Our apartments LEMON GARDEN & TERRACE in Levanto are the ideal starting point for hikes in the Cinque Terre.
We recommend you to try to head out as early as possible to avoid the crowds and the sweltering midday heat. Always pack a swimsuit, a swim in the Ligurian sea is the perfect post-hike reward and it's possible to go for a swim in all of the five villages.
Upon arrival all our guests receive updated information about the Cinque Terre footpaths, maps showing the hiking trails, train and boat timetables and tips about good restaurants.
Open Hiking Trails in Cinque Terre
The trail from Levanto to Bonassola
Status: OPEN
Length: 3 km
Duration: 1,5 hours
Difference in altitude: 200 m
Difficulty: easy
Hiking fee: No
Description: This footpath starts in the western part of Levanto "Vallesanta" with stairs through the villas followed by a wilder and lonelier part through the Mediterranean vegetation. After the Pizzeria "Giulia" cross the road. There are two variants to reach the tiny bathing resort of Bonassola; the left footpath through the gardens and villas or the right one with a fantastic view high above the Mediterranean Sea.
The trail from Levanto to Monterosso
Status: OPEN
Length: 8 km
Duration: 3 hours
Difference in altitude: 320 m
Difficulty: average
Hiking fee: No
Description: The trail starts in Levanto on the southern end of the beach promenade with stairs. This path is an old donkey trail and goes through pine forests and Mediterranean vegetation. At Punta Mesco you will find the ruins of the Chapel of St. Antonio and the old lighthouse. From here breathtaking views of all the Five Villages and the sparkling sea below which is a marine conservation area with a great variety and diversity of marine life. This is the only place where you can get the postcard panorama of the entire Cinque Terre coastline and all the villages. Many steps down to Monterosso.
The trail from Monterosso to Vernazza
Status: OPEN
Length: 3,6 km
Duration: appr. 2 hours
Difference in altitude: 260 m
Difficulty: average
Hiking fee: Yes. Hiking ticket (€ 7,50/day) or Cinque Terre Card train and paths (€ 18,20/day for adults).
Description: The footpath leaves from the eastern part of the old town of Monterosso. Take the small pedestrian road leading to the Hotel Porto Roca. The path begins with a long staircase crossing vineyards and citrus orchards. The footpath continues flat, but in some parts it is very narrow. You can always enjoy a wonderful panorama over the sea. The footpath passes on a small stone-bridge, which is really worth a picture. When the trail begins to go down, the view of Vernazza is really breathless. The path continues to go down among olive trees and cultivated fields, then it enters into the town along the small lanes and ends in the small harbour of Vernazza.
The trail from Vernazza to Corniglia
Status: OPEN
Length: 3,5 km
Duration: 1,5 hours
Difference in altitude: 210 m
Difficulty: average
Hiking fee: Yes. Hiking ticket (€ 7,50/day) or Cinque Terre Card train and paths (€ 18,20/day for adults).
Description: The footpath leaves from Vernazza, and reaches in few minutes the second tower of the fortifications. The ascent continues not too much steeply until the viewpoint Punta Palma (208 metres above sea level). The path continues with a succession of not difficult ups and downs overlooking the beach of Guvano immersed in cultivated fields, olive groves, vineyards and flowery meadows. Continuing on this trail you will after an easy slope reach the town of Corniglia, the smallest of the five villages. Corniglia lays on a small cape, 100 metres above the sea.
The trail Manarola - Volastra - Corniglia
Status: OPEN
Length: 3,5 km
Duration: 2 hours
Difference in altitude: 340 m
Difficulty: average
Hiking fee: No
Description: The best option is to take the bus from Manarola to Volastra (10 minutes). At Volastra, 335 m above sea level, you can take a rest in the shade of some huge cypresses next to the small church of Madonna della Salute - there is also a nice restaurant - before continuing on your way to Corniglia. Now the most beautiful part begins; the walk which will lead you through ancient terraces that decline to the sea, where vines and olives grow thanks to heroic wine makers who produce limited quantities of quality grapes. The vineyard hike is moderately easy and it gives you wonderful views of the Mediterranean and the villages. Corniglia is a hiddem gem, perched on a cliff it's the only town without access to the sea.
The trail from Manarola to Riomaggiore (Via dell’Amore)
Status: CLOSED (Reopens in July 2024)
Length: 1,1 km
Duration: 30 minutes
Difficulty: easy
Hiking fee: Yes
Description: Via dell’Amore, the "Lover’s Lane" is the tourist pathway connecting Manarola and Riomaggiore. This is the most popular stretch of path, cut in the steep rock overlooking the sea. Riomaggiore is a colourful pearl encompassing all the charms of an ancient fishing village. Don’t forget to visit the beautiful harbour!
The trail Riomaggiore - Telegrafo - Campiglia - Portovenere
Status: OPEN
Length: 12 km
Duration: 4,5 hours
Difference in altitude: 550 m
Difficulty: average
Hiking fee: No
Description: This is a challenging hiking tour which starts with a long ascent (45 minutes). The trip takes you through silent pine forests by the 15th century Sanctuary of Montenero. This is a perfect place for a rest, enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of the whole coastal line of the Cinque Terre. Ascending to the top of the ridge which separates this coast from La Spezia. Then starts the spectacular cliff-side path with a magnific view over the Mediterranean Sea and the islands of Elba, Capraia and Corsica. A wooded trail continues along the ridge and emerges at the gulf of La Spezia where we descend to the town of Portovenere. Time for a celebratory drink in the harbour! From Portovenere there is a boat connection back to Cinque Terre and Levanto at 5 pm.
The trail Camogli - San Rocco - San Fruttuoso - Portofino (by boat)
Status: OPEN
Duration: 6 hours
Difference in altitude: 400 m
Difficulty: challenging, only for experts!
Hiking fee: No
Description: This tour starts in the small fishing village of Camogli, which can be reached by train. Walk down the main street and take a look at the beautiful harbour. The tour begins with the ascent (stairs) through olive groves until you reach San Rocco, 220 m above the sea level. From the church you have a wonderful view of the Golfo Paradiso and the whole coastline from Camogli to Genova. Follow the signs towards San Fruttuoso which leads through woods, olive groves and Mediterranean vegetation in the natural park of the Mount Portofino. After a while begins the difficult part where you have to climb over the cliffs high above the sea. You will reach the tiny village of San Fruttuoso, a very old fishing village which can be reached only by boat or on foot, with an eight-century abbey with the same name. From San Fruttuoso you will reach Portofino by boat, an evocative and world known fishing village with its row of coloured houses. The small harbour with the luxury yachts, the houses with sunny Ligurian colours, the gardens: all makes this day unforgettable.