Kayaking Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera

Your guides will meet the group at 5:30 PM in the lobby of our boutique hotel in Genoa’s Port Anticio historical district. We will enjoy the Italian tradition of aperitivo (wine and a light snack) while receiving an orientation on trip details. Once completed, we’ll walk through the lane ways of the fascinating Porto Antico that date back well over 1000 years. Our destination is a local Genovese restaurant for the first of a series of memorable meals on this trip. 

Boarding our van, we will drive along the Riviera through beautiful beach towns and past pastel colored villas all the while enjoying enticing glimpses of Mediterranean blue waters of the Gulf of Genoa. Arriving at our launch point at the town of Recco, we’ll have a brief but comprehensive introduction to the kayaks before setting off. Our first stop is the town of Camogli and after a stop for refreshment, we’ll continue along the coast to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso that dates from the 13th century. A short paddle takes us to Stella Maris, an historical residence that has been converted to a boutique hotel. One of the most magical spots on the Riviera, the current structure is built on the ruins of a monastery from the 8th century, and it was here in 1821 Lord Byron wrote:

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods, There is a rapture on the lonely shore, There is society, where none intrudes By the deep sea, and music in its roar: I love not man the less, but Nature more, From these our interviews, in which I steal From all I may be, or have been before, To mingle with the Universe, and feel What I can ne’er express, Yet cannot all conceal.

Setting off along the coast of Parco Naturale Regionale Portofino, our first destination is famous Portofino. Dating from Roman times, it has long been Italy’s premier coastal resort and still attracts celebrities from around the world. We’ll paddle into the famously beautiful harbor and stop for a gelato before continuing along to our take-out at the Santa Margherita Ligure. A short drive takes us to the charming town of Sestri Levante. This charming seaside town has a history that dates back to the Roman empire. There will be time to wander the town before dinner at a local restaurant.

Setting off after breakfast we’ll drive along the Riviera coast to Monterosso al Mare, the first of the five towns that comprise the Cinque Terre. Launching the kayaks we'll paddle to our first stop the picturesque village of Vernazza. After landing on the beach in the town’s small harbor, we’ll explore narrow alleyways and climb into the vineyards for a view that captures the iconic scenery of Cinque Terre. Kayaking beyond Vernazza we'll get a sense of the grand expanse of Cinque Terre. Our home for tonight is Corniglia where we will enjoy a sunset dinner on a terrace with spectacular views of the sea and this hilltop village.

After breakfast, we’ll load our kayaks and continue to paddle the coast of Cinque Terre National Park. As we glide through warm blue water, the panorama of Cinque Terre unfolds before us – steep cliffs topped with vineyards along which the towns are set a few kilometers apart.  As we skirt the shoreline, Corniglia reveals itself like a castle set atop the cliffs overlooking the sea. Our destination are the villages of Manarola and Riomaggiore. There will be time to explore the final two of the five villages of Cinque Terre.  This evening we’ll enjoy local wine and dining on the terrace of a seafood restaurant in Riomaggiore. 

After breakfast we board our van to climb along the high road above the Cinque Terre. The drive affords spectacular sweeping views on the way to Portovenere, the “sixth village” of Cinque Terre. Launching the kayaks we make a short crossing to the island of Palmaria and a stop at the beach Spiaggia del Pozzale for lunch. Paddling around the island we reach the dramatic entry to the harbor of Portovenre (the Port of Venus) that is marked by the soaring walls of Castle Doria and an 11th century gothic church build on a much older Roman site. Our ultimate destination is our waterfront hotel. After landing there will be time to explore winding lanes and castle ramparts of the town before our final Riviera dinner.

After a relaxed breakfast on the hotel’s terrace, we’ll transfer to La Spezia Centrale railway station. From this rail hub, it is possible to easily return to Genoa or continue on to popular destinations in Tuscany and beyond. Your guides will ensure that you make the right connection to the next part of your Italian journey. Arrivederci!