Cinque terre: The trekking of the Sanctuaries

Exploring the Cinque Terre often conjures images of colorful villages and scenic boat rides. But for those craving a more immersive and peaceful experience, “The Trekking of the Sanctuaries” offers a unique way to connect with the region’s natural beauty and spiritual heritage. This guided trek promises not only breathtaking vistas but also genuine encounters away from bustling tourist spots.

What makes this experience stand out? First, we love how it takes you off the beaten path, revealing trails that few travelers explore. Second, the views from the sanctuaries are genuinely spectacular, offering a different perspective than the usual snapshots. And third, the chance to visit historic sanctuaries brings a sense of timelessness to the journey. One consideration? The 8-hour duration might be quite demanding for some, especially if you’re not used to long hikes.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy authentic outdoor experiences, appreciate cultural visits, and are comfortable on moderate hikes. If you’re seeking an active day with a mix of nature, history, and local flavor, this trek will likely resonate with you.

Key Points

• Authentic Trails: Walk paths less traveled, away from tourist crowds
• Spectacular Views: Expect breathtaking vistas over the sea and countryside
• Cultural Highlights: Visit two of the oldest sanctuaries in Cinque Terre
• Gourmet Start: Enjoy a typical Ligurian breakfast before beginning
• Expert Guides: Led by knowledgeable guides speaking English, Spanish, and Italian
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

This tour offers a compelling blend of scenic hiking, cultural exploration, and authentic Ligurian flavors. Starting in Monterosso, the largest of the Cinque Terre villages, you’ll enjoy a quick visit to the historic center, soaking in the local atmosphere before heading out on foot. The walk begins with a typical Ligurian breakfast—think focaccia and a cappuccino—setting a friendly, local tone for the day.

From there, the route takes you along quiet paths that escape the crowds. The first major stop is the Sanctuary of Soviore, a serene spot perched high above the sea, reachable via a hike that lasts about three hours. Instead of the usual tourist routes, this trail is characterized by its authentic natural setting and breathtaking viewpoints, often described as “suspended between sea and sky.” As one reviewer highlighted, “the views are just stunning, and the path is far from tourist routes, which makes it all the more special.”

Visiting the Sanctuaries: A Peek into History and Nature

The Sanctuary of Soviore isn’t just a religious site—it’s a peaceful retreat with centuries of history. Its vantage point offers panoramic pictures of the coastline and the surrounding hills, making it a favorite stop for those wanting both spiritual and scenic enrichment.

After a lunch break in the shade of the sanctuary, the hike continues downward toward Vernazza, arguably the most charming of the villages. Along the way, a stop at the Sanctuary of the Madonna of Reggio allows for a relaxing pause in the cool shade, providing a perfect moment to soak in the tranquillity and natural beauty.

Discovering Vernazza and Local Flavors

Arriving in Vernazza, you’ll get to explore the village’s quaint hamlet with its colorful houses and lively harbor. The highlight? Visiting an old bakery renowned for its authentic Ligurian pesto focaccia, a delicious taste of local tradition that many reviews mention as a memorable highlight. One participant remarked, “Having fresh focaccia at a family-run bakery made the experience feel genuine and unhurried.”

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: In the morning, you’ll meet at the square in front of Monterosso station, a convenient location for travelers arriving by train. The group’s size tends to be manageable, providing an intimate setting for the guide to share local insights.

Hiking to Soviore: The ascent to Sanctuary of Soviore takes about three hours, involving some moderate uphill walking. The trail is described as little-trodden and authentic, offering a chance to enjoy Liguria’s natural landscape away from crowded paths. Reviewers note the spectacular vistas are worth every step, with one saying, “the views here are beyond words.”

Lunch and Exploration: After the hike, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy a packed lunch (not included but recommended to bring), or you might prefer to sit in the sanctuary’s shaded area. The guide will provide context about the sanctuaries’ history, adding depth to the experience.

Descending to Vernazza: The final descent offers sweeping views of the coastline, culminating in a visit to the village of Vernazza. Here, the group explores the hamlet, with plenty of photo opportunities.

Visit to Reggio Sanctuary & Focaccia Stop: On the way, the stop at Sanctuary of the Madonna of Reggio offers a peaceful break. The highlight for many is the local bakery where the authentic Ligurian pesto focaccia is sampled—something consistently praised for its freshness and flavor.

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What’s Included & What’s Not

The guide-led hike is the core offering, with expert narration in English, Spanish, or Italian. The sanctuaries’ visits are included, providing historical and cultural insights along the route.

Not included are the breakfast at the start—so plan to enjoy the local focaccia and cappuccino beforehand—and the packed lunch, which brings flexibility but requires some planning.

While the tour provides a full-day adventure of about 8 hours, it’s wise to bring snacks, hiking shoes, outdoor clothing, and a reusable water bottle. The itinerary’s length and moderate difficulty make it best suited for active travelers comfortable with a substantial walk.

The Experience Provider & Booking Flexibility

Operated by Lasagna Trekking Experience, the tour emphasizes authenticity and nature, with the added appeal of canceling up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can reserve your spot without immediate payment, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Why This Trek Stands Out

Unlike typical Cinque Terre excursions that focus on boat rides or visiting just the villages, this tour offers a deeper connection with the landscape and local spiritual sites. The less-traveled paths and views from the sanctuaries make for a memorable experience, especially for those who dislike overly crowded tourist spots.

The 8-hour duration is a good balance—long enough to experience the region’s richness but not so demanding that it becomes tiresome. The inclusion of local food stops and historical visits adds flavor and context to the day.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for active travelers, culture enthusiasts, and nature lovers. If you’re looking to escape the crowds, connect with Italy’s spiritual heritage, and enjoy stunning vistas, this is a superb choice. It’s also perfect for those wanting a more authentic, local experience rather than just postcard-perfect villages.

Final Thoughts

“The Trekking of the Sanctuaries” offers a chance to see the Cinque Terre from a different perspective—one that blends breathtaking scenery with meaningful cultural stops. The guided aspect ensures you gain insights into the history and significance of each sanctuary, making the experience both visually stunning and spiritually enriching.

While the trek demands a reasonable level of fitness and an open mind for some uphill walking, the views, peaceful sanctuaries, and local flavor make it worth the effort. This experience is especially suitable for travelers who want to step away from crowded spots and enjoy a truly authentic Ligurian adventure.

FAQ

How long is the hike and what is the difficulty level?
The hike lasts roughly three hours to reach the Sanctuary of Soviore, involving some moderate uphill walking. It’s suitable for those comfortable with outdoor activity and a full day of walking.

What should I bring?
Bring snacks, hiking shoes, outdoor clothing, and a reusable water bottle. The trail is outdoor and natural, so prepared footwear and weather-appropriate clothes are recommended.

Is food included?
No, the breakfast at the start is not included, so plan to enjoy a typical Ligurian focaccia and cappuccino beforehand. The tour does include a lunch break, but packed lunches are not provided.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility for travel plans.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Spanish, and Italian, making the tour accessible to many travelers.

Where does the tour start and end?
The starting point is the square in front of Monterosso station. The trek concludes back at this same location.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While not explicitly stated, the moderate difficulty suggests good for active families with older children comfortable on longer hikes.

What makes this experience different from other Cinque Terre tours?
It focuses on less-traveled trails and visits two historic sanctuaries, offering a peaceful, authentic experience outside the usual tourist hotspots.

To sum it up, if you’re craving a day of natural beauty, cultural discovery, and authentic Ligurian flavors, this trek provides a well-rounded, memorable adventure. It’s best suited for those ready to walk, explore, and appreciate the quiet spiritual side of Cinque Terre, leaving behind the crowds and enjoying the region’s true spirit.

You can check availability for your dates here: