Cinque Terre - 8 or 5 days Self Guided Walk

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Bonassola

An easy circular walk from Bonassola is a great introduction to the Cinque Terre's stunning scenery and cliff-top views. Walk to the Madonna della Punta chapel, built on a bluff overlooking the sea. Afterwards, cool off with a swim in the crystal waters of the Mediterranean then enjoy the first of many sunsets over a plate of Tuscan seafood.

Day 3 Bonassola to Levanto/Monterosso

Follow the old mule paths that connect the towns and villages of the Cinque Terre. Much of today's walk is pleasantly shady, climbing through tree-covered slopes and overlooking the sparkling sea far below.

Day 4 Monterosso to Riomaggiore

Sentiero Azzurro is the most photogenic of all the Cinque Terre paths, boasting terraced hillsides and vineyard-adorned mountains that plunge into the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy a challenging, scenic walk from Monterosso to Riomaggiore, stopping at the villages in between. Reap the rewards early on - the 11th-century castle in Vernazza offers sweeping, picturesque views over the Mediterranean - a grand taste of what's to come.

Day 5 Riomaggiore

Leave the sea behind for a day and hike inland on the ridge above the coast. The Sanctuary Path unites the five sanctuaries that for centuries have kept watch over the villages and the inhabitants of the Cinque Terre. This is an unusual and evocative walk that provides the opportunity to delve more deeply into the history of this fascinating area.

Days 6-8 Riomaggiore to Porto Venere

The final day's walk travels up through the steeply terraced vineyards and olive groves that characterise the Cinque Terre, exchanging the popular coastal villages for the sleepy inland settlements perched precariously on the hillsides. The views are amazing. Finally, follow the trail down to picturesque Porto Venere, from where it is possible to take a short boat ride to explore the nearby island of Palmaria.