Hiking in Liguria: 4 routes to enjoy in or under 4 hours

A land immortalised by the likes of Claude Monet, Lord Byron and Dante, Liguria’s stunning beauty and its picturesque location are hardly a secret. The Ligurian region, home to alluring UNESCO sites like Porto Venere and the famous Cinque Terre, is characterised by a dramatic cliffside location, colourful coastal villages and the wide expanse of the Mediterranean Sea, making it a popular tourist attraction in Italy. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that this region is also a great avenue for lovers of hiking and trekking. 

Aerial view of Cinque Terre’s Vernazza, one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy”  

Trekking routes in Liguria generally range from longer treks (between 7-8 hours) to much shorter ones (1.5-4 hours), with varying levels of difficulty, routes and experiences. But all of them wind through Liguria’s history and the beautiful seacoast, almost always around! 

In our blog, we have rounded up 4 hiking excursions in Liguria that you can complete in or under 4 hours, without compromising on the beauty and versatility of the region! 

Porto Venere to Riomaggiore - The Gulf of Poets Hike  

The stunning Church of S.Pietro in Portovenere

Almost 12 km long, the hiking route on the Gulf of Poets is a challenging one and winds through the beautiful natural park called Cinque Terre Nature Park. The route, also called Sentiero dell’Infinito, begins at Piazza Basteri in Porto Venere, the town adored by the famous English poet, Lord Byron, and ends in the famous Cinque Terre village of Riomaggiore.  

Starting from the piazza, the stone staircase leads you to the Doria Castle, the oldest fortification in Liguria which is also the only Genoese architecture left in the region. From there, you also get a glimpse of Palmaria Island, one of the biggest in the Gulf of Spezia, and the sea view accompanies you thereafter.  

The next part of the trek goes through Campiglia, from where the hike route once again climbs upwards to Colle Telegrafo (the highest point of the trek). However, after this, the route starts to descend and stretches through the Sanctuary of Nostra Madonna di Montenero before ending in Riomaggiore dotted with cosy cafes, seaside bars and restaurants serving delicious Ligurian Cuisine. 

Tip: For some breathtaking cliffside aperitifs or meals, the Bar e Vini a Pié de Ma is ideal. 

Time: 3-4 hours 

Suitable for: Fit hikers used to hiking routes with climbs 

The Borgio Verezzi Route in Liguria di Ponente 

Borgio Verezzi - Valdeminio caves, one of the most coloured caves in the world 

A route for all ages and seasons; the Borgio Verezzi Route in Liguria will suit hiking beginners. The route starts from Passeggiata Livello Borgio in Borgio Verezzi and crosses areas of multiple architectural and natural beauty before ending in the mythical Valdemino Caves (Caves of Verezzi), which opened to the public just 50 years ago. 

In between, the route is sprinkled with many interesting spots like the ancient Church of San Martino, Sanctuary of Maria Regina and Mulino Fenicio (a typical old Phoenician mill with blades inside the structure instead of outside as in common windmills). 

Time: 4-5 hours, depending on your speed

Suitable for: All ages and levels of hikers 

3. The Abbey of San Fruttuoso di Camogli 

San Fruttuoso Abbey panorama and beach in Portofino, Liguria

Now turned into a sombre sight with crystal waters washing its shore, the Abbey of San Fruttuoso can only be reached by sea or on foot. The Abbey route has multiple departure points making it suitable for tourists in Portofino, Punta Chiappa, Camogli and San Rocco. The shortest route, however, starts from the village of San Rocco, close to Camogli, and leads through a path of narrow stone divided into two routes: the shorter inland route and the longer sea-view route. 

The inland route starts at the Church of San Rocco, from a single red circle and meanders through the woods of the Portofino National Park till Gaixella, from where you can walk on the equipped path leading to the abbey. The longer route also starts from the Church of San Rocco but winds along the sea; it starts from the 2 red filled-in circles and is ideal for experienced hikers. 

After a dip in the water, when relaxation fills the mood, you can easily take a boat back to the charming seaside village of Camogli. It is recommended to check the ferry times from Camogli to San Fruttuoso and back in advance. 

Time: 2.5 hours (from San Rocco) 

Suitable for: All levels of hikers depending on the route.  

4.  The Sestri Levante Hike in Punta Manara 

Pathway above the "Baia del Silenzio" (Bay of Silence) in Sestri Levante 

A relatively short hike and perfect for first-timers, this comfortable route can be enjoyed during the cooler autumn months and the rest of the year. The path is well-marked and the perfect answer if you are looking for where to take a walk by the sea in Liguria.  

The route starts in the middle of Sestri Levante, just a 5-minute walk from the railway station. It is marked by 2 red squares in the historic centre, Vico del Bottone, and leads through beautiful Mediterranean scrubs, pine woods, and holm oaks. The final reward is the stunning views from the Punta Manara promontory. 

Time: 2.5 hours 

Suitable for: All ages 

Coming to Liguria with friends, family or business? Look at some of the best accommodations in the region! 

FAQ 

Where to go in Liguria for walking? 

Apart from the hikes above, many paths in Liguria are worth exploring on foot and may not necessarily be long hikes with ascents and descents. Most of these can be enjoyed in Genoa. A recommended walking path is the Aqueduct of Genoa, which is suitable for all ages and starts from Cavassolo leading to the 95-metre-long stone bridge. Another walking route is through the Church of SS. Annunziata del Chiappeto which leads to the forts of Genoa but has a varying elevation gain. 

What are the best months to go hiking in Liguria? 

Though Liguria allows year-round hiking temperatures, thanks to its mild summer and winter, the best are the shoulder months like May-June and September-October if you do not want to run into crowds. 

What are the things I should pack for hiking in Liguria?  

The hiking tips for Liguria are no different from any other region. Good physical shape, carrying enough water, using suitable walking shoes and following the routes are some of the things that you should keep in mind while trekking or hiking in Liguria. 

What not to miss in Liguria? 

The famous Blue Trail is also one of the hikes that can be easily done in or under 4 hours and is completely unmissable if you love trekking. However, it has not made it to the list because of the temporary closure of this Cinque Terre trekking Route that is scheduled to open sometime in 2024.