Hiking in Cinque terre...

Be sure to take the boat ride between the towns to see the CT from the water. My husband landed up dividing his hike into 2 days. He took the boat with me from Monterossa round trip and then we got off in Vernazzo and he continued his hike after wandering the town with me for a bit. I had lunch and shopped and then took the boat back to Monterossa. He hiked and took the train back.

The Trail from Vernazza to Monterossa was closed the day we hiked ( it rained the first 2 days of our stay). We hiked from Vernazza to Riomaggiore, and then back again... a little over ambitious and our legs let us know it the next day. The day was sunny and warm and the views beautiful.
Don't leave the CT without eating at Il Pirata delle 5 Terre in Vernazza. Rick recommends them in his book. Their pastries melt in your mouth. We ate dinner there 3 out of the 4 nights of our stay, some of the best meals we had in ITaly. Their eggplant parm and the pesto lasgne are sooooo good!

I agree that hiking Monterosso to Riomaggiore is best. You'll hike the most difficult part of the trail first, get the best view of Vernazza going that direction and arrive in Cornilgia at town-level. Much better to walk down those 400 stairs at the south end of Corniglia than to walk up. Best thing to do in Cinque Terre, other than just relaxing, is to allow some time to explore each of the towns as you hike along the trail. Evenings, enjoy a nice unrushed meal and then sit by the shore with a glass of wine. In Vernazza, I really enjoy Ristorante al Castello for its good food and great views.

Frank is SO right about the evenings. Most relaxing place in Italy.

If you're going to hike the trails, do plenty of walking for six months prior to your trip, and up and down hills. If you don't, it will be hard, but even if it is, the views are spectacular.

Hi Sarah. we made this hike May 16th and it was one of the real highlights of our 3 weeks in Italy. Based upon advice we got here and on trip advisor we hiked from vernazza to riamaggiore having skipped the first leg. If you can handle the trail begin in Monterosso instead of Vernazza. We were sure glad we listened, as the toughest uphill climbs come early on, as do the best views. Also the 400+ steps at Corniglia are fun if you're going downhill on the way to Manarola, but we saw dozens of exhausted folks climbing them the other way. For much of the way you will be going against the flow, as most people seem to start at Riomaggiore. Its magical. Use care if it is raining as locals tell me people do fall off from time to time! cheers

Il Pirata Restaurant in Vernazza is wonderful! No view but great food and lots of fun. Go early in your visit as you may want to go back!

We cheated and didn't climb the steps to Corniglia - they have a bus at the bottom and it happend to be there just as we arrived - so we took that! The views are incredible no matter which direction you go - we stopped often and looked around - so I don't think it matters what direction from that sense. We did hike Vernazza up to Monterosso - and I didn't think that was so bad - challenging - but not awful.

I just second the Il Pirate suggestion - an absolute must in Vernazza!

Sarah, I'd suggest starting the hike in Monterosso al Mare, and hiking south (the section from Monterosso to Vernazza is the most challenging of all the trails). If you're staying in one of the other towns, just buy a €1 ticket on the local train to reach Monterosso. Be sure to take extra water, both for yourself and the feral Cats living along the trail.

The hike from Vernazza to Corniglia is slightly less difficult than the first, from Corniglia to Manarola relatively easy and the last section, the famed "via del'Amore" is a breeze (it's mostly all paved). On that section there used to be a small Cafe along the trail, and it's great to stop and have a "cool beverage" overlooking the ocean.

Before you hike ANY of the trails, be sure to obtain your Cinque Terre card at any of the local stations. Note this has to be validated the same as a train ticket, using one of the yellow machines at the station. There ARE people in small wooden booths at the entrance to each of the trails, and you won't be allowed to hike without the card. If you buy the card on the day you arrive in the C.T., and don't plan on using it until the next morning, validate it just before you leave on the hike.

Cheers!

this hike is a must! go to the very back of riomaggiore and there you will find a trail leading up the mountain. you will walk past vineyards, through woods, and ultimately come to the top of the mountian where there is a place to buy food, a picnic area, and a breathtaking view of the towns (you can see several of them). I had no idea where the hike went when i started it and can't stress enough how cool this hike is. its about an hour or so hike up, and you can get back down in half the time.