Cinque Terre: the new Sentiero Uno for slow, sustainable tourism

Cinque Terre: the new Sentiero Uno for slow, sustainable tourism

Sentiero Uno is a newly established hiking route that links Portovenere, the Cinque Terre villages and the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto, running along the ridge and providing an alternative to the busiest coastal stretches of the UNESCO Site. Launched among the 2026 initiatives, it aims to promote more balanced and respectful use of the area.

The route avoids beaches and crowded alleys, climbing through woodlands and vineyards and connecting villages and viewpoints from less familiar perspectives. Safety upgrades and improved signage have been implemented, particularly at the Portovenere access and the links to Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza and Riomaggiore, making the trail safer and more accessible for a range of walkers.

Project goals:

• reduce pressure on fragile, heavily visited coastal sections;
• offer an itinerary that highlights landscape, communities and history;
• encourage a sustainable visitation model for residents and tourists.

The UNESCO Site Manager and mayor of Portovenere highlighted that Sentiero Uno is a strategic element to interconnect trails, landscapes and local communities, improving the experience for those choosing slow tourism.

Practical information

• Symbolic starting point: Portovenere (near Castello Doria).
• Type: ridge itinerary crossing woodlands and vineyards, with uphill and downhill sections; not focused on coastal promenades.
• Difficulty: varies by section; check maps and signage before setting out.
• Recommended period: spring and autumn for milder temperatures and fewer visitors; avoid severe weather.
• Trekking tips: sturdy footwear, sufficient water, official maps or apps, and respect for the environment and local communities.

For visitors who want to discover the Cinque Terre away from the busiest routes and to support sustainable enjoyment of the area, Sentiero Uno offers a tangible alternative: more space, quieter moments and an authentic reading of the landscape beyond coastal crowds.

Note: the project will be supported by communication activities and an informational website with maps and details for each section.