Cinque Terre Short Break

DAY 1 Arrive Starting Point: Monterosso

We recommend flying to Genoa or Pisa, which have good train connections to Monterosso. Florence is also an option.

Settle into your accommodation, step outside and breathe in the fresh, crisp air of the Mediterranean Sea. The hustle and bustle of the historic centre of Monterosso is captivating. Alternatively head to the wide sandy beach for the afternoon.

Overnight: Hotel Marina, Monterosso

This small and charming family run 3 star hotel is located on a narrow street in the historic centre of the old fishing village of Monterosso. Website: www.hotelmarina5terra.com

Or Albergo Degli Amici, Monterosso

Hotel Degli Amici is a 3 star hotel located in the historical centre of Monterosso, in an extremely peaceful area, surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, just 150 meters from the sea. Website: www.hotelamici.it

DAY 2 Walk from Bonassola to Deiva Marina;

Today you walk through the hills of the East Riviera, between Bonassola, Framura and Deiva Marina. The first part of this walk is extremely panoramic with wonderful views over the northern Ligurian coast. Visit the nice villages of Bonassola and Deiva Marina and after the walk return to Monterosso by train.

Walk: 11km | 890m Ascent/Descent | 4 Hours

Overnight: Monterosso

DAY 3 Walk from Riomaggiore to Portovenere

From Riomaggiore climb mule tracks through deciduous forests to enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf of La Spezia. It's easy to appreciate why Shelly and Byron were so inspired by this magical coastline.

Tear yourself away from the tremendous views to descend to Portovenere via rough hewn paths and staircases.

Walk: 13km | 854m Ascent/858mDescent | 6 Hours

Overnight: Hotel Paradiso, Portovenere

This lovely small hotel is located right on the Gulf of Portovenere with a view of Palmaria Island and the Apuan Alps which frame this picturesque area.  Website: http://www.hotelportovenere.it/

Or Hotel Belvedere, Portovenere

The Hotel Belvedere has over 40  years of experience in welcoming customers. The rooms all have fantastic views from their balconies and you will be sure of a warm welcome. Website: http://www.belvedereportovenere.it/

DAY 4 Round walk of Palmaria Island

Take the ferry to Palmaria Island today for a wonderful days walking. Explore the coast round the island and discover various fascinating caverns. Palmaria island also showcases a fantastic variety of rare reptiles and marine birds.

Walk: 6.5km | 320m Ascent/Descent | 2.5 Hours

Overnight: Portovenere

DAY 5 Onward Travel

You can depart Portovenere by bus to La Spezia and then it is easy to travel to Pisa, Genoa or Florence by train from there.

Extensions

Why not extend your time in Italy with a few nights in Genoa, Pisa or Florence? We offer several short city extensions at hand picked hotels so you can explore these wonderful cities.

Accommodation

You will spend the first two nights at a charming family run 3 star hotel in the heart of Monterosso and two nights at a lovely 3 star seafront hotel in Portovenere. Depending on availability we use the following hotels.

 

 

 

3* Hotel

Visit the website

Hotel Marina, Monterosso

This small and charming family run 3 star hotel is located on a narrow street in the historic centre of the old fishing village of Monterosso.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3* Hotel

Visit the website

Hotel Amici, Monterosso

Hotel Degli Amici is a 3 star hotel located in the historical centre of Monterosso, in an extremely peaceful area, surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, just 150 meters from the sea.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3* Hotel

Visit the website

Hotel Paradiso, Portovenere

This lovely small hotel is located right on seafront and the restaurant terraces have wonderful views of the Gulf of Portovenere and Palmaria Island.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3* Hotel

Visit the website

Hotel Belvedere, Portovenere

With great views of the harbour Hotel Belvedere has been welcoming guests for over 40 years. The small but comfortable rooms all have fantastic views from their balconies and the hotel is perfect for experiencing the best of Portovenere.

 

 

 

Single Rooms

Single rooms are available but attract a supplement.

Solo Walkers

This is a great holiday for solo walkers. If you are travelling solo the holiday is slightly more expensive as some costs are not shared.

Meals

The delicious Italian food and wine available locally is undoubtedly a highlight of this holiday. The price of your holiday includes breakfast each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options.

Baggage Transfer

When required your bags will be transferred from your hotel and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.

Equipment

Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, waterproofs, comfortable walking clothes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.

Walking Grade

This holiday is graded easy to moderate because although the daily walks are relatively short the terrain is very hilly and summer temperatures can be high.

The walks follow ancient footpaths and mule tracks. Many are made up of steep stone staircases and some are literally cut into the cliff so if heights aren’t your thing this may not be the best trip for you.

Navigation

You will be following way marked trails for many of your walks and we supply very detailed route notes and maps so navigation is generally easy.

***Hydrogeological instability in the Cinque Terre region can at times cause the closure of certain sections of the trails. Before embarking on your daily walk please check with your accommodation and also if possible with go to the Cinque Terre National Park website.

Getting to Monterosso/ Portovenere

We recommend arriving at either Genoa or Pisa Airports although Florence is also a possibility. (Train 1h20, 2h30 and 3h30 respectively). Tickets can be purchased on arrival or online prior to departure.

Visit www.trenitalia.it for times, prices and booking.

Travelling by Car

Much of the Cinque Terra is closed to non residential traffic. There are two guarded car parks in Monterosso where you can leave your car for the duration of your trip.

Travel in the Cinque Terra

The excellent local train service connects all the villages and is what you will use to access many of the walks. Another pleasant alternative is to use the local ferry services to travel between villages.

We are often asked the following questions and we hope that you will find the answers useful. Don't hesitate to contact one of our Italy specialists if you have any further queries.

Are the walking trails open again following the flooding of October 2011?

There are still a few trails closed as a result of this flooding. However we have adapted our walking itineraries and on the walks that we include the trails are all open. Fortunately there are lots of choices! However due to the fact that this area can at times suffer from hydrogeological instability, it is always advisable that before setting out for your daily walk you check with your accommodations about possible trail closures and if possible also the Cinque Terre National Park website.

How fit do I need to be?

This walking holiday is graded easy to moderate and involves between three and seven hours of walking each day. Some of the paths are very steep so you should be in pretty good shape to get the most from this holiday. 

All of the walks can be shortened by using public transport and all walks are optional so you can always take a day or two off if you wish.  

When is the best time of year?

Spring in the Cinque Terre is sublime! April, May and June are absolutely lovely and the wild flowers are at their best. September & October are also lovely as the vineyards change to a pallet of reds and golds and the coast has that lazy late summer feeling. 

July and August can be very hot so you will have to start early to miss the heat of the day, although the towns and villages are buzzing which is great.

How far in advance do I need to book?

We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as this area is extremely popular. You will find up to date availability on our website and we will always try and accommodate your plans so just ask.

What personal equipment do I need?

You will need good walking shoes/boots, comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc.

Which is the best airport?

Pisa and Genoa are both equally convenient and are connected to Monterosso by frequent trains.  Florence is also a possibility but the transfer time is a little longer.

This walking holiday is available from the 20th April to October.You can start your holiday on any date in the season. To make a provisional reservation select "Book" for the itinerary you are interested in.

The price does increase in high season (Easter & May - September). 

Option prices will be displayed as part of the booking process.

Because every holiday we book is bespoke, availability changes from day to day and our booking process works as follows:

• You provisionally book the tour you are interested in for your preferred dates and pay a 20% deposit online or by phone.
• We confirm availability and book all your accommodation and options and send final confirmation as soon as everything is confirmed (max 5 working days).
• If we are unable to accommodate you on your confirmed dates/tour or an alternative of your choice your deposit is fully refunded.