Hiking Cinque Terre: Is it scary?

Lisa, I suppose "scary" could be a matter of perception. I don't find the trails to be scary at all, although they are narrow in some places. Although hikers are somewhat above the water, I don't really notice a sense of height. The most challenging trail is from Monterosso to Vernazza, and I'd highly recommend getting that one out of the way first. There's quite a climb in Monterosso, where you'll pass vineyards on the terraced hillsides. The majority of the trails pass through tranquil olive groves and forests, so that part isn't scary. The Via dell'Amore (Riomaggiore to Manarola) is mostly flat and paved, so you shouldn't have any problems with that. If you find that part scary, there's a small Bar part way along where you can stop for a "cool one" to "fortify" your nerves. Be sure to pack lots of water, as you'll need it if it's a hot day. Note that you'll need a Park Permit to hike any of the trails. Also, the trail from Manarola to Corniglia is still closed, so you'll have to use the local trains for that leg. Happy travels!

Thanks Ken. I really appreciate your insight. By "challenging" it sounds like you might mean "steep". Steep is just fine... but shear drop-off are no good for me (getting woosy just thinking about it). While preparing for the trip, I came across a picture taken from a trail with Corniglia in the background (I'm fairly certain it was Corniglia, anyway)--it looked like a pretty big drop down to the sea, so I got a little nervous. Maybe it was just a funny angle with the lens, or perhaps that is the section that's still closed.
Anyway, thanks again, and I'll let you know how it goes!

I do recall a couple of sections on the Vernazza-Monterosso trail that might be a problem. Very narrow trail and a pretty steep drop off. The trick is to let the oncoming hikers get past you first, then you go while keeping your eyes away from the sea. Italy is one big safety code violation, so don't expect handrails through those sections. Good luck.

As Ken has mentioned, the trail from Riomaggiore to Manarola is mostly level and paved. Except for the last part, it's almost wheel-chair friendly. I believe that the trail from Manarola to the Corniglia train station is still closed. To get to the next section, you take the mini-bus from the Corniglia train station up to the town (unless you want to walk up the 425 stairs). The next trail section begins there. As seniors, we found this trail to be a bit more challenging. It does rise up above the water a several hundred feet. We counted about 1,200 stairs up and about the same coming down. We did find some narrow places on this trail but didn't find any places that were to cozy with the steep edges. We did not take the trail from Vernazza to Monterosso because of the reported narrow trails and the closeness of some to the steep edges.

Lisa, The trail from Monterosso to Vernazza has a couple of narrow spots, basically just wide enough for one person, so hikers have to go "single file" in that part. There are railings in some parts, but not in others. Here's One Example. I didn't perceive it to be especially hazardous, but reasonable car was required. Cheers!

Is it scary? No.

" Italy is one big safety code violation " lol, how true, Michael. There are a few spots from Vernazza northbound that are a little scarey, but the advice about letting others pass bye is solid. Have a great trip!

Lisa, We hiked three of the four sections, but ran out of daylight so we could not do the Vernazza/Monterroso section, so this comment is not meant for that section, which others have already said is the most challenging section. (I hate I don't have bragging rights to say I finished all the segments.) I THINK it was between Corniglia and Monterroso, but I vividly recall literally hugging the huge rock and facing away from the ocean as other hikers passed us on a very narrow (think 12 inches) portion of the trail. I sure as heck was not going to pass them on the other side of that little path. And, there is no guard rail in that section. It's not like you would fall into the ocean if you slipped, but it would be a definite downhill fall if you slipped in that section. But, if you can deal with those few very narrow exceptions (the majority of the trail is not that way), then you should do fine. Wear sturdy shoes and have plenty of water (which you can refill in each village). I was watching where I stepped so carefully, I actually had to remind myself to stop to enjoy the wonderful views. It was dry when we hiked, and there were a few slick spots (think 1000s of feet shining up the stones) from dust. Not certain what it would be like if wet. Some people warned me that the steps in Corniglia were brutal.....I actually found them a piece of cake, because stairs are stairs vs. navigating on irregular rocks of various sizes and stability.

We are in our mid 60's and because there was a train strike and rough seas which meant no boats, we had no choice but to hike both ways last September. The trip from Vernazza, our home base, to Corniglia is not scary. I do not remember ever feeling like I was close to falling down the side of the hill. although the trail was steep at times, I believe you will do just fine. The Vernazza to Monterossa is more difficult because it is steep and at places narrow. We had a light misty rain, which made for a slippery trail. With just light tennis shoes and a slower pace, it was fine though quite a carciovascular workout. Again, I don't recall feeling like I would fall down a steep cliff if I should slip - more like I might land in some brush except maybe in one or two spots. I truly believe this type of terrain will not have the height affect that you mentioned such as in a bell tower. I hope you go for it.

Thanks so much, everyone, for your thoughtful replies. You all sound very brave!
I'm going to give it my best--and if misfortune comes my way, at least I'll be in a beautiful place!

I am also unable to handle heights, and had no problems on the trails. The post with the example is spot on. The caveat is if the trail is wet - the stones are really slippery. We took our time and let everyone pass us, and as a result easily doubled the trail time normally quoted. It was worth every minute! Also - many recommend doing Monterosso to Vernazza - but I'll never forget the beautiful light and view of Monterosso coming from Vernazza. We're doing it again next week!!!

Thanks Vicki!! It's always reassuring to get the opinion of another scared-y cat :)
Hey, maybe I'll bump into you next week! I'll be the one doing Lamaze breathing. (for the record, I rock-climb, but that's a controlled setting: ropes, spotters, belayers, etc. --but i can't even climb a ladder without my knees knocking. go figure.)

Lisa, as a person who also hates open heights because of the dizziness, I feel better if I know there's some options because anticipation can be half of the problem! There's a boat that goes between each town in Cinque Terre, so you can just hop on it for any area that you decide you would like to avoid when you're there. The whole area is beautiful - hills, quaint towns (great to photograph), & beach so anticipate that you'll have a great time!

Based on what I read in this thread, I think you'll be fine. I'm not fond of steep drop off either, but I don't recall ever feeling ill at ease on this hike.

I am a complete scaredy cat and I loved the sight-seeing from Monterosso to Vernazza. I was so distracted by how beautiful everything was that I barely noticed having to squeeze by other hikers on the narrow parts of the trails. You'll be fine. If you do freak out, there are several more open woodsy spots along the trail to take a little break.

I am a complete scaredy cat and I loved the sight-seeing from Monterosso to Vernazza. I was so distracted by how beautiful everything was that I barely noticed having to squeeze by other hikers on the narrow parts of the trails. You'll be fine. If you do freak out, there are several more open woodsy spots along the trail to take a little break.