Cinque Terre- best hikes

aimee, None of the hikes are so strenous that you'd "need boots for". I've seen some of the younger group clipping right along in rubber Flip-Flops. Some of the Europeans make the hikes in full kit, including heavy duty hiking boots and hiking poles, but IMHO that's not necessary. I just use my normal travel shoes whether hiking in Switzerland or the C.T. and haven't had any difficulties. The most strenuous of the hikes if from Monterosso to Vernazza, but that's because there's a bit of a climb at either end. The trail itself is not that difficult (albeit a bit narrow in some places). The trail from Vernazza to Corniglia is almost the same, but not difficult. The trail from Corniglia to Monterosso is relatively easy (as Corniglia is located high on a bluff, there's a LONG stairway to go down to the station where the trail resumes, but it's not difficult). Finally, the famous Via dell'Amore from Manarola to Riomaggiore is VERY easy - it's mostly flat and paved, and there's a nice Bar part way along where you enjoy a "beverage" while enjoying the incredible view! Note that a Pass is required to hike ANY of the trails, and there WILL be people checking! All of the trails are good for "view / scenery". The view down towards Vernazza and the harbour is the one used in a lot of publications that advertise the C.T. Happy travels (and hiking)!

Thanks Ken! that is exactly what I was looking for. I have a quick question though that seems simple. if the hike from Vernaza to Monterosso is difficult because it's sort of steep, then why don't people go the other direction and hike from Moterosso to Vernaza?... Are the trails one way only? That seems like it would make sense but everything i read says it's steep. but I would think it would be a decent instead of an assent if you went the other way. And are there any of the towns that would make the best base? If we are hiking I would prefer to leave my bag in one main location and ferry or hike between them if possible.

Your logic might be good if both towns were not at sea level. Whichever end you start on there will be lots of up and down. It seems like more up in both directions! From Monterosso I remember about 4 sets of stairs 300-400 steps up. Of course, eventually the trail goes down and down. It's an experience to be enjoyed by those in decent hiking condition.

Aimee: I am in my late 50s and 5'2" to give you perspective. My husband is in his mid 60s. We walk a lot in Portland and hike in our wonderful mountains. We are reasonably prepared for hiking 4-6 miles. The trail from Corniglia to Vernazza was challenging for me in particular. The trail is irregular: many steep "steps" that challenged my short legs. Don't get me wrong, I loved it! But neither DH nor I could do more than the one segment in a day. It was a 2 hour hike for us. I would absolutely do it again, or another segment, but not all of
them in one day. The towns are also quite nice to self-tour. Rick Steves has nice self-guiding walks in each. The Via Del Amore was easy, though. Consider doing it at dusk when the crowds thin.

aimee, Just to clarify, the Monterosso - Vernazza section of the trail requires an uphill hike regardless of which end you start at. If you start in Monterosso, there's initially a climb to reach the trail and then a downhill stretch into Vernazza. I prefer to start in Monterosso and then stop for a rest and a fine hot meal when I reach Vernazza. No, the trails are not one way only. You can hike in either direction. One point to note is that at least one of the trails was closed recently to repair storm damage. I'm don't know which section it was, or whether it's now re-opened. I assume you're planning to stay in one of the five villages? In terms of which one makes the "best base", that's somewhat a matter of personal preference. Vernazza seems to be a big favourite with many here, but I prefer some of the others. I stayed in Riomaggiore on my last visit, and will be in Monterosso this year. Corniglia is not as popular as it's high on a bluff, so it's not close to the water. I may try Manarola or Vernazza on the next visit. For getting between the villages, the local train is usually the easiest option. The boats are often subject to weather. If you decide to hike all of the trails, just take the train back to the village you're staying in. Cheers!

A question about the Corniglia-Vernazza leg...If you take the bus up into town (Corniglia) from the train station, is there still much climbing uphill on the trail to Vernazza? Or is it mostly downhill from there. I will be there in early July.

Karen:
The bus up to Corniglia from the train station indeed is helpful. At least you won't be starting your hike with 200+ steps "up." But there is still plenty of up and down on the way to Vernazza. Nothing like the 200 steps, though.

Until we hiked the Vernazza/Monterosso leg, I didn't believe a trail really could be "uphill both ways"! We hiked every leg except Corniglia to Vernazza. The Via del Amore is really just a stroll, but we loved the stretch from Manarola to Corniglia - we took the vineyard walk recommended by Rick, and saw only 4 other people on that stretch, until we rejoined the main trail half way to Corniglia. Can't wait to go back next year. (I was mid-40's and NOT at athlete - my husband early 70's. Didn't have any trouble on the trails, but make sure you've got lots of water.)

Hello, we are also going to be in Cinque Terre in the fall. I've appreciated all the responses because even though I enjoy hiking I wanted to find trails that are beautiful but don't require heavy boots.
How do you get the pass that was mentioned needed on the trail? Thanks