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cinque terre hike italy tour

Hiking Cinque Terre: 4 or 7 Days Along Italian Riviera

4 days | Moderate
From $1,694 ()
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This is Cinque Terre, fully connected—just one continuous hike and all five villages linked on foot from Porto Venere to Monterosso, in 4 or 7 days, your choice. Instead of just riding the train, we explore Cinque Terre the local way, on foot and along historic trails that connect its ancient fishing villages high above the sea. Yes, the terrain is steep and uneven—that’s the point—because it reveals how people shaped a life here against the cliffs, carving terraces, paths, and villages that glow with colorful facades. Days are active and immersive, while evenings are yours for sunset dinners, village wandering, and that feeling of earning every spectacular view. Four days keeps it compact and focused; seven adds the quieter Eastern Ligurian Riviera beyond—same Cinque Terre, just more coast on the other side.

Guido
Guido

Adventure Highlights

  • Italian Riviera at its best: Hike above the sparkling Ligurian Sea in one of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in the world
  • History walked, not rushed: Walk the old village paths that shaped daily life here for centuries, discovering Cinque Terre beyond the crowds and train stops
  • Local knowledge, local paths: A local guide leads the way, sharing insight, handling logistics, and keeping the focus on the trail and views
Duration
4 days
Season
Spring & Fall
Group size
Up to 10 people
Accommodation
Comfort: 3-star hotels, B&Bs, or private apartments
Difficulty
Moderate: Good fitness required, hiking up to 14 or 20 km (8.7  or 12.4 mi) per day, with up to 700 m or 1,000 m (2,300 ft or 3,280 ft) of elevation gain & loss
What's included
Guide, lodging, breakfasts, train tickets, private transfer, luggage transfers with the 7-day tour

The adventure, day by day

This Cinque Terre 4-day hiking adventure links all five villages on foot, following historic coastal trails high above the Italian Riviera. Instead of rushing by train, we climb, descend, and earn every view, discovering how life has clung to these cliffs for centuries. Days are active and scenic, with plenty of time to enjoy villages at your own pace in the evenings. It’s Cinque Terre done properly—compact, immersive, and full of character, perfect for travelers short on time but big on experience.

Day 1: Porto Venere to Riomaggiore
The village of Rionaggiore in CInque Terre

We begin the day by taking the train from Monterosso to La Spezia, then continue by a short private transfer to Porto Venere, our starting point. After a short sightseeing walk through this picturesque seaside town, we begin our hike, ascending gradually as the shimmering Ligurian Sea stretches out below us. The climb is steady rather than strenuous, leaving time to enjoy the views, pause for photos, and take in the coastal landscape. From the high points of the trail, we descend toward Riomaggiore, where colorful houses tumble down toward the water and our first hiking day comes to a satisfying close.

Hiking: 14 km (8.7 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: +/-700 m (2,300 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 2: Riomaggiore to Corniglia
Stunning Corniglia Italy

Today’s walk is a little gentler, but no less scenic. We climb into the hills of the Cinque Terre National Park before descending toward the lively village of Manarola. After time to explore, we continue on to Volastra and Corniglia, enjoying sweeping coastal views and terraced landscapes along the way. At the end of the hike, we return by train to Monterosso. In the evening, we celebrate the day with a relaxed local dinner, accompanied by excellent regional wines.

Hiking: 11 km (6.8 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: +/-550 m (1,800 ft)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 3: Corniglia to Monterosso
COlorful houses Monterosso

This is the most scenic and challenging day of the journey as we hike through the heart of the Cinque Terre, passing from Corniglia through Vernazza and on to Monterosso. The trail links iconic villages and offers some of the region’s most spectacular views. We take our time, stopping often for photos, coffee breaks, and moments to simply enjoy the scenery. Reaching Monterosso in the afternoon brings a strong sense of accomplishment, followed by a peaceful sunset and a well-earned dinner at a local restaurant.

Hiking: 13 km (8.1 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: +/-450 m (1,480 ft)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 4: Monterosso to Levanto
Levanto Cinque Terre

On our final day, we leave Monterosso behind and hike toward the charming town of Levanto. The trail offers a calmer, more peaceful walk, with gentle descents and a fresh perspective on the coastline we’ve been exploring. Arriving in Levanto around midday, we conclude our journey feeling both satisfied and refreshed. From here, onward travel by train is easy, allowing us to continue on to other Italian destinations.

Hiking: 10 km (6.2 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: +/-400 m (1,310 ft)
Meals: Breakfast

For those who want more than four days can offer, this is the answer. This 7-day tour covers the full stretch of the Eastern Ligurian Riviera on foot—starting in Porto Venere, walking through all five Cinque Terre villages, and continuing along a quieter, less-traveled coastline all the way to Rapallo. One continuous trail, fully linked, with a local guide leading the way each day. The further you go past the Cinque Terre, the more the crowds thin out and the coast starts feeling like yours. Luggage transfers between accommodations throughout, six nights of lodging and six breakfasts included.

Day 1: Porto Venere to Riomaggiore
The village of Rionaggiore in CInque Terre

We start the adventure with a train from Monterosso to La Spezia, followed by a short private transfer to Porto Venere—a picturesque seaside town where we take a brief sightseeing walk before lacing up for the trail. From here, we begin our hike, ascending gradually as the shimmering Ligurian Sea stretches out below us. The climb is steady rather than strenuous, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the views, pause for photos, and take in the coastal landscape. From the high points of the trail, we descend toward Riomaggiore, where colorful houses tumble down toward the water and our first hiking day comes to a satisfying close.

Hiking: 14 km (8.7 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: +/-700 m (2,300 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel, B&B, or private apartment

Day 2: Riomaggiore to Monterosso
Monterosso al Mare

We thread the five villages of the Cinque Terre one by one today. Leaving Riomaggiore, we climb stone steps through terraced vineyards with sea glimpses, then descend into the pastel cluster of Manarola for a short harbor-view pause. The path rises and curves above the coast toward Corniglia, perched atop a cliff, where narrow lanes and lemon-scented air invite a longer break. From Corniglia we drop into Vernazza—an iconic seaside hamlet with a tiny beach and a bustling square, perfect for lunch. A final stretch of cliffside paths and shaded switchbacks brings us into Monterosso al Mare, where broader sands, cafés, and Mediterranean light mark the end of the day.

Hiking: 15 km (9.3 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: +/-900 m (2,953 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel, B&B, or private apartment

Day 3: Monterosso to Bonassola
bonassola piazza

Leaving Monterosso’s wide beach behind, we wind past coastal cliffs where waves crash against hidden coves and climb through Mediterranean scrub and olive terraces, the path offering panoramic sea views and occasional glimpses of rocky bays. After a steady ascent and some shaded stretches, the trail levels through stone walls and scented herbs before a gentle descent toward Levanto’s outskirts. We skirt quiet lanes and pine groves, then follow the shoreline through promontories and tiny beaches. Approaching Bonassola, we cross a final stretch of coastal path and tunnels carved into rock, emerging into the village’s pebbled bay and tranquil piazza as the sea’s hush marks the end of the day.

Hiking: 10 km (6.2 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: +/-600 m (1,969 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel, B&B, or private apartment

Day 4: Bonassola to Deiva Marina
framura ligurian riviera

We leave Bonassola’s pebble bay and climb along fragrant scrub and umbrella pines, the path alternating sunlit ridges with cool, shaded descents—sweeping sea panoramas, secluded coves, and terraced olive groves in between. We pass small hamlets and farming plots, cross stone bridges and short tunneled sections, and feel the rhythm of waves below as the trail undulates. Approaching Framura, narrow lanes lead us through cluster settlements perched above cliffs, with glimpses of colorful houses tumbling toward the water. The final kilometers follow a combination of coastal trail and easy road access, descending to Deiva Marina’s long beach and compact center.

Hiking: 11 km (6.8 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: +/-700 m (2,300 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel, B&B, or private apartment

Day 5: Deiva Marina to Sestri Levante
sestri levante

We begin from Deiva’s long beach before climbing through olive groves and pine-scented maquis, the trail alternating coastal panoramas with sheltered descents past rocky headlands, small coves, and occasional farmsteads. Mediterranean scrub and terraced vines frame the sea below as we move through short shaded sections, skirt quiet villages and lanes, and enjoy widening views as the coastline curves. Approaching Sestri Levante—a charming town set between two bays, the Bay of Silence and the Bay of Fables—the path opens up and we descend toward sandy shores and a lively beachfront promenade, arriving into the old town where narrow streets and cafés provide a warm welcome after a long day.

Hiking: 20 km (12.4 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: +/-1,000 m (3,281 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel, B&B, or private apartment

Day 6: Sestri Levante to Chiavari
chiavara city italy

Leaving Sestri’s twin bays, we thread seaside promenades, rocky headlands, and stretches of sandy shore, the route moving between low cliffs topped with villas and wooded pockets of pine and eucalyptus with frequent sea views and glimpses of fishing boats. We pass small beaches, beach clubs, and hamlets where narrow lanes lead down to the water, and cross short tunnels where the road hugs the coast. Approaching Chiavari, the terrain flattens, and the long sandy waterfront gives way to a historic center of arcaded streets, pastel buildings, and a lively market—arriving feels like stepping from coastal calm into town bustle.

Hiking: 10 km (6.2 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: +/-300 m (984 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel, B&B, or private apartment

Day 7: Chiavari to Rapallo
rapallo italy view

We leave Chiavari’s arcaded streets and market bustle for a coastline of promenades, low cliffs, and sheltered coves. The path alternates easy seaside walking with short rises through pine-dotted terraces and villa-lined outlooks, with constant views of the shimmering Gulf of Tigullio. Small beaches and fishermen’s jetties punctuate the route, and occasional tunnels take us beneath the coastal road. As we draw near Rapallo, the landscape becomes more genteel—marinas, palm-lined promenades, elegant hotels—until we enter Rapallo’s lively seafront and historic center, where trains connect onward to your next destination.

Hiking: 12 km (7.5 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: +/-400 m (1,312 ft)
Meals: Breakfast

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.
Guido
5.00
Guido
Guido is an expert mountaineer and founder of an outdoor travel company in Italy. In addition to having covered thousands of kilometers everywhere in the Dolomites, Guido has a deep knowledge of them. Beyond the Dolomites, he leads tours in the Lake Garda area, Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre and Sicily. In his company, you can learn many interesting things about the "most beautiful mountains in the world" and other gorgeous places in Italy.

Things to know

  • Included with the 4-day tour:

      • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 4-day Cinque Terre hiking adventure
      • Accommodation for 3 nights at a 3-star hotel (double occupancy)
      • 3 breakfasts
      • Train tickets
      • Private transfer on Day 1

    Included with the 7-day tour:

      • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 7-day Cinque Terre & Eastern Ligurian Riviera hiking adventure
      • Accommodation for 6 nights at 3-star hotels, B&Bs, and private apartments (double occupancy)
      • 6 breakfasts
      • Train tickets
      • Private transfer on Day 1
      • Luggage transfers from one hotel to another

    Not included:

      • Flights to Italy 
      • Lunches, dinners, drinks
      • Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
      • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
      • Guide gratuities — optional
  • To join this Cinque Terre hiking tour, good fitness is required as well as at least some hiking experience on rough terrain. For day-by-day distances and elevation changes, check out the itinerary, but here’s what to expect.

      • On the 4-day tour, you’ll be hiking for 4 days in a row, covering up to 14 km (8.7 mi) with up to 700 m (2,300 ft) of elevation gain per day.
      • The 7-day tour covers more ground and includes a bigger day—up to 20 km (12.4 mi) with up to 1,000 m (3,281 ft) of elevation gain—so a higher level of fitness is recommended.

    Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Italy hiking tours here!

  • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

      • Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day (around a 25-40L bag)
      • Hiking poles — optional
      • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
      • Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
      • Comfortable hiking clothes 
      • Spare clothes for layering
      • Waterproof rain jacket
      • Sunhat
      • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, tissues, etc.)
      • Headlamp or flashlight
      • Sunglasses
      • Camera — optional (but recommended)

    Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

    Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!

  • Group sizes and pricing

      • For this Cinque Terre hiking tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 10:1. 
      • It takes a minimum of 5 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 10 participants.
      • Solo travelers can share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.

    Cinque Terre hiking tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • The price for this Cinque Terre hiking tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. Let us know if interested!

    Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.

  • The starting point of your Cinque Terre hiking tour is Monterosso, the largest of the five villages known as Cinque Terre. To get there, most people fly into Pisa International Airport (PSA). From there, you can take a shuttle service, a train, or a bus to reach Monterosso—it takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on your chosen transport.

    You will meet your guide in Monterosso on Day 1. Make sure to reach Monterosso at least a day before Day 1 of the tour, as Day 1 is a hiking day, and you need to be ready in the morning and well rested!

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

    Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

  • Deposits

    Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

    Cancellations

    Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

    Basic

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Flexible

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Super Flexible

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
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