First of all, we suggest you travel to this area with a backpack and not a trolley or a suitcase! There are steps everywhere, starting from the train station, and carrying a suitcase up the steep, narrow alleys might quickly be a nightmare.
Levanto is flatter, but you still get many steps at the train station and on IntercIty trains… If you’re driving to our hotel, no problem at all! We have private parking in the basement, and you can take the elevator from there to the room ;)
What to pack for Cinque Terre, whether you hike or not
Well, let’s start with saying: “pack light!”. This is not a very fancy area, and people are easygoing, so that you won’t need elegant evening dresses or tons of high heels…
Here’s what we suggest from May to October:
- swimsuit
- t-shirts and tops accordingly to the length of your stay
- shorts to walk around during the day and hike
- a dress or a shirt for the evening
- flip flops for the beach
- running/tennis shoes for hiking
- socks etc. (even an extra pair just in case)
- a suit shirt for cooler evenings
Here’s what we suggest from November:
- K-way for rainy days and wind
- t-shirts and tops accordingly to the length of your stay
- light trousers to walk around during the day and hike
- a dress or a shirt for the evening
- running/tennis shoes for hiking with a good forecast and hiking boots when rainy
- socks etc. (even an extra pair just in case)
- suit shirt
- jacket
What to carry when going to hike:
- light backpack
- swimsuit
- sun protection
- mosquitos repellant
- hat
- sunglasses
- thermos flask for freshwater or hot tea
- camera
You won’t need the following as we do provide it: beach towels and hiking maps. Plus, in the bathroom, you’ll find shampoo, shower gel, body lotion, toothbrush and paste, soap, and a hairdryer. We also provide iron with the board should you need it.
*Personal tip: always (!) have an extra set of clothes in your carry-on luggage. Luggage gets misplaced quite often, and getting it delivered to the hotel might take a few days… Also, check my tips for packing light!
Hiking in Cinque Terre
The trails are mainly hard-packed dirt or loose stones and, especially on n°2, you’ll get lots of up and down, and that’s why you really should keep in mind that it’s hiking and not walking… Also, most of the trails are quite narrow and steep, and we wouldn’t walk along with younger kids.
The only paying trail is n°2, also known as Blue Trail, and to access it, and you’ll need the Cinque Terre Card. Other paths are free and less crowded! Check our Cinque Terre hiking tips!
Every month the Cinque Terre National Park organizes daily guided visits, hiking tours, and wine tastings. To check the program: Cinque Terre Walking Park.