Travel independently to Cinque Terre’s Monterosso al Mare. Overnight in a quaint hotel perched above the historic town.

Today’s serene, coastal hike begins in Monterosso, climbs to Punta Mesca, and then heads west along a coastal footpath descending into Levanto. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Italian Riveria. Take a dip and relax on Levanto’s infamous sandy beach before heading to the hamlet of Bonassola, town of 500, for lunch. Return to Monterosso by train for a relaxing dinner harbor side.

Distance: 4 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1050/1250 ft.

Optional Extension:

For a more strenuous day, hike the steep, beautiful path to Vernazza in the afternoon for a sunset glass of Vino delle Cinque Terre. Transfer by train or ferry back to Monterrosso.

Distance: 2 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 575 ft.

Take the train to Manarola to begin the quintessential Cinque Terre hike to Vernazza, but with a twist. Detour from the main path by ascending from Manarola to Volastra, winding your way through small farms and vineyard terraces that provide the local produce and wine for the Cinque Terre Coop. Hike to a fine lunch of regional Italian cuisine at a quaint restaurant in this lovely hamlet. Make your way back to Corniglia on a higher forest track meandering above the Cinque Terre. From Corniglia wind along a narrow and slightly steeper path to Vernazza, descending through vineyards to catch a train or ferry back to your hotel in Monterosso.

Distance: 4 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 710/930 ft.

Meander through terraces gradually ascending to the Madonna di Montenero Sanctuary and monorails that carry locals to and from the vendemmia (grape harvest). From here a shady woodland path connects you from Telegrafo to Campiglia to enjoy lunch at a local trattoria. Or, choose a midday side adventure that takes you to the hamlet of Fossola to have lunch before ascending to Campiglia. From Campiglia hug the rocky coastline, enjoying sweeping coastal views and permeating Mediterranean flora smells before descending into Portovenere to your charming 17th century restored hotel overlooking the harbor.

Distance: 6 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1620/1570 ft.

For an extra adventure before you depart, ferry to Isola Palmeria (5 minutes from Portovenere) to explore this prehistoric island that houses Grotta dei Colombi, dating back to the Paleolithic Age (allow 3 hours for the hike).

Take a short taxi or bus ride to La Spezia to catch a train to your departing city.