Walking the Cinque Terre

Hi Kathy! I see this is your first post, so welcome to the forum!

Here are a few websites that describe the Cinque Terre hiking trails as well as anyone could.

• http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/liguria/cinqueterretrails.htm
• http://www.wanderingitaly.com/a/cinque_terre_hiking_trails.htm
• http://www.italianfix.com/hiking-cinque-terre-trails/
• http://www.cinqueterre.eu.com/en/footpaths-cinqueterre

There are no restroom facilities between villages, but you should be able to make it from one village to the next without any issue.

If you're thinking about walking the typical trails from town to town, do an online search for something like "Cinque Terre trails closed". I believe at least two of the four segments are currently closed due to substantial storm damage. It has been reported here that they are not expected to reopen soon, but I haven't sought to verify that.

Links posted by Lane should answer all your questions. I would simply state that trails between Riomaggiore and Manarola is a very easy walk, between Manarola and Corniglia still easy walk to Corniglia train station, then it's uphill into the town. If you want to cheat take a bus from the train station to the town. From Corniglia to Vernazza it's no more walk, it's a hike. While easy for somebody accustomed to hikes in the mountains, it could be demanding to greenhorns. There is a little restaurant (or buffet or bistro) in the middle of the way where you can refresh. When we did it it was hot and no shade. From Vernazza to Monterosso it is also no walk but a hike. It's easier to do it from Vernazza to Monterosso than vice versa. There is a very steep (and long) descent on stairs into Monterosso. We saw many exhausted people going up in opposite direction. No restrooms on the trails with the exception of that mentioned restaurant. Between Vernazza and Monterosso there are some picturesque maps. When we rested I leaned over one and then heard in English: "What's your emergency?" "No emergency, I probably pushed something inadvertently." So they are thinking of us poor Americans and (or) Brits.

kathy,

I was there a few weeks ago, and this was the status at that time.....

If you're referring to the popular Sentiero Azzurro trails, two of the four segments are closed until further notice. At the present time you can hike the Monterosso - Vernazza - Cornigla segments (Park Pass required). The Corniglia - Manarola - Riomaggiore segments are closed and you won't be able to hike those. If you plan on doing the open sections, I'd recommend starting from the Monterosso end so that you get the steep climb over with when you're well rested. I find it easier to go uphill when well rested, as opposed to going downhill when tired (also easier on the knees). Take lots of water.

There are NO restrooms but the hikes are relatively short, about 90 minutes to two hours per segment as I recall. Once you're up at the level of the trails, they're mostly easy walking although there are a few narrow spots. You don't need hiking boots but good quality footwear is prudent (ie: NO flip-flops).

If you're an avid hiker, there's an extensive network of trails in that area that run higher in the hills and bypass the closed segments, so you can also use those (no Park Pass required). However, they're a more robust hike and will take longer.

What time-of-year were you planning to be in that area?

Additionally, here's the link to the official park website:

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

By clicking on "Visit the park" and then "Paths and Outdoor" from the dropdown, you can see which trails are closed...like the 2 sections of the Sentiero Azzurro (SVA2) mentioned above. This is a good tool to have as a heavy storm or rockfall can close any trail at any time.

No, there are no 'facilities' per se but the distances between villages are often short enough not to need them. Many trails are steep and involve a lot of climbing so wear sturdy shoes.

Oh, and the two open sections of the SVA2 between Monterosso and Corniglia are the busiest trails so expect a conga line of people on a nice day.

Reading the responses here and thinking about our upcoming trip to Cinque Terre next week. We are in our 70's and in fairly good condition . Do you think we would be able to do the challenging trails? We were intending to walk at our leisure, stopping at towns along the way. We have allocated all day to do this walk. May by pass the 2hour walk to Monterosso and take the train there and walk part of the path from Monterosso to Vernazza just to take some pictures

Be very careful about the timing. Aside from the climb to get up to path level, which involves lots of stairs and may challenge you, you should be concerned about still being out there as it gets dark. That happened to me when I did part of the walk (don't remember which segment) with my 70-something mom. She had significant respiratory issues and was very slow even on flat ground; we didn't start early in the day and we barely made it back down in time.

I'm almost 65 and would have no hesitancy about taking the hike now, but I regularly walk 7 - 11 miles on vacation. I'd just expect to be slow and need rest breaks going up the steps.

We were intending to walk at our leisure, stopping at towns along the
way. We have allocated all day to do this walk. May by pass the 2hour
walk to Monterosso and take the train there and walk part of the path
from Monterosso to Vernazza just to take some pictures

Paul, I'm not sure what 2-hour walk to Monterosso you're referring to? You mean Blue Trail (see below) from Vernazza all the way to Monterosso?

Here's the deal: a lot of posters have the perception that there is only one 'path' in the CT: from Monterosso to Riomaggiore; the Blue Trail (or Sentiero Azzurro/SVA2) I mentioned above. It's easy to get that idea as that's the one that is talked about the most, and which the biggest chunk of visitors come to do as (when fully open) it's the most direct hiking route through the villages.

That trail is actually 4 segments with two of them currently being closed, but there are many other trails of varying lengths a difficulty in the park, and many of those go higher into the hills.

The park website is a great resource!!!!! Along with a map of all the trails, it also provides itineraries and descriptions plus difficulty ratings, lengths and approx. time each of them take to do. For instance, here's the page for that section of the SVA2 you were probably talking about:

http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Eiti_dettaglio.php?id_iti=3578

Ratings: T (tourist level) is the easiest; E is more challenging; EE is expert.

That segment does involve long, steep climbs/stairs, and it will be very busy. People allergic to heights have also reported having issues as it's a long drop down (true to most CT trails). It's very narrow, and there's nothing like hand rails or fencing. What you might do is just give it a shot and turn around if/when it gets to be too much? There are places where you can step to the side to catch your breath and let others pass.

You might also do this one from Vernazza instead as that million-dollar view of that village/harbor from high above is closest from this end. Oh, and do be aware that you need to purchase a park pass to do this trail or the other open segment of the Blue between Vernazza and Cornigila.

(Edited to fix a typo)

Just wanted to add to this post for those not wanting to walk long trails/distances.
I highly recommend to most everyone capable of climbing some stairs to walk in Vernazza up the main trail in both directions.
They both start in the center of town and across from each other.
The overlook on the trail to Corniglia and that on the way to Monterosso are both stunning and viewable after a short climb only.

The areas with the best views is right at or just after the pass stations so may even be able to do so without the Cinque Terre pass for the trails.
You will be very rewarded for walking to these overlooks, they are some of the best possible views in the entire Cinque Terre and both come not far into either trail.

If you are a photographer, hit the trail to Corniglia for Sunset and the trail to Monterosso for Sunrise.

Thanks everyone for the input and suggestions. We will play it by ear. If it gets too hard we can turn around or just stop and rest for awhile. Hey, it's supposed to be a vacation,right?

That's a great attitude, Paul! Give it a go and just reverse course if it's a bit much.

I would gently suggest getting the park pass (Trekking Card) though, even for a little hiking. The Blue, especially, is suffering from an overload of feet it was never intended for, and requires a lot of maintenance. It's difficult and probably expensive to do that so the $ you spend for the pass will help keep the paths in shape. The CT is a National Park so buying a pass there is really no different than buying one to access a National Park here in the States. :O)

It will be mandatory to have one to pass through entry points to the Blue.

http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Ecinque-terre-card.php

Thanks for the advice Kathy!! We are heading to Florence tomorrow. Trip of a lifetime for us. Will get the park pass.

You're a good man, Paul. I wish you sunny skies and lots of great pix from the trail!
Oh, and have a fabulous time in Firenze: great city; great art; great architecture; great food. What's not to like? :O)