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Nature, Parks & Outdoor Activities in Cinque Terre

Good to Know

  • Over 130 km of paths are ancient routes used for centuries by inhabitants to move between hills and sea, reach cultivated terraces, and maintain connection with the land.
  • Stay on designated paths through lemon gardens, olive groves, and vineyards; do not pick grapes or lemons as locals depend on these crops.
  • Over 100 kms of hiking trails are free; most stunning trails available all day.
  • Via dell'Amore has one-way traffic from Riomaggiore to Manarola to prevent congestion.
  • Popular coastal trails not suitable for bikes due to terrain, though mountain biking opportunities exist in the area.
  • Some areas require reservation due to high tourist numbers.

Hiking

Guided Hikes
National Park organizes guided excursions during weekends through the 'Cinque Terre Walking Park' program.
Description
The path network extends for more than 120 kilometres, with villages and sanctuaries connected by more than 100 kms of hiking trails. The most popular trail is the Blue Trail, with easy sections due to train stops in all towns.

Trails

  • Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail)
    Difficulty
    Moderate to challenging
    Description
    Connects Vernazzo and Monterosso al Mare, winding through olive groves and terraced vineyards. Easy to hike in shorter sections with train access between towns. The Via dell'Amore section between Riomaggiore and Manarola reopened in 2024 with a timed-entry booking system.
  • Alta Via Delle Cinque Terre
    Difficulty
    Challenging
    Description
    Main trail connecting Levanto and Portovenere, crossing the entire Cinque Terre National Park, also called the 'Alta Via delle Cinque Terre'. Full-day hike with panoramic views.
  • Ring-route Itineraries
    Difficulty
    Varies
    Description
    Ring-route itineraries available from Monterosso, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore through hamlets and high paths.

Access Requirements

Card Cost
€10
Card Info
More than thirty popular trails exist; four are paid (shortest village stretches). Ticket costs 10 euros in 2026. Ticket valid one day for all four stretches; Via dell'Amore requires online booking.
Card Required
Yes
Notes
Starting in 2024, prices change based on attendance; check calendar for specific date rates.

Cycling

Mountain Biking

E Bike Support
Cinque Terre supports e-bike riding with 24 trails allowing e-bikes.
Description
Area mainly for hiking; mountain biking possible on steep climbs on car roads above villages; good trails available in the National Park.

Popular Routes

  • Levanto to Framura Bicycle Path
    Difficulty
    Easy
    Description
    Scenic, flat, easy path about 5.5 km long taking about 30 minutes. Opened in 2010 on old 19th-century railway tracks, goes along the sea through many tunnels.
  • Alta Via Delle Cinque Terre (AV5T)
    Difficulty
    Intermediate to advanced
    Description
    Longest mountain biking trail estimated at 22.2 miles. Well-known 52 km intermediate mountain biking route.

Water Sports

Snorkeling
Snorkeling excursions in the Cinque Terre provide views of the seabed and marine protected area biodiversity.

Kayaking

Rental Locations
Monterosso al Mare Bay is a top place to rent kayaks. Bike rental services available in Levanto offering e-bikes and kayaks; some in hills near Madonna of Montenero Sanctuary or Volastra.
Description
Best time to kayak is May to October during warmer months and calmer sea conditions; most tour operators active during this period.

Popular Tours

  • Morning Kayak Tour Monterosso to Vernazzo
    Price
    €112
    Details
    Available Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday from April to October. 112 EUR/person; 102 EUR for children aged 10-13.
    Duration
    3 hours
  • Sunset Kayak Tour
    Price
    €95
    Details
    Available Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday between June 1 and August 31. 95 EUR/person; 87 EUR for children aged 7-14.
    Duration
    2 hours

Organized Activities

Guided Tours
Various tour operators offer organized kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking experiences.
Seasonal Note
Best period for water sports May-October; hiking best in early spring or late autumn to avoid summer crowds.

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.