Cinque Terre – Independent
Walk an ancient system of rocky coastal and ridgeway paths that have been in use for over 3,000 years. First used as a north-south trading route during Etruscan and then Roman times, today these scenic trails through Le Cinque Terre (‘The Five Lands’) are used by walkers wishing to explore the beauty of this Unesco World Heritage Site. Wind your way up and down the terraced hillsides, through olive groves and vineyards, between the fortified harbours that are hidden away in the craggy folds of this dramatic coastline.
April and May see a spectacular array of flowers as well as coastal and woodland birds. The sea is at its warmest for swimming from late July to September and October. Autumn is a good time to visit if you are interested in wine, as late September is typically grape harvesting time.
Duration: 5 or 8 days
Itinerary
Originally a Roman town, Levanto now has medieval walls, a 13th century castle and elegant Neo-Classical buildings from its days of grandeur as a fashionable bathing resort in the 19th century. 3-star central hotel or well-located 17th-century palazzo (upgrade).
Featuring medieval walls, a 13th-century castle and elegant Neo-Classical buildings from its days of grandeur as a fashionable bathing resort in the 19th century. The town is now mostly given over to a gentle, family-orientated tourism, and has a long sandy beach, gardens and a public swimming pool near the seafront. Every July the town celebrates a three day ‘Festa del Mare’ involving processions through the town, the launching of flaming torches out to sea and a grand firework display.
Family-run hotel in the town centre
17th century palazzo with frescoed ceilings, in excellent location
Optional circular walk in the hills, once the domain of the feared Zolaschi, who controlled the ancient ridge-top trade route (6.4 or 8.5 miles, 3.5 or 5 hours). Additional walk to the coastal village of Bonassola (1 hour), returning by train or on foot.
Family-run hotel in the town centre
17th century palazzo with frescoed ceilings, in excellent location
Superb coastal path, through pine woods and scented scrub, with views of the whole Cinque Terre. A stepped path leads down to Monterosso, with medieval centre, castle and Capuchin convent (5.8 or 9.5 miles, 3 or 6 hours). Spectacularly situated 4-star hotel with cliffside pool.
The first of the Cinque Terre villages, divided into two parts, new and old. The old part comprises the castle, Capuchin convent and medieval village: it is worth a visit! The new town, built along the extensive sandy beach, has hotels and a promenade with palm trees.
Spectacular situation, wonderful cliff-side pool (open May-September) with sea views
Upgrade rooms have a sea view
A steady climb up a cobbled path brings you to a ridge with wonderful views - both inland and seaward, leading to the sanctuary of Madonna di Reggio, from where a fine pilgrim path leads gently down to Vernazza, the former Roman port of 'Vulnetia' (7.5 miles, 5 hours). Return along the coast by train, boat or on foot.
Spectacular situation, wonderful cliff-side pool (open May-September) with sea views
Upgrade rooms have a sea view
Walk, following paths along the coast, with views of the famously picturesque villages of the Cinque Terre, and their terraced vineyards. There is a range of routes to choose from (up to 14.6 miles, 8 hours). NB: Some coastal sections of this day's options may be crowded or closed, particularly in high season, but there are delightful alternatives. 2-star hotel with sea views.
Riomaggiore has a pretty harbour, a fine recently restored castle and some good restaurants. Take a paddle or a dip from the pebble beach here, just a short walk around the headland from the harbour.
Located at the top of the village with sea views
Up through terraced vineyards to the wooded ridge, via the sanctuary church of Montenero, then through pine, chestnut woods, and scrub, before emerging to views of the dramatic coastline and descending to Portovenere (8.7 miles, 5.5 hours). 3-star hotel with sea views or 5-star seafront hotel (upgrade).
Originally a fortified Roman fishing village. Predominantly medieval with a massive fortress and fortified houses along the port. The promontory, once the site of a temple to Venus, is surmounted by a Gothic church to San Pietro. In the harbour, small, colourful fishing boats are moored whilst along the quay there are restaurants and bars. Passenger boats run from here along the Cinque Terre coast and across the strait to the island of Palmaria.
Mediterranean-style hotel on the Gulf of Portovenere
Newly refurbished (formally a convent) sea front hotel
Explore Portovenere or take a boat to the island of Palmaria, with picturesque paths and beaches for swimming (3 miles, 2.5 hours).
Mediterranean-style hotel on the Gulf of Portovenere
Newly refurbished (formally a convent) sea front hotel
Trip Planner
Walking & Terrain
Walking: Easy to moderate with the option of some more challenging walking. The walk lengths vary from 2.5 to 7 hours maximum with several route options each day that vary in difficulty. Hours of walking, which may vary from individual to individual, means hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing, rests or siestas.
Terrain: Rough and rocky coastal paths with some steep climbs and descents, often with steps through vineyards, olive groves and woods. Distances are not that great, so the pace is relaxed. Some sections may feel exposed to those who do not feel sure footed or suffer severely from vertigo, which you may wish to discuss with your Route Manager. The walk takes you on stepped and rocky coastal paths – please make sure that your footwear provides sufficient ankle support.
All ATG trips include facilities and options so that you can arrange to walk as much or as little as you like – or not at all - and your Route Manager will be able to advise you on public transport options (there are regular train and boat services between the villages) or taxi options.
On occasion, the local authorities may temporarily close parts of the coastal path for repair works or due to adverse weather conditions. The Route Manager will provide you with the latest local information after your arrival and advise you on the alternative route options.
Walking Pass: you will need to purchase a walking pass locally to walk the path between Monterosso and Riomaggiore. This can be a simple pathways ticket, which will also give you access to the park buses and services at €5 per person, per day, or a combined park and train ticket at €7.50. Your Route Manager will be able to discuss the options in more detail with you at your briefing.
Walking & Terrain
Walking: Easy to moderate with the option of some more challenging walking. The walk lengths vary from 2.5 to 7 hours maximum with several route options each day that vary in difficulty. Hours of walking, which may vary from individual to individual, means hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing, rests or siestas.
Terrain: Rough and rocky coastal paths with some steep climbs and descents, often with steps through vineyards, olive groves and woods. Distances are not that great, so the pace is relaxed. Some sections may feel exposed to those who do not feel sure footed or suffer severely from vertigo, which you may wish to discuss with your Route Manager. The walk takes you on stepped and rocky coastal paths – please make sure that your footwear provides sufficient ankle support.
All ATG trips include facilities and options so that you can arrange to walk as much or as little as you like – or not at all - and your Route Manager will be able to advise you on public transport options (there are regular train and boat services between the villages) or taxi options.
On occasion, the local authorities may temporarily close parts of the coastal path for repair works or due to adverse weather conditions. The Route Manager will provide you with the latest local information after your arrival and advise you on the alternative route options.
Walking Pass: you will need to purchase a walking pass locally to walk the path between Monterosso and Riomaggiore. This can be a simple pathways ticket, which will also give you access to the park buses and services at €5 per person, per day, or a combined park and train ticket at €7.50. Your Route Manager will be able to discuss the options in more detail with you at your briefing.
Additional activities available locally
This is a wonderful area offering additional local experiences - some can be booked to fit in with your chosen itinerary, whilst for others you may wish to customise your trip to have an extra leisurely day or two to enjoy.
All activities are paid for locally. Please contact the ATG office 3-4 weeks in advance of departure and we will put you in touch with your Route Manager to book.
Additional activities for the free day in Monterosso:
Wine tasting (in Monterosso) from 20-40€/person
Boat Hire (in Vernazza or Manarola) approximately 150€/ hour
Pesto Cooking classes (in Manarola) from 70€/person
(Vernazza and Manarola are easily reached by train from Monterosso)
In Riomaggiore the following activities are available:
Sunset boat tours, this evening activity takes 2.5 hours and costs 90€/person
Daytime Boat Hire approximately 150€/hour
Your Personal ATG Route Manager
I was brought up here in Liguria, in Sestri Levante – a beautiful seaside town nestled between the stunning Portofino and the rugged trails of the Cinque Terre. I love the outdoors, hiking and nature, all of which have fuelled my lifelong passion for exploration and travel. I joined ATG in 2017 and love to show off all that this beautiful coastal region has to offer.
"Emilio was terrific – very helpful in recommending and booking restaurants."
"Loved Emilio and he was super helpful."
Route Book
The ATG Route Book is a detailed, day-to-day guide. The book anticipates your needs with easy-to-follow instructions, maps, plans and other information that will guide you to discover the best that the area has to offer and is the key to the success of an independent holiday with us.
Walking App
Your Route Manager can provide you with a link to download an app to your smartphone. This app provides the GPS track for your route on your phone. You can use this digital support to find your position and navigate the route, even without an internet connection or mobile phone reception.
Accommodation & Meals
You can expect each hotel to be one of the most characteristic, comfortable and best located for travellers on foot, with the character and sometimes the standard varying from place to place.
Star ratings indicate official classification, although many delightful places have no star rating. In more remote areas hotels may be of a generally lower standard in relation to their ‘star ratings’.
Single travellers are accommodated in double rooms for single occupancy for a supplemental charge.
On this route, upgraded accommodation is available at some overnight stops, as specified on the itinerary.
Breakfast is included and there are suggestions in the Route Book about where to buy provisions for a picnic lunch, as well as restaurant recommendations. Dining options often include a choice of restaurants that can be pre-booked for you by your Route Manager.
Food & Wine
There is little land suitable for rearing livestock in Liguria, but the sea provides a plentiful daily supply of fresh fish. Sea bass (branzino), bream (orata) and cuttlefish/squid (seppie/calamari) are favourite catches, often served alla brace (grilled over the coals). The terraced hillsides behind produce the region’s very own white wine – a perfect pairing. The Route Book contains a section on the cuisine and wines of the region, and a list of recommended restaurants en route. The Route Manager will be pleased to help you with any queries, requests or advice.
Flora & Fauna
The variety of vegetation along this dramatic coastline is astounding, ranging from Mediterranean to sub-tropical species, some even flowering well into the winter. Bird spotting is also rewarding, with so many migratory species coming to the area, as well as animals such as wild boar and porcupines in the woods. Our Route Book provides further detail while apps such as ‘LeafSnap’, ‘Flora Incognita’, ‘ChirpOMatic’ and child-friendly ‘Seek by iNaturalist’ can identify the flora and fauna en route.
Travel Arrangements
Travel arrangements, including flights, for ATG Independent Footloose trips should be made independently.
Outward travel to Levanto: Whether you are flying into Genoa or Pisa, there are easy regular shuttle services to the nearest train stations in either Pisa or Genoa city centre, with regular onward trains to Levanto (both direct and indirect).
Return travel from Portovenere: Take a taxi to the nearest train station in La Spezia, from where there are onward trains to Genoa and Pisa, connecting to regular shuttle services to the airport.
Trip Options & Prices
Overview
This 5 day independent walking tour in Liguria starting in Levanto, includes 3 days of walking for those looking for a dedicated walking trip with the option of high or low routes to explore this scenic coastal area. A perfect short break to Italy combining flexible walking, breathtaking coastal views and colourful villages.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Levanto*
Day 2: Levanto to Monterosso*
Day 3: Monterosso to Riomaggiore
Day 4: Riomaggiore to Portovenere*
Day 5: Departure
*The upgrade price option includes upgrades at these locations
Prices (per person)
Overview
This 8 day independent walking tour in Liguria starting in Levanto, is a more in-depth visit to the area, with 3 of the days’ offering additional walks, opportunities for local boat trips, swimming or simply to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Enjoy the best of the area at a slower pace on this weeklong trip in Italy.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Levanto*
Day 2: Levanto* - free day
Day 3: Levanto to Monterosso*
Day 4: Monterosso* - free day
Day 5: Monterosso to Riomaggiore
Day 6: Riomaggiore to Portovenere*
Day 7: Portovenere* - free day
Day 8: Departure
*The upgrade price option includes upgrades at these locations
Prices (per person)
Our Independent Footloose itineraries have the flexibility to be customised if you would like to spend more time in any of the places en route; perhaps to incorporate some of the add-ons available locally or just to create a more relaxed pace to your holiday.
If you wish to build your own itinerary please complete our customise form and our Sales team will provide you with a bespoke quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
On each route there is an ATG Route Manager, who is there to take care of all the practicalities and ensure the success of your trip. Route Managers have all been ATG-trained, speak English and the language of the country fluently, and live in the local area. Your Route Manager will make contact with you a couple of weeks prior to departure (usually by email) and will then meet you at the start of your trip and will be available during your trip to move your luggage from hotel to hotel, provide local information, make restaurant reservations and do everything possible to ensure that you derive maximum enjoyment from your holiday.
Please let us know about any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so that our Route Manager can ensure that you are catered for during your holiday. Most dietary restrictions do not present a problem on our trips and the Route Manager can discuss your requirements in more detail with you at the start of your trip.
The walks are graded according to difficulty but you can walk as much or as little as you like.
Easy: walking along well-established paths and tracks with some short ascents/descents. These trips are suitable for most people who enjoy occasional exercise.
Easy to Moderate: walking along well-established paths and tracks. Occasional loose (gravel) surfaces. Ascents/descents up to 1 hour. These trips are suitable for most people who have a reasonable level of fitness.
Moderate: walking along a variety of paths and tracks. Occasional uneven areas. Ascents/descents 1-2 hours. These trips are suitable for those who have a reasonable to good level of fitness.
Moderate to Challenging: walking along varied paths and surfaces, occasionally challenging, with ascents/descents of 2-3 hours. These trips are suitable for more experienced walkers who have a good level of fitness.
If you are planning to take an Independent trip as a single traveller, we would ask you to consider the potential dangers of walking alone before making a booking and if necessary discuss this with our Sales team.
Single travellers will be booked into a double room which will carry a single occupancy supplement.
Flights are not included in the price of your ATG holiday and should be booked independently.
The trips in our Independent programme make ideal family holidays for those with children who are old enough (and keen enough!) to enjoy a walking holiday or young enough to be carried in a backpack.
You would need to consider costs for lunches (either a picnic style lunch or lunch in a café as you prefer) and evening meals. Where an evening meal is included at a hotel this is indicated on the trip page. For evening meals not included, the route book provides restaurant recommendations to suit a wide range of budgets. You would also need to factor in any entrance fees to museums, churches, galleries and other sightseeing costs, items of a personal nature, shopping expenditure and transport if you choose to not to walk on some days.
Tourist Tax
This tax is charged per guest per night and the rate is determined by the local council based on the star rating of the accommodation. The rate usually varies from €2 up to €5 per person per night, although the rate can be higher in major cities. This tax is not included in the price of your holiday but where applicable will be payable direct to your hotel in cash.
We are delighted to book extensions for you at either end of your trip. We only book hotels with which we have an established relationship and where we can ensure a high level of service and enjoyment. If you would like an extension hotel booking please indicate this during the booking process and we will contact you with pricing information.
ATG does not provide any form of insurance cover. However, it is a condition of booking that you have fully comprehensive insurance cover, including:
Cancellation/curtailment up to the cost of the holiday (preferably including flights)
Medical emergencies and repatriation
Travel delay / missed departure
Lost or stolen personal belongings
Personal liability
Legal expenses
Natural Disasters
Although most credit card companies offer travel insurance as something that is included when paying the balance with the card, it may be advisable to check that the cover offered is what you expect it to be. Very few companies include cancellation and curtailment or medical expenses. Whatever the insurance policy you have taken out, please read the documentation carefully. Please ensure also that you take it with you on your trip and refer to it in the case of any claim or emergency.
Yes, please click here for what to bring. A packing checklist is also included with your booking confirmation.
Sustainability
ATG was founded on principles of conservation and sustainable development. It was the first company to win the tourism industry’s two top awards: Tourism for Tomorrow (UK) and the World Legacy Award (National Geographic and Conservation International USA) and also the first to have an accredited Environmental Management System.
Everyone who walks with ATG contributes to the ATG Trust, which funds projects that benefit local communities in the regions visited. By supporting these initiatives, ATG promotes sustainable tourism. Past projects have included heritage restoration projects, environmental conservation and educational projects.
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