Alta Via delle Cinque Terre, Italy
The Alta Via delle Cinque Terre, or AV5T, is a mountain trail that spans from Portovenere to Levanto, traversing the entire Cinque Terre National Park. While not a touristy path, it offers breathtaking views of the Ligurian coast and a much different perspective of the famous Cinque Terre.
This blog post details a 3-day, 2-night journey from Levanto to Porto Venere, stopping in Vernazza on the first night and Riomaggiore on the second one.
You can also decide to skip entering the Villages and camp or stay in BnB on the Alta Via. But if you have never been to the Cinque Terre before, I highly recommend it.
Catch you outside,
Elena
- Where: Liguria, Cinque Terre
- Multi Day Hike
- Distance: 48 km
- Average Duration: 3 days
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium
- Total Elevation Gain: 2522m
- Point to Point
- Start/Finish: Levanto - Porto Venere
Who is this hike for?
This hike is for everyone! It is marked, but I recommend having a GPX trace especially if you don’t speak Italian. The elevation gain is fair, but make sure to be well-prepared for any emergency.
Day 1 | Levanto to Vernazza
- Distance: 19km
- Average Duration: 5-6h
- Difficulty level: Easy to Medium
- Start/Finish: Levanto to Vernazza
The journey begins in Levanto, where I have easily arrived by train from Genova. I have spent the night there, and I have started to hike very early in the morning as I have hiked this trail in August so it was pretty hot.
The initial stretch involves a steep ascent, so put your heart at peace and warm up your legs! Notable checkpoints are Termine and Punta Mesco. Punta Mesco, with its medieval monastery ruins, is a scenic highlight.
I have bypassed Monterosso and arrived in Vernazza, which is my second favourite village after Corniglia.
Day 2 | Vernazza to Riomaggiore
- Distance: 16km
- Average Duration: 4-5h
- Difficulty level: Medium
- Start/Finish: Vernazza - Riomaggiore
The second leg of the trail again has quite a steep ascent, but after that, it is predominantly downhill.
Riomaggiore provides an excellent overnight stop with its coastal charm, and the apartment where I stayed was just gorgeous.
Day 3 | Riomaggiore to Porto Venere
- Distance: 13km
- Average Duration: 4h
- Difficulty level: Medium
- Start/Finish: Riomaggiore - Porto Venere
The final day involves hiking from Riomaggiore to Porto Venere.
This section offers spectacular views of the Ligurian coast. The checkpoints along the route include Colle del Telegrafo and Cinguetta. Be prepared for challenging descents, and ensure you have enough water for the journey.
The endpoint, Porto Venere, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its stunning architecture and coastal beauty. So it is a must-visit.
The Alta Via delle Cinque Terre offers a rewarding trek through the stunning landscapes of the Italian Riviera, avoiding the mass of tourists.
With careful planning, proper equipment, and an appreciation for the unique challenges of the trail, YOU will enjoy a memorable 3-day adventure from Levanto to Porto Venere.
Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a nature enthusiast, this trail promises an unforgettable experience along the breathtaking Cinque Terre coastline.
👇🏻Feel free to book a “Discover Italy like a Local” with me 👇🏻
Catch You Outside,
Elena
Frequently Asked Questions
Dog allowed?
Yes, You can take your puppy… but only if you collect their 💩!!
Where to sleep? Tent?
- Not many accommodations along the Alta Via, so plan to stay in B&Bs or hotels in coastal villages.
- Book in advance, especially during peak seasons, as demand is high.
- If you stay up on the Alta Via there are plenty of places where you can set up a tent, but bear in mind that you need to think about water and food supplies
Difficulty
It doesn’t present any major challenge, but make sure you are happy with elevation gain
Credentials?
There are no credentials.
Best months to hike it?
- The mild climate makes the Alta Via suitable for year-round hiking, but would avoid July and August. (I did it in August and it was way too hot).
- As usual, check weather forecasts for safety, avoiding the trail during heavy rain or strong winds.
What to bring?
- Wear sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes suitable for various terrains. It is not a walk in the park and is more challenging than expected.
- Carry trekking poles for stability.
Trail waymarking
- Marked trail with signage, but it could be improved.
- Especially if you don’t speak Italian, I would recommend having a gpx map with you.
Planning Information
Cinque Terre and sourroundigs areas can get packed and fully booked quite in advance. So make sure you book your stays and plan the whole hike in advance.
Getting there & Away
Few options:
- I recommend starting in Levanto, which is accessible by train from La Spezia or Milan. Trains are the most practical mode of transportation between Cinque Terre villages.
- If you want to start from Porto Venere, then you need to get a bus 11/P from La Spezia
- If you travel by car consider leaving your car in Campiglia, a village midway between Portovenere and Telegrafo and then getting to the beginning of the trail (hitchhiking, hiking, booking a taxi in advance…)
Permits & Fees
No Permits required.
IMPORTANT: Pay close attention to the data contained in this description.
They may be incomplete or outdated. The paths may change over time due to bad weather, fires or simply the change of seasons. Check in the comments if anyone has made any reports or recommended any changes.
Do you still have a question?
"Discover Italy Like a Local" Consultation
I always try to write everything I can to give the best possible informations, but if you feel like you need a specific and tailored consultation, feel free to book a one-on-one consultation to address your concerns, answer your questions, and provide support throughout the planning process.❤️
