Solo hiking in Cinque Terre

Check the fares and see the costs as to whether its into Florence or out of Rome, or you go into Rome and out of Florence. I've never been into the Florence airport and I usually end my trips in Rome and fly home from there. From my area I can get to Rome with 1 connection, Florence is 2. For me I'd rather have more connections early in the trip then later.

I hiked the trails and we passed sevearl solo hikers betwen Vernazza and Monterosso. Some people were friendly and we started talking as we hiked. You may even meet another traveler and hike part of the trail with them. No need for a hiking tour in the CT. Enjoy the trails.

kathy,

My suggestion would be to fly inbound to Florence and outbound from Rome. The airport in Florence is relatively small and it's only a short distance from the city so a good way to start the trip and get over jet lag. Your profile doesn't indicate where you're from, but it's possible that you may have to transit one of the large hub airports (ie: FRA) to find a flight into FLR.

It's easy to get from Florence to the Cinque Terre by train and also from the C.T. to Rome (about 4 hours by train, if you use one of the direct departures from La Spezia Centrale).

I assume you're referring to hiking the popular Sentiero Azzurro trails in the Cinque Terre? Yes, it's perfectly safe to hike the trails solo. I know that as I've done it on more than one occasion. There are a few sections that are narrow so some caution is required, but it's not a "technically difficult" hike. The stretch from Monterosso to Vernazza is the most challenging, and I prefer to start from the Monterosso end, as I find it easier to go "up" steep hills rather than "down". Be sure to take lots of water. As you approach Vernazza, you can leave some with the stray cats.

You'll probably find that you aren't completely "solo", as there will be many others hiking at the same time. There will likely be some short times when you're completely alone, with nothing but the warm breeze, incredible views of the ocean and the sound of a few insects buzzing in the trees. I haven't hiked any of the other trails that extend further up in the hills, so can't offer any comments on those.

A few important points to note - at the present time, only the trails from Monterosso to Vernazza and Vernazza to Corniglia are open. A Park Pass will be required to hike those, which you can easily buy when you arrive there. Last time I made the trek, you could buy the Pass from the small booths at the end of each trail (there WILL be someone checking for Passes). The trails from Corniglia to Manarola and Manarola to Riomaggiore (Via dell' Amore) are closed and will probably not re-open this year.

Make sure that you have plenty of water on the trails.

Good advice. Buon viaggio!

Awesome suggestions everyone. THANKS!!