Walking the Cinque Terre & Portofino: Trails, Trains & Coastline
- realtravelguides
- Sep 22, 2025
- 2 min read
The Cinque Terre and Portofino coast are some of Italy’s most spectacular walking destinations. Trails connect fishing villages, with trains as backup. Autumn is perfect: cooler weather, fewer crowds, and golden light.
Why Go?
Walking lets you experience the dramatic cliffs, terraced vineyards, and seaside villages at a slower pace.
A bit of History
The Cinque Terre villages developed as isolated fishing hamlets, connected only by mule tracks until the railway in the 19th century. Today, they form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What to Expect
Trails of varying difficulty, often with steep climbs.
Trains linking all Cinque Terre villages.
Stunning sea views.
5 Routes to Try
Monterosso to Vernazza – The most famous, with dramatic views (2 hours).
Vernazza to Corniglia – Clifftop path through olive groves (90 mins).
Corniglia to Manarola – Currently the longer inland route (~2.5 hours).
Manarola to Riomaggiore (Via dell’Amore) – Short, easy walk (check reopening dates).
Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino – Coastal path to the glamorous harbor (1 hour).
Food Culture
Liguria is home to pesto, focaccia, anchovies, and fresh seafood. Don’t miss local Sciacchetrà wine.
Where to Eat
Ristorante Miky (Monterosso) – Known for baked seafood dishes.
Trattoria dal Billy (Manarola) – Panoramic terrace, seafood pastas.
Panificio Rosi (Riomaggiore) – Focaccia and anchovy snacks for hikers.
Where to Stay
Hotel Porto Roca (Monterosso) – Cliffside hotel with pool and sea views.
La Torretta Lodge (Manarola) – Boutique guesthouse with balconies overlooking the village.
Off the Beaten Track
Try the high “Sanctuary Trail,” linking the shrines above the villages, quieter and with sweeping panoramas.
How to Get There by Train
Trains run frequently between La Spezia and Levanto, stopping at all five Cinque Terre villages. For Portofino, take the train to Santa Margherita Ligure, then walk or bus to Portofino.
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