Open trails in Cinque Terre

KB,

According to THIS website, only the Sentiero Azzurro trails from Monterosso to Vernazza, and Vernazza to Cornigila are open at the present time. You could hike those and then use the local trains to access the other towns. There's no way to predict whether they'll be open at the end of October, as that will be subject to weather at the time.

One point to note is that there's an extensive network of trails running through that area. If you like hiking, you'll have lots of good trails to choose from.

Regarding where to stay, you'll first have to decide which of the five towns you want to stay in. The Guidebook has good listings for lodgings in each of the towns. I prefer to stay in Monterosso as it's the largest of the five and therefore has the widest selection of accommodations, restaurants and other amenities.

It will probably be somewhat "quiet" in that area at the end of October, and weather may not be as favourable.

As Ken said, there are so many trail options it is challenging to select! Why everyone sticks to Trail #2, I do not know. Ask locally and you will get great advice. The outdoor store in Manarola in particular has helped us.

Late October businesses start to shut down.... Be prepared for rain. Get out early (like 08:30 start) and rain seems to move in about noon. (At least that is my experience in 3 October trips to the area.)

For another look at what's open/closed, and trail ratings, take a look at the park website's map:

http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/sentieri_parco.asp?id_lingue=2

Trails marked in blue are open, and rated "easy"
Marked in green, open and rated "average"
Marked in yellow, open and rated for experienced hikers - meaning strenuous, and to use caution
Marked in red, "closed"

As Ken mentioned, an open trail could close in the event of unexpected instability, storm damage, etc, or open again if repair work has been completed.

Thanks for your answers. Very helpfull! I'm looking forward to my trip :-)

I am also planning on being in the Cinque Terre the last week in October. Our home base is Florence and due to the iffy weather that time of year, we're hoping to be a little spontaneous, and head over to the CT when the weather looks positive. That all being said, what are my odds of finding a place to spend the night without any reservations ? Thoughts? Also, regarding trails, I found a great book: 50hikes in and around Tuscany. This shows a lot of hikes in the CT.