Cinque Terre 3-Day Hiking Adventure

Come along with me, Cristian, on a remarkable hiking experience through one of Italy’s most breathtaking regions. Over three days, we’ll discover the enchanting Cinque Terre, a coastal gem made up of five historic villages. You also have the option of extending the adventure to include a visit to the picturesque town of Portovenere.

The Cinque Terre — meaning Five Lands in Italian — stretches along a dramatic section of the Italian Riviera in the Liguria region, near Genoa and not far from Tuscany. This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes five charming villages: Monterosso al Mare, Corniglia, Vernazza, Riomaggiore, and Manarola. Surrounded by steep hills and perched above the Mediterranean, these centuries-old villages are part of the Cinque Terre National Park.

What makes this area so unique is the way its people have shaped the land over generations, building terraces along the cliffs that drop down to the sea. The result is a landscape like no other — a blend of colorful coastal towns, lush vineyards, and panoramic sea views that make this a top destination for nature lovers and hikers.

As an Alpine Aspirant Guide with years of experience in this region, I’ll guide you off the beaten path to show you the quieter, more authentic side of Cinque Terre. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting, meet locals, and get my personal tips on savoring the best Ligurian food. I’ll also provide recommendations for cozy B&Bs or quality hotels to make your stay comfortable.

This three-day hiking trip includes:

• Day 1: We’ll begin with a scenic hike from Levanto to Monterosso, a route that offers incredible views and a gentle introduction to the area's landscape.
• Day 2: We'll take on the famous Azzurro (Blue) Trail, hiking the coastal path from Monterosso to Corniglia, with a stop in Riomaggiore.
• Day 3: We continue along vineyard-covered cliffs from Corniglia to Manarola, a trail that truly captures the essence of the Cinque Terre’s natural beauty.

If you’d like to switch things up, one of the hiking days can be replaced with a visit to Portovenere. This dramatic village, perched above the sea and encircled by fortified walls, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its historic castle, cliffside church, and panoramic coastal trails make it a perfect addition to the trip.

For the best experience, I recommend visiting Cinque Terre in the spring or fall — from April to June or September to October — when the weather is pleasant and the trails are less crowded.

Keep in mind that this itinerary is flexible and can be adapted to suit your fitness level and interests. Whether you're looking for a more challenging hike or a more relaxed pace, we can adjust the program accordingly. And thanks to the regional train network, every village is well-connected, making it easy to shorten or modify hikes as needed.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to explore one of Italy’s most iconic landscapes. Reach out to book your place on this 3-day Cinque Terre hiking adventure. Also, feel free to check out my 4-day version of the trip, which includes a more in-depth visit to Portovenere, or explore my other guided hikes in Provence, the Southern Alps, and the French Riviera.