Cinque Terre: Hiking

Hiking Trails
Since the status of hiking trails is frequently changing, so be sure to research which paths will be open/closed during your visit. Most trails are marked with red and white paint, as well as the occasional sign.

• Via dell Amore (Trail #2, Blue Path): The most popular hiking trail in Cinque Terre visited by 95% of tourist, hence it requires purchase of the Cinque Terre Card. It is a relatively easy trail that goes along the coast between all five towns. The majority of the trail has been closed for a long time due to a rockslide. Small sections of the path may be open; otherwise hikers must take one of the more difficult “high” paths.
• The High Path (Red Path): the second most visited path. Goes across the entire Cinque Terre Park and connects Portovenere and Levanto. While the distance of these paths may appear short, these trails often involve a steep climb and a steep descent. Rain can make these paths even more treacherous.

Hikes Between Towns

• Levanto - Monterosso:  Great view of all five towns (best views going from Levanto to Monterossso). Trail ends at Monterosso beach. Less crowded than hiking within Cinque Terre.
• Monterosso - Vernazza: moderate trail, a few areas with staircases. At the end of the trail (or beginning coming from Vernazza) there is a postcard perfect view of Vernazza.

• Vernazza - Corniglia: Vernazza is located at sea level, while Corniglia is located up high on a hilltop. If walking down steps is more difficult vs. going up, then starting from Vernazza would be the best choice.
• Corniglia to Volastra to Manarola (Trail #7 & #6): Volastra and Manarola are connected by 1200 steps so approaching from the Manarola side is not ideal.
• Manarola to Riomaggiore (Trail #531): while the coastal trail is still under repair, the high trail #531 is an alternative. It covers a distance of 1 km, but it is a very steep climb going straight up tons of high stairs and straight down the other side on large, loose, and sometime slippery rock steps. Some steps going up from Manarola requires the ability to lift one’s knee up to hip level and use of hands for climbing.

Cinque Terre Card

• A card that must be bought if you want to hike any part of the coastal trails. If you plan to only take the train between towns, then you do not need the card. Also when blue trails connecting the towns are closed (often winter or early spring due to flooding) the card is not required.
• Allows entrance to the trails and unlimited use of the buses in each town. Note: buses do not go between towns. For an additional fee you can add on unlimited use of the local regional trains between La Spezia and Levanto. Also includes  free entry to some museums  and free use of wi-fi spots in Cinque Terre Park
• Small huts are located at the beginning of the blue path where you must either show or purchase your Cinque Terre card.
• The price of the card changes depending on how many coastal trails are open. 
• The card can be purchased at tourist information centers, any train station in Cinque Terre, and a few outlying town train stations like La Spezia and Levanto. They are also available at the beginning of all open sections of the blue path.
• The card is valid from the moment of validation until midnight that same day. When using the card for the first time on the train, be sure to punch the card before boarding.

Packing List

• Hiking boots with ankle support and good traction
• Long pants
• Waterproof jacket with hood
• Trekking poles for added stability
• Plenty of water
• Sunscreen
• Trail map