Ligurian Sea Arc — Portofino · Cinque Terre · Lunigiana (2–3 days · 180–250 km/day · Full Loop to Genoa)
format RTD
Coastal & interior valleys · SP/SS balcony roads · motorway-light · motorcycle-friendly hotels with GARAGE/secure parking
Introduction
This loop is arranged as a coastal arc anchored on Genoa, sweeping east along the Ligurian Riviera before turning inland across the historic corridors of Lunigiana and descending through the green basins of the Val di Vara to rejoin the sea near Chiavari. The coastline between Camogli, Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino is defined by headlands and compact harbours; road geometry alternates short tunnels, balcony segments and waterfront frontages, with reliable surfacing and frequent lay-bys for measured photo stops. Beyond Sestri Levante the scenery steepens into the cliff-backed villages of the Cinque Terre, where terraced slopes meet narrow coves and the carriageway tightens around village gateways—progress is steady rather than fast, rewarding attentive riding and unhurried pauses.
East of La Spezia, the itinerary bends inland through Pontremoli and the old Via Francigena axis, where stone bridges, hilltop hamlets and chestnut woodland shape a cooler microclimate. Surfaces vary between broad SP runs and slower village sections, but gradients are regular and sight lines generally clear. The Val di Vara offers a restorative green link back towards the coast, with flowing curves and gentle elevation changes ideal for relaxed touring. The final approach returns to the Gulf of Tigullio before closing the loop to Genoa.
Daily planning targets 180–250 km and is suited to a two-day weekend, with an optional third day for additional coastal viewpoints or short walks. Overnight logistics focus on La Spezia to position the Cinque Terre at quieter hours, while start/end options in Genoa guarantee secure parking and direct access to arterial roads. Dining relies on online booking links to reduce peak-hour friction. Overall, the route is a compact cross-section of Ligurian shoreline and Apennine forelands, favouring readable lines, consistent surfaces and a sequence of viewpoints that justify measured progress.
Tech overview
Interactive map
Prefer Google Maps? Open full loop.
Downloadable GPX
Day-by-day route
Day 1 — Genoa ▸ Portofino ▸ Cinque Terre (≈180–210 km) — Overnight: La Spezia
- Route: Genoa → Camogli → Santa Margherita Ligure → Portofino → Sestri Levante → Monterosso al Mare → Vernazza → Manarola → Riomaggiore → La Spezia.
- Road: coastal SP/SS with balcony segments, short tunnels and harbour frontages; steady tourist flow.
Day 2 — La Spezia ▸ Lunigiana & Val di Vara ▸ Gulf of Tigullio ▸ Genoa (≈190–210 km)
- Route: La Spezia → Pontremoli → Villafranca in Lunigiana → Varese Ligure → Borzonasca → Chiavari → Genoa.
- Road: interior valleys, readable curves, regular gradients; return to coast and loop closure.
Food & Sight POIs (with Google Maps)
| Place | Why stop | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Portofino Harbour | Compact marina, colour-washed façades, headland views. | Maps |
| Abbazia di San Fruttuoso | Secluded abbey cove between Camogli and Portofino. | Maps |
| Baia del Silenzio — Sestri Levante | Sheltered arc of sand; classic Ligurian panorama. | Maps |
| Monterosso — Fegina Promenade | Wide seafront with mid-coast viewpoints. | Maps |
| Vernazza Viewpoint | Terraced harbour and cliffline; classic photo stop. | Maps |
| Manarola — Punta Bonfiglio | Short walk to balcony terrace above the cove. | Maps |
| Castello del Piagnaro — Pontremoli | Stone ramparts and town panorama. | Maps |
| Varese Ligure — Borgo Rotondo | Medieval circular core; arcaded fronts. | Maps |
| Passo del Bracco — Viewpoint | Apennine pass with sea-to-ridge perspective. | Maps |
| Chiavari — Historic Arcades | Elegant porticoes; quick espresso before Genoa. | Maps |
Restaurants (book online)
| Restaurant | Style | Book / Maps |
|---|---|---|
| Osteria della Corte — La Spezia | Seasonal Ligurian cuisine; calm dining room. | Book online · Maps |
| Il Ristorantino di Bayon — La Spezia | Seafood-led kitchen; small and focused. | Book online · Maps |
| Osteria San Giorgio — Pontremoli | Lunigiana classics: testaroli, mushrooms, slow braises. | Book online · Maps |
Only venues with a live booking page/form are included.
Motorcycle-friendly hotels with garage/secure parking (6)
RTD rule: Hotel links must be direct deep-links to the specific property page on Booking.com (no generic links).
Genoa — Start/End
- Hotel Britannia ★★★ Book on Booking.com Central base; partner garage nearby; easy morning exit. not panoramic
- Hotel Metropoli ★★★ Book on Booking.com Quiet streets off Piazza Fontane Marose; arranged parking. not panoramic
- Grand Hotel Savoia ★★★★★ Book on Booking.com Historic landmark with private garage and valet options. partial views
La Spezia — End of Day 1
- Casa Danè Guesthouse Book on Booking.com Modern stop by the station; convenient for early Cinque Terre starts. not panoramic
- CDH Hotel La Spezia ★★★★ Book on Booking.com Underground secure parking; walkable centre. partial harbour views
- The First – Luxury Rooms Boutique Book on Booking.com Elegant interiors; private parking on request. not panoramic
Seasonality, weather & bike setup
- Best months: March–June & September–November; summer busiest around Cinque Terre gateways.
- Watch for: damp morning patches in shaded balcony sections; narrow village gates; pedestrian zones near harbours.
- Fuel: frequent along SS1 and around La Spezia; top up before interior loops.
- Tyres & kit: sport-touring tyres with wet grip; compact rain layer; breathable mid-layer for coast-to-valley shifts.
