Cinque Terre walk between towns

There are definitely a few points that might cause you have have an issue, as you put it.
Hopefully would not make you turn around.
Maybe you can google photos that would give you a feel for this.
I am not dismissing your question, because I know it can be a significant personal issue for some people and can impact their experience.
I have a hard copy map showing the elevations of the various trails, but I can't put it online.
If you google around, I know there are some websites that will give you an idea, maybe a few photos.
Bottom line: Most of it is pretty tame, but there are a few spots that could be a problem for you, and I hope you can get more information about these before your trip, to help in your planning.

Ken, from Vernon, Canada, is one of our most informative contributors on the CT trails.
I'm guessing he will see this thread, later tonight, and will respond with helpful advice.
[Edit: He did.]

Thanks Kent for the info... I'll do some searching for photos.... Those spots that may give me an issue.. how long are they.. if we're talking a couple minutes of walking I may be ok....

Duane

The parts of the trail that I was referring to above, it's only about a minute or so of walking.
And it is not a cliff, not straight down.
I can't access my photos but there are photos available from others or on the web that hopefully will give you an idea.

Duane, I'm not sure when your trip is but quite a lot of the most popular route (#2 Blue Trail) has been closed for awhile. Right now, only the section of the #2 from Monterosso to Vernazza is open. The section from Vernazza to Corgniglia may be open this summer as well as the leg from Manarola to Riomaggiore but there hasn't been any updates regarding if or when that might happen. The piece between Corniglia and Manarola will be closed for sure. You can check current trail status on the park website:

http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/sentieri_parco.asp?id_lingue=2

There are other trails but most ascend even higher than the #2 - which involves some steep climbs in-and-of itself. The most strenuous piece with the steepest climb is that piece between Monterosso and Vernazza. I don't know as anyone can promise how well you may manage but it wouldn't be so terrible to have to double back, if that's your preference? You can always take a train to the next village.

My husband isn't wild about heights but he didn't have any trouble at all. It's not as if the entire way is along exposed cliffside - there was often quite a lot of foliage between path and the dropoff, as I recall - so you won't be looking straight down. The view across (not down!) the water is beautiful, and my guess is that you can do it!

Kathy,

Thanks for the info. My wife and I will be going on the BOE21 starting 28 April - about the middle of May or so we'll be there.

Duane,

The trail that most tourists want to hike is the Sentiero Azzurro which has four segments. Some of these have been closed for an extended time to due storm / slide damage, which can occur at any time. As Kathy mentioned, only the segment from Monterosso to Vernazza is open at the moment, but that could change at any time and other segments could open. Note that to hike any of the S.A. trails, a Park Pass is required. These can be easily purchased at local stations or even in the small wooden huts at the beginning of each trail segment.

The segment from Monterosso to Vernazza is the most challenging, as there's quite a climb at the Monterosso end. It's not difficult but if you're not in good shape it will be some work. I'm 60+ and can manage, but I have to take my time. Be sure to take water! Once you're up at the level of the trail, it's mostly easy walking, although there are some narrow sections. When you arrive at the Vernazza end, there's a viewpoint overlooking the town, so be sure to stop and get the usual photo.

Although the other segments are currently closed, these may re-open at any time, as the usual "official" start of tourist season is April 1st. The easiest segment is from Manarola to Riomaggiore on the famous Via dell' Amore, which is mostly flat and paved. There's a bar just outside Manarola where you can stop and get a "cool one" and enjoy the gorgeous ocean views.

One other point to note is that there's an extensive network of trails in that area, so it's possible to do lots of hiking outside of the Sentiero Azzurro trails. Many of the trails go further up into the hills, so they're a more robust hiking experience.

Umm, if you have fear of heights and vertigo you will not want to walk between Vernazza and Monterosso and you might not want to walk between Corniglia and Vernazza. There are places where, even when you are not near the edge of the cliffs, you are facing steep stairs up or down. Climbing those stairs from Monterosso to Vernazza may not be fear inducing, but going down the stairs probably will be.

You tube is loaded with videos of parts of these walks. I suggest you look at these over pictures.

Here is a sample, there are many more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ee9vkAnnS94&index=19&list=FL_MeuyPGSbFV9ULxoz7aBwg

Duane,

I have a slight issue with heights as well and I feel that the CQ trails are fairly tame. Most of trails slope down toward the sea, so there are really no precipitous points on the trails. I did have two or three slightly uncomfortable points, but this only lasted 5 or 10 seconds.

I want to re-emphasize what Ken said about the trails. While it is true that many parts of the main trails between the 5 towns are closed, there are alternate trails to hike to these towns that are more difficult, but so much more rewarding. The trail that heads out the back of Riomaggiore, while fairly steep, has the most incredible views.

When I took the boat back from Portovenere in July, we could see the washed sections of trails and it appeared that little or no work was done.

Thanks everyone for all the informative comments.

Duane