The Riviera di Levante is the name given to the stretch of Ligurian coastline in the north-west of Italy that runs from Genoa down to La Spezia. It’s the location of the Portofino peninsula, as well as the famous Cinque Terre villages and the Sentiero Azzurro path that links those villages.

As you progress south from Genoa, the coastline becomes more rugged and prime walking territory emerges. Cliffs and hills rise sharply from the water’s edge, meaning villages need to cling to a steep slope or crowd into a small cove. Vineyards, lemon trees and olive groves rely on ancient terracing. Natural vegetation grows denser along the coastal fringe and hinterland with large stretches given national park protection. Cars and roads become more scarce and the historic pathways come into their own.

The five fishing villages that make up the Cinque Terre - Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso - are spread over a relatively short stretch of the southern portion of the Riviera di Levante, but a larger length of the coastline, and the surrounding hills are part of the Cinque Terre National Park. The whole area was included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

The Cinque Terre National Park provides many opportunities for multi-day walks. Some of the walks stick to the coast while others combine the coast with the hinterland hills. Another common walk itinerary is to combine a day’s walking on the Portofino peninsula (including the stunning Portofino itself) with the Cinque Terre.

Walking the Cinque Terre coastline is described in more detail below.

Assistance and further information:

• For assistance in undertaking a walk along the Cinque Terre coastline or any other walks on the Riviera di Levante, click the button below.

• For information on other walks in Italy, click the button below.