Welcome to Hooked on Walking and our walking holiday in Italy. This walking holiday in Liguria ( just north of Tuscany) is called the Cinque Terre - or the ‘five villages’ - have given their name to this part of the Ligurian Coast, better known as the ‘flower-Riviera’. These five picturesque villages, difficult to reach by car, are connected by a railroad-track and by one of the most beautiful coastal footpaths of Europe. Walking along this footpath you’ll continuously have spectacular views on the sea and the terraced hills where vineyards, olive and lemon grow as well as a variety of wild flowers and sweet-smelling bushes. Not only the coastal area is beautiful; more inland the mountains offer a varied landscape with vegetation and old chestnut forests. You will make day trips from Monterosso and Bonassola, using the train or boat to get to and from the many picturesque villages dotted along the coast where you can relax after a day’s walk sipping a cool glass of the excellent local white wine!. This hiking holiday is graded a level 2 self guided walking tour and is therefore suitable for most people.

 Available daily 1st March to 5th November
6 and 4 nights tours available
Level 2 self guided tour

Day 1       Arrive in Monterosso.
In the afternoon you can visit the historical centre. 

Day 2       Monterosso to Colla di Gritta.
Today you go inland up to the Colla di Gritta passing by the ‘Chiesa dei Cappucini’. From here you continue over the mountain ridge through stretches of forests, passing over Monte Molinelli, Monte Rossini, Montenegro and Colla dei Bagari till you reach Punta Mesco. You return to Monterosso descending along a series of old natural stone steps. 10 km, up 650m, down 650m, 5 hours

Day 3       Riomaggiore to Monterosso
This is the Cinque Terre’s classic walk. It is a wonderful walk along the coast, with sweeping views over the Mediterranean on one side and steeply terraced hills cultivated with vineyards and olive and lemon groves on the other. As you proceed you will encounter the five picturesque, marvelously situated villages that give the name to the area. The stretch from Riomaggiore to Corniglia is particularly touristy and can be crowded but the following section, which is slightly more difficult, takes you up higher along the hills, thus quieter and offers even better views. The route can be divided into four separate stretches so you can choose the heaviness and length of the day’s walk.13.9 km, up 940m, down 950m,   7 hours. Night in Monterosso

Day 4        Riomaggiore to Portovenere
The climb that starts in Riomaggiore offers some of the most beautiful views of the Cinque Terre coast. You walk through stretches of deciduous forest with chestnuts, stone oaks and cork oaks until you reach the village of Campiglia from where you can see the whole of the Gulf of La Spezia, the islands of Palmaria and Del Tina and the city ofLa Spezia. The final decent to Portovenere is along old, stone sometimes steep footpaths. Along the way you have glimpses of the village that was once a source of inspiration to famous writers as Shelley and Byron. 12.1 km, up 710m, down 730m, 6 hours. Night in Monterosso

Day 5       Monterosso to Levanto
This short warm up walk follows the coast from Monterosso to Levanto and will introduce you to the local landscape and beautiful views across the Ligurian sea; “Mare Ligure”. Along the way you pass the lookout point called Punta Mesco where you find the ruins of the Chapel of San Antonio Semaforo. 7 km, up 400m, down 400m,   3 hours. Night in Bonassola

Day 6       Framura to Levanto
Today you following the coastal footpath starting in Framura. This old village inhabited for over 1000 years. On the way to Levanto you will pass through Bonassola where you can rest at one of the local cafes and you will see the red coloured rock known as ‘red marble.  11.1 km, up 550m, down 550m, 5 hours. Night in Bonassola

Day 7       The trip ends after breakfast.
Departing by train you can easily reach Pisa, Genoa, Florence or Milan airports

Difficulty - level 2
The length of the walks varies between the 7 and 14 km. The maximum variety in height is 900 metre. Most of the routes are well marked. You’ll be out walking between the 3 and 7 hours (without the breaks). The park wardens try to keep all the paths open throughout the year, but heavy rains and summer fires can cause the temporary closure of certain stretches, so you should always check with the park.

 Accommodation
The accommodation we use are small comfortable 3 star hotels with a friendly family run atmosphere. Breakfast is always included. On our 4 night option you stay 2 nights in each location and you can choose which walks you wish to do.

2010 Prices

How to get there
It is easy to reach the Cinque Terre by train via La Spezia where you have to change to catch the local train that stops at Monterosso

The nearest airports are Pisa and Genoa. Also Florence has good connections. Nearly all trains from Genoa go directly to Monterosso, without having to change (approx. 1.30’ – 2h. From Pisa airport you have to change at Pisa Centrale and at La Spezia time approx. 2.15’. From La Spezia there is a local train that stops at Monterosso.
Note
Last train from La Spezia to Monterosso leaves around 10.00 pm.

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