Best Hiking Trails in Liguria: Cinque Terre, Portofino and Noli–Varigotti

Looking for the best hiking trails in Liguria? This guide covers three of the most scenic coastal walking areas on the Italian Riviera: the Cinque Terre trails, Portofino Park and the Sentiero del Pellegrino (Noli–Varigotti) route, with nearby beaches for swimming after the walk.

Liguria is one of the best regions in Italy for combining hiking and the sea. The coastline is narrow, steep and dramatic, which means many of the best hiking trails in Liguria come with sea views, colourful villages, cliffs, pine woods and the option to swim before or after your walk. This guide focuses on three of the most scenic coastal walking areas: the Cinque Terre trails, Portofino Park and the Noli–Varigotti trail. Each trail is close to beaches or swim spots that are easy to reach before or after the walk, making it simple to combine hiking with time by the sea.

Cinque Terre trails

The Cinque Terre trails are some of the most famous hiking routes in Liguria, connecting colourful villages, terraced hillsides and dramatic coastal viewpoints. The classic routes between Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are among the best-known walks on the Italian Riviera. The most popular sections include the paths around Monterosso, Vernazza and Corniglia, while other routes climb higher into the hills for wider views over the coast. Trail access can change because of weather, maintenance or landslides, and some routes may require the Cinque Terre Trekking Card, so always check the official trail status before setting off. The Cinque Terre is best if you want a walk that combines views, villages and swimming stops. Monterosso is the best option for a proper beach day, Vernazza is ideal for a scenic harbour swim, and Riomaggiore works well for village atmosphere and access to nearby coastal routes. - Best for: iconic Ligurian views, village-to-village walking and combining hiking with swimming. - Good to know: check trail status before you go, wear proper shoes and avoid the hottest part of the day in summer. - Nearby beaches: Monterosso al Mare Beach, Spiaggia di Vernazza, Spiaggia di Fossola.

Portofino Park trails

Portofino Park is one of the best places in Liguria for scenic coastal hiking close to Genoa. The park sits between Camogli, Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino, with trails through woodland, Mediterranean scrub, viewpoints and historic coastal villages. One of the most memorable routes is the walk towards San Fruttuoso, where the trail descends to a small cove with the Abbey of San Fruttuoso and clear blue water. Depending on your route, you can start from Camogli, Portofino or Santa Margherita Ligure, then combine the hike with a boat ride back if services are running. This area is ideal if you want a classic hike-and-swim day near Genoa. Camogli is a great starting point for food and train access, San Fruttuoso is one of the most atmospheric swimming spots in Liguria, and Paraggi offers a more polished beach stop near Portofino. - Best for: coastal views, woodland trails, San Fruttuoso and day trips from Genoa. - Good to know: some paths are steep, boat services are seasonal, and San Fruttuoso is not reachable by car. - Nearby beaches: Camogli Beach, San Fruttuoso, Spiaggia di Paraggi.

Sentiero del Pellegrino (Noli–Varigotti trail)

The Noli–Varigotti trail, often known as the Sentiero del Pellegrino, is one of the best coastal walks on the Riviera di Ponente. The route links the historic seaside town of Noli with the colourful village of Varigotti, with panoramic views over the Ligurian Sea, cliffs and bays along the way. This is a strong option if you want a shorter and more manageable coastal hike than the Cinque Terre, but still want beautiful scenery. The route is not usually very long, but it includes uneven sections and exposed areas, so proper shoes, water and sun protection are important. The biggest advantage of this walk is how easy it is to combine with beaches. You can swim in Noli, continue towards Varigotti, and visit nearby beaches such as Baia dei Saraceni or Spiaggia di Varigotti. It works especially well outside the hottest summer hours, followed by lunch or aperitivo by the sea. - Best for: panoramic coastal views, a shorter hike and beaches on the Riviera di Ponente. - Good to know: start early in summer, bring water and plan transport back if walking one way. - Nearby beaches: Spiaggia di Noli, Spiaggia di Varigotti, Baia dei Saraceni.

Best Ligurian trails by type

Best iconic hike in Liguria: the Cinque Terre trails are the most famous hiking routes in Liguria, especially for village-to-village walking and dramatic sea views. Best hike near Genoa: Portofino Park is one of the best hiking areas near Genoa, especially if you want to combine Camogli, San Fruttuoso and Portofino. Best short coastal trail: the Noli–Varigotti trail is a great option for a shorter coastal walk with sea views and beach stops. Best hike for swimming afterwards: Portofino Park and the Noli–Varigotti trail are especially good for a hike-and-swim day, with beaches such as San Fruttuoso, Camogli, Paraggi, Noli, Varigotti and Baia dei Saraceni nearby. Best hike for first-time visitors: the Cinque Terre trails are the classic choice for first-time visitors, but Portofino Park can be a better option if you are staying near Genoa.

Planning your Liguria hike

The best hiking trail in Liguria depends on the kind of day you want. Choose the Cinque Terre for iconic village-to-village views, Portofino Park for woodland trails and a swim at San Fruttuoso, or Noli–Varigotti for a shorter panoramic coastal walk on the Riviera di Ponente. Whichever route you choose, plan around the weather, check trail conditions, wear proper shoes and bring water. Liguria's coastal trails are beautiful because the landscape is steep and dramatic, but that also means they are best enjoyed with a little preparation.