Discover the Cinque Terre

Distance: 5 miles (8km)

Total ascent: 1,400 feet (420m)

In summary: The goal for today’s walk is the magnificently situated hillside village of Montaretto high above Bonassola. The morning will be spent gradually winding our way up there, via a spectacular headland and on through olive and vine terraces, before returning to the hotel via waterfalls, a church and Bonassola’s castle.

Highlight: Keep an eye out for local flora and fauna.

Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)

Total ascent: 1,900 feet (570m)

In summary: We too walk from the hotel, but go up and over the headland to the south to reach the popular resort of Levanto. From here we continue out through the medieval quarter and up to a ridge for extensive views as we reach the open saddle between Levanto and Monterosso. We enjoy more great views as we follow a section of the Cinque Terre high level route over the next headland and steeply down into Monterosso and our train back to Bonassola.

Highlight: Views of the valley and hilltop villages.

Distance: 6 miles (9½km)

Total ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)

In summary: After alighting the train at Vernazza we head off along the famous Cinque Terre Coastal Path to reach the charming village of Corniglia perched on its headland. Our route continues with a visit to Manarola and walk down to the harbour. Then onwards we go to Riomaggiore with its tempting cafés and train back.

Highlight: Soak up the atmosphere in Manarola, with its brightly coloured houses set above the rocky cove.

Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)

Total ascent: 1,900 feet (580m) 

In summary: We take the train to Manarola. From here, we head up to a medieval village high on the hillside above. After absorbing the stunning views down to the sea from a path contouring through terraced vineyards, we drop down to Corniglia and take the train back to Manarola.

Highlight: Visiting peaceful Volastra, as well as 3 Cinque Terre villages.

Distance: 3 miles (6km)

Total ascent: 1,500 feet (450m)

In summary: We reach Camogli by bus, this charming fishing village is the starting point of today’s excursion. After a pleasant stroll through the narrow alleyways we depart by boat for the small Bay of San Fruttuoso. Our hiking tour takes us to world-famous Portofino with its luxurious yachts surrounded by picturesque fishing boats. We enjoy a walk in this elegant town before reaching seductive Santa Margherita, our final destination, by boat. We return to Bonassola by coach from Santa Margherita.

Highlight: Visit the picturesque Portofino.

Distance: 6 miles (10km)

Total ascent: 2,100 feet (650m)

In summary: We also start the walk in the charming fishing village of Camogli. After a pleasant stroll through the narrow alleyways we depart by boat for the small Bay of San Fruttuoso. Our hiking tour takes us to world-famous Portofino with its luxurious yachts surrounded by picturesque fishing boats. We enjoy a walk in this elegant town before walking to Paraggi, Nozarego and Santa Margherita, our final destination. 

Highlight: Enjoy lovely views of Santa Fruttuoso Abbey when you arrive there by boat.

Distance: 6 miles (9½km)

Total ascent: 700 feet (210m)

Total descent: 2,200 feet (660m)

In summary: Today’s walk begins with a chance to enjoy the views from the pretty village square of Campiglia before heading through woodland to a great picnic spot high on a ridge. Our route then winds gently along the peninsula for more fine vistas, followed by a long steep section of rugged path and steps leading down to Portovenere at the tip of the peninsula. From here if sea conditions permit, we take a boat back along the coast seeing the Cinque Terre villages.

Highlight: Relax on the afternoon boat trip to enjoy the stunning coastline with its colourful, tumbling villages from a different perspective. 

Distance: 8 miles (13km)

Total ascent: 2,100 feet (630m)  

In summary: Our walk starts from Riomaggiore ascending to the 14th century Sanctuary of the Madonna of Montenero. From this popular viewpoint we ascend to the col known as Telegrafo and follow the ridge to the pretty square in Campiglia for a spot of lunch. We then take a spectacular coastal path high above the sea before descending steeply down the ridge to Portovenere to meet our boat.

Highlight: Dramatic views from the spectacular coastal path.

Distance: 4 miles (6½km)

Total ascent: 1,100 feet (330m)

In summary: From Monterosso old town we wind our way to many viewpoints and head along a section of the elevated coastal path. The path ascends through lemon groves and descends through woodland to Vernazza. Here there is plenty of time to explore before heading to the station for our train back to Bonassola.

Highlight: Enjoy the perfume as you descend through lemon groves into Monterosso old town, with views of the coast stretching as far as the eye can see. 

Distance: 6 miles (9½km) 

Total ascent: 1,800 feet (540m) 

In summary: Our route winds its way up from Vernazza past a series of viewpoints to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Reggio. After a chance to enjoy a rest in the shade of this tranquil spot we continue up the hillside to the Sanctuary of Soviore a great spot for a picnic lunch. From here a path descends to the old town of Monterosso.

Highlight: Popping in to visit the centuries old monastery and Madonna surrounded by ancient oak trees and olive groves.