Not quite sure what degree of ruggedness we will encounter on the trails connecting the five towns of Cinque Terra. Would anyone suggest hikers over walking shoes? and yes, we would walk at least part of the trail if the weather is wet.
Posted by
spokane
46 posts
We were in the CT a year ago in Sept. We stayed in Monterosso, and hiked part of the trail from there. It is very rugged, with lots of steps, some quite high, but hikers are not necessary. A suggestion that I would make is to begin at the other end of the coastline, perhaps getting there by boat if weather permits. The trail is much easier there, and if you go by boat you can check out the trail along the way. However much of the trail you hike, it is worth it to do some for the incredible views. The towns are all accessible by train.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Stephen,
The most challenging section of the trails is the part from Monterosso to Vernazza. There's quite a climb at the beginning and then a "drop" into Vernazza. The section from Vernazza to Corniglia is not quite as bad (but still a bit of a "workout") and the last two from Cornigia to Manarola and Manarola to Riomaggiore are EASY.
The "ruggedness" is not actually much of a problem IMO, as I did the hike with normal street shoes. I saw people on the trails using everything from hiking boots to rubber flip-flops.
Note that you'll need a Park Pass in order to hike the trails (there WILL be people checking these).
Happy travels!
Posted by
El Cerrito, CA, United States
58 posts
We hiked the CT trail about a week or so ago; I wore some light hikers (which could double as street shoes w/ long pants), and my wife wore some even lighter walkers (I think hers could double as water shoes). Both worked out fine. Like others said, the trail can be rugged in spots, so I'd definitely steer away from flip-flops and light sandals. I did see one person in Croc's, but I don't know if they were going the whole distance. Of more concern is the time of year and the heat index. If you go in summer, like we did, aim for an early start-- we got side-tracked by a morning market in Monterosso and didn't hit the trail until 10am. In retrospect, it would have been good to be on the trail by 8am. We tanked up with fresh water and gelato at every CT town along the way!
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
It had been raining on the previous day that we hiked in early June. There were some VERY muddy and VERY slippery spots on the trail. I was wearing an old pair of shoes which I had intended on leaving behind. They didn't have very good traction and I was constantly slipping and sliding. They were also completely covered in mud. I'm glad I had already planned to leave them behind!
Posted by
Athens, Georgia
65 posts
We were in CT this past May and walked between all the towns. I agree with the previous posts and we also did not have boots with us. I've made the comment before that now that I'm in my 50's I'm a little more cautious on the trail than I was in my 20's, so I took the trails to and from Vernazza a little bit slower than I would have if I'd had my boots with me. Some of the "steps" are quite high and when you're coming down you might wish you had the ankle support, but a decent pair of shoes will work just fine. Who really wants to lug around hiking boots?
Posted by
OP
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
52 posts
Your descriptions of the trails are just what we needed . . . and yes, no one wants to lug around yet another pair of footwear!
Thank you.
Posted by
Northborough, MA
636 posts
I have a very vulnerable right ankle (twists without much provocation!). My compromise for hiking CT, since I didn't want to lug my hiking boots for 3 weeks for 1 day of hiking was to wear the ankle braces that I use for running and playing tennis. They're very light, but they provide a lot of support.