Hi!
I'll be in Cinque Terre in Vernazza for 1.5 days in a week from now. I'd love some advice on the following:
1/2 day when I arrive: what should I do/see/where should I eat?
Full day: I'd like to do some hiking and wandering. Recommendations? Do I need passes for hiking and where do I get them?
Where should I eat in Vernazza or elsewhere?
Thank you!
Answer to question 2
Either hike Monterosso to Vernazza or vice versa.
This is the view
https://mrsaylasadventures.com/2015/04/30/a-little-piece-of-heaven-in-the-cinque-terre/
Thank you!
If I start in Montessoro and hike to Vernazza, how long is the hike and do I need a hiking pass, and how do I get to Montessoro to start the hike? Thanks!
The hike took me a physically fit person 1 hour and 20 minutes in 85 degree weather low humidity.
I went there preparing to pay someone. You start the hike and run into the post where you would pay I think 5-7 euros but there was no one there when I went Monterosso to Vernazza after 6pm
This is exactly how it unfolded
http://www.monterossovernazza.com/index.htm
Hi Christa -
If I start in Montessoro and hike to Vernazza, how long is the hike
It's 2.27 miles (3.668 km). You could also go on from Vernazza to Corniglia, which would add another 2.5 miles (4.137 km) or do it the next day. The Monterosso>Vernazza route is quite steep in places and involves a lot of steps so make the decision based on ow much energy you have left when you reach Vernazza.
do I need a hiking pass
Yes, both of these trails are part of the larger, 4-segment Sentiero Azzurro, or "Blue Trail". This is the most popular route in the park, and these are currently the only two segments which are open: the other two are under repair. You do need a park pass to hike any section of the "Blue". Both of these trails will be VERY busy.
http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/page.php?id=157
There is also a more expensive version of this card which covers train journeys within the CT:
http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/page.php?id=158
how do I get to Montessoro to start the hike?
By train. Either buy single tickets or the Cinque Terre Treno MS combo park pass/train card. If you buy individual tickets, you must validate them before boarding the trains. If using the pass, you only validate it the first time you use it. Fines are high if caught with unvalidated tickets/passes so don't forget! You may also return by boat (not covered under the park/train pass) but I'd save that for a longer journey along the coast: say, from Vernazza to Riomaggiore and then train back.
If you hike from Vernazza to Corniglia, you'll also take a train back to Vernazza. Taking a boat isn't an option from that one.
Thank you all so much for your amazing help! I really appreciate it!
christa,
A bit of further information to add....
Only two of the four Sentiero Azzurro segments are currently open. You can buy Park Passes either at local stations or T.I. offices, and as I recall you can also buy at the small wooden huts at the start of each trail. There's an extensive network of trails in that area, but many of the others go higher in the hills so they're a more robust hike. Only the S.A. trails require a Park Pass. With only 1.5 days, you won't have time for extensive hiking, so just the two open segments of the S.A. should be enough.
As Kathy mentioned, the easiest way to get between any of the towns is via the local trains. The trip is only about 10 minutes in each case. If you start the hike in Monterosso, note that there's a fairly steep climb at the beginning, but once you're past that it's not overly difficult (although there are some narrow sections). Be sure to take lots of water! The trail from Vernazza to Corniglia is not quite as challenging. If you start early, you should be able to do both of those segments in about half a day (unless you stop to take photos, as I do). Note that Corniglia is high on a rock bluff, so you'll have to walk down about 800 steps to reach the rail station (if you'd prefer, there is a Shuttle for a small fee).
Regarding "where to eat" in any towns, you can ask the staff at your hotel, talk to other travellers or just pick a restaurant at random and take your chances. If you'll be in Monterosso at supper time, a big favourite with many here is the Cantina di Miky, which is located not far from the train station (don't confuse this with the more posh Miky at the far end of the "new town"). The Cantina has both inside and outside seating, but I always prefer the patio overlooking the ocean - http://www.cantinadimiky.it/index.html .
For the first half day just enjoy Vernazza..go to the breakwater and enjoy the high views from both sides at the start of the trails towards Corniglia and Monterosso. Have dinner at one of the many decent places at the harbour.
On the second full day buy a train + trail pass and hike early morning from vernazza to Corniglia. Continue on train to manarola and enjoy a hike in the vineyards over manarola. Continue to riomaggiore and enjoy on the rocks beyond the breakwater. Assuming that the sea is calm.. Have lunch on the go..
Train back to Vernazza. Have a siesta, (when in Italy snooze like Italians!). Evening hike to Monterosso. Take care that u reach Monterosso before dark as there are no lights on the trails.
Enjoy the beach at Monterosso at sunset.. dinner in either Monterosso or Vernazza depending on the time u finish enjoying the beach. Don't miss the last train!!
Have a great trip!
Just to add...
According to her original post, Christa was there and gone as of a few days ago. :O)
Hope she lets us know how it went for her!
Thanks, everyone! Yogibaba: your itinerary is perfect! I'll do that. Thank you SO much! I just arrived!
Oops! Christa your original post on 8/23 stated that you'd be there "a week from now" for 1.5 days. Figured that put you there around 8/30 - 8/31 and gone by 9/1 or 9/2. Sorry!
Hope you're having fun!
No worries! And thank you, Kathy! I'm in Vernazza now! Just had gelato at the place that Rick Steves recommends in his book. Cinnamon! Amazing!
Thank you, Kathy, Ken, Yogibaba, Jazz Travels, and everyone for your amazing help!
