Trail Conditions Cinque Terra

hazel,

It's too early to say at the moment. I assume you're referring to the popular Sentiero Azzurro trails?

It's highly probable that the Riomaggiore - Manarola segment ("Via dell' Amore) and the Manarola - Corniglia segments will remain closed this year. The other two segments will probably be open on 1 April, subject to any storms at the time. Note that a Park Pass is required to hike those trails.

You can get trail information and check closures on the park's website:

http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Eindex.php

http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Esentieri-outdoor.php

The famous Sentiero Azzurro route are the four SVA2 segments showing in black with red-and-white circles, which means they're all currently closed. This is probably not unusual for the winter months when repairs may occur and/or weather conditions prohibit safe foot traffic. As Ken said, 2 of the 4 segments of that route (Cornigilia> Manarola>Riomaggiore) will remain closed in 2018, or last I read, anyway, and it's not possible to predict April status of the other two. Chances are they'll be open but heavy spring rains or rockfalls could close them for varying lengths of time.

As you can see on the map, there are many other trails besides the Sentiero Azzurro, albeit most are longer and/or more strenuous, so a reasonably fit hiker doesn't need to limit themselves to just that route.

The trail from Levanto to Monterosso is long and maybe considered difficult if you’re not in good physical shape...but it’s an excellent journey!
The trails between Manarola to Corniglia to Vernazza are open, but it’s the “high” trail rather than the ones along the coast that collapsed years ago. These trails offer great views and exercise too.
A bus will take you from Manarola to the trail head which starts in Volastra
When you arrive, check in with the tourist booth, they will help you out. There will certainly be trails available for you to chose from.
Good luck and have fun!

Last Sept., we hiked the upper trail from Riomaggiori to Manarola and onto Corniglia. It was the most beautiful hike I've taken in my entire life! Parts were strenuous.......A "real" hike vs. a walk. But OMG.......The trail crisscrosses through the vineyards and olive orchards. You're way above the villages, looking down on the most amazing views or towns and coastline. We actually saw a grape grower riding the monorail-type tram that traverses the hills........People were picking grapes, and the grape grower was transporting the picked fruit back to the top. We started in the morning, then stopped in the little village of Volastra for lunch, before continuing on to Corniglia to take the train back to Monterosso. Absolutely amazing!!! ;)

Hi everyone - i just want to make sure i'm reading the map right. I can hike between Vernazza and Corniglia, but that's as far south I can go on SVA2 correct? I'm really sad it's closed because I'd like to hike from Vernazza to Riomaggiore. I'll be happy even if I can do that one segment.

I can hike between Vernazza and Corniglia, but that's as far south I
can go on SVA2 correct?

Yes but you could also start on the SVA2 in Monterosso, hike to Vernazza and then to Corniglia. At least that is possible currently. The caveat with the SVA2 route is that it is the most heavily used and can be closed abruptly if heavy weather, rockfalls or other damage occurs unexpectedly. The trails are fragile, and the SVA2, especially, wasn't built for the amount of foot traffic it's expected to endure so, well, what is open today may not be when you go.

As you can see from the map, there are other routes between Cornigila and Riomaggiore, albeit longer and/or more strenuous. Anyone choosing to go the CT to hike should understand that the tenuous terrain may necessitate a plan B depending on any number of factors.

The SVA2 segments between Corniglia and Riomaggiore have been closed for quite some time but they're working on it as best they can.

Thanks Hazelzomm! I thought about the Monterosso to Vernazza trail too, but our young son will be with us and it might be a bit too much for him. We'll still enjoy the hike from Vernazza to Corniglia :)