Hello, wonderful travelers!
Looking over the RS book on CT to plan some hikes. Notice that he has the coastal trail hikes as Corniglia to Vernazza and Vernazza to Monterosso in that order.
Should we hike them that direction or is it just as nice to do it the other way (M-V and V-C)? It may be the best views are the way RS lists them but I’m just checking.
Thanks in advance.
We did v-m two weeks ago. Both of us are close to 70. It was a bear. Wear good shoes, bring water and a walking stick if possible. Wear good shoes AND don't look down.
We did it the other way, and it was fun to suddenly come upon that rather iconic view of Vernazza below. It would be behind you if going the other way, although you can turn around to see it.
https://www.cinqueterrehike.com/en/blue-trail-vernazza-monterosso
I don't know as it matters either way although some hikers feel that the steep climb out of Vernazza enroute to Monterosso is a bit quicker/easier that the climb out of Monterosso enroute to Vernazza. I don't recall the Vernazza> Corniglia route being as strenuous.
Great info. I like the idea of coming up on that view!
Have foggy recollection of reading ( somewhere on this forum) that certain segments are 'one -way' at some times of the day. May want to research that. ( may have been a hallucination I had while caffeine deprived, but .... )
Definitely checking on that. Thank you
They do that at certain busy times of high season, like Easter weekend. I haven't read notices for anything coming up but will stay tuned!
Cissy,
I've found that starting the hike in Monterosso is a good idea, as there's quite a steep climb at the beginning, and it's much easier on the knees and less hazardous to go uphill in that part than downhill. The uphill part at the Vernazza end isn't as bad, and of course it's a nice treat at the end of the hike to see that famous view of Vernazza from the hill. I'm in the "seniors" age range and there's no way I'd be hiking downhill into Monterosso!
I'm not sure how much hiking you plan to do, but note that two sections of the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Path) trail are still closed. The segment from Corniglia to Manarola and from Manarola to Riomaggiore. There are higher trails that you could take for those segments but they're more of a robust and longer hike. The segment from Vernazza to Corniglia should be open, but of course all the trails are subject to weather-related issues.
Great info. We will be hiking every day we are there so all this is wonderful stuff. Thank you!!
A few years ago when we were in CT some of the trails were closed. We took the train to Levanto and from there there is a wonderful trail high above the sea to Monterosso. This trail is not part of the park, so it is always open. It was wonderful! We also hiked from Vernazza to Manorola and from Corniglia we took the alternative higher route through the vineyards. It was not for those who are leery of heights because there are some very narrow sections. However, it was well worth it. Where ever your are staying should be able to help you with ideas. Yes, sturdy shoes are a must as is water and hiking poles if possible. You will have the time of your life!
Cissy, in case you haven't found it yet, this is the website for the park (it can sometimes be a little sticky):
http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Eindex.php
This is the page with the trail map and some suggested itineraries:
http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Esentieri-outdoor.php
You can zoom in on it. A trail in black means it's closed; blue lines are easy trails; green lines are a little tougher; orange lines are the most strenuous. Clicking on any of these lines will bring up the trail number and "View the itinerary" text. Clicking that text will bring up detail about the trail: difficulty; approx, time it takes to hike; terrain it passes through; etc.
And this is info on the Trekking Card you'll need to purchase if hiking either of the two 592/SVA2 "Blue Trail" segments that are usually open.
http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Ecinque-terre-card.php
Unexpected trail closures, weather alerts or other updates pertinent to hikers will also be posted to the site. :O)
Great links, thank you!!!!
When we hiked the blue trail in 2021, we hiked from Corniglia to Vernazza to Monterosso. Personally, I would not really want to climb all the stairs at the beginning, but you may feel differently. I am not sure what time of year you will be there, but I recommend getting an early start. We were on the trail by 8am and hardly saw anyone for the first stretch. I bought the trekking card on my phone and simply showed it when needed. Don't miss Bar Il Gabbiano between Corniglia and Vernazza. The fresh squeezed lemon granita was amazingly refreshing. Enjoy!
We will be there the first few days of June. Already planning to start early or late to avoid
Mid day crush.
Thanks for the tips!
It was very crowded on the trails and in town. Last week
Nice though
Some info relating to 'early June'
