Canoe/kayak and hiking in CT between towns...

I have read of places to rent sea kayaks in Riomaggiore, Vernazza, and Monterosso, but have no personal experience so can't offer information and sea conditions. As for hiking, if you are experienced hikers, have hiked trails in national parks with 1000 feet or so of elevation gain and 8-10 miles, you should be fine. We hiked the sections from Manarola to Corniglia and Corniglia to Vernazza in trail runners in a couple of hours. We didn't go on to Monterosso as it was very hot and we were ready for a swim. We walked back to Manarola with some Aussies who had come from Monterosso and dthey di dnot indicate that trail was any more difficult that what we were on. So while I don't have personal experience with the long Monterosso to Vernazza section, I haven't heard anything like the "harder than hard" opinion. Maybe that was from someone unaccustomed to hiking?

There's not much to it, seven miles or so full-length each way. I've twice walked the whole fourteen in a partial day with stops at all five villages for coffee/beer. The second time I used some of the interior laterals and still found nothing streneous. Once would have been in boat shoes, the other probably in low-cut hikers. Both were before the area became a national park and the trails probably weren't as improved as they may be now.

Hiked the CT a few years back in my Chaco sandals. They have a very secure foot bed and great straps. The lower trail isn't hard, there are a few steeper areas, but nothing truly difficult. Don't need to bother bringing food, you can stop in each town along the way and enjoy something. The entire hike will take you 3-4 hours. We stopped in a town and had gelato, then lunch in the next one. (that was kind of backwards, but life is short- eat dessert first) Hiked south and took the train back to Monterosso. Do bring water with you!

Thanks to all! The hike sounds wonderful. I guess we'll just have to find out what the kayaking holds for us. It looks like over the water, from Monterosso to Vernazza is about 1.5 miles, with Corniglia another 3/4 or so. Sounds like a great workout, and a beautiful view from the water perspective.

Robert, I've never had occasion to book Kayak rentals, but as the others have indicated, it should be possible. As you're experienced hikers, you shouldn't have any problems with the hikes. With footwear I've seen everything from the cheap rubber flip-flops (teenagers) to full military-style boots and hiking poles (Germans and Austrians usually). I just use my street shoes (ECCO Track II low) and have no problems. The most vigorous part of the Sentiero Azzurro (No. 2) trails is from Monterosso to Vernazza. It's not difficult but there's a substantial climb at the Monterosso end and some of the stairs have a high "rise" (the views are incredible). Parts of the trail are VERY narrow, but overall it's easy walking. Be sure to stop at the promontory above Vernazza for great photos. The trail from Vernazza to Corniglia is the second most challenging, and it gets easier from there. The final trail is the famous Via dell'Amore from Manarola to Riomaggiore, and it's basically just a "stroll" (mostly level and paved). There's a small bar just outside Manarola where you can get a "cool one" and enjoy the magnificent views. A few points to note..... > a Park Pass is required to hike any of the No. 2 trails. You can buy that at the first check point you come to (in Monterosso it's just past the entry to Hotel Porta Roca). You can also buy a Cinque Terre Treno card, which also provides transport on the local trains. > there's an extensive network of other trails in the C.T. with varying levels of difficulty, and no permit is required for those (AFAIK). > all of the No. 2 trails are currently closed, but they should hopefully be open in April. Happy travels!

Thanks, Ken. Just to clarify, is the Treno Card good for both trains between the towns, and hiking trails? Or will we need both? Thanks.

Kayak rentals in Riomaggiore:
http://www.5terrediving.it/?o=home But I've seen several other outfits in all towns that rent kayak by the hour.