4.5
(44)
228
riders
Alta Via delle Cinque Terre Loop Trail
05:52
55.2km
2,090m
Mountain biking
Embark on a challenging mountain biking adventure along the Alta Via delle Cinque Terre Loop Trail. This difficult route spans 34.3 miles (55.2 km) and demands a significant 6872 feet (2094 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 5 hours and 51 minutes to complete. You will navigate a mix…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Includes very steep uphill segments
You may need to push your bike.
After 8.63 km for 307 m
After 17.9 km for 702 m
After 35.0 km for 223 m
After 36.1 km for 151 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
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13.7 km
Trail Between Cigoletta and Piana della Corvara
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20.0 km
Alta Via of the Cinque Terre
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21.1 km
La Croce Junction
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22.2 km
View of the Cinque Terre Coast
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25.6 km
Viewpoint on the Via dei Santuari
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33.9 km
Volastra
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46.6 km
Panoramic view of Monterosso
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47.5 km
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Soviore
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55.2 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
16.3 km
13.4 km
12.6 km
11.3 km
1.42 km
155 m
Surfaces
26.7 km
21.1 km
7.24 km
168 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (780 m)
Lowest point (10 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Monday 18 May
18°C
8°C
44 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 8.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall difficulty of the Alta Via delle Cinque Terre Loop Trail for mountain biking?
This loop trail is considered difficult and is best suited for mountain bikers with a medium to high level of preparation and good fitness. Expect continuous ups and downs, with sections that alternate between fast riding and more technical challenges. Some parts may even require advanced riding skills or necessitate pushing your bike.
What kind of terrain can I expect on this mountain bike route?
The terrain is diverse, featuring a mix of dirt roads, singletrack trails, and occasional forest roads. Closer to the coast, trails can be steep and rocky, sometimes with steps. Inland, the mountain ridge generally offers more suitable mountain biking paths. You'll ride through pine and chestnut forests, and fern underbrush.
What are the best times of year to mountain bike the Alta Via delle Cinque Terre Loop Trail?
The recommended period for riding is during clear winter days. The warmer months can bring excessive heat and increased crowds, making the experience less enjoyable. Always check weather conditions before you go.
Are dogs allowed on the Alta Via delle Cinque Terre Loop Trail?
While specific regulations for dogs on this exact loop are not detailed, trails within the Cinque Terre National Park generally allow dogs on a leash. However, given the technical nature and shared sections with hikers, it's crucial to keep your dog under strict control and be mindful of other trail users.
Do I need a permit or is there an entrance fee to ride this trail or enter the Cinque Terre National Park?
While there isn't a specific permit required for mountain biking this loop, the trail passes through the Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre. While access to the trails themselves is generally free, if you plan to use the regional trains to connect sections or visit the villages, you might consider purchasing a Cinque Terre Card, which covers train travel and access to some hiking paths.
Where can I park to access the Alta Via delle Cinque Terre Loop Trail?
The loop often starts and ends in towns like Levanto. If you're starting from Levanto, you'll need to find parking within the town. Be aware that parking can be limited, especially during peak seasons, so arriving early is advisable.
What are some of the key viewpoints and scenic spots along the route?
You'll encounter breathtaking panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea and the dramatic coastline, including glimpses of the famous Cinque Terre villages from above. Notable viewpoints include View of the Cinque Terre Coast, Panoramic view of Monterosso, and Viewpoint on the Via dei Santuari. You'll also pass through charming villages like Volastra.
Does this loop trail connect with other well-known paths?
Yes, this route integrates with several other trails. Significant portions of the loop overlap with the Ciclovia Francigena - variante Moncenisio (49%), Via della Costa - tappa 11 (42%), Ciclovia Tirrenica (40%), and AV n° 1 (36%). It also includes sections of the Alta Via delle 5 Terre: Portovenere - Monte Soviore - Foce di Dosso (34%) and Telegrafo – Volastra (Strada dei Santuari) (21%).
Are there any specific regulations or etiquette mountain bikers should be aware of?
Yes, it's crucial to be mindful of regulations. Some coastal trails are explicitly off-limits to bikes. On shared sections, mountain bikers must always yield to hikers, reduce speed, and even dismount for groups to prevent potential bans on these trails. Always respect the natural environment and local communities.
What's an insider tip for mountain biking this trail to enhance the experience?
To truly appreciate the unique perspective of the Cinque Terre region and escape the often-crowded coastal villages, consider integrating some of the villages like Monterosso into your ride. The availability of regional trains with bike transport along the coast can enhance your routing options, allowing you to connect different sections or return to your starting point efficiently.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
First part tough, second relaxing.... The photos of the former railway tunnel are part of a previous tour...
Loop in the Cinque Terre park from La Termine to Telegrafo on the Alta Via delle Cinque Terre and return from the panoramic route.
Notes from the A.V. 5 Terre ring.... First time in these areas, with @AlbertoLionking we ventured into Liguria with the eMTB, many years ago I had done an excursion then interests always brought me to Torbole sul Garda 🏄🏼♂️⛵🏄🏼♂️ and I have not had the opportunity to return, however even in this outing it is confirmed that there is always adventure..😁😁 We start from the Sanctuary of Soviore, above Levanto. First km with asphalt, then the dirt road begins, we go up to M.te S. Croce and always on a driveway we head towards Foce di Drignana, after 300 meters we find a very narrow and stony stretch of path, we opted for the driveway since after 500 meters it crossed the path. We continue on the road for 1 km, to take a path that would have taken us, after a steep climb, 24%, 😨😱 to Piana della Corvara, the initial part is smooth, after a few hundred meters it begins to climb, the problem in this case are the next 600 meters, all done by pushing, a path with a steep slope and small sections that can be pedaled, very narrow to turn the pedals, with stones that move under the push of the wheels and some sections with steps. Photos from 31 to 44 show the path in all its difficulty. 😨😱😢😭 Given the difficulties encountered, it would be preferable to use the other path that on the map is suitable for vehicles, however to be verified with another tour. We proceed to M.te Castello, easily passed but after a few hundred meters. another small climb begins, done by pushing, to take us to the Castello saddle, to continue towards M.te Caginara/M.te Cuna, which we passed without difficulty, with the last climb at 24%, also this one in small sections done by pushing, photos 61 to 64..😨😱😢😭. Once the climb was over, the long descent began, with short stretches to pedal, which will take us to the Telegrafo area, passing by Mt. Galera/Mt. Grosso to get to Colle del Telegrafo, the last stretch of this descent is very stony.. see photos 89 to 91. The driveway we face takes us to the Santuario del Montenero with a view of Riomaggiore and the Ligurian coast, even in this stretch we find steps going downhill but doable, after the stop we take the lower path that should take us to the driveway that goes down from Telegrafo, past the gate a cobblestone road takes us to the intersection to divert the route, another major obstacle, 😭😭 photo 138, a very steep staircase appears in front of us, 😨😱😨😱… the obvious choice was to take turns carrying the bikes on our shoulders. It wasn't possible alone, narrow and very steep steps! Having arrived not without difficulty at the gate at the end of the path, we find the very pedalable driveway, and full of strawberry trees, 😋😋 that will take us after Poggio Leandro to Volastra, with a beautiful view of Corniglia. In Volastra, there was the idea of taking a panoramic path, luckily the information received from a gentleman made us desist. We were forced to take the St. Provinciale dei Santuari to get to the village of S. Bernardino, where we find a terrace with a beautiful panoramic view of Corniglia. We continue on the Provinciale and arrive at the sanctuary of the Lady of Reggio, here it is preferable to take the first fork you come across, we made a mistake by taking the path upstream from the sanctuary, the first stretch is easy, then it becomes a narrow and steep staircase up to the sanctuary, do it on foot if you don't want to risk it. We get back on the asphalt, after a few hundred meters at km. 40.9 we find the last deviation to proceed away from the asphalt, from the place you have yet another view of the coast and the underlying village of Vernazza, the entrance is noted by a stepped section with trunks, we try to proceed anyway, but after 600 meters. done all with the bike in hand, (narrow path with several sections with steps and high rocks) photos 211 to 226.. The route for a few meters before the obstacle could be done by pedaling, but after 2 pedal strokes you were forced to get off to push! So we decided to return to the asphalt and close the loop at the Sanctuary of Soviore. The tour ended with a beautiful sunset on the Ligurian Sea….. For Those About To Rock...🤘⚡️🔥
Truly a fantastic tour with breathtaking views, slightly technical single track trails with riding experience.Riding experience on a very narrow trail and without vertigo.
We left from La Spezia stadium area and went up to do the Alta Via delle 5 Terre towards Levanto. I got off at Monterosso then went back up and down again taking a trail up to Levanto. Continued to Bonassola along the cycle path created on the ancient train route and the suggestive tunnels. Return by train