I will spend 3 full days in Cinque Terre in early September 2024. I hope to learn what are the LEAST crowded hikes to consider while I am there. I am able to do fairly challenging hikes and distance doesn't bother me. Thanks to all for sharing your experiences helping me figure this out. Cheers, Brett
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25 posts
Any of the hikes into the hills are less crowded than the hikes into the five main towns. There is a hike that goes from Corniglia to Manarola via Volastra is a nice hike that gets off the main route. We did a hike up to Telegrapho (I think this is the correct name). It gets you up in the hills and you will have the trail to yourself.
The best though is from Riomaggiore to Porte Venere. It is a relentless series of switchbacks out of town; the view on the top is magnificent. You then are more or less on a ridge line all the way to Porto Venere. I don’t remember how many miles but it was several hours. There is a little scramble at the end getting into town but not too demanding. You can then stop for a drink at one of the several seaside bars and take a boat back to your town!
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Boston
1804 posts
The AVG-1 hike to Portovenere mentioned above is one of the most beautiful in Italy and is not crowded. One can take a CT bus upslope for much of the beginning climb to reduce the total time and effort. From Portovenere you can also return by bus connecting to the CT train at La Spezia Centrale. The photo in #6 on this post was taken from this trail: https://www.apathtolunch.com/2016/03/cinque-terre-16-tips-for-avoiding-crowds.html