Hiking the Cinque Terre independently

On the first day of your hike, you'll have the opportunity to discover Monterosso al Mare by walking along the coast and its beautiful beaches. The first part of the route will take you to Punta Mesco, a striking promontory in the area, which is also an excellent spot for a picnic. Nearby, you can take a short detour to visit the ruins of a 12th-century hermitage, as well as the nearby semaphore station, which offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline. Next, you'll take a fairly steep path down to Monterosso, a picturesque village of blue, red, and yellow houses clustered around the beach. Take some time to explore this village before catching the local train back to Levanto. If you prefer, it's possible to take a more inland, forested route back to Levanto.

First, you'll take the train to Manarola, a charming village with colorful houses overlooking a rocky harbor. The scenic trail will then lead you to the village of Volastra, surrounded by olive groves and terraced vineyards. At the crossroads, you'll have the choice of descending to Corniglia, a village perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, or continuing towards the Cigoleta Pass (without going through Corniglia) and descending to Vernazza, passing by the Madonna of San Bernardino.

Today, your route takes you east from Riomaggiore to Campiglia and Portovenere. You begin your walk by climbing a series of steps, then continue along a paved path through a steep canyon until you reach the Sanctuary of Madonna di Montenero. As you ascend, you'll walk along coastal cliffs, pass through terraced vineyards, and enjoy stunning views of the coastline and the deep blue sea. You'll then follow the "Sentiero Rosso," a ridge that runs the length of the Cinque Terre. You'll pass several unusual sculptures and reach the small hamlet of Campiglia, where you can stop for a refreshing break.

Descending through a pine forest, the path narrows as you approach Portovenere, offering spectacular views. Upon reaching the 16th-century castle overlooking the village, you can glimpse the distant peaks of the Apennines. A long staircase then leads down to the heart of the village. You'll have some time to explore this charming spot, including Punta San Pietro, before returning to Levanto by train.

You begin with a train journey to Santa Margherita, where you have time to explore the surroundings of this charming little town. From there, you embark on a walk towards Portofino, along a seaside resort popular with the jet set. However, beyond its glamorous reputation, the village is remarkably beautiful with its vibrant colors. If your legs allow, you have the option of continuing along the trail, which offers spectacular views of the Gulf of Genoa, until you reach the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, a 12th-century gem that you approach from a different perspective. You return to Santa Margherita by boat, then take the train back to Levanto.

End of stay after breakfast.