Situated just north of Pisa along Italy’s rugged coast, Cinque Terre (designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is made up of five picturesque towns marked by layers of colorful buildings that cascade down towards the seafront harbors. Because the towns are linked by scenic trails that offer panoramic views and intimate encounters with local flora and historic sites, hiking is considered one of the best ways to experience Cinque Terre’s beauty.
But just because you’re hiking doesn’t mean you have to rough it up all the way. Luxury Cinque Terre tours perfectly blend comfort and adventure. You can enjoy private transfers, receive guidance from expert tour guides, and retire to upscale hotels after your treks. A luxury tour company can take care of everything, so all you have to do is bring your hiking shoes and savor your Cinque Terre vacation.
The Best Cinque Terre Tours for Outdoor Enthusiasts
What are the best trails in Cinque Terre?
This part of Italy offers well-maintained trails, with routes that cater to both novice hikers and seasoned trekkers. Let’s look at some of the trails you can hike during your Cinque Terre vacation in order of difficulty.
1. Easy hike: Manarola to Riomaggiore (Via dell’Amore)
Length: 1.5 km
Duration: 30 minutes
Note that this trail is currently closed but will reopen on July 19, 2024. The Via dell’Amore is well-known for its scenic views carved into the rocks overlooking the sea. It also has historical ties to the railway construction between Genoa and La Spezia.

2. Average difficulty: Monterosso to Vernazza trail
Length: 3.6 km
Duration: 2 hours
The path is marked in white and red, beginning near Hotel Porto Roca in Monterosso. The trail is mostly broad and tranquil, offering stunning sea views and a diverse range of vegetation including evergreen oaks and broom. Notably, the trail crosses an ancient stone bridge perfect for photos.
Starting from Vernazza to Monterosso is easier and takes fewer steps. If you begin at Monterosso, you’ll start with a long staircase and enjoy excellent views of Vernazza.