My trip to Italy is going great and I had a wonderful time hiking the trails from Monterosso-Vernazza/Vernazza-Corniglia! I thought that the hike was challenging but not terribly bad and the views were over the top!! I have one more day in CT and I would really like to get in another hike. Some people I have met here talked about the Corniglia-Volastra-Manarola "high trail". I can handle about anything cardiovascular-wise as I am a serious runner but I've had two achilles surgeries and have rather weak/unstable ankles so I don't feel comfortable on really narrow paths or slippery, rocky stair climbs and I heard that trail is a bit tricky. I am also by myself so I'm not sure that I'm comfortable attempting it. Does anyone know of another hike in this area that is similar (or even easier) to the difficulty of the trail that I did today? Thank you! BTW, despite the crowds, I love Cinque Terre!
Posted by
Massachusetts
715 posts
I think #6 trail is fine. It is not much different then themonterosso - vernazza part, just more of it. One you get to the top it is fairly level for a while. I would start at the Manarol end and go Volastra - Corniglia. It is not the endless conga line of hikers like the lower trail is, but you won't be alone. The long level walk through the vineyards is wonderful.
Posted by
Oak Park
243 posts
We did the Corniglia-Volastra-Manarola "high trail last year and it was amazing. Not much more demanding than the Vernazza-corniglia trail. We did an alternate descent into Manarola which was steep, but very doable. I would stay away from this descent if you are very concerned about your AT. Plenty of people on this hike; not as populous as the others that you did, but you should see plenty of hikers.
The hike out of the back of Riomaggiore leads to Portovenere. This entire hike is a day long adventure. You will not see many hikers on this one, but it was my favorite. You can hike part way to an amazing overlook; it is strenuous going up as it climbs for quite a while, but not technical. The views were the best as you will gain more altitude than the other hikes. Sorry I don't know the name of scenic overlook; the trail may be #1. Good luck.