Cinque Terra hike

Thanks for the advice. Since we get into Vernazza mid-day, perhaps we'll do part of the Vernazza-Monterosso trail (at least to the part where the amazing views are) that first afternoon and save the next day for hiking the other towns to the south. Sounds like taking an early train to Riomaggiore and hiking north back to Vernazza is the way to go. Thanks all.

If you're not going to do the Vernazza to Monterosso leg I would start south and end in Vernazza. If you change your mind, start in Monterosso and work your way south as the Monterosso-Vernazza is the most difficult. The M-V path was my favorite and well worth the effort.

I agree with the comment about the difficulty of that part of the trail. I walked it last week. As a healthy and fit 41-year-old, I had a tough time with the Vernazza-Monterosso leg.

I can only help with the Monterosso to Vernazza leg, since that is all we had time for in July. But, it is spectacular. Yes, it's a lot of steps up (and, I guess, down, too!), but the views are simply amazing, especially the one as you descend upon Vernazza.

With the cooler Fall weather, it should be a bit easier, too.

We (49 and 50-year olds) hiked with our 3 kids: 16, 12, 12, and it was definitely one of the highlights of our stay in Vernazza.

Jeff,

As you'll be staying in Vernazza, I'd suggest taking the train to Monterosso al Mare and beginning the hike there. As the others have indicated, the Monterosso > Vernazza leg is the most challenging, although I didn't find it that difficult once I finished the "climbing" part. At the Vernazza end, it's downhill into town so you'll have to take some time with that. Just before arrival in Vernazza, there's a great spot to get photos of the town (the classic RS view!).

The next leg from Vernazza to Corniglia is also a bit challenging, but not overly difficult. From Corniglia it's necessary to go down a LONG stairway to the railway station, which is where the next leg to Manarola begins (there's a small Shuttle Bus for those that don't want to take the stairs). The walk to Manarola is fairly easy, and the final leg from Manarola to Riomaggiore along the famed via del'Amore is mostly paved and very easy. There used to be a small Bar / Cafe on that section, but not sure if it will be open at this time of year? Great views of the ocean while enjoying a "beverage"!

Note that you'll need a Park Pass to hike the trails. I'm not sure if they'll have people checking at this time of year, but that was the case when I was there in Sept./Oct. on my last visit. You can buy the Passes at rail stations - be sure to validate before use!

I managed the trails without any problems (except for a minor "foot ailment" that has since been corrected), and I'm 55+ so if you're in reasonably good shape you should be fine.

Have a great time in the Cinque Terre (I'm sure anxious to return!)!

Buon Viaggio!!!

Ken:

Thanks much for the advice. We are also 55+ but in good condition so it shouldn't be much of a problem from the descriptions. This is our first trip there and very much looking forward to it. Thanks again.

Jeff, you're most welcome!

One other point, there used to be some feral (?) cats along on one of the trails (can't remember which section it was?). If you think of it, take an extra bottle of water along. There was a bag of Cat Chow there, so someone must be taking care of them, but the water didn't look too palatable (even for a cat).

We saw the cats on the trail from Monterosso to Vernazza. Very cute!

Another highlight for us of the trail from Monterosso to Vernazza was an enterprising gentleman who has a lemonade "stand" set up. He makes it while you wait, and it was a wonderful respite during the uphill from Monterosso. He was also selling limoncello, but that's not something that I would want to be drinking during the hike! (He had small bottles to take along.)

Have a wonderful trip! I can't wait to go back someday!