Cinque Terre: Hike, Bike & Kayak

Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure begins in Levanto on the Ligurian coast with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not stroll through the gorgeous town, admiring the orange, yellow and blue architecture or chill out on the beach? Tonight, take in the atmosphere of this seaside location and maybe head out to dinner with your new travel companions.

Embark on your first walk along the coast from Levanto to Monterosso – the first of the five villages of the Cinque Terre. The first part of the walk leads you through the centre of Levanto’s Old Town, past the cathedral and up to its castle. Continue to Punta Mesco – the most notable promontory in the region. Visit the ruins of an 11th-century hermitage and the ruins of the lighthouse nearby. Here, you’ll have marvellous views of the rugged coastline can find a nice spot to stop for a picnic lunch. Then, follow the steep path down into Monterosso – a colourful village with blue, red and yellow houses that cluster along the beachfront. Take your time to explore this little town before taking the local train back to Levanto. In the afternoon, explore the coast on bikes and ride along the old coastal railway line to Framura, now turned into a beautiful cycling path. Maybe enjoy an aperitif overlooking the sea before returning to Levanto for the night.

Take a short train ride to Riomaggiore this morning – the southernmost of the five villages. Here, you’ll start the classic coastal walk that links the five villages. Head to Manarola – a little village with steep multi-coloured houses overlooking a rocky port (you can take the train if you prefer). Make your way up through a terraced landscape to the village of Volastra, then continue your walk along one of the most beautiful trails in the area. Through terraced vineyards and the occasional forest, you’ll approach Corniglia, which sits on a ridge overlooking the sea. Next is the little hamlet of Prevo, where you’ll trail through terraced vineyards and citrus groves. Enjoy some of the best views in the region as you approach Vernazza, dominated by its old fortress. Follow the contours of the hillside on a narrow track into the village. After a day of walking, maybe wind down with a drink in Vernazza at the harbour, surrounded by its brightly painted boats.

Start your day with a short train ride back to the tiny village of Riomaggiore. Embark on a walk to Portovenere at the very end of the peninsula. Today’s trail is the most challenging of the Ligurian walks but is maybe the most rewarding. First, tackle a steep flight of stairs, then walk along an undulating track to reach the sanctuary of the Madonna di Montenero (those who wish to opt out of this climb can catch a bus instead). After stopping at the sanctuary for a short break, continue your walk to Campiglia. Follow the contours of the coastal cliffs, passing terraced vineyards and wonderful views of the coastline. Pass the abandoned village of Lemmen and walk high on the ridge through vineyards and pine forests. Descend to the little village of Campiglia, where you can stop for lunch, then continue towards Portovenere for more spectacular coastal views. When you arrive at the 16th-century castle above the village, you might be able to catch a glimpse of the white marble peaks of the Apuan Alps before heading to St Peter’s Point and then into the heart of the village. After some free time to relax in Portovenere, take a public boat to your base in Levanto – a lovely way to see the coast from the water.

Today, transfer from Levanto to Santa Margherita. You can either walk part of the way or take the train for the entire distance. If you decide to walk, you’ll be travelling on the so-called Wild West Walk that follows the beach, then heads into the foothills and down to the seaside village of Bonassola (a good place for a morning coffee). Stroll through the seaside hills to the small village of Framura – a collection of ancient hamlets on a hillside, distinctive due to its red rocks. From Costa, the largest hamlet, walk around the hills for views out to sea. You can opt to continue your walk to the resort of Deiva Marina or walk back down to the coast to swim before catching the train to Santa Margherita.

Today, you’ll see the best of the Portofino Peninsula. First, take a short walk through the historical centre of Santa Margherita Ligure, where you can also do some shopping for your picnic lunch. Then walk into the hills and enjoy beautiful views across the bay. By late morning, you’ll reach Portofino – one of the most typical Ligurian seaside villages and a popular resort for jet setters. Explore this charming village and take the scenic walk to the church, castle and lighthouse, where you can look back on the inlet of Portofino. After your picnic lunch, it’s time to get ready for a great paddling adventure! In a small inlet near Portofino, you’ll grab a paddle and go kayaking along the stunning headland of Portofino. When you arrive, maybe enjoy a relaxed aperitif on the beach, go for a swim or explore the village before returning to Santa Margherita.

Today, you can relax in Santa Margherita, stroll through its beautiful town centre or enjoy the beach. Maybe take the train to Camogli or Genoa to explore the city, or opt to join a walk across the beautiful hills of the Portofino Peninsula. From the small hamlet of Ruta, you can walk along some splendid fin-de-siecle villas towards the highest point of the Peninsula – Monte Portofino. You’ll then have several longer and shorter options to reach the Abbey of San Fruttuoso – an 11th-century marvel set in a secluded cove and reachable only by boat or on foot. All walks bring you through a verdant forested landscape with amazing views across the Gulf of Tigullio and the Golfo Paradiso. When you arrive, maybe visit the abbey or go for a swim. Take a boat to Camogli and admire the beautiful coastline from the sea. In Camogli, take your time to wander around the colourful historic centre and enjoy a relaxed drink or grab a gelato on one of its many terraces.