The Liguria di Levante demands that you walk, climb and descend. Far from being a drawback, it is the best way to get to know it. Here, trains skim the coastline and walking trails carve through cliffs plunging into the sea, linking villages that would otherwise be cut off. If you are after a long weekend of rocky coves, woodlands and focaccia, the eastern riviera is the place to be.
The best time to combine hiking with a few beach stops runs from April to early June, or through September and October. You will avoid the stifling heat on exposed trails and encounter fewer crowds in the caruggi. Be prepared for steep climbs and stone-cut steps: even on the most popular paths you will need shoes with decent grip, not casual sandals.
This four-day route focuses on the most iconic spots between Genova, the Golfo del Tigullio and the edges of the Cinque Terre, alternating scenic walks with dinners of fresh seafood and hearty hinterland dishes.
How to plan your weekend in Liguria
Day 1 — From Boccadasse to freshwater pools
Morning
Set off from Genova. Boccadasse is an inlet of colourful houses gathered around a tiny pebble beach. Traditional wooden gozzi are still hauled up onto the shingle. The mood is peaceful, making it an ideal, unhurried start before heading east. From here, make your way into the Genoese hinterland and the Val Nervi.
Afternoon
Follow the walking trail to reach the Laghetti di Nervi. These are clear freshwater pools broken up by small waterfalls. It is a naturally shaded spot that offers a stark contrast to the blinding coastal light, perfect for an easy hike well away from city noise.
Evening
Head back to Boccadasse for dinner just a stone's throw from the water at Ittiturismo GE8317 Boccadasse. They serve seafood dishes made with the catch of the day. Tables are in high demand, so booking ahead is strongly recommended.
Day 2 — Camogli and the seaside abbey
Morning
Head over to the Golfo Paradiso to explore the Borgo marinaro di Camogli. Its towering, multi-coloured palazzi seem to tumble straight down into the harbour and onto the pebble beach. On the seafront, stop at Focacceria Pasticceria Revello to pick up warm Ligurian focaccia and traditional pastries.
Afternoon
The Sentiero da Camogli a San Fruttuoso (Passo del Bacio / Pietre Strette) sets off from Camogli. It is a 5-6 km walk through cliffs and woodland, taking around 2-3 hours. At the end of the trail, the Abbazia di San Fruttuoso comes into view: a medieval monastery tucked into a tiny cove, accessible only on foot or by boat.
Evening
Head back towards Recco for dinner. Ristorante O Vittorio is a local institution: people come here specifically to tuck into the traditional focaccia di Recco col formaggio IGP.
Day 3 — Tigullio: towers and sheltered bays
Morning
The day begins in Sestri Levante with a trek up to Punta Manara. It is a circular route of about 7.5 km that takes roughly two and a half hours. From the headland, crowned by the ruins of a Saracen watchtower, sweeping views open out over the entire Golfo del Tigullio.
Afternoon
After the walk, head down to the Baia del Silenzio, also in Sestri Levante. Its fine sand and colourful houses hugging the water make it the ideal spot to unwind. In the late afternoon, the sunset light and calm sea bring the day to a lovely close.
Evening
Head just outside the centre into the hills. Cantine Cattaneo is set inside a working farm surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. The menu features classic Ligurian recipes with a contemporary twist.
Day 4 — Towards the Cinque Terre and the Golfo dei Poeti
Morning
Head into the Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre to hike the Sentiero Azzurro (tratto Corniglia - Vernazza). Allow around two hours of walking through terraced vineyards and olive groves, with the sea always beside you. Remember that you will need the Cinque Terre Card for this section.
Afternoon
Make your way down to the far end of the Golfo dei Poeti. Porto Venere e Chiesa di San Pietro form one of the coastline's most iconic vistas: the church is built directly on a wave-battered rocky outcrop. If you still have energy, you can do the circular hike around Isola Palmaria (around 7 km), just opposite Portovenere.
Evening
Wrap up your trip by heading towards Sarzana. At Piccolo Ristorante, in the historic centre, you will find a tasting menu deeply rooted in the local area, featuring dishes like muscoli ripieni. The dining room is small, so book well in advance.
Top tips for your trip
- Forget the car for getting around the Cinque Terre, Camogli and the Tigullio: roads clog easily and coastal car parks are scarce and very pricey. Stick to regional trains and ferries.
- To access the paid trails in the Parco delle Cinque Terre, such as the Sentiero Azzurro, you will need the Cinque Terre Card. The 'Treno' version includes unlimited rail travel between La Spezia and Levanto.
- Do not underestimate the footpaths: you will need walking shoes with good tread. Expect steep gradients, exposed sunny stretches and slippery stone steps.
- If you plan to return from San Fruttuoso to Camogli by boat rather than on foot, always check the sea conditions first: services are suspended in rough waters.
Where to base yourself
Very handy if you are travelling by train: it is moments from the station, close to the beach and overlooks the marina.
View on Booking →Central and convenient location with private parking, making it a great base for getting over to Portofino with ease.
View on Booking →Enjoys an elevated vantage point: from the terrace you look out over both the Baia del Silenzio and the Baia delle Favole.
View on Booking →