I just returned from Italy a week ago and the trails on the main hike between the 5 towns were closed due to a bad storm that damaged them. The only one open was the walk from Riomaggiore to Manarola. So, we had to spend more time hanging out in the towns. Darn!! Still had a great time!
Vernazza does have a nice, new laundromat, too!
I'm planning a trip to CT in early July and was looking forward to hiking the trails between the villages. When I saw your posting last night, I did some research to see if I could find updates, but even the CT official park website didn't have anything about the trail closures. I found an article from January 2010 on About.com that the trails were closed from storm damage and were being repaired, hopefully reopening by Easter.
I've contacted a few CT locals and one source tells me only the trail between Monterosso-Vernazza is closed.
Anyway...if there are other folks who have up to date information on the trail status, please post!
I will be there at the end of July and really hope the trails are all re-opened!
It is one part of my trip there that I was really looking forward to.
I know! Bummer news. I am looking forward to hiking the trails too (I've had visions of the experience since the day I decided to visit CT).
Hi,
there were a few closures in early May, but there are many other trails mostly leading up into the surrounding hills. They have some wonderful views and are less crowded.
Darn! We're going in 4 weeks and spending 3 nights in CT, hiking between the towns was something we were really looking forward to. I guess the only way to get from village-village now is by train, or by ferry? Someone mentioned other hiking trails that go into the hills? Anybody have any other updates or info?
Hi folks,
So the word on the streets of CT (sources are official CT park service, Bordigo, a guide listed in Rick's CT book, and one of the tour boat operators):
All paths are open EXCEPT the blue path between Vernazza and Monterosso and this path should open in the next couple of days.
So....unless my sources aren't reliable, things appear to be ok.
As of last week, the bus around Vernazza was limited to the parking lot due to a landslide (May 27). We learned this at the TI and they could not tell us how long it would take to fix the problem.
Anyone have any new updates on this?
On the trails or the parking lot?
As of several days ago, we heard that the Blue trail is open from Riomaggiore to Vernazza, leaving only the section between Vernazzza and Monterossa al Mare still closd.
Somewhere there is another thread with this information.
We left Vernazza on June 1. The blue trail was open between Riomaggiore to Vernazza. There was a sign posting that the trail was closed between Vernazza and Monterossa, but one of our dinner companions had even hiked that section.
Anyone found any new information on the Monterosso to Veronna trail being open?
The trails were beautiful on the days we hiked: June 3 and 4. No sign of any closures or troubles. Weather was terrific! Before I left I polled which direction to hike south to north or vice versa. I really felt that the views and ruggedness of the trails were better going south to north. By the time we got to Vernazza, we were too pooped (from the Corniglia-Vernazza section) to do the last leg to Monterroso (which is supposed to be the most difficult). Instead, we hopped on the boat and enjoyed the waterside views back to Riomaggiore where we hike the Via del'Amore trail back to Manarola (again). Keep in mind that you are hiking those trails for enjoyment, not for the satisfaction of completion.
Just got back yesterday from CT. As of Friday the trail from Monterosso to Vernazza was closed and the trail on the beachside of Riomaggiore was closed due to heavy rains causing damage. Can't imagine anything has changed since it rained all day Sat and was pouring when we left yesterday morning. Not sure of the status of the other trails.
