Cinque Terra- How many paths along the water are open?

holly,

If you're referring to the Sentiero Azzurro trails that run above the ocean, only two of the four segments are currently open. They are....

• Monterosso to Vernazza
• Vernazza to Corniglia

The other two segments (Corniglia to Manarola and the famous Via dell' Amore from Manarola to Riomaggiore) are closed, and expected to stay that way for the forseeable future. Note that you'll require a Park Pass to hike the two open segments, and you can purchase those at the small booths at the start of each trail.

There's also an extensive network of other trails in the area, so if you don't mind a more robust and longer hike it's possible to bypass the closed segments.

The trails can be open or closed depending on current conditions (ie: if a bad storm has just occurred, that could change the situation). Check at your hotel when you arrive to confirm the current status. The most reliable website to check is the official Cinque Terre Park website....

http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/sentieri-outdoor.php

Be sure to take lots of water. If you're starting from Monterosso, there's a store close to the start of the trail where you can buy the larger bottles of water.

Why are they currently closed? We are going in early July, will they likely still be closed then?

Some of them have been closed since parts of them were washed away in the 2011 floods. It took a few years before those that are open now were reopened. Some parts of the others will never be reopened because the cliffs have washed away.

...but at others have stated there are many other trails to choose from that are even more spectacular so no need to cancel Cinque Terre because the paved freeway Via dell'amore is closed. That may be the least interesting of the trails.

One of them closed due to rockfall that seriously injured some hikers a few years back. They're working on getting it open again (won't happen this this year) but I imagine doing whatever they're doing to try and prevent another issue is a slow go. Due to the steepness of terrain, the trails are not easily fixed when destroyed/damaged/threatened.

This is heartbreaking that there was so much damage due to the flooding. We hiked it in 2010 and it was one of the most glorious experiences we've ever had. Dangerous for sure! But also breathtakingly beautiful. So thank you for the updated information and we'll plan on just the two trails that are open along the coast. I'm not familiar with the inland trails. Does anyone know them well? Are the views even close to as incredible as you can get along the coast?

holly this site has some useful information. https://www.incinqueterre.com/en/trails-advice#statusmap there are several trails that dont go right next to the ocean but provide awesome views from up the cliffs! We were there in october and did the Manarola to Corniglia (cheated by taking the shuttle in Manarola up to Volastra and then hiked down to Corniglia) and we also did Vernazza to Monterosso and they provide awesome views!

We also hiked all the open paths last September including one that originated in Levanto. The views are breathtaking, hiking was strenuous and it was everything I'd dreamed about for so long. Don't let the closures stop you! We also enjoyed the view from the ferry if weather permits. Just a magical location!

Holly yes they are equally, if not more spectacular. Do a youtube search and you will find a lot of video on the trails.

Here are some examples of the high trails.

Short video of trail 6

Manarola to Vernazza Trail 6

The segment of the Blue Trail between Manarola and Corniglia has been closed to landslide damage since sometime in 2010 so the flood wasn't the cause of that one. We were there in spring of 2011 and thought they'd done a heck of a job getting things halfway back in order; The segment between Vernazza and Corniglia wasn't officially open but it was traversable all the way through with some careful stepping. Totally open now, of course.

But do reference the park website? Just a couple out of the total amount of trails are closed, and the website will give you information on any one of them. You're getting some great ideas from the gang here, too.

Just to clarify, the disastrous floods of 2011 didn't cause the closures of the trails. The floods mainly affected Monterosso and Vernazza, although the rains could have weakened parts of the trails.

The segment from Manarola to Cornigilia was closed long before that due to a huge slide which still covers a portion of the trail. The Via dell' Amore (Manarola to Riomaggiore) was closed on 24 Sept. 2012 as a result of a severe rock slide that injured four Australian tourists. This article provides some background on the events which have taken place since that time......

https://cinqueterreinsider.com/2015/02/13/whats-going-on-with-the-via-dellamore/

Unfortunately, there's still no firm date on when it might reopen.

So helpful everyone, thank you! We will traverse on, despite the challenges. Sounds like it becomes a bit of a new, yet still glorious adventure! Thanks for the detailed help!

Holly, 4 of us went on the upper trail from Manarola to Corniglia on the 15 May and though certainly challenging, it was absolutely magnificent. (I am really thankful though that I had my son's hand to pull me up on occasion though--since I'm not as strong as I used to be and am now in my 60's!) Even though the trail is up higher and away from the Mediterranean, there are amazing views of it; I wouldn't miss it for anything. It took us over 3 hours but we weren't trying to rush it. Bring lots of water!