Iconic picture of CT

Hi, I believe the photo you are talking about is of Vernazza taken from the hiking trail just above town. Go to Vernazza and get on the trail toward Monterosso and walk up for about 10 minutes until you see the view you want. It is a fairly easy walk uphill. We have been there several times and walked the trail up for the view, but last time there was a "trail guard" there checking that we had paid to walk the trail. I explained that I just wanted to walk up the trail a little way to get a photo and then would come right back. She was very nice and let me go up and I thanked her again coming back down. This was a few years ago, so I don't know if it is still allowed, but worth a try if you really want that shot and don't plan to walk the trail. We have been to the CT with 4 RS Tours and loved every visit. We know you will have a great time. Be sure and take the boat trip to see all of the towns from the water. This makes for great photo ops too!

Sally, how are readers supposed to tell you where the scene is if you don't show them the picture?

Sorry Tim, I don't know what is the link to that picture . Thanks Teri, you should be right as you have been to CT several times. I read somewhere that vernazza has really good views.
It is definitely on my to do list in CT. Thanks again.

I believe the photo you're referencing is the one Teri described (see link below). I got a snap of that one on the section of the Sentiero Azzurro between Monterosso to Venazza, and no, it's not a walk in the park. The easiest way is to do it is as she described but it's still a pretty good uphill climb if you're not used to it (we're hikers). Yes, you need a park pass to access the Sentiero Azzurro; the revenue from these help maintain these fragile, overused trails so please buy one!

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d0/Vernazza,_Cinque_Terre_(panorama).jpg

The other classic one I always think of is the view of Manarola:

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e1/1_manarola_evening_2012.jpg

This view is very easy to reach from the town. Just follow the path along the coast north.

DJ

Hi DJ, the view is so picturesque. Is this a long hike from manarola? Thanks.

Yep, that's the other iconic shot, and not really very difficult from Manarola. It's not possible to post my own snaps or I'd do that.

Thanks. I am already excited to go just looking at the pictures. I have seen RS on TV showing people walking with the cliff/ sea on one side. Sorry to ask this question but are those the hikes or are there flat trails from one town to another?

Sally, the photo you describe is probably a 'trail' that has been mostly closed for some years and will remain so for the remainder of this year. It is the section of the Sentiero Azzurro between Riomaggiore and Manarola called the Via dell' Amore, and is the easiest of the CT paths.

https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Via_dell%27Amore_(Cinque_Terre)

The rest of the Sentiero Azzurro (that's open: closed between Corniglia and Manarola in addition to the Via dell' Amore ) and most other CT trails are not flat; they have somewhat steep to very steep sections which are not recommended for people who have mobility issue or are unused to any sort of hiking. Once you see the landscape - which is straight uphill from the sea - you'll understand why. :O)

You could always try a few and just turn around and retrace your steps if it's too much for you. Again, the open sections of the Sentiero Azzurro - Monterosso to Vernazza, and Vernazza to Corniglia are currently open - require a park pass.

sally,

Is THIS the picture you're referring to? If so this is taken from a location just above Vernazza, on the trail leading to Monterosso. If this is not the picture you're thinking of, I'll post another example for you to look at.

Yes Ken. That is the picture ! Thanks.

Tangentially - there are lovely views from the ferry - in the late afternoon with the sun at your back.

Sally,

In June, I visited CT and followed the Vernazza walk described in Italy above the town and took some wonderful pictures like the one Ken linked to in another post. It is not quite as high but exactly what I wanted. Italy has a walk for each town that don't involve the trails but provide great views.

Sharon

It is good fun to see those pictures, especially the album, Ken. It reminds me of what it was like before the cruise ships took over.

I wish I could go when the weather is good and the place empty of tourists again. Alas, I fear that will never happen again.

For those who do go I wish you a lovely and romantic visit, for me I won't go again as long as it is over run.

Sure is beautiful.

For some reason, I don't find the crowding to be much of a problem, at least when staying in Monterosso. I'm not usually there in the middle of the day, so that could be one reason.

Nigel, hopefully you'll be able to get there in the not-to-distant future.