Cinque terre hikes

You might find this interesting and informative: https://www.timetravelturtle.com/hiking-cinque-terre-guide-italy/

And this: https://www.incinqueterre.com/en/trails-advice

The view from the ferry is great. Note that they can be crowded (try for the first departure) and boarding ramps a bit precarious. See prices, which vary by your starting and ending points at https://www.navigazionegolfodeipoeti.it/en/rates/.

Here's some info on each leg of the hike.
https://www.earthtrekkers.com/hiking-cinque-terre-italy/

jane,

One important point to mention is that only two of the four Sentiero Azzurro trail segments will likely be open this year. This can change on short notice due to storms or whatever, but the Monterosso > Vernazza > Corniglia segments should be open. The Corniglia > Manarola > Riomaggiore segments will not be open this year. For "easiest and shortest" the Vernazza > Corniglia segment is probably your best bet.

If it's a nice day and not too windy, you might consider taking the Ferry from Monterosso to Porto Venere and back. That makes a nice day trip. Which of the five towns are you staying in?

One of the things we enjoyed on our first trip to the area many years ago was taking Rick Steves' walking tour of each village. They are in his Italy guidebook. None was difficult and all were interesting. No need to hit the trail if you do not want to. We hike a lot and found the Sentiero Azzuro rather rugged and in some places quite unsafe. We have hiked a number of the higher trails and you can have the little bus shuttle you up in some locations, like to Volastra or the sanctuary above Vernazza, which is lovely.

Thank you all for your great tips. Sound like the shortest trail is closed but I do appreciate all the informative comments Only one week away very excited and wondering if I have everything we need for this trip. Also wondering if anyone could recommend a wine and olive oil tour in Touscany/ Cinque Terre or Rome and or Sicly. Thank you, JTS

Jane, in addition to the info provided above, the website for the park might be useful as well.

http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Eindex.php

The trail map, with difficulty ratings and closures, is here:

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

Info on the passes required to hike any open section of the SVA2/Blue Path/Sentiero Azzurro is here. There are also combo trail/train passes. These do not need to be purchased in advance:

http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Ecinque-terre-card.php

I think a lot of visitors don't realize that the entire CT region is a National Park! :O)