Hiking in Liguria, Italy – Best Spots & Local Tips

Liguria’s geography is uniquely suited to hiking, thanks to its long, narrow shape sandwiched between the Ligurian Sea and the Apennine and Maritime Alps. This setup creates dramatic elevation changes and spectacular views within short distances. The most famous hiking area is the Cinque Terre, a string of five coastal villages connected by the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail), with panoramic cliffside paths offering views of vineyards, olive groves, and the sea. However, beyond Cinque Terre lies a vast and diverse hiking landscape. The Alta Via dei Monti Liguri is a long-distance trail that spans over 400 kilometers from Ventimiglia in the west to La Spezia in the east, crossing regional parks and offering spectacular ridge walks with sea views. Inland, the Val d’Aveto and Val di Vara regions offer wooded trails, old mule tracks, and quiet routes far from the tourist flow, perfect for solitude seekers. The Ligurian Alps near the French border add alpine-style ascents, while the Apennines to the east provide smoother forest paths and traditional stone villages. Trails near Portofino and Camogli give hikers access to some of the most scenic and accessible coastal landscapes, such as the path from San Rocco to Punta Chiappa or the circular trail around Monte di Portofino. Another highlight is the network of trails in Beigua Geopark, a UNESCO-listed area rich in biodiversity and geological heritage. The Sentiero Liguria, a newer regional trail project, connects dozens of towns along the coast through a patchwork of scenic paths and ancient roads, ideal for section-hiking or day trips. Liguria’s mild coastal climate makes hiking accessible in all seasons, with spring and autumn offering the best balance of pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Even winter allows for low-altitude hikes near the sea, while summer is best reserved for early morning treks or shaded inland routes. Local cuisine and heritage play a strong role in the hiking experience: many trails pass through villages where hikers can sample focaccia, trofie al pesto, and other Ligurian specialties. Public transport is also a major advantage, with trains and buses connecting most trailheads and reducing the need for car travel. In summary, Liguria is more than just the Cinque Terre—it’s a hiker’s playground filled with natural beauty, cultural richness, and a surprising range of landscapes packed into a small, accessible region.

Top Ways to Find Certified Guides in Liguria for hiking:\n\n– Book local professionals on Crion.org with verified credentials\n– Ligurian Hiking Guide Associations with offices in Genoa and La Spezia\n– Visitor centers in Cinque Terre National Park and Portofino Park\n– Local outdoor clubs like CAI Liguria (Club Alpino Italiano)\n– Social platforms like Instagram and Meetup with hiking event listings

Best Places to Rent & Buy Hiking Equipment in Liguria:– Outdoor stores in Genoa, La Spezia, and Savona– Portofino and Cinque Terre trailhead shops renting poles and backpacks– Sportler and Decathlon branches for hiking gear across Liguria– Specialized boutiques in Rapallo and Chiavari for high-end outdoor brands– Online shops offering delivery to hotels or B&Bs in hiking areas