The Cinque Terre, one of the most precious gems of Liguria, offer a spectacular setting for nature lovers and adventure.
A bike route from La Spezia to Monterosso allows you to explore these picturesque coastal towns, offering a unique combination of natural beauty, history and culture.
The routes
The cycle of road in the Cinque Terre is relatively limited due to the rugged geography and the trails mainly intended for trekking. However, for experienced cyclists and mountain bikers, there are some routes that allow you to enjoy the amazing beauty of this unique region.
To go from La Spezia to Monterosso by bike, there are several options, although there is no dedicated cycle path along the entire route. Here are some of the most suitable routes:
- Strada Litoranea delle Cinque Terre (SP370), a panoramic road linking La Spezia to the villages of the Cinque Terre. Although it is not a dedicated bike path, it is very popular with cyclists for the spectacular views. You start from La Spezia and cross the villages of the Cinque Terre: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso.
- Provincial road SP38 offers a challenging but rewarding route, passing over the villages of the Cinque Terre, from La Spezia to Porto Venere and then follow the coast towards Levanto until Monterosso.
Route Strada Litoranea delle Cinque Terre (SP370)
Starting point: La Spezia
The journey begins in La Spezia, a lively port city that serves as a gateway to the Cinque Terre. Before you leave, it is worth exploring La Spezia, with its charming seafront promenade, interesting museums such as the Technical Naval Museum and the picturesque old town.
In La Spezia there are also to see:
The Castle of San Giorgio
The Morin Walk
The Amedeo Lia Museum
The port
The Cinque Terre National Park (nearby)
- La Spezia in Riomaggiore (about 10 km)
The route from La Spezia to Monterosso can be taken in different ways, depending on the level of experience and physical preparation of the cyclist. A popular choice is to follow the coastal road SP370, also known as the “Cinque Terre Road”, which connects the five villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso.
From La Spezia, head east towards Riomaggiore. This first stage is challenging, with several steep climbs, but it is also one of the most rewarding, offering spectacular views of the Ligurian Sea. Riomaggiore, the first of the five villages, welcomes cyclists with its colorful houses and the picturesque port.
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In Riomaggiore, to visit by bike:
The colorful tower houses, to admire the unique architecture pedaling through the narrow streets of the village.
The Church of San Giovanni Battista, you can reach by bike this gothic church from 1340, located in a panoramic position.
Riomaggiore castle, a challenging climb but with a breathtaking view of the village and the sea.
Via dell’Amore, although the Riomaggiore-Manarola section is closed, explore the surrounding bike paths with beautiful views.
The Marina di Riomaggiore, go down to the port to see the traditional Ligurian gozzi.
Terraced vineyards, walk the paths between the vineyards, UNESCO heritage, to see the viticulture of the Cinque Terre.
Prepare for steep climbs and descents and consider an electric bike as a solution to facilitate the route if you are not perfectly trained.
- Riomaggiore in Manarola (about 2 km)
From Riomaggiore, the route continues to Manarola, a short but scenic journey. Manarola is famous for its terraced vineyards and the Via dell’Amore, a pedestrian path that is unfortunately not accessible to bicycles, but still worth a visit on foot. Also, always by bike, you can ride to the Belvedere di Punta Bonfiglio, explore the village and visit the Church of San Lorenzo.
- Manarola in Corniglia (about 4 km)
The stretch from Manarola to Corniglia is characterized by winding roads that cross hills covered with vineyards. Corniglia is the only village of the Cinque Terre not located directly on the sea, but on a rocky promontory, offering an incredible view over the coast. It is remarkable to see the panorama from the terrace of Santa Maria, then visit the Church of San Pietro walking along the streets of the village.
- Corniglia in Vernazza (about 4 km)
Continuing towards Vernazza, the route becomes more demanding, with steep climbs and steep descents. Vernazza, considered one of the most beautiful villages in the Cinque Terre, enchants with its natural port, colorful houses and ancient watchtower.
- Vernazza in Monterosso (about 3 km)
The last stop takes you to Monterosso al Mare, the largest and northernmost village in the Cinque Terre. This section of the route offers breathtaking panoramic views and stretches of road overlooking the sea. Monterosso is famous for its beaches, lemon groves and the historic center full of charm.
Once in Monterosso, cyclists can relax on its beautiful beaches, explore the historic center and enjoy local delights, like the white wine of Cinque Terre and the Ligurian focaccia. Monterosso also offers the possibility of hiking in the surroundings, for those who still have energy to spend.
Advice
Consider using an electric bike to tackle the steep climbs.
Use caution and pay attention to traffic, especially on the SP370.
Bring your own bike helmet, water, repair equipment, mobile phone and route map.
Always check the current conditions of routes and roads, as there may be ongoing work or other temporary restrictions.
Alternative route through Levanto (SP 38)
The bike or mountain bike route along the SP38 from La Spezia to Porto Venere, up to Levanto and ending in Monterosso, is a long hike, challenging and tiring but incredibly panoramic that crosses some of the most beautiful places in Liguria. Here is a detailed description of the route and attractions along the way:
- From La Spezia to Porto Venere (about 15/20 km by bike)
Departure from La Spezia, following the signs for Porto Venere along the SP530.
The route winds along the coast, with spectacular views of the Gulf of Poets.
In Porto Venere you should definitely visit the Church of San Pietro, the Doria Castle and the Byron Cave. The village itself, with its narrow streets and colorful houses, is a UNESCO heritage.
- From Porto Venere to Levanto (35/40 km)
From Porto Venere, follow the SP530 to Riomaggiore, the first village of the Cinque Terre.
Continue along the coast, passing through the villages of Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso.
Once in Monterosso, take the SP370 and then the SP38 to Levanto.
In Levanto it is worth discovering the beautiful Church of Sant’Andrea, the Castle of Levanto and finally relax on the sandy beach.
- From Levanto to Monterosso and vice versa (about 6 km flat)
From Levanto, take the cycle path along the old disused railway, now converted into a cycle path, which leads to Bonassola. This completely cycle path, one of the few in Liguria, is called MareMonti cycle path. The cycle and pedestrian path is located not far from the Cinque Terre, it starts in Levanto and connects the villages of Bonassola and Framura. A total of almost 6 km flat to pedal, walk, run and stroll along the ancient railway track that ran along the coast.
From Bonassola, continue towards Framura and then return to Monterosso through paths and secondary roads.
Bonassola is a quiet seaside village with a beautiful beach and hiking trails.
Framura, a group of small villages connected by scenic trails, with beautiful views of the sea.
What to see and tips
The entire route offers breathtaking views of the Ligurian coast, with cliffs overlooking the sea and hidden coves.
Each village of the Cinque Terre has its own unique charm, with colourful houses, quaint marinas and narrow streets.
In addition to the cycling path, there are numerous hiking trails that offer additional opportunities for exploring nature and terraced vineyards.
Along the way, a stop at local restaurants to taste Ligurian specialties such as focaccia, pesto, and Sciacchetrà wine.
Difficulties of the route and advice
The route is challenging, with steep climbs and descents, especially in the sections of the Cinque Terre.
A mountain bike or trekking bike is recommended to tackle the most difficult stretches.
Bring safety equipment, a bicycle helmet, enough water and food, and check the weather before you leave.
This itinerary is perfect for lovers of nature, history and culture, offering an unforgettable experience along one of the most beautiful coasts of Italy.
Fast and typical dishes of the Cinque Terre
During a bike ride in the Cinque Terre, it is ideal to taste dishes that are fast, light and typical of the Ligurian tradition. Here are ten dishes that meet these criteria:
Focaccia Ligure, soft and salty, often topped with olive oil and coarse salt. Easy to take with you and eat on the fly.
Focaccia al Formaggio, a variation of the cheese-filled focaccia typical of Recco. This is also easy to transport and enjoy.
Farinata, a kind of savory cake made with chickpea flour, crispy outside and soft inside. You can find it in many local bakeries and pizzerias.
Ligurian green cake, a savory pie filled with vegetables such as beets, zucchini and potatoes. Nutritious and easy to eat with your hands.
Trofie al pesto, although traditionally a dish to eat at the table, you can also find Trofie al pesto in take-away version, perfect for a quick lunch.
Salted anchovies are a typical product of the Cinque Terre.
Often served in sandwiches or focacce, they are a great source of protein
Panissa, another dish made of chickpea flour, similar to the farinata but cut into slices and often fried. Perfect as a snack.
Sandwich with local salami like the salami of Sant’Olcese or the cup.
Octopus salad, a fresh salad of octopus, potatoes and olives, seasoned with olive oil and lemon. Light and refreshing.
Homemade ice cream For a sweet touch, the homemade ice cream is perfect to refresh yourself during your bike ride. There are many ice cream parlors in the Cinque Terre that offer both traditional and innovative flavors.
These dishes not only represent the culinary tradition of Liguria, but are also practical to eat while you are on the go. Have a good time!
Copertina: Unsplash
