Cinque Terre Walking Holiday

Our adventure begins as we meet our local guide at the airport, before being transferred to Setri Levante, in the beautiful Ligurian region. 

We begin our day with a pleasant stroll around the beautiful centre of Sestri Levante, a picturesque fishing village nestled on a peninsula framed by two stunning bays: the Bay of Silence and the Bay of Fables. We wander its charming streets, lined with colourful buildings and artisanal shops, and take in the vibrant energy of its harbour.

We then embark on a scenic hike through the Mediterranean macchia to Punta Manara, a headland that offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Tigullio. The trail winds through fragrant woods and along the ridges of rolling hills, where every turn reveals another spectacular panorama. Along the way, we learn about the region’s unique flora and fauna from our guide.

Hike details: ~3 hours | 7 km | Moderate difficulty | 350m elevation gain

We return to Sestri Levante for a delightful pesto-making class. Under the guidance of a local chef, we'll learn the traditional method of crafting Liguria’s iconic sauce, ending the day by savouring our freshly made pesto over pasta, paired perfectly with a glass of local white wine.

Let's take a train to Vernazza, one of the most iconic villages in the Cinque Terre.  We explore its narrow streets, vibrant harbour, and colourful houses before beginning our hike. The trail from Vernazza to Corniglia winds through terraced olive groves and vineyards, offering awe-inspiring views of the coastline. The beauty of this rugged terrain is matched only by the sense of accomplishment as we reach Corniglia, perched high above the sea.

After a well-deserved break in Corniglia, we hop on a train to Manarola, another of the Cinque Terre's enchanting villages. Here, we’ll have time to explore its picturesque streets, visit local shops, and perhaps enjoy some gelato or coffee as we soak in the atmosphere.

Then we return to Sestri Levante by train.

• Hike details: ~2.5 hours | 5 km | Moderate to difficult | 400m elevation gain

We travel by train to Levanto, a charming coastal town with a rich history and beautiful beaches. There, we stroll through its old town, where medieval architecture meets modern vibrancy, before beginning our hike.

The trail from Levanto leads us through lush vineyards and olive groves to the Mesco promontory, a scenic lookout that offers one of the best panoramic views of the Cinque Terre coastline. We take a moment to soak in the sight of the turquoise sea and the five iconic villages dotting the cliffs at the scenic point Semaforo.

We continue our hike to Monterosso al Mare, the largest and perhaps most vibrant of the Cinque Terre villages, before returning to Sestri Levante by train.

Hike details: ~3.5–4 hours | 8 km | Moderate difficulty | 400m elevation gain

Today is yours. Relax at the beach, explore nearby villages, or indulge in Ligurian delicacies at a local restaurant. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a bike or kayak to discover the coast from a new perspective.

Today, we take the train from Sestri Levante to Riva Trigoso. The path connecting Riva Trigoso to Moneglia is a beautiful route through greenery that allows us to traverse splendid landscapes with sea views. The proposed route also passes by the Torre di Punta Baffe, an ancient building used as a lookout post during the pirate era. It is not a particularly difficult path, along which there are no exposed points. The delightful surprise is the variety of the landscape. Indeed, sea and coastal views alternate with glimpses of the more inland valleys. We cross woods, pass small streams where wild animals find refreshment, and finally reach Moneglia: one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. 

At the end of the day, we get back to the Setri Levante by train. 

Hike details: ~4 hours | 11 km | Moderate difficulty | 500m descent

Our final full day begins in Camogli, a quintessential Ligurian fishing village, which we reach by train. We stroll its narrow alleyways and admire its vibrant harbour before picking up a picnic of freshly baked focaccia. 

Then we take a scenic boat ride to San Fruttuoso, a secluded bay home to a historic abbey. From here, we hike along rugged coastal trails to Portofino, the jewel of the Riviera. We wander its chic streets, admire the luxurious yachts, and revel in the contrast of opulence and rustic beauty.

We continue our journey to Santa Margherita, a charming seaside town known for its elegance and tranquillity and explore its waterfront promenade.

Hike details: ~2.5–3 hours | 6 km | Moderate difficulty | 450m elevation gain

Time has come to say "Ciao" to Cinque Terre as we're transferred to the airport for our flight back to Ireland.