Inspiration
A self-guided journey through Italy’s coastal gem
The Cinque Terre - five pastel-hued villages perched along the cliffs of Italy’s Ligurian coast - offers a unique blend of natural beauty, traditional charm and slow-travel immersion.
Sea paths and sun-washed villages
This self-guided walking holiday invites you to experience the region at your own pace, combining scenic hikes with time to relax, indulge and discover.
Over the course of a week, you’ll wander ancient footpaths with sweeping views of the Mediterranean, stroll through terraced vineyards and lemon groves, and pause in quiet piazzas for lunch al fresco.
As you travel between Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, with the shimmering sea as your constant companion, you’ll explore a land where time seems to slow and every corner reveals another postcard-perfect scene.
Beyond the five famous villages, your route also includes lesser-known gems like Bonassola and Deiva Marina, where colourful houses cling to the hills and forested trails meet the coast.
With luggage transfers taken care of and detailed route notes in hand, this is effortless adventure at its best: perfect for those who want freedom, flexibility and a taste of authentic Italian coastal life.
- Monterosso al Mare
- Portovenere
- Bonassola
- Deiva Marina
- Cinque Terre Trails
- Vernazza
Kim Hart
An expert in the ultra luxurious, Kim is your go-to for superyachts, exclusive-use villas and the kind of experiences that don’t appear on websites. She has an extensive understanding of the world’s finest hotels and a personal in-depth knowledge of Africa, Australia, New Zealand, USA & Canada, shaped around her own worldwide adventures. Kim also has a passion for the iconic wildlife viewing experiences both above and below the water.
Monterosso and the Cinque Terre Trails
Your journey begins in Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five villages and your base for the first four nights. Settle into this seaside spot where terracotta rooftops contrast against turquoise waves, and spend your first evening wandering the cobbled lanes or strolling the promenade with a gelato in hand. With its mix of charm and vibrancy, Monterosso is the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the surrounding coastal trails.
Over the next few days, lace up your walking shoes for a series of self-guided hikes through some of the region’s most scenic landscapes.
One route takes you inland through shaded forests to Punta Mesco, with views stretching out over the Ligurian Sea, while another winds its way along the classic cliff-hugging path between Monterosso, Vernazza and Corniglia: a route famous for its dramatic sea vistas and colourful villages.
You can also venture further afield with a short train ride to Corniglia, then hike via the hamlet of Volastra to reach Riomaggiore, before following the romantic “Via dell’Amore” to Manarola.
Each day presents options in both route and pace, offering the flexibility to tailor the journey to your energy and interests. With the Cinque Terre Park Card in hand, you’ll have easy access to trains connecting the villages, giving you the freedom to shorten walks or explore at leisure. Evenings are yours to unwind with local seafood, Ligurian wine and that unmistakable dolce vita atmosphere.
Portovenere and Bonassola
After a few days exploring the main Cinque Terre villages, it’s time to expand your horizons along the Ligurian coast. Start with a short train ride to Riomaggiore, where your walk begins with a gentle climb to Colle del Telegrafo.
From there, follow a panoramic ridge trail through pine forests and the hilltop village of Campiglia, with sweeping views of the sea on one side and the Gulf of La Spezia on the other. Your destination is the medieval harbour town of Portovenere, known for its pastel houses, romantic cliffside church and dramatic sea caves.
This lesser-trodden route offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the region and makes for a rewarding full-day hike.
Next, you’ll transfer to Bonassola, a quieter stretch of coast that’s equally captivating. From Monterosso, take a short bus ride to Colle di Gritta, then descend through hills and olive groves towards the bay of Levanto.
You can walk the full way to Bonassola via the scenic coastal cycle path or opt for a shorter journey by train. Bonassola’s relaxed vibe, uncrowded seafront and lush hills make it an ideal retreat after the busier villages.
Walk the Clifftop Trail to Vernazza
Lace up your boots for the most iconic walk in the Cinque Terre: the cliff-hugging trail between Monterosso and Vernazza. As you climb gently out of Monterosso, the path winds through lemon groves and terraced vineyards, revealing ever-expanding views of the Ligurian Sea shimmering far below. With each bend, Vernazza comes into focus: a tangle of pastel houses spilling toward a tiny harbour, bell tower rising above the rooftops. Pause at a lookout to catch your breath, or a photo, then descend into the village for a plate of trofie al pesto and a glass of crisp local white. It’s a timeless moment in a place that feels made for them.
Deiva Marina and Departure
Your last full day in Liguria takes you on a rewarding walk from Bonassola to Deiva Marina, following an undulating trail that weaves through the peaceful hills of the Eastern Riviera. The route passes through the sleepy hamlets of Framura, where cobbled lanes and sea views set a tranquil pace.
This lesser-known stretch of coastline feels far removed from the busier Cinque Terre villages, with expansive views and quieter paths. Deiva Marina offers a charming final stop, where you can pause for a gelato, take a stroll along the beach, or just soak up the slower rhythm of local life.
If the full hike feels too ambitious, you can choose to walk as far as Framura and return to Bonassola by train. The option to tailor the day based on your energy and mood is part of what makes this self-guided trip so enjoyable.
After one final night in Bonassola, you’ll depart the next morning – feet a little tired, but soul deeply replenished by Italy’s coastal magic.
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