Question about the hiking trail from Vernazza to Monterosso.

The hike between Monterosso and Vernazza is considered the hardest of the five from what I'm told. I've done 4 of the 5 and I'd agree based on what I remember. There are a lot of steps on that section too, especially if you are going from Monterosso towards Vernazza (in that direction you'll be going up the steps). Views are amazing but if you can't do a lot of steps, you might want to skip that section.

We hiked all the trails in 2008. We hiked from Vernazza to Monterosso and there are a lot of steps. It is a little harder than the Vernazza to Corniglia trail. If you did the Vernazza to Corniglia trail without any trouble I think you will be alright. Just give yourself plenty of time and stop when you need to. Have fun, we will be back to the CT in September.

The hike between Monterosso and Vernazza has about 550 "steps" up, but these are on rough, irregular stones. Allow plenty of time, enjoy the views and give it a go.

Thank you everyone. I just wanted a clearer picture of what we are facing. I won't have any trouble at all but I want to make sure it won't be too much for my husband who is a bit older. I think he will be fine if we pace ourselves and I am going to suggest that he carries a stick. It sounds as though it will be a bit easier if we hike from Vernazza towards Monterosso rather than the other way around. Steps down are easier than steps up and it sounds as though there are a few more going the other way. We shall be there at the end of April. Last time we were there in September, so it will be different in the cooler temperatures. We are looking forward to it and staying in Manarola again.

It is better to do it Vernazza - Monterosso direction since climbing from Vernazza is gradual. The opposite direction starting from Monterosso is very steep with a lot of steps. Vernazza - Monterosso is maybe just slightly more demanding than Vernazza - Corniglia.

I agree with the previous comments suggesting Vernazza to Monterosso as the way to go. The views of Vernazza receding into the distance as you head toward Monterosso are fabulous. I add a word of caution. Allow yourself enough time to complete the hike in daylight. On my first trip in early November of 1999, I made the mistake of starting my hike from Corniglia to Vernazza in the late afternoon and had to walk almost half of the trip in the dark. Fortunately, I had an umbrella with me which I was able to use as a walking stickto reach out for my next step in the dark. I still have the umbrella and I refer to it as my 'saviour.'

Thanks for the advice and the confirmation about the direction to walk.

And another comment in regards to pacing yourselves: Yes, the Monterosso-Vernazza direction has (what did they say?) 550 irregular steps cut into the hillside right at the outset of the hike and that is nothing you can duplicate on a stairmaster in the gym. So I am also in agreement that Vernazza-Monterosso makes more sense and is just a bit less taxing. That saidwhen you've hiked for awhile, up and down, up and down, then start going down, down, down, down for what seems like forever on that last stretch into Monterosso this can also turn your legs to jelly. Forget stamina...now we're talking about strength and muscle coordination! Definitely get him a walking stick because I did this 3 years ago in my early 40's and wished I had one for those steps, portions of which do not have handrails. I know without a doubt that if we had chosen to start in Monterosso and encountered those steps going up and up I would have turned around and skipped it!

Good advice. This backs me up as I had already suggested a stick to him. We will both take one.thanks

Jennifer, I'm going to disagree with the majority here, as I feel that hiking from Monterosso to Vernazza is probably a better idea, especially for those of us that are a bit "older" (I'm 60+). While there are a lot of steps at the beginning of the trail from Monterosso, I've found it's much easier on my legs and especially my knees to climb in the uphill direction. Downhill hikes are somewhat more effort and my knees are usually quite sore if I have to do much of that. The decision on which direction to choose will depend on which will be most comfortable for your husband. Happy travels!

More good advice but I am more concerned with his heart and lungs than his knees, though knees are a consideration. I think for him Vernazza to Monterosso will be the best bet, plus a stick.If it gets too difficult for him we will turn back when we get to the first view point. He did pretty well last Sept on the Corniglia to Vernazza.