The Cinque Terre area in northwest Italy is famous for its stunning coastline, but the real magic lies in its quieter corners. On this walking holiday, we’ll leave the crowds behind and head on ancient mule tracks to villages like Pignone, where medieval churches and stone bridges hold stories few get to hear. We’ll journey through Biassa, a place of forgotten castles and vineyards, and explore the beaches and coves of the island of Palmaria. And yes, we’ll reach the colorful streets of Portovenere—but by then, our connection to the region will feel deeper. The view will still be stunning, but how we get there changes everything.
Discover Cinque Terre from above the coast! Over three days of hiking from Levanto to Portovenere, we’ll follow mountain trails that connect the region's historic villages. An experienced guide will share centuries of stories as we trek through Pignone and Biassa, taking paths that traders used for generations. We’ll spend our nights between a 3-star hotel and a hiker-friendly hostel. Our journey ends at UNESCO-listed Portovenere, the perfect finale to our mountain-to-sea journey. Selected accommodations and meals are taken care of—just bring your hiking boots and readiness to explore the Cinque Terre's hidden corners!
We’ll meet up in Levanto and head to the village of Pignone, following ancient mule tracks that wind through terraced vineyards with expansive views of the Ligurian sea. Marked by narrow alleyways, Pignone originated as a commercial settlement of pre-Roman origin near the stream of the same name, along the route connecting the Val di Vara.
Pignone holds genuine historical treasures: the 14th-century loggia in Piazza Marconi, and the Church of Santa Maria Assunta with its 17th and 18th-century paintings. In the Casale district, there’s still an authentic two-arched bridge and fortification remains we can explore. The natural karst formations in this area have created numerous caves and sinkholes along these ancient mule tracks. We’ll have dinner at our hotel and get some rest for tomorrow.
Meals: Dinner
Hiking distance: 14.7 km / 9.1 miles
Hiking time: 5.5 hours
Elevation gain: 850 m / 2,789 ft
Accommodation: Antiche Terre Hotel & Relax
After breakfast at our hotel, we set off towards the village of Biassa, mentioned in 13th-century documents as “comunitas Blaxiae.” The trail passes through an area rich with medieval history, where the now-ruined Castle of Coderone once stood guard against Pisan expansion. The ancient settlement developed around the parish of San Martino, and today we can see the Romanesque church that shares this name.
The path takes us through the Tramonti area, historically known for its vineyards, and where 19th-century stone quarries once supplied materials for military constructions in the gulf. The village architecture features tightly clustered houses with distinctive sandstone portals, bearing witness to centuries of community life. After our hike, we’ll relax in a hostel in the area.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking distance: 15.5 km / 9.6 miles
Hiking time: 6.5 hours
Elevation gain: 783 m / 2,569 ft
Accommodation: Ostello Tramonti Biassa
Today’s trail follows flat and wide paths with occasional mule tracks as we make our way toward the UNESCO World Heritage site of Portovenere, a picturesque gem nestled on the Ligurian coast, where the sparkling Mediterranean meets dramatic cliffs and colorful houses. Just across the water lies Palmaria, an island rich in biodiversity, home to rare plant and animal species, including one of Italy’s few permanent populations of wild goats. The island also offers pristine beaches and hidden coves such as Cala del Pozzale, Punta Secca, and Cala Grande. The more adventurous can explore Palmaria by kayak, snorkel, or mountain bike (not included).
We’ll take time to explore Portovenere and Palmaria island before heading back to Levanto. Our journey back includes a bus from Portovenere to La Spezia and a train from La Spezia to Levanto. Once we’re back, you’ll settle into your chosen accommodation in Levanto or another location (not included) and relax before your departure.
Hiking distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
Hiking time: 5 hours
Elevation gain: 258 m / 847 ft
Head back to the airport or continue exploring this beautiful corner of Italy. Buon viaggio!
Included:
Not included:
These Cinque Terre walking holidays require good fitness levels. You’ll cover distances of 14 to 15.5 km (8.7 to 9.6 miles) for three consecutive days, so you should be comfortable with 5 to 6.5 hours of walking per day.
The trails are generally flat and wide mule tracks and some asphalt sections, with elevation changes from 258 to 850 m (847 to 2,789 ft). Previous hiking experience isn’t necessary, but you should be able to maintain steady activity throughout a full day of walking.
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Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
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.
Group sizes and pricing
Cinque Terre walking holidays can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Cinque Terre walking holidays is Levanto. To get there, most people fly into Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA), 90 km (56 miles) away. The easiest way to reach Levanto from Genoa is by train, but you can also take a shuttle service or rent a car to reach Levanto.
Once you’re there, you will meet your guide on Day 1 at the Levanto train station. You will receive more details before your departure.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their 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.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:
Basic
Flexible
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