Next month we will be staying in Monteresso for 2 days, 2 nights on our visit to Cinque Terre. We plan to walk between the 5 villages. I have read that the trail from Monterresso to Vernazza is quite hilly. Is it hilly with tree roots or just rocky? Are hiking boots necessary or just good walking shoes or Ecco sandals?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32214 posts
Sheron,
To begin with, you won't be able to "walk between the 5 villlages" via the popular Sentiero Azzurro trails, as only two of the four are currently open (Monterosso-Vernazza and Vernazza-Corniglia). There are other trails that go higher up in the hills, but those will take longer.
The segment from Monterosso to Vernazza has quite a climb at the Monterosso end and it's narrow in some parts but not what I would call a "technically difficult" hike. There are some sections with uneven ground and small rocks, but again not difficult. I've seen teenagers skipping along the trail in rubber flip-flops as well as serious hikers (Germans and Austrians) with full high top hiking boots and hiking poles. I get by just fine with good walking shoes. I'm not sure about sandals, as I'd want to have some protection for toes.
Posted by
Massachusetts
715 posts
I have seen it walked in dress shoes and flip flops. You can do it in a good pair of shoes ( decent soles say vibram) or sneakers. I prefer a low cut hiking boot. The trials rugged with rocks, roots and uneven stone steps. The choice is yours.
I tend to wear low-cut hiking boots a lot so it is an easy choice for me to bring them, but I would not bring them if your intent is to only use them at Cinque Terre.
Posted by
119 posts
I bought a pair of Vasque hiking / walking shoes and they were great for the CT trail and for life in general. Good tread is helpful. People are always saying that the Vernazza-Monterosso trail is "difficult" but it really isn't at all. As long as you a in mildly good shape it shouldn't be a problem. If it is raining however, the trail will be slick (making tread even more of a necessity). It will still be do-able in the rain but you need to be more careful.