I am visiting Cinque Terre in mid July and realize that the main trail between Vernazza, Corniglia, and Manarola is closed. I see on the map there are other trails. I wondered if anyone has hiked the other trails to get to around the construction. Are the trails more rugged and how long would we need to allow for the hike? If we had to choose a trail to one city, is there one highly recommended trail or must not miss experiences in light of the lack of trail #2? We are staying in Vernazza one night and planned a long day of hiking/touring Corniglia, manarola and Riomaggiore after we check out and before we return to Florence.
Any advice is appreciated.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32393 posts
Lora, As you've probably noted, the trails from Monterosso to Vernazza and Riomaggiore to Manarola are currently open, so you could certainly hike those (Park Pass compulsory). After the Monterosso-Vernazza hike, you may not have the energy for any more! By mid-July, it's possible that at least one of the other trails may be open again. You might enjoy reading This Blog which describes an alternate hike from Manarola to Corniglia. Happy travels!
Posted by
Newburyport
9 posts
Hi Lora - There are plenty of other trails to explore. Definitely do the Monterrosso-Vernazza trail #2 (about 1.5 hrs). The map the park gives you shows Vernazza-Corniglia being opened though it is not. Maybe it will be by the time you go. We did a nice hike from Manarola-Volastra (it's uphill all the way! approx. 1 hr.), then a beautiful trail across from Volastra-Corniglia (1.5 I think). It was gorgeous. Given your itinerary, you could do it in reverse then walk the Via Dell'Amore to Riomaggiore. Then again, that's a lot in one day considering it will be hot. It's spectacular! Have fun.
Posted by
OP
Columbus, IN, USA
15 posts
Thanks so much for the reply! That blog provided exactly what I was hoping to learn. Maybe it will be even better than taking the traditional trail! My son hiked the other trails 2 years ago so he can give me a comparison between than and what we will experience this trip! I'm more excited than ever now!
Posted by
Maurice, Louisiana, US
46 posts
If you're lazy or out of shape, you don't have to hike up hill from Manarola to Volastra (sp?). With your park card you can take the free shuttle bus from in front of the Manarola Co-Op to Volastra. Then the hike from Volastra to Corniglia is flat or down-hill. It is amazing. We also loved the Cappellini (sp?) winery in Volastra.
Posted by
Missoula
109 posts
Lora, We were just in CT, and had a fabulous time hiking, with our 9 and 11 year olds. Here's the post I did on the route to take: http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=85100 Cheers!
Posted by
OP
Columbus, IN, USA
15 posts
I really appreciate all of the feedback. The links have been exactly what I needed and the blog details are so helpful! Thanks for taking time to help an excited traveler.