Cinque Terre & Portofino: The Ligurian Coast

Arrive independently on the Ligurian Coast and settle into your hotel in elegant Santa Margherita Ligure. Spend the evening exploring the palm-lined waterfront, marina and colourful streets of this beautiful seaside town.

Accommodation: Hotel in Santa Margherita Ligure

Distance: 14 km | Elevation Gain: 225 m | Walking Time: ~7 hrs

Take a short train ride to Camogli, a picturesque fishing village on the Ligurian coast. From here, a scenic boat takes you to secluded San Fruttuoso Abbey, accessible only by foot or sea. Follow coastal trails through olive groves and Mediterranean scrub before descending into Portofino. Explore the famous Piazzetta and Church of San Giorgio before returning to Santa Margherita by boat.

Accommodation: Hotel in Santa Margherita Ligure | Breakfast included

Distance: 18 km | Elevation Gain: 600 m | Walking Time: ~4 hrs

Transfer to Rapallo and take the cable car to the Sanctuary of Madonna di Montallegro, where sweeping views stretch across the coast. From here, follow quieter high-ridge paths through the hills before descending through the village of Zoagli to Moneglia, a peaceful coastal town. Enjoy a traditional three-course Ligurian dinner this evening.

Accommodation: Hotel in Moneglia | Breakfast & dinner included

Distance: 17 km | Elevation Gain: 350 m | Walking Time: ~6.5 hrs

Take the train to Framura and set out on a scenic coastal circuit. Follow paths past historic watchtowers, secluded coves and small fishing hamlets, with wide views across the Ligurian Sea. Continue along the coast before completing the loop back to Moneglia, where another traditional three-course dinner awaits.

Accommodation: Hotel in Moneglia | Breakfast & dinner included

Take the train to Levanto to visit the 13th-century Church of Sant'Andrea and the ancient town walls. Surrounded by olive groves and sweeping shorelines, begin your climb over the ridge along cobbled pathways. Pass Punta Mesco, offering unparalleled views over the entire Gulf of the Cinque Terre, before descending into Monterosso, the first of the five famous villages. This afternoon, enjoy an included wine tasting experience. Sample the local Cinque Terre DOC white and traditional sweet Sciacchetrà wine, accompanied by crostini and cantucci, while learning how locals have engineered these steep rocky terraces over centuries.

Distance: 8 km | Elevation Gain: 320 m | Walking Time: ~3.5 hrs

Take the train to Levanto and begin your walk towards Cinque Terre. Follow ancient olive groves and coastal trails past the 13th-century Church of Sant’Andrea before descending into Monterosso, the first of the five villages. Later, enjoy a wine tasting featuring local DOC wines and the traditional Sciacchetrà, while learning about the vineyards cultivated on Cinque Terre’s steep terraces.

Accommodation: Hotel in Monterosso | Breakfast included

Distance: 14 km | Elevation Gain: 550 m | Walking Time: ~7 hrs

Take the train to Riomaggiore and begin a challenging ascent through pine and chestnut woodland to the Sanctuary of Madonna di Montenero. Continue along spectacular high-ridge trails above Campiglia, with panoramic views across the Ligurian Sea, before descending into Portovenere on the Gulf of Poets. Return to Monterosso by boat, or by train and bus.

Accommodation: Hotel in Monterosso | Breakfast included