Guided Walking in Bonassola

• Our experienced leaders offer the choice of two different walks each day
• Choose the option which best suits your interests and fitness
• We provide flexible holidays. Choose easier walking one day and harder the next or just explore independently or relax around the resort
• Our leaders are friendly and welcoming making your holiday fun and sociable 

Easier Walks   Harder Walks

On the undulating coastal paths and with longer ascents to the hills above.

Day 1: Arrival day

For those arriving on the Pisa flights, the onward journey to Bonassola is by coach. You should arrive at the hotel with time to settle into your room, and perhaps explore some of the town. On the first evening your leaders will explain more about the walks and there will be plenty of time to meet with your fellow guests. 

Day 2: Bonassola Villages

Introductory walks either explore the village above Bonassola, or head along the coast to the neighbouring resort of Levanto. Both walks take in narrow streets, mule tracks and pathways through woodland, and have splendid views down to the sweep of the coast below. We learn something of the history of Bonassola and the surrounding communities.

Easier Walk:  4 miles with up to 1,300 feet of ascent

Harder Walk: 9 miles with up to 2,030 feet of ascent  

Day 3: Cinque Terre Coast Path 

Today we follow the coastline on the train to Riomaggiore from where we head along the coast, following the classic Via dell’Amore (Lovers’ Path) which is carved into the cliff. Having admired the views down to the sea we continue along trails through an area of terraced hillside, the man-made landscape for which the Cinque Terre is famous. We head through the pretty harbour village Manarola to explore Corniglia. Our walk continues along the coast path to the charming village of Vernazza.

Easier Walk: 5¾ miles with up to 1,115 feet of ascent

Harder Walk:  7½ miles with up to 1,860 feet of ascent 

Day 4: Framura villages and Monte Serra

Today we explore the area to the northwest of Bonassola, around the villages of Framura. Framura is actually not one place but a collection of villages as we’ll discover by winding our way up through them. On reaching a broad ridge in farmland above Framura we head into some of the best-preserved woodland in the area, contouring around Monte Serra on a delightful path.

Easier Walk: 5½ miles with up to 1,100 feet of ascent 

Harder Walk: 9 miles with up to 1,850 feet of ascent  

Day 5: Free day

Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently, or visit local places of interest

A few options for your free day include:

Bonassola: Bonassola is an interesting small town in its own right and you could spend a leisurely day visiting the beach and local cafés.

Cinque Terre villages: You may enjoy re-visiting some of the Cinque Terre villages that you may previously have seen on the walks. Each village has its own railway station and the frequent trains mean that it is possible to visit all five villages in one day.

Genoa: Genoa is the largest port in Italy and the European Capital of Culture in 2004. After a long-ish train journey you’ll find a number of attractions including the cathedral, churches, opera house and museums, plus a regenerated dock area (Porto Antico) and a vast and ornate cemetery with its very own bus network! Alternatively you may just prefer to wander through the famous caruggi (narrow alleyways) in the old town.

Portofino: The chic resort town of Portofino is situated approximately two-thirds of the way to Genoa. This is a picturesque town where you can admire the expensive yachts and Italy’s rich and famous. 

Day 6: Portovenere

Today we travel south along the Cinque Terre and enjoy a ridge walk with views of the coast far below. Our walks conclude at the lovely village of Portovenere, at the tip of the peninsula, from here we take a boat back along the coast seeing the Cinque Terre harbours from the sea.

Easier Walk: 5 miles with up to 585 feet of ascent

Harder Walk: 8 miles with up to 2,150 feet of ascent 

Day 7: Vernazza

Vernazza is arguably the prettiest of the five Cinque Terre villages with its colourful houses winding down to its natural harbour, protected by a rocky headland. Both walks complete the final section of the coast path which links all five villages of the Cinque Terre.

Easier Walk: 4 miles with up to 1,100 feet of ascent

Harder Walk: 5½ miles with up to 1,800 feet of ascent

Local transport 

On some days the walks start and finish at the hotel. On other days we’ll use the hired transport to explore the surrounding area. The cost of transport to and from the walk is payable locally.