Canyoning · Cinque Terre
How to choose
Two options, two different rivers, a 32 € gap. Arbaspàa's river trekking in the Stretti di Giaredo runs 5 hours at 33 € — a long day in the gorge focused on wading, scrambling and natural pools rather than technical descents. At 65 €, ITACA Canyoning targets the Rio Bargonasco with a sharper 3-hour intermediate session: rappels, jumps and proper canyon technique in less time but at a higher intensity per minute. Choose the Stretti di Giaredo if you want endurance and immersion on a budget. Go for Rio Bargonasco if you want technical moves and a faster adrenaline hit, and speak French as a backup language.
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Our picks
River Trekking in Stretti di Giaredo, near Cinque Terre
5 hours in the Stretti di Giaredo gorge for 33 € makes this the longest canyon experience per euro in the lineup.
Intermediate Canyoning in Rio Bargonasco, Cinque Terre
Intermediate-level rappels and jumps on the Rio Bargonasco packed into 3 hours deliver maximum technical sensation in minimum time.
Frequently asked questions
Which canyon is more intense?
Rio Bargonasco is labeled intermediate and packs rappels and jumps into 3 hours, making it the more technically demanding option. Stretti di Giaredo is longer but focuses on river trekking rather than vertical descents.
What is the scariest moment in canyoning here?
In canyon descents like Rio Bargonasco, the first rappel above a plunge pool is typically the peak adrenaline moment. Your feet leave the rock, the water rushes below, and the rope is the only thing between you and the drop.
Do I need prior experience for either tour?
Both tours are listed as Occasionally sporty and neither requires prior canyoning experience. The Rio Bargonasco tour is labeled intermediate, so basic comfort with heights and water is a plus before booking it.
Is canyoning near Cinque Terre available year-round?
No. The season runs from May through September. Water levels and temperatures outside that window make the canyons unsafe or inaccessible.
What languages are the guides speaking on the water?
Both tours run in Italian and English. The Rio Bargonasco tour with ITACA Canyoning also adds French as a spoken language.
Best time to go
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6.2°C | 84.6 mm | Possible |
| February | 7.6°C | 144.1 mm | Possible |
| March | 8°C | 156.1 mm | Poor |
| April | 11.6°C | 109.1 mm | Possible |
| May | 14.7°C | 132.4 mm | Possible |
| June | 19.1°C | 64.8 mm | Good |
| July | 22.5°C | 64.2 mm | Peak |
| August | 23°C | 39.9 mm | Peak |
| September | 19.5°C | 110.3 mm | Good |
| October | 14.8°C | 183.2 mm | Possible |
| November | 10.2°C | 262.5 mm | Poor |
| December | 5.9°C | 70.6 mm | Possible |
Practical info
Equipment
Both tours are Occasionally sporty — operators provide wetsuits and helmets, but wear a secure swimsuit underneath and bring water shoes or old trainers with grip. For the 5-hour Stretti di Giaredo trek, pack a small dry bag with water and a snack.
Getting there
The Arbaspàa tour meets at Centro Didattico Sorano in Filattiera (Province of Massa and Carrara), while ITACA Canyoning meets at Parcheggio Piazza Don Roscelli in Bargone (GE) — both are accessible by car from the Cinque Terre coastal towns in roughly 40 to 60 minutes via the A12 motorway.
See also
Other activities in Cinque Terre
Updated March 2026