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Easier Hike Monterosso-Vernazza

Posted by (Texas) on

So I’m reading Rick’s guidebooks and I feel like the info regarding this highly rated hike is conflicting. He says starting in Monterosso allows you to tackle toughest part first while fresh, but then he also recommends starting in Vernazza in PM for better views.

Where do you begin and why? I just finished the Corniglia-Vernazza and Manarola-Cornigilia via Volastra routes. I’m waiting till 4/5pm for the trails to die down.

Can I also add, I thank the gods for Rick and his guidebook he takes into account which direction is least steep. I took the bus to Volastra and hiked downwards to Corniglia, I felt so bad for the French and German hikers coming up from Corniglia. Also the bus itself saved me a 2 mile uphill walk!!!

Posted by
3315 posts

My sister and I hiked from Monterosso to Vernazza which was difficult but it looked steeper from the opposite direction. None of the people we passed hiking north were smiling either.

Posted by
1244 posts

I have always hiked Vernazza to Monterosso. There are a LOT of stairs at the Monterosso beginning/end, and it is easier for me to go down stairs than up stairs.

Posted by
421 posts

I would recommend starting from the Monterosso side. Those stairs (upon ascent out of Monterosso) are a rude wake-up call, but I find they're much easier navigated 'going up' than otherwise bracing for each step/impact if you were to approach them from the other direction; especially near the end of ~80 minutes on the trail.

I would also recommend doing the hike in the (early) morning hours. The sun rises as you approach Vernazza and the harbor view at that time of morning is not to be missed. And as you step thru the honeycombed stairwells and alleyways into town you find yourself near Il Pirata for a rewarding cannoli.

Posted by
3315 posts

Those stairs (upon ascent out of Monterosso) are a rude wake-up call, but I find they're much easier navigated 'going up' than otherwise bracing for each step/impact if you were to approach them from the other direction

Those steps were steep and coming down steep stairs is harder with no hand rails. I still remember the look on a guys face coming down and he was in agony, especially if you're petite.

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