As the name suggests, Cinque Terre consists of five villages, around which the diverse interaction of nature and man has shaped the entire area into a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This unque trip goes from village to village, sleeping along the route.
Each village is breathtakingly beautiful and amazing in its own way. The environment has evolved over the years and we get to observe the unique human habitation and cultural heritage from a time when people’s lives and livelihoods had to adapt to the surrounding terrain and nature. The paths meander over the turquoise sea in green forests, through wine and olive plantations and on narrow paths and finally it descends into the villages on the stairs between the small houses.
Why Cinque Terre
- Stunning sea views, rich green nature and an unique coastal culture with charming architecture
- Easy to intermediate trails between charming villages
- Fabulous Italian food, coffee and ice cream
- Interesting local wines and olive oil, grown on the side of the paths
Description
Day 1 – getting started
Meet in Levanto or in La Spezia to take the train to Levanto. Check in our lovely bed and breakfast for briefing and final check of our backpacks. Dinner together.
Day 2
Start the rugged coastal trails from Levanto to Monterosso. Take a breather and eat a snack in the beautiful town and perhaps tip our toes in the sea on the beach. After leaving the Monterosso houses behind, we enjoy the immense green trail and the turqoise sea on our run to Vernazze. We can stop in the cafes or for a dip in the little marina before climbing Punta Palma (208 m) from where we follow the coastal trail tothe coastal path towards Corniglia.
Admire the village perched high up on the cliffs above the sea and descend down to the rocky beach. Train to Levanto
Distance 20km
Day 3
We start early and catch a train first to where we left off the day before. After the train journey we start our trail run from Corniglia to Volastra.
We walk up steep vinyards into Volastra and descend running above the sea to Manarola and Riomaggiore.
The final part of the day is the challenging “Path of Infinity” to Portovenere high up above the Muzzerone cliffs with panoramic views of the Mediterranean sea. We sit down to breathe and eat a little, before catching the coastal ferry all the way back to Levanto.
Alternative planning may be needed, based on the group speed, weather conditions and ferry timetables in which case we may start the day from Manarolo.
Distance 23km
Day 4
Today we explore the stunning Ligurian mountains high up in the mountains above the Cinque Terre. Train from Monterosso to Levanto
Distance 12km
Extra days
If you have the time why not take up one of these options:
Trail running the stunning Finale Ligure, the rugged outdoor capital of Italy on the Mediterranean coast. We can catch a train to Finale Ligure via Genova and stop for a stroll in this Medieval powerhouse of the seas. We can settle into a comfortable guest house and plan the following days
Two day Finale Ligure trail run total 41km with stunning seaside trails, impressive carstic caves and steep cliffs and rocky ridges.
Day 6 Noli – Varigotti – Roman bridges – caves – Orco
Day 7 Orco – Finalborgo – Borgio Verezzi
In Finale Ligure we can hook you up with our climbing or MTB guide partners so you can explore this unique steep terrain in different ways too.
Your guide for the trails is Kirsti, who has been living and exploring Finale Ligure for the past 11 years. Read more
What is included:
The guiding for the trip
Search and rescue insurance during the activity.
Overnight stay in shared twin rooms (or double on request)
Transfers in Cinque Terre for days 2 and 3
What is not included:
Your medical, activity or travel insurances.
Lunch, snacks or drinks or the dinners
Transport – we will coordinate the train / bus connection or car sharing.
Note
Minimum 4 people to form a group, to be confirmed at latest 5 weeks before the departure. If we need to cancel the day due to low numbers, we will issue a full refund or arrange for an alternative day if you prefer, extra fees may be applicable if accommodation costs vary.
On day 3, if the group speed is not enough to make it to the ferry, we will loop back to Riomaggiore and catch the train, skipping Portovenere completely.
“I think it is my new favorite place ever!”
Beth, Ilkley
This trip is organised in collaboration with our Travel Agent partners, please contact me for further details at hikehowyoulike@gmail.com
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