now in Monterosso ,just returned from the CT park office and there is only one section of the blue trail that is open, which is the section from Monterosso to Vernazza. The high trails are all open.
Unlike some other recent reports re: crowds although there are certainly many people here,by no means the street blocking, masses of people. Rather tranquil actually, concerning the popularity of the place.
Last week the masses were especially bad because of the May 1 holiday weekend. Saturday was the worst. I was there!
Swan, Sorry that you had such an unpleasant experience.
Next weekend is the lemon festival here so could be just as crowded, but I planned my stay to Not be here during the festival time.
Ann,
It's not surprising that you didn't find dreadful crowds in Monterosso. I find that they tend to come in "waves" and most of the time the environment there is very pleasant.
Regarding the trails, I just received an update from a local resident and wanted to pass it on to anyone that's interested....
"The bottom line on trails is that they are ALL open (even if Corniglia-Vernazza is "officially" closed at the moment for maintenance in one section, it is passable and tourists have been hiking it daily) EXCEPT for the part of Via dell'Amore that is still in progress AND the section from Manarola to Corniglia."
There will be a more detailed update posted on the Save Vernazza website within the next few days.
Ken, given the severity of the landslide some years ago, I'd be very surprised if the section of the Blue from Corniglia to Manarola is open. Last I knew, the schedule for opening that one was 2016 at the earliest.
Kathy,
I agree! As the last sentence of the above quotation states, the Manarola - Corniglia segment is an exception as is most of the Via dell' Amore.
Oh for pete's sake…
Ken, I am so sorry. Must have been distracted ( in final countdown for a trip) as I skimmed right over that line!
Kathy,
Not to worry. Hopefully your trip will include a visit to Italy! Have a great time!
We'll be farther north this time, Ken (Germany/Belgium). It'll be just terrific, I'm sure, but I'm SO jealous of all the lucky RS posters whom are headed to The Boot and I'm not! :O(
