Hiking Riomaggiore to Portovenere

One of our favorite hikes is from Riomaggiore, the southernmost of the five Cinque Terre towns, to Portovenere, about 13 km (8 miles) south on the tip of the peninsula at the entrance to the La Spezia harbor.  The path is rocky and climbs from the sea to about 680 meters (2200 feet) at its highest, proceeding along the coast.

 Proceeding through Portovenere, starting up

 Path out of town

After an initial climb to Santuario di Nostra Signora di Montenero, overlooking Portovenere, the path follows the ridge along the sea, with beautiful sights on both sides, passing through  the occasional vineyard as we hike along.

Viewing Portovenere, Monterosso in the distance

 Along the ridge

Soon the path heads up and then continues through a forest.

 Up and through the forest

We pass through the small town of Telegrafo, from which we can see La Spezia on the left side and soon enter a stretch of rocky ups and downs, with more great views up and down the coast.

 Passing through Telegrafo, viewing La Spezia

 Up and down, Portovenere getting closer

 Soon, a final descent bring us into Portovenere, down a final rocky stretch.

 Reaching Portovenere

When we get into Portovenere, we find the town square filled with sports cars resting from a rally.

 Descending into Portovenere

 Our car show reward

We whiz through the cars to the port, heading toward our favorite Portovenere restaurant, Il Gabbiano, for a lunch of frito misto, Pizza Portovenere (anchovy and tuna), and local sparkling white wine.

 Our dining reward

This hike has been a great way to spend a few hours with good climbs, great views, and rewards at the end.  We have done this hike several times and always enjoy it and find new aspects to appreciate every time.