GemmaLiguria, with its rugged coastline, colorful villages, and sparkling sea, is a paradise for anyone who loves scenic photography and immersive walks. Every turn brings a view worth capturing—from dramatic cliffs to quaint harbors and terraced vineyards that cling to the hillsides. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a photography enthusiast, or someone who simply loves exploring charming Italian towns, Liguria offers coastal walks that are unforgettable. From my own personal experience, wandering these paths gives you more than photos—it offers a sense of calm, wonder, and connection to nature.
Here’s a guide to 12 stunning coastal walks in Liguria, with tips on the best spots for photos, what to see along the way, and experiences you truly don’t want to miss.
1. Sentiero Azzurro, Cinque Terre
One of the most famous coastal walks in Italy, the Sentiero Azzurro connects the five villages of Cinque Terre: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The trail offers breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea, pastel-colored houses perched on cliffs, and terraced vineyards.
- Distance: Approximately 12 km total
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Must-See Photography Spots: Vernazza’s harbor at sunrise, the cliffside terraces of Corniglia, and the iconic Manarola viewpoint known as the “Lover’s Lane.”
- Tips: Start early to avoid crowds and capture soft morning light for your photos.
From my overall experience, even a short stretch of this trail delivers dramatic views and vibrant photo opportunities, making it perfect for both professional and amateur photographers.
2. Punta Mesco, Monterosso
For panoramic shots of the Ligurian coast, the walk to Punta Mesco is unbeatable. This path takes you from Monterosso village through olive groves and wildflowers before reaching the cliff’s edge overlooking the sea.
- Distance: 4 km round trip
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Highlights: Sweeping ocean views, the medieval ruins of a small tower, and quiet coves perfect for reflective shots.
- Photography Tip: Sunset at Punta Mesco creates golden reflections on the water and highlights the village rooftops beautifully.
This walk is particularly serene because it’s less crowded than the main Sentiero Azzurro trail, offering peaceful moments to focus on your photography.
3. Baia del Silenzio, Sestri Levante
Sestri Levante’s Bay of Silence is famous for its calm waters and charming old town. The coastal path here is ideal for a relaxed walk while capturing the soft pastel colors of the buildings reflecting on the water.
- Distance: 3 km loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Must-See: The small pier, hidden cafés along the promenade, and the adjacent Bay of Fairy Tales for unique compositions.
- Photography Tip: Early morning provides misty reflections that add a dreamlike quality to your shots.
This area is perfect if you want stunning photos without the intense hiking, giving you the freedom to focus on angles and reflections.
4. Portovenere and Palmaria Island
The walk from Portovenere to Palmaria Island offers dramatic coastal scenery combined with historical charm. Portovenere’s colorful harbor is already a favorite for photographers, and crossing to the island adds cliffs, hidden beaches, and panoramic viewpoints.
- Distance: 5 km on the island
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Castle ruins, vibrant flowers, and crystal-clear coves
- Photography Tip: Capture the sunset from the lighthouse on Palmaria Island for breathtaking coastal views.
Based on my overall experience, the combination of historical structures and natural beauty makes this walk one of the most versatile for photography in Liguria.
5. Camogli to San Fruttuoso
A trail linking Camogli to the secluded abbey of San Fruttuoso is both scenic and slightly adventurous. The path winds along cliffs and offers glimpses of small beaches only accessible by foot or boat.
- Distance: 8 km one way
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Highlights: Abbey of San Fruttuoso, rocky coves, and turquoise waters perfect for underwater shots
- Photography Tip: Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the abbey framed by the cliffs and the sea.
From my own personal experience, this walk feels like discovering a hidden secret—you truly feel rewarded when you reach the abbey and see the sparkling water below.
6. Levanto to Monterosso
This scenic coastal trail connects Levanto with Monterosso and is ideal for long walks with plenty of photographic opportunities along the cliffs and through forests.
- Distance: 10 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Wildflowers, olive groves, dramatic cliff edges, and panoramic coastal views
- Photography Tip: Early spring offers vibrant flowers and softer lighting for more natural and vivid photos.
This route is less crowded than the main Cinque Terre trail, allowing you to take your time and focus on capturing the perfect shot.
7. Sanremo to Bussana Vecchia
This walk combines coastal views with historical charm. The path leads from Sanremo to the artist village of Bussana Vecchia, nestled in the hills above the coast.
- Distance: 7 km
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Highlights: Colorful old buildings, sea views, and small artisan shops
- Photography Tip: Capture the interplay of sunlight and shadows on the old stone walls for atmospheric images.
From my own personal experience, the charm of Bussana Vecchia adds a cultural element to your coastal photography, giving your portfolio a unique dimension.
8. Sori to Recco
For a tranquil coastal walk with plenty of sea views, the trail from Sori to Recco is perfect. It passes through olive groves and cliffside paths overlooking hidden beaches.
- Distance: 6 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Small harbors, flowering terraces, and cliffside viewpoints
- Photography Tip: Use the morning light to capture the sparkle of the water and the pastel hues of coastal houses.
This route is perfect for combining nature and village photography in a single, scenic walk.
9. Finale Ligure Cliffs
Finale Ligure is famous for its dramatic cliffs and rock formations. Coastal walks here are ideal if you love dramatic landscapes and seascapes.
- Distance: Varies by path
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Highlights: Rocky outcrops, hidden coves, and cliffside trails
- Photography Tip: Early morning or late afternoon light creates strong contrasts and enhances the rugged textures of the cliffs.
Based on my overall experience, Finale Ligure offers a more rugged, adventurous feel compared to other Ligurian walks, which makes for compelling photography.
10. Tellaro to Lerici
This stretch along the eastern Ligurian coast offers picturesque seaside villages and natural coves. The route from Tellaro to Lerici is both peaceful and photogenic.
- Distance: 5 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Historic village streets, small beaches, and turquoise waters
- Photography Tip: Capture reflections of colorful houses in the calm waters for unique compositions.
This walk is ideal for photographers who enjoy combining architectural and natural photography.
11. Nervi Coastline Promenade
Nervi, near Genoa, has a stunning coastal promenade lined with parks and gardens. The cliffside path is flat and perfect for capturing both greenery and sea views in a single frame.
- Distance: 7 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Parks, small piers, rocky cliffs, and the sparkling Ligurian Sea
- Photography Tip: Golden hour enhances the lush colors and shadows along the path.
From my own personal experience, this walk is perfect for combining leisurely walking with a photography session, especially if you want variety in one outing.
12. Portofino to San Fruttuoso
This classic Ligurian walk is slightly challenging but offers some of the most iconic views in the region. The path winds through pine forests and along cliffs overlooking the sea, eventually reaching the secluded abbey of San Fruttuoso.
- Distance: 10 km one way
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Highlights: Pine forests, panoramic viewpoints, hidden coves, and the historic abbey
- Photography Tip: A drone or telephoto lens can capture the abbey against the cliff backdrop for dramatic compositions.
Based on my overall experience, the combination of forest, cliffs, and historical landmarks makes this walk one of the most rewarding in Liguria.
Final Thoughts
Liguria is a coastal treasure for photography and exploration. Each walk offers something unique—whether it’s the pastel charm of Cinque Terre, the rugged cliffs of Finale Ligure, or the peaceful coves near Sestri Levante. From my own personal experience, taking the time to wander these paths allows you to discover hidden gems, capture breathtaking images, and enjoy the serene beauty of the Ligurian coast.
Whether you are chasing dramatic cliffs, colorful harbors, or secluded beaches, these 12 coastal walks in Liguria are essential for anyone who loves photography and exploration. Pack your camera, wear comfortable shoes, and prepare to experience Liguria in a way you’ll never forget.
I’m Gemma, a passionate lifestyle blogger sharing my creative world with you. Gemitaliano.com is my little corner of the internet, glad you’re here.