Hiking in Cinque Terre from Portovenere to Riomaggiore
This is our most beautiful hiking trail on the Ligurian coast and we have often done it, in both directions. You will be rewarded with the most beautiful views you can imagine. The view sweeps over the steep cliffs of the Cinque Terre covered with aromatic evergreen shrubs called macchie in Italian. In between, the rocks were painstakingly extracted from the terraces to build the terrace walls and create patches for wine growing. The sea is from azure to deep blue. Deep below your path is the coast. You walk on cliffs, through forests and the pretty town of Campiglia.
What to Expect on a Hike from Portovenere to Riomaggiore
This is our most beautiful hiking trail on the Ligurian coast and we have often done it in both directions. When the weather is nice, you will be rewarded with the most beautiful views you can imagine. The view sweeps over the steep cliffs of the Cinque Terre covered with maquis. In between, the rocks were painstakingly extracted from terraces for wine growing. The sea is from azure to deep blue deep below the coast. You walk on cliffs, through forests and the pretty town of Campiglia. The hike takes about 5 hours and overcomes 500 meters in altitude.
Description of the Hike in Cinque Terre from Portovenere to Riomaggiore
- Duration: 5 hours, without a lunch break and detours
- Difficulty level: 2 out of 5
- Distance: 13.8 km
- Minimum altitude: Portovenere 88 m
- Maximum altitude: Colle del Telegrafo 509 m
- Total climb: 449 m
- Total descend: 450 m
Starting Point of the Hike is Castel of Portovenere
You can get to the meeting point in Porto Venere by bus from La Spezia, but the trip by boat from La Spezia or a place of the Cinque Terre to Porto Venere is much nicer. Before entering the harbor, visitors are greeted by the mighty fortress, Castello Doria, and the Church of San Pietro on the rock. A steep path leads from Portovenere to a height of around 250 m, from where you have a wonderful view from the Castello to the Church of San Pietro, over the Gulf of La Spezia and the Isola Palmaria. And this is just the beginning!
Hiking along Campiglia and Colle del Telegrafo at 509 m
The first part of the path goes steadily uphill to Campiglia at an altitude of 400 m. An easy path continues to Colle di Telegrafo at 513 m. The path leads past a picnic area, where there you can get an espresso as well as drinks and ice cream. The older gentle owner likes to prepare fresh focaccia for you.
Hike Down to Riomaggiore
Before descending the steep grade to Riomaggiore you will pass a recommended Ristorante. Maybe take note for another day.
The way into the valley can be interrupted by a small detour to the Sanctuary Santuario di Nostra Signora di Montenero. At the weekend there is also the opportunity to strengthen yourself. The last part of the way is marked by steep stairs that lead past the former 13th-century defense castle, the Castel di Riomaggiore, to the train station. The narrow center of Riomaggiore is particularly impressive. The colorful houses rise steeply above the picturesque harbor. Instead of descending to Riomaggiore, you can stay on the high-altitude hiking trail and continue towards Levanto. There are further resting and accommodation options on this stretch of the route in Volastra (descent path no. 506) San Bernardino (follow signs from Cigoletta path no. 507).
In Riomaggiore ends our Hike in Cinque Terre from Portovenere to Riomaggiore.
Why Hiking in Cinque Terre with milano24ore?
Services Included in the Hike from Portovenere to Riomaggiore
We provide a Cinque Terre authorized Mountain Guide that speaks your language. Our guide will accompany you on this hike. He or she will give you interesting details on the way and draws your attention to the special features of the region and the special cuisine. The price includes lunch during the hike.
Additional Services
– Accommodation before and after the hike
– Multi-day tour pre-arranged with more overnight stays, guide, meals
– tasting of the Cinque Terre wine with food and olive oil tasting
– Private transfers
– Extension of the trip through Tuscany
Exclusive and in Your Language
The hiking tour is organized only for you and your fellow travelers. They are conducted in the language you choose. We have experienced local guides for German, Italian, English, French. Other languages on request or with an interpreter.
Pricing
The above price has been calculated for a group of 8 participants on a 5-hour hike (only in one direction). Please let us know the number of participants and special wishes with your request.
Arrival and Meeting Place
Your guide can meet you at Portovenere or at your hotel in La Spezia. We can organize transport to the meeting point and collect you from the endpoint.
Stages of the Hike
Portovenere
This is a nice village at the end of the Poet’s gulf with a tiny port and the Castel San Giorgio. where the Venus rose from the foaming water. Portovenere is located in the Gulf of La Spezia and does not belong directly to the Cinque Terre and there is no train going there. The village is dominated by the fortress Castello Doria. In Porto Venere, you can visit the idyllic harbor with its colorful houses typical of this area and the romantic alleys for shopping. At the cape on the rock, you find the little characteristic Church of San Pietro, open to visitors.
Colle del Telegrafo 509 m altitude
Highest Point of the hike and restaurant for a break. The hill with the radio antennas, Colle del Telegrafo, is located above Riomaggiore. Here is a ristorante with a bar. Time for lunch with a view at lofty heights. There is a homemade cake.
Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore is the first of the five coastal villages of the Cinque Terre that can be reached by train from La Spezia. Each village in the Cinque Terre has its own special history. Before the train connected the five villages, it was difficult to reach the isolated and hidden villages. The painters were the first to discover the beauty of the Cinque Terre and its picturesque hiking trails between the villages.
Hiking Alone in the Cinque Terre
You are welcome to get inspired by our description of this hike. However, we recommend to not hike alone and do not go without an experienced local licensed guide. Mountains are dangerous and you can get lost or surprised by weather. Also, our description might have small errors, be incomplete or outdated. Therefore, we recommend you book the tour with us and let us take care of the organization.
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