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Cinque Terre - Hiking trail between Corniglia and Manarola

From what I’ve read in both the Rick Steves and Lonely Planet guidebooks, the main hiking trail (#2 or Sentiero Azzurro) had been closed for some time, noting that it may re-open in 2019. I’ll be spending two days in early August based in Corniglia and would like to hike between there and Manarola. Does anyone know if it’s open now or will be by August?

Posted by
15679 posts

The ENTIRE Sentiero Azzurro (SVA2) has rarely been totally closed - although it is right now - but the sections from Corniglia > Manarola and Manarola >Riomaggiore have been shut for quite some time. As far as I've read, a FIRM re-opening date has not been announced for either, although the Corniglia>Manarola segment seems to be in question for 2019. I've seen a 2021 date for Manarola >Riomaggiore.

Unless it's damaged for some reason, I would expect the segments between Monterosso> Vernazza and Vernazza >Corniglia to be re-opened at some point in the spring.

You can check trail status here:
http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Esentieri-outdoor.php

As you'll see from the map, there are many other trails besides those of the Sentiero Azzurro, although a fair amount of them are longer and more strenuous. Still, if you're a fit trekker, you could try some alternate routes if weather allows.

Posted by
5687 posts

Are you thinking you might not stay in Corniglia after all if that trail is closed? Otherwise, why does it matter to know this early?

There are other hiking opportunities in the CT or elsewhere in the riviera FYI if you want to look into them to have backup plans in case that trail you want to hike is still closed.

Posted by
4637 posts

Trails from Corniglia to Manarola and Manarola to Riomaggiore are very easy but unfortunately they are closed right now. That I know from other contributors on this forum. Corniglia to Vernazza and Vernazza to Monte Rosso are significantly more strenuous but for an accomplished hiker still piece of cake.

Posted by
32171 posts

alsavia,

As Kathy mentioned, the two Sentiero Azzurro segments on the north should be open in the spring, but it's uncertain whether the Corniglia - Manarola segment will be opening this year. The Manarola - Riomaggiore segment ("Via dell'Amore") will notbe reopening this year.

There are a number of other hiking trails in that area that go farther uphill, and if you don't mind a more robust hike, you should still be able to hike from Corniglia to Manarola. This website will provide information on the trails - http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Erete-sentieristica.php .