The Levanto to Monterosso trail is one of the most accessible hikes in the Cinque Terre area. This 7km path usually takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, winding along coastal cliffs with some seriously impressive sea views. It’s a moderately challenging hike, but the scenery absolutely makes it worth the effort—think dramatic cliffs, rolling vineyards, and that endless blue Ligurian sea.
If you’re looking to soak up Cinque Terre’s natural beauty without elbowing through crowds, this trek is a great pick. Both Levanto and Monterosso have beaches and plenty of places to grab a bite or a spritz, so you can unwind before or after the hike. If you run out of steam, just hop on the train—it’s only a 5-minute ride between towns, and tickets are 4 euros.
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now
The trail tops out at 312 meters, so most folks with average fitness can handle it. May 2025 should bring mild weather and blooming wildflowers. Bring water, wear sturdy shoes, and don’t forget your camera—the Mediterranean views are something you’ll want to remember.
Overview of the Levanto to Monterosso Trail
This trail gives hikers a front-row seat to the Ligurian coastline, blending jaw-dropping sea views with a bit of a workout. It connects Levanto, a laid-back coastal town, to Monterosso, which is the first of the Cinque Terre villages if you’re heading south.
Trail Route and Description
The route runs about 4.8 miles (7.7 km) point-to-point. You’ll start in Levanto and head south toward Monterosso. The path itself is a mix: expect stone steps, forest tunnels, and stretches right along the edge of the coast. Views are everywhere—sometimes you’ll look down sheer cliffs to the sea, sometimes you’ll wind through olive groves and vineyards with that classic Mediterranean scrub.
Rest stops do pop up now and then, and they’re perfect for catching your breath or just taking it all in.
Significance within Cinque Terre National Park
Even though the trail starts outside the official Cinque Terre boundaries, it’s still a big part of the park’s hiking network. Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, protects this unique cultural landscape shaped by centuries of farmers and fishermen.
This path shows off the terraced hillsides and traditional building styles that stretch beyond the five main villages. You’ll get a real sense of how people carved out a life on these steep slopes—those ancient terraces are still hanging on, somehow.
Difficulty and Duration
Most people call this trail moderately challenging. There are some steep ups and downs, plus rocky bits and uneven steps. The total elevation gain is about 312 meters (1,020 feet).
It usually takes between 2.5 and 3 hours to finish, but that depends on your pace and how many times you stop for photos (and you’ll probably stop a lot). The path is rocky in places but doesn’t require any technical gear—just solid shoes.
Weather can really change the experience. Summer heat will sap your energy fast, and winter can make things slippery. Spring and fall are best. Bring enough water, since there aren’t many places to refill along the way.
Planning Your Hike
A little planning makes a big difference. Think about timing, permits, and weather so you can actually enjoy the hike instead of just surviving it.
Best Time to Hike
April to June and September to October are the sweet spots. Temperatures are usually pleasant (15-25°C), and you’ll avoid the biggest crowds.
If you’re hiking in July or August, brace yourself for heat and lots of people. Get an early start if you can.
Winter (November-March) is quieter, but the trail can get slick, and parts might close after heavy rain. On the upside, you’ll have the place almost to yourself—just check conditions before you go.
Off-season also means better deals on places to stay.
Trail Access and Permits
You’ll need a Cinque Terre Card for this trail. There are two flavors:
- Trekking Card: Covers trail access only
- Cinque Terre Card: Trail access plus unlimited train rides between villages
Buy your card at train stations, tourist offices, or online. For 2025, expect to pay €7.50 for the basic card and €18.00 for the combined option.
The trail’s open from 7:00 AM until sunset. Entry points are obvious in both Levanto and Monterosso. Always double-check the official Cinque Terre National Park website before you go—sometimes sections close for repairs or safety.
Weather and Seasonal Considerations
Weather flips fast on this coast. Summer means lots of sun and temps over 30°C, with not much shade in places. Sun protection is a must.
Spring is gorgeous—wildflowers everywhere—but showers can sneak up on you. Toss a light raincoat in your bag just in case.
Fall is mellow, with fewer people and harvest festivals in the villages.
After heavy rain, parts of the trail can close quickly. Landslides are a real risk, and the park doesn’t mess around with closures. Always check trail status, especially if it’s rained recently.
Essential Gear and Preparation
A little prep goes a long way here. The Mediterranean climate and hilly terrain mean you’ll want to pack smart.
From beachfront hotels to hillside villas, find your perfect stay in this charming coastal town. Instant booking with no fees!
Browse Accommodations Now
Recommended Hiking Shoes and Clothing
Wear hiking boots or trail runners with solid grip and ankle support. The path is uneven, and if it’s rained recently, it gets slick.
Go for lightweight, breathable layers. In summer, moisture-wicking shirts and shorts are your friends. In spring and fall, bring a light fleece and pants you can roll up or zip off.
Even on sunny days, weather can turn—so a rain jacket or windbreaker is always a good idea.
A 20-30 liter backpack should fit your gear without weighing you down.
Water and Food Packing Tips
Bring at least 1.5 liters of water per person. Refill spots are rare—mostly just at the start in Levanto and the finish in Monterosso.
Snacks should be easy to carry and energy-packed:
- Trail mix or nuts
- Fruit (fresh or dried)
- Energy bars
- Small sandwiches
Carry a bag for your trash; bins are scarce, and nobody wants to see litter along the trail.
In summer, an insulated bottle helps keep your water cool.
Sunscreen and Health Precautions
Slather on broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) before you start, and reapply every couple of hours. Parts of the trail are exposed, and that sea glare is no joke.
Other must-haves:
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- A brimmed hat
- Basic first aid kit (just in case)
- Any meds you need
Bug spray is handy in warmer months, especially in the greener stretches.
Take breaks and keep sipping water. Those climbs sneak up on you, even if you’re in good shape.
Trail Navigation and Landmarks
You’ll need to pay attention to trail markers and know a few key spots. The hike is about 7km and takes most people 2.5 hours, give or take. The views? They’re worth every step.
Waymarks and Trail Maps
Look for red and white stripes painted on rocks and trees. These keep you on the right path. Major junctions have wooden signs pointing to Monterosso or Levanto.
Download the official Cinque Terre trail map before you go. Cell service drops out sometimes, so a paper map is a smart backup.
Pay extra attention when you’re leaving Levanto—the start has a few forks. Head uphill through pine woods, and soon you’ll break out to those classic coastal views. When in doubt, follow the most well-worn path.
Key Viewpoints Along the Trail
You’ll hit some killer viewpoints. About half an hour in, there’s a clearing with your first big sea panorama—a perfect spot to catch your breath and snap some photos.
Halfway, you’ll reach Punta Mesco. On a clear day, you can see all five Cinque Terre villages from here. It’s a rocky point with a 360-degree view.
Right before you drop into Monterosso, you’ll pass an old lighthouse and some stone benches—good spot to rest and take in the colorful town below. The last descent gets steeper and the views just keep getting better.
Common Hazards and Landslides
Things can get dicey after rain. Some parts turn slippery or even wash out. Always check conditions before you start, especially in spring and fall.
A few stretches have steep drop-offs and not much in the way of barriers. Stick to the marked path and wear shoes with decent grip. The final stretch into Monterosso is especially steep and loose underfoot.
Landslides have hit this trail before. Some areas are reinforced, but others are still a bit sketchy. Pay attention to closure signs—ignoring them isn’t just risky, it can get you fined. Sometimes the trail closes with little warning if the weather’s turning bad.
Easy booking across stunning accommodations from historic buildings to modern retreats. Perfect for surfing and kayaking with pristine beaches just steps away!
Secure Your Italian Getaway
Levanto: Gateway to the Trail
Levanto is a great place to kick off your hike to Monterosso. It’s a relaxed Ligurian town with everything you need before heading out.
How to Reach Levanto
Levanto’s easy to reach. Trains run regularly from Genoa (about 1 hour) and La Spezia (20 minutes). The station’s a 10-minute walk from the center and the trailhead.
Driving? There are a few parking lots, but they fill up fast in summer. Expect to pay €15-20 per day near the train station.
Buses exist, but the schedules are spotty. Most people find the train way easier.
Try to get there early if you’re hiking in peak season (May-September)—it gives you time to explore before hitting the trail.
Local Attractions and Bonassola Connection
Levanto’s more than just a trailhead. There’s a wide sandy beach that’s perfect for chilling before or after your hike. The medieval center is full of narrow lanes, local shops, and restaurants serving Ligurian classics.
Check out the 13th-century Church of Sant’Andrea with its bold black and white stripes. The morning market (Monday-Saturday) is great for grabbing fresh cheese and produce for your picnic.
You can also walk to Bonassola on a flat 1.5 km path through old railway tunnels—takes about 20 minutes and lands you in a quieter beach town. Some people use this as a warm-up before tackling the Monterosso trail.
Monterosso al Mare: Trail Destination
Monterosso al Mare is a colorful, lively spot to finish your hike. After trekking from Levanto, you’ll find beaches, Ligurian food, and plenty of places to relax or explore. It’s the biggest of the Cinque Terre villages and makes a fitting reward for your effort.
Arrival Experience and Local Highlights
When you finish the trail, you’ll pop out near Monterosso’s new town area (Fegina). The wide sandy beach here feels like a reward for tired legs—finally, real space to stretch out and maybe take a swim in those clear blue waters. Monterosso stands out from the other Cinque Terre villages for actually having a beach you can use.
A short tunnel leads you into the old town, where narrow lanes wind between pastel buildings. The Church of San Giovanni Battista, with its bold black and white striped facade, is hard to miss and honestly worth a peek.
If you’re hungry, go for the local anchovies, pesto pasta, or some fresh seafood at one of the waterfront spots. Monterosso’s lemons are kind of famous too—try a limoncino or grab some lemon gelato if you want something refreshing.
Transport Options from Monterosso
Monterosso’s train station is the easiest way back. Trains run pretty often to Levanto (just 6-7 minutes) and connect with the other Cinque Terre towns. You can buy tickets at the station or save yourself the hassle and use the Trenitalia app. Expect to pay around €2-4 for a one-way ticket.
From April through October, ferry services link Monterosso with Levanto and other coastal towns. The boat ride gives you a whole different view of the coastline and feels a bit like a mini adventure. Ferries usually run several times a day, and tickets go for about €7-15.
If you left your car in Levanto, you’ll need to hop on the train to get back. Parking in Monterosso is limited, pricey (€25+ per day), and fills up fast. Taxis are around, but you’ll pay €25-30 for the quick ride to Levanto—not exactly cheap for such a short distance.
Nearby Cinque Terre Trails and Villages
The Levanto-Monterosso trail is just one piece of what Cinque Terre has in store. Plenty of connecting paths wind between the five famous villages, each with its own vibe and hiking possibilities.
Connecting Paths to Vernazza
From Monterosso, the Blue Trail (Trail #2) heads south to Vernazza, covering about 3.5 km. It’s a moderately tough hike—figure on two hours or so—but the coastal views are absolutely worth it.
Vernazza has a natural harbor, colorful buildings, and a small beach. With fewer cars than Monterosso, it’s a quieter place to wander.
If you’re after a less crowded route, the high trail (Trail #1) from Monterosso to Vernazza climbs further up into the hills. You’ll get sweeping views of the coastline from up there.
Trail difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 3.5 km
Time needed: 2 hours
Required: Cinque Terre Card for Blue Trail access
Exploring Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore
Corniglia stands apart from the other villages—it’s perched on a cliff, not down by the sea. You can hike there from Vernazza (about 4 km, roughly 90 minutes).
The “Via dell’Amore” (Lovers’ Lane) once connected Manarola and Riomaggiore, but it’s been partly closed for repairs for a while now. Definitely check if it’s open before you plan on walking it.
Manarola is all about terraced vineyards and a rocky swimming spot. Locals will tell you to try the sweet Sciacchetrà wine.
Riomaggiore, at the southern tip, has a postcard-perfect harbor and those tall, narrow houses you see in photos. The main drag, Via Colombo, is lined with shops and restaurants—worth a stroll if you have time.
Visiting Portovenere and Surrounding Areas
Portovenere isn’t technically part of the Cinque Terre, but honestly, it’s too charming to skip. You can hike from Riomaggiore to Portovenere—about 12 km, so not exactly a stroll in the park—or just hop on a ferry if you’re feeling less ambitious.
Along the way, the trail winds through Biassa and treats you to some wild views of the Gulf of La Spezia. It usually takes 4-5 hours, and you’ll want to be in decent shape for those climbs.
Portovenere itself has the Church of San Pietro perched right on the cliffs, and Byron’s Grotto, which, yes, is named after the poet who apparently swam there (hard to imagine, but why not?).
If you’re up for something different, check out some of the inland trails in Cinque Terre National Park. These quieter paths snake through olive groves and give you these sweeping views of the villages you just don’t get from the main routes.
Transportation tip: During the right season, boats run between Portovenere and the Cinque Terre villages. It’s a pretty scenic way to get around—not to mention, way easier on the legs than hiking the whole thing.
Elegant hotels, seaside apartments, and vacation rentals with immediate confirmation. Beautiful beaches and world-class restaurants await your arrival!
See Available Properties
Want someone to guide you? Check out this excursion on GetYourGuide.com.
Chiesa di Sant’Andrea Travel Guide
Levanto Beach Travel Guide
Levanto Boat Tours
Levanto Cooking Classes
Levanto Coves
Levanto Festivals and Events
Levanto Market
Levanto Piazzas
Levanto Restaurants
Levanto Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Excursions
Levanto to Monterosso Trail
Levanto Wineries
Medieval Loggia Travel Guide
Pista Ciclopedonale Levanto – Framura
San Giorgio Castle Travel Guide
History of Levanto, Italy
Where to Stay in Levanto, Italy – Hotels, Vacation Rentals, BnBs
Getting to Levanto, Italy
