Horseback riding in Monterosso al Mare: Coastal trails and woods

Woodland paths, coastal views, and a different angle on Cinque Terre

Horseback riding in Monterosso al Mare takes you through woodland trails and along the coast for roughly 100 minutes, with a guide who speaks English, Spanish or Italian. The ride starts from the heights above town, where the operator's location lets you see the Cinque Terre from a vantage point most visitors never reach. Helmet and saddled horse are provided. Pickup in Monterosso is available for a small extra fee if you arrive on foot.

The experience

The ride departs from above Monterosso al Mare, where the operator's position in the heights opens trails through woods that most of the coast-hugging crowds never see. You'll cross pieces of path that wind through the landscape, moving at the pace of the horse rather than the pace of a hiking boot. Small groups stay under five riders, so the experience doesn't turn into a procession.

What separates this from a generic coastal ride is the vantage point itself: from up here, you're looking down at the Cinque Terre rather than walking through it at sea level. The scents and colors shift as you move between woods and open stretches, and the horse does the work of getting you to places a walking tour would take hours to reach. A guide leads the whole thing and speaks English, Spanish or Italian depending on the group.

If you're staying in Monterosso without a car, the operator will pick you up in town for a small additional fee and bring you to the starting point. Helmet and saddled horse are included. Bring or wear pants and boots that can handle stirrups and brush. The ride takes roughly 100 minutes, which leaves the rest of your day open for the village itself.

What’s included

• Saddled horse.
• safety helmet.
• guide in English, Spanish or Italian.
• pickup in Monterosso for a small additional fee if you're on foot.

Before you book

Lasts 1h 40m, runs every day, 4 start times, from € 80 per person, with a live guide in English, Spanish and Italian, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday and Friday: 16:00Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 09:00, 11:00, 14:00 and 16:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by D. Ranch Horse Riding Cinque Terre

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying in Monterosso without a car. The operator picks you up in town and brings you to the trailhead, so you don't need to arrange transport or navigate to the starting point yourself. The woodland paths and coastal views from the heights give you a side of Cinque Terre most day-trippers never see.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Italian.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the terrain like on these woodland paths?

The ride crosses pieces of path through woods above Monterosso, moving between tree cover and open stretches where you can see the coast. The operator describes it as suitable for riders with at least moderate fitness, and the horse handles the climbing rather than your legs.

Can I book this if I'm staying in Monterosso without a rental car?

Yes. The operator offers pickup in Monterosso town for a small extra fee and will bring you to the starting point in the heights, then return you after the ride.

How many people ride together on this trail?

Groups stay under five riders, so it's a small enough group that the guide can manage the pace and the horses stay calm on the woodland paths.

What do I need to bring or wear for the ride?

Wear pants and boots that work with stirrups and brush. Helmet and saddled horse are provided. You don't need to bring your own gear.

How long does the whole experience take?

The ride lasts roughly 100 minutes from start to finish, including the time on the trails and the return to the starting point.