Portofino and the Cinque Terre

Conde Naste Traveler describes the village of Camogli as 'one of Italy’s best-kept secrets' and we tend to agree. Tightly hugging the coastline, this colourful village is big enough to have a range of great restaurants and small enough to feel authentic. Located on the western side of the Portofino peninsula, the port dominates life from the thriving fishing industry to the beachside cafes. On arrival in Camogli, make your way to your hotel then head out to experience Ligurian coastal life. In the afternoon you can visit the historic centre, and in the evening, let all your senses be delighted as you prepare for your phenomenal walking adventure ahead. Overnight Camogli.

From Camogli follow one of the main paths of the Portofino Regional Park; a first steep section takes you to the village of San Rocco (it is possible to take a bus instead), then further on to the San Fruttuoso Abbey, located right on the water. From San Fruttuoso, you can choose to walk or take a ferry to Portofino. Enjoy the wonderful view from Il Faro (the Light House), located at the extreme point of the promontory, before reaching the ritzy seaside town of Portofino. Take some time to enjoy a drink at a waterfront cafe before taking the train or boat back to Camogli. Overnight Camogli. Walking: 12km/7.5mi, Ascent: 910m/2985ft, Descent: -895m/2936ft, Surf./Unsurf 36/64% Option to take a shortcut to Portofino: less 3km/1.9mi

This morning begins with a short train ride with your luggage to Bonassola. After depositing your luggage at the hotel (around 700m from the train station), start the walk through the hills of the East Riviera which divide Bonassola, Framura and Deiva Marina. The first part of the walk, from Bonassola to Framura, is extremely panoramic with wonderful views over the northern Ligurian coast. Return to Bonassola by train. Walking: 11km/6.8mi, +700m/2296ft, -700m/2296ft, Surf./Unsurf % 41/59 Option to shorten the walk by ending in Framura. Walking: 5.5km/3.4mi, Ascent: +350m/1148ft, Descent: -280m/919ft,

After breakfast, take a train to Deiva Marina where the day’s walk starts. The hike follows the jagged coastline, crossing a few valleys to end in Riva Trigoso, which is one train stop from Sestri Levante (also worth visiting). Return to Bonassola by train for your overnight stay. Walking: 15km/9.4mi, +1008m/3307ft, -996m/3268ft, Surf./Unsurf 41/59% Option to shorten the walk: start in Moneglia (5.5km/3.5mi).

The first part of today’s walk runs along an old railway recently transformed into a flattish cycle path. You walk through tunnels and bridges with spectacular views over the sea and the cliffs until you arrive at Levanto. Reach the ridge top to enjoy the spectacular views over the mountains which surround the gulf. Later the trail takes you to Punta Mesco where you walk down towards the village of Monterosso al Mare, your base for the next 3 nights. Your luggage will be waiting for you at your hotel. Walking: 11km/6.8mi, +460m/1509ft, -460m/1509ft Surf./Unsurf 32/68%

Around 9am this morning a short transfer takes you to Soviore Monastery where you can stop for a visit before starting the walk back to Monterosso via Vernazza. From the Sanctuary you walk on asphalt road for 1.5km, then take a nice panoramic path that slightly descends to the Madonna di Reggio. Continue walking on a stone path down to Vernazza, where you take the panoramic coastal path back to Monterosso. Walking: 9km/5.6mi, +329m/1079ft, -740m/2428ft, Surf./Unsurf 30/70% Option to shorten: stop in Vernazza and take a train back to Monterosso.

A short train ride takes you to Riomaggiore, where the day's walk starts. The first 1.3km climbs gradually to Colle del Telegrafo from where there's a gentle descent to Portovenere along a panoramic ridge trail and through the village of Campiglia. The route is very scenic, with spectacular views of the Cinque Terre coastline, Portovenere and the Gulf of La Spezia, walking on clearly defined footpaths. If you want to shorten the walk, from Campiglia walk (4.8km) or take a bus to Marola and then another bus to Portovenere. At the end of the walk, return to Monterosso by boat or bus and train. Walking: 15km/9.3mi, +900m/2952ft, -890m/2920ft, Surf./Unsurf 17/83%

The trip concludes after breakfast. From Monterosso you can take the train to Milan or Genoa, or Pisa and Florence (via La Spezia) for your onward travels.