Potentially dumb question about the Cinque Terre

Cathy,

There are no "dumb questions" here, so don't be embarrassed.

The simple answer is that there IS just one trail between each of the five villages and the next one (the villages are essentially in a line from each one to the next - hope that makes sense?).

Starting from the north, the trail from Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza is perhaps the most challenging as it climbs for a ways and then descends into Vernazza. It's not very wide in some parts, but not overly difficult.

The next trail from Vernazza to Corniglia is almost as challenging, and much the same. After passing through Corniglia, hikers have to descend a long and wide stairway down to the station area to reach the next trail.

The trail from Cornigila to Manarola is relatively easy, as it's mostly flat and runs along the ocean for the most part.

The final trail from Manarola to Riomaggiore is the famous via del'Amore, and it's VERY easy as it's mostly paved and flat. There's also a small restaurant & bar along the way and it's great to sit there with a "cool one" (you'll undoubtedly want a Foster's) looking over the ocean.

Note that to hike ANY of the trails you'll need a Park Pass, which you can obtain at any train station. There WILL be people in small wooden booths checking to make sure you have a Pass!

The more detailed answer is that there are some additionial trails which lead to other villages higher in the mountains, but those aren't a concern for most people.

If you're able to have a look at a copy of the Italy 2009, there's lots of information on hiking the trails listed there.

Cheers!

There are actually more trails in the CT. One of them goes directly from town to town (but you do have to watch for the red/white strip to stay on the trail- it can appear almost anywhere, buildings, ground, etc)

There is a set of higher trails too, above the towns that you can hike.

When in the CT, get a map, it will show you your options for hiking, should you prefer to get away from the tourist crowds and hike with a slightly better view.
(but don't tell anyone on this board about it! : > )

Much of the CT is a national park. There are actually more trails. The trails described by Ken are the most popular and go along the sea coast. There are other trails higher up in the hills. For example, there is one trail that goes from Portovenere to Levanto (approximately 40km). There are connecting trails from the towns up to this trail. This is not a useful way to walk between the towns but it can be done. You can get a map showing all trails at any TI office. CLICK HERE to see some information and a map on this trail.

As has been said, there are multiple trails in CT. When people refer to "the trail", they're talking about the trail that gets you between the five towns.

There really isn't a choice of the hard or easy/high or low trail between the five towns. The other trails along this stretch take you away from the coast to other Ligurian towns.

Thanks alot everyone, much appreciated.... now I feel much less confused :-)