A guidebook to 16 walks in Italy’s Cinque Terre. Following age-old paths linking the UNESCO-listed settlements of this beautiful coastline, the routes involve moderate to steep ascents and therefore call for a reasonable level of fitness.

Walks range from 2 to 14km (1–8 miles) and can be enjoyed in 2–5 hours. There are routes starting from all five of the main villages – Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore – and all are accessible by public transport.

• 1:50,000 or 1:25,000 mapping included for each walk
• GPX files available for download
• Refreshment and public transport information provided
• Walks can be combined to create a 3–4 day trek across the Cinque Terre
• With notes on local history, plants and wildlife and cuisine

Map key
Overview Map
INTRODUCTION
Exploring the Cinque Terre
Walking
Plants and flowers
Wildlife
Getting there and getting around
Information
When to go
Accommodation
Food and drink
What to take
Maps
Dos and don’ts
Emergencies
Using this guide
Walks
Walk 1 Levanto to Monterosso
Walk 2 Monterosso via Colla di Gritta circuit
Walk 3 Monterosso to Vernazza via the sanctuaries
Walk 4 Monterosso to Vernazza on the SVA
Walk 5 Vernazza to Corniglia on the SVA
Walk 6 Corniglia via Cigoletta and San Bernardino to Vernazza
Walk 7 Corniglia via Volastra to Manarola
Walk 8 Manarola panoramic loop
Walk 9 Manarola to Riomaggiore on Via Beccara
Walk 10 Riomaggiore high circuit
Walk 11 Riomaggiore low circuit
Walk 12 Riomaggiore to Porto Venere
Walk 13 Campiglia circuit via Monesteroli and Fossola
Walk 14 Punta Persico
Walk 15 Porto Venere and Monte Muzzerone
Walk 16 Palmaria island circuit
Appendix A Village maps
Appendix B Route summary table
Appendix C Useful information
Appendix D Glossary
Appendix E Accommodation

Seasons

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September and October), avoiding the heat of summer, are the best times for walking but also the busiest. Winter can be magical and quiet - though many accommodation providers and restaurants close and the weather can occasionally be wild and stormy.

Centres

The Cinque Terre villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia, Riomaggiore, as well as neighbouring Levanto, Campiglia and Porto Venere.

Difficulty

The walks in this guide are graded 1-3 and are suitable for beginners through to experienced walkers. Some walks are steep, and long flights of stone steps are often encountered. Quality walking boots or shoes are essential.

Must See

The world-famous paths between charming Cinque Terre villages on spectacular cliff and vineyard routes. The popular Sentiero Verde Azzurro links Monterosso to Vernazza to Corniglia to Manarola to Riomaggiore. A superb higher traverse leads on via Campiglia and on to delightful Portovenere.

August 2024

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