrà , and the warm atmosphere of trattorias. In the evening, the villages regain their tranquility, perfect for relaxation. Thanks to a flexible bed and breakfast package , you can fully enjoy every moment, with complete freedom to choose your itinerary, your level of comfort, or your culinary discoveries. An ideal escape to slow down, contemplate , and savor the Italian art of living .
This destination attracts many visitors throughout the year. They mainly congregate in the villages during the day. Rest assured, we've unearthed some less-traveled trails for you, offering magnificent views of the Cinque Terre and the entire Ligurian coast, in a truly wild setting…
The highlights
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A "homemade" hiking program on less-traveled paths
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Cross-country hikes starting from a single accommodation
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Hiking logbook and mobile guide app
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Hiker level 2 to 4 on a scale of 5: the hikes are multi-layered with several options. The route combines coastal and mountain terrain.
You are independent on this trip and you choose your daily program from the 8 routes in your hiking booklet: the hikes offer variations for each stage allowing you to personalize your itinerary.
The rugged terrain of this region will take you on a series of hikes , often up and down steep stairs, interspersed with balcony paths overlooking the ever-present sea.
A person who does not hike can absolutely join you: each village in the Cinque Terre is connected by train, the Park's electric minibuses and boats.
There are also several resorts or towns to see between Genoa and La Spezia (Camogli, Portofino, Sestri Levante, Levanto, Portovenere, …)
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- 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.
Your hike on your mobile: When you register, 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 app works in airplane mode. Depending on its battery life, we recommend bringing a small external battery. For optimal use, you should have a recent smartphone with an up-to-date operating system.
Program
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Arrival
- Accommodation Youth hostel
- 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 Youth hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
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 -
When the mountain plunges into the Mediterranean Sea (Riomaggiore > Portovenere)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Accommodation Youth hostel
- 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 3 -
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 Youth hostel
- 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 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 ascend 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
The program is provided as a guide: you choose your daily itinerary from the 8 routes in your hiking booklet. You will take the local train each day to reach the starting point of the hike (between 5 and 25 minutes) and/or to return to your accommodation.
This stay is offered as a 5 to 7 day package. To extend the enjoyment, you are welcome to add extra nights.
Accommodation
In Levanto , you're just a 6-minute train ride from Cinque Terre National Park. The town boasts a large beach, perfect for a refreshing swim after a day of exploring or watching the surfers.
Access
This program is based on 5 days and 4 nights. To extend the enjoyment, you can add extra nights à la carte!
Go to the starting point
🚂 Take a ticket to Milan, Genoa, or La Spezia. From there, you can take another ticket to Levanto (between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.). Be aware that trains are often delayed, so allow extra time for connections.
Here are the known schedules (dating from 2026):
From Paris :
7:22 Paris Gare de Lyon - 11:26 Zurich
12:00 p.m. Zurich - 3:50 p.m. Milano Centrale
4:05 p.m. Milano Centrale - 6:59 p.m. Levanto
From Lyon :
8:26 Lyon Part-Dieu - 13:50 Milano Centrale
2:05 p.m. Milano Centrale - 4:59 p.m. Levanto
5:05 PM Levanto
From Marseille :
06:57 Marseille St-Charles - 09:37 Nice Ville
09:54 Nice City - 10:51 Ventimiglia
10:59 a.m. Ventimiglia - 1:05 p.m. Genova Piazza Principe
1:47 p.m. Genova Piazza Principe - 2:59 p.m. Levanto
✈️ From Genoa Airport:
- The Volabus shuttle (€10 per adult, frequency: 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.
✈️ From Pisa Airport:
- The "Pisa Mover" bus company allows you to quickly reach Pisa Centrale (main train station) in 5 minutes (ticket cost €6.50), which can be purchased on site or online at https://pisa-mover.com/en/shuttle-service/
- From Pisa Centrale, there are numerous trains to Levanto (allow 2 hours and from €11 to €20 depending on the type of train chosen, regional trains being the cheapest). Timetables are available atwww.trenitalia.it or www.bahn.com/fr .
This mode of transport is strongly discouraged. The area in question is within a National 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.
If you still wish to come to Levanto by car: motorway to Genoa (Genova), then direction Livorno and take the Levanto exit.
Once your luggage has been unloaded, the hostel manager will direct you to free parking spaces within a 20-minute walk.
Price details
The price includes
- Dormitory accommodation for 4 to 6 people
- Breakfasts
- The complete hiking package, for 1 to 6 people, includes a map of the marked trails, a roadbook, a tourist guide, and all practical information. And if you order it when you register, you'll also get access to the smartphone navigation app.
The price does not include
- Lunch and dinner
- The pass provides access to local trains and park trails.
- The ferry trip from Porto Venere to Levanto (approximately €22)
- Drinks and personal expenses
Options
- 🌙 Extra night BEFORE your stay - with breakfast : CHF45.74 / unit
- 🌙 Extra night AFTER your stay - with breakfast : CHF45.74 / unit
- Supplement for a double room (single beds only) : CHF36.59 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
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 provided on site
Bed linen and towels are provided.
Equipment to bring
In your bag for the day:
- 1 backpack (30 to 35 L) with a waist belt
- 1 thermos or a preferably insulated water bottle (minimum 2 liters)
- 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).
Bed linen and towels are provided.
This list should 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 every 2 days of hiking). Opt for wool or terrycloth hiking socks to prevent your feet from overheating. 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
- Throat lozenges
- Elastic adhesive tape, 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
They traveled with us
