Which trail is easier

Dawn,

The Corniglia - Vernazza segment is probably about right, but I can't remember what type of "shade" is available. You could perhaps make that trek in the morning before it gets really hot, or take a good hat. Note that you'll need a Park Pass to hike that segment of the Sentiero Azzurro.

I'm not familiar with the Vettor shuttle, so can't offer any comments on that.

Corniglia to Vernazza trail in mid May. There is a bit of shade and the scenery cancels any discomfort. About an hour in of the
2 hour hike there is a small refreshment hut selling freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice. We did not need a parks pass.
Simply started out from Corniglia where we were staying. I do not know of the Punta Mesco trail but the hike from Vernazza
over to Monterosso finishes with 700 earthen steps down. A challenge!

I would rate the Corniglia to Vernazza trail as moderately difficult, with it being somewhat easier in that direction. As others have mentioned, portions of the trail are shaded and the views are fantastic. The Vernazza to Monterosso trail is more difficult than Corniglia to Vernazza. If you were to hike it, I'd suggest starting from Vernazza due to the hundreds of steps one must climb if coming from Monterosso (much easier going down them). The only easy trails I've hiked are Riomaggiore to Manarola to Corniglia, but those trails are currently closed. I haven't hiked either of the other 2 trails you mention.

Good info - thank you all. Think I'll avoid the 700 steps uphill!!

I also just found this from a February 2017 forum comment:
"A short section of the Via dell' Amore can be accessed from the Manarola end, as far as the small bar. That's a nice place to have a glass of wine and a meal while enjoying the view."

Dawn,

That comment about the short section of the Via dell' Amore open as far as the Bar is indeed the case, although it's a very short section of the trail. If you want to have a look and a nice glass of wine or whatever, that's certainly an option. There's a plexiglass wall just past the Bar so that's as far as you can go.

All of those are beyond easy. #2 might be moderate. Your #3 is about 2 hours. We did it all the way to Levanto a few years ago and it was a long hike (3.5 hours total). Monterosso to Punta Mesca is a solid hour of uphill trekking, but not technical at all.

We did Vernazza to corniglia and Vernazza to Monterosso trails on one day..one early morning and one late in the day.
I didn't find much shade on either of those trails. It's advisable to do the trails on either end of a day as it's least crowded then.
The trails have a lot of ups and downs and lots and lots of stairs. So don't attempt those with a dodgy knee or wearing flip flops. Carry water for the trail as there are no shops etc on the trail.
Have a great trip