Cinque Terre Short Break Self Guided Walking Tour

Cinque Terre Short Break

5 Days & 4 Nights 4.3 Read 28 reviews

Walk Italy’s Cinque Terre National Park, exploring its five colourful villages
Pathways through lemon groves and terraced vineyards with sweeping views
Enjoy “La Vida Dulce” with chilled limoncello, local wine, creamy gelato, and fresh seafood
Coastal walks with the chance to take a refreshing dip in the sea
Stay in just one location, giving time to relax without constantly needing to repack

Discover the highlights of the Cinque Terre on a short break exploring this famous section of the Ligurian coast. Walk from village-to-village on a route that connects the five small fishing communities that make up the colourful Cinque Terre. Walk along the dramatic coastline taking in the fresh scent of the sea and stunning views to the sparkling Mediterranean. Stay throughout this short break in the Cinque Terre village of Monterosso, giving the added bonus of only having to unpack one. Soak up the Italian charm, sunshine, long sandy beaches, and freshly caught seafood while staying in charming accommodations.

What To Expect

Travel restrictions and resources, to and from any destination

This trip is perfect for those who want to explore this lovely, rugged part of the Italian Riviera on foot. It is graded moderate, with an average of 6-7 kms walking per day along coastal and mountain trails. There is walking included each day, however if a more leisurely pace is desired then since there are multiple nights spent in Monterosso it’s possible to sit walks out and have time to rest, visit a local beach, and sit in a café and watch the world go by. It’s also possible to shorten several of the walks by jumping on local trains. Perhaps also consider adding an additional night in Portovenere at the end of the holiday to spend time exploring the historic and colourful fishing town. There are many elevation gains and losses which need to be taken into consideration. The traditional paths between the villages often include sections of stone steps on these ascents and descents, which can be hard on the knees, so we would strongly recommend taking walking poles and perhaps knee supports if needed. It’s best ahead of time to do some practice walks including stairs and ascents and descents like those you will experience on the trip whilst carrying your day bag. There are sections of the walks along cliff edge paths, some of which are unfenced and only wide enough to walk along in single file. This trip may therefore not be ideal for those with a fear of heights or vertigo sufferers. As part of this holiday a Cinque Terre Three Day Train and Hiking Trails Card is included for use on days 2 to 4. You will need to purchase a train ticket locally for the train transfer to Bonassola for the walk on day 2, as this is outside the validity of the rail card. Train tickets are approximately €2.40 per person per way. Please note that if you choose to shorten the walk at Levanto then you can use the Cinque Terre Card for the trip back on the train from Levanto to Monterosso as this is within the coverage of the card. The Cinque Terre Card includes unlimited train travel on the La Spezia - Cinque Terre - Levanto railway line, on regional trains in second class; access to the hiking paths from Monterosso to Corniglia; and use of the bus services within the park area.

Tour Style:

Self Guided | Go at your own pace on an independent tour.

Activity:

Multi Center Walking | You will spend multiple nights in one or more of the locations on this walking tour

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travelers, Multi-Generational, First Timers

As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveler this tour would be suitable for is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Foodie Adventures
Historical Journeys
Coastal & Island
National Parks & Trails
Special Occasions

Inspiration:

Most Popular
Classic

Activity Level & Terrain

This trip includes walking each day and is graded easy to moderate overall. The terrain varies from coastal paths to rolling mountain trails making for a pleasant mixture. Most days can be shortened by taking a train or ferry to the next overnight destination and it’s possible to skip a number of the walks if you prefer some time to explore locally and relax.

Daily walks average around 6-7 kms, following dirt paths, paved roads, forest trails and coastal paths. There are several ascents/descents involved and some of the route while walking from village-to-village within the Cinque Terre encompass stone staircases. To get the most from this trip you should be comfortable walking on undulating terrain with many ascents and descents. Please be advised that this trip may not be appropriate for unstable walkers or people suffering from vertigo as there are sections of narrow cliff tops paths with unfenced edges.

Due to the nature of the cliff paths these can sometimes be affected by landslides causing trail closures and we may need to alter the itinerary when we become aware of these happening. Using your Cinque Terre Card, it’s normally possible to easily take alternative walks or to hop on a train to avoid the affected area.

Navigation

While the route is not waymarked, navigation is straightforward using the Macs Adventure Smartphone Navigation App. The daily walks are mapped in the app with GPX tracks, including route notes, and turn-by-turn directions. All of these resources are available to download for offline use. More information is outlined within the detailed information pack, in addition to 24/7 telephone support from Macs Adventure should assistance be required.

Accommodations

Included in this trip are hand-selected, charming accommodations. We’ve carefully chosen properties so that you can enjoy every minute of this trip on the Italian Riviera and Cinque Terre.

Additional Nights

It’s easy to request to add on an extra night at any location during this itinerary. Perhaps consider adding an additional night in Portovenere at the end of the holiday to spend time exploring the historic and colourful fishing village and relax after completing the walks. Please notify us at the time of booking should you wish to add extra nights.

Single Rooms & Solo Walkers

This trip is based on double occupancy (two people sharing a room with one bed). If separate rooms are required, then a single supplement is payable. If a twin room is required (same room with two separate beds), please notify us at the time of booking so we can request this option. This trip is available to solo walkers.

Meals

Breakfast is included each morning and consists of a traditional European style breakfast ranging from coffee, tea, yoghurt, granola, meat, cheese, and baked goods. In some cases, a hot dish (eggs and pancakes) will be served or offered á la carte.

Lunches and dinners are not included in this trip. We recommend finding cafés or restaurants located in the towns or along the walking route, or to purchase snacks and a picnic lunch to bring along on the walks from local supermarkets and markets. Further details can be found within your information pack and the Macs Adventure Smartphone App.

Included

Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels on a twin share basis
Daily breakfasts
Transfer as per your itinerary
3-Day Cinque Terre Train & Trails Card
Access to maps, GPX tracks and daily route information with the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
All your trip documents including a detailed information pack provided digitally through your online Macs “My Account”
Telephone support from our office in the event of a problem

Excluded

Travel to and from start and finish points
Travel insurance (required) and personal equipment
Lunches, dinners, drinks, and snacks
Tourist taxes (charged locally at hotels)
Any additional train/ferry transfers required outside the validity of the Cinque Terre Card

Extras

Additional nights before, during or after the tour
Private transfers to the start and from the end points of the tour
Room upgrades

When To Go

This tour is available to start anytime between April and October.

Peak Season Availability

As the Cinque Terre is a very popular destination, we suggest booking as soon as possible to ensure availability for specific dates.

Time of Year

The springs months of April, May and June offer warm sunshine, fewer crowds, and pleasant walking conditions. May is when most wildflowers are coming into bloom. The autumn months of September and October are also a favourable time of year, boasting cooler weather and a striking landscape made up of autumnal colours. July and August are good months to go but can be very hot for walking and therefore aren’t best suited for everyone. You will have to start early to miss the heat of the day and carry a lot of water (additional weight) with you. Although the villages are buzzing at this time of year which is great to see, and you can take a cooling dip in the sea.

Getting to the Start

For the easiest and most convenient method of travel, we recommended flying into Genoa Airport and taking the direct train to Monterosso (taking around 1 hour 15). Genoa has an airport with flights from international and national destinations. From the airport, take the local bus (or taxi), to the central train station (Brignole Station) for a train to Monterosso.

Pisa and Florence also have airports with flights from international and national destinations. From Florence you’d need to take the train to Pisa (taking approximately 35mins). From Pisa central station there are direct trains to Monterosso taking around 2 hours.

Visit Trenitalia for times, prices and booking. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office or online prior to departure.

A private transfer from Genoa, Pisa or Florence to Monterosso can be requested. Please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to add this option (additional costs apply).

Getting from the End

This short break finishes in Monterosso which has its own central train station with trains back to Genoa , or back to Pisa or Florence (via Pisa).

Visit Trenitalia for more information, timetables, and prices. You can either purchase the tickets at the ticket office, or you can do so online beforehand.

A private transfer to Genoa, Pisa or Florence from Monterosso can be requested. Please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to add this option (additional costs apply).

Luggage Transfer

One main bag of up to 20kg per person will be transferred from each accommodation to the next.

General Information

Please note that the reviews for this walking holiday up until December 2019 are based on our previous itinerary. As of December 2019, minor changes and improvements have been made to enhance the experience.

Equipment

Our pre-departure information pack has detailed advice and a kit list on what to take with you to Italy. This includes warm and cold weather gear, hiking boots, and lots of other useful bits and bobs.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation, and hospital care.

How fit do I need to be?

How far in advance do I need to book?

What personal equipment do I need?

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Monterosso

The adventure on the Ligurian coast begins in Monterosso which will be the base for this short break. Monterosso is one of the famed Cinque villages and has a great beach and bars, shops, and restaurants to explore. By staying in just the one lopcation for this short break it gives you the advantage of only having to unpack once, and the flexibility to easily skip any walks and spend the day at leisure here or explore other nearby places by jumping on a local train. Monterosso is easily reached from Genoa Airport by direct train (taking around 1 hour 15) or from either Pisa or Florence Airport by train.

Upon arrival, take a relaxing walk along the sandy beach, swim in the sea, or enjoy a refreshing gelato with views over the clear blue water.

Tonight, enjoy the quintessential Italian hospitality at our accommodation, which boasts a warm welcome to walkers.

Overnight Monterosso

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Marina | 3 Star | Hotel

This family-run small hotel prides itself on providing a warm welcome and has lots of cosy spaces to unwind and relax in. The hotel lies in a quiet area, 100 metres from the beach and the beginning of the hiking path to Vernazza in the wonderful scenery of the Cinque Terre. All bedrooms are air-conditioned and have a TV, WiFi access, and minibar. The hotel has a reading room, garden, restaurant, Jacuzzi and four different terraces to relax and enjoy the sea view from. During the warmer weather breakfast will be served outside in the lemon garden terrace.

Locanda Il Maestrale | Guest House

Set in an 18^th century building, which has been restored to give modern comforts, but keep its historic character including frescoed ceilings. The hotel terrace overlooks the historical main street with its many restaurants and shops just a few steps away. The beach and ferry harbour are 2 minutes’ walk away as well as the trail path n.2 leading to Vernazza. All bedrooms have a TV, mini bar, and air conditioning. There is WiFi access in public areas including the sun terrace where you can relax on loungers with a coffee or glass of juice.

Hotel Amici | 3 Star | Hotel

Ideally located in the centre of Monterosso, 5-minutes’ walk from the sea. Bedrooms have a TV and air conditioning, and some have a balcony. Don't miss the lovely terrace garden with sea views and loungers where you can sit and amongst the lemon and olive trees accompanied by the lovely scent of rosemary.

Day 2 Train to Bonassola; walk back to Monterosso

Take a train to Bonassola this morning to begin the walk along the old railway tracks recently transformed into an even, easy walking path. Enjoy an array of terrain as the path travels through tunnels, over bridges, and along the rugged coastline into the green interior valley of Levanto. The idyllic village of Levanto’s skyline is pierced by church spires and towers. From here it’s possible to shorten the walk by taking a train back to Monterosso.

Leaving the railway path behind and heading onto the mountain paths. Upon reaching the ridgetop at Colla Bagari, take a moment to absorb the sweeping views of the rolling mountains surrounding the “Gulf of Paradise” and the Cinque Terre villages that the walk will be heading through over the coming days. Arriving at Punta Mesco, descending along olive groves and vines to Monterosso, with its large sandy beach and calm waters. Why not take a refreshing paddle to cool your feet after a good day’s walking.

Shorter walk to Levanto: 4kms/3mi and Ascent/Descent: 72m/60m

Walk to Monterosso: 11kms/7mi Ascent/Descent: 588m/593m

Alternatively, for anyone not wishing to walk today why not spend the day relaxing on the beach, a seafront bar, or wandering around the colourful street in Monterosso, the first of the Cinque villages explored on this trip.

Overnight Monterosso

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Marina | 3 Star | Hotel

You are assured the warmest of welcomes at the Hotel Marina. Hotel Marina has 25 rooms. The hotel lies in a quiet area, 100 meters from the sea, the beach and the beginning of the hiking path to Vernazza in the wonderful scenery of the Cinque Terre. All the 25 rooms of the Hotel Marina are air-conditioned and come with a flat-screen TV and minibar. The en-suite bathroom is fitted with a shower and includes towels and a hairdryer.

Locanda Il Maestrale | Guest House

Stefania and Giovanni are the owners and the managers of the XXVIII sec. building, which has been recently restored following modern stardards. The terrace of the inn overlooks the historycal centre main street and the inn is a short step from restaurants and shops. The beach and the ferry boats dock are just 2 minutes away as well as the path n.2 leading to Vernazza. All rooms have private bathroom with shower and hairdryer, satellite TV, mini bar, safe and air conditioning.

Hotel Amici | 3 Star | Hotel

Hotel Amici is perfectly located in the centre of Monterosso, 5 minutes from the sea. They offer a comfortable stay with a delicious morning breakfast. Don't miss the lovely garden with sea views and terraces where you can sit and enjoy the lemon trees, olive trees and the lovely scent of rosemary.

Day 3 Train to Manarola for free time and walk to Riomaggiore 1 miles / 2 km

With the included Cinque Terre Trails & Rail Card in hand it’s time this morning to hop on the train, sit back and enjoy the views over the sea on the way to Manarola (trains depart about every 30 minutes). Manarola is widely thought to be the most charming and beautiful of the Cinque Terre villages with its colourful buildings clinging to the cliff edge, the terraced green hillside above, and the azure blue waters colliding with the rocky coastline below. Since todays walk is the shortest on the trip there’s amble time to explore the village and perhaps have lunch in one of the many restaurants and cafes found here.

The walk this afternoon uses the original path linking the villages of Manarola and Riomaggiore. Although the villages are quite close together there is a mountain separating them, so the trail although short in distance is a steep ascent and descent including many stone steps. Thanks to the high position the Via Beccara path does afford amazing sea views over the dramatic Cinque Terre coastline including a bird’s eye view of Manarola and Riomaggiore. The path climbs pass the terraced vineyards along the mountainside.

After time to explore Riomaggiore, take the train back to Monterosso.

This evening, dine “al fresco” at one of the many delicious restaurants lining the piazza and historic centre, especially for a hot pot of freshly caught steamed seafood, a Ligurian specialty.

Ascent/Descent: 191m/194m

Alternatively, for anyone not wanting to walk today there’s the choice of spending time in Monterosso or using the included Cinque Terre Trails & Rail Card to ride the rails and explore Manarola and Riomaggiore this way instead of doing the mountain walk.

Please note that the alternative path Via dell'Amore from Manarola and Corniglia is currently closed due landslide and therefore not possible to use. It's scheduled to re-open in summer 2024.

Overnight Monterosso

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Marina | 3 Star | Hotel

Locanda Il Maestrale | Guest House

Hotel Amici | 3 Star | Hotel

Day 4 Train to Corniglia; walk to Monterosso via Vernazza 5 miles / 8 km

After breakfast, take the train to Corniglia for a steep, but well worth it, walk back to Monterosso. Corniglia is the quietest, and least crowded of the Cinque Terre villages, making its backstreets a delight to wander through before beginning the walk.

Follow the path as it goes up-and-down to Vernazza, the most perfect picture postcard of the villages. This fortified village is the only natural harbour in the Cinque Terre and is still used by fisherman with their boats bobbing in the protected waters surrounded by the elegant, colourful buildings. Some of the original village walls and the Doria Castle watch tower remain today, which were used to defend this valuable resource. This historic fishing community is also home to Santa Margherita d’Anticochia Church, the Sanctuary of our Lady of Regio, and the Convent of the Reformed Fathers of St. Francis. There is the option of leaving the walk here and taking the train back to Monterosso.

The walk continues to follow the panoramic path from Vernazza to Monterosso giving yet more wonderful seascape views along the way. On arrival back in Monterosso cool down with a tasty gelato.

Shorter walk to Vernazza: 4kms/3mi and Ascent/Descent: 449m/472m

Walk to Monterosso: 8kms/5mi Ascent/Descent: 449m/472m

Alternatively, for anyone not wishing to walk today it’s possible to take the train from Monterosso to Corniglia and Vernazza, to explore the villages this way instead.

Overnight Monterosso

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Marina | 3 Star | Hotel

Locanda Il Maestrale | Guest House

Hotel Amici | 3 Star | Hotel

Day 5 Onward travel from Monterosso

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