Your Guide to Cinque Terre’s Walking Trails
Nestled along Italy’s rugged Ligurian Riviera, Cinque Terre’s UNESCO-listed trails wind through terraced vineyards, dramatic cliffs, and colorful villages, offering breathtaking Mediterranean views. This guide details the region’s iconic walking paths, from the easy Via dell’Amore to the challenging high trails, with difficulty levels, hiking times, and essential tips. Whether you’re strolling between Riomaggiore and Manarola or tackling the Sentiero Azzurro, Cinque Terre’s trails promise adventure and beauty. Lace up your hiking shoes and explore this coastal paradise!
About Cinque Terre
Location and Overview
Cinque Terre, meaning “Five Lands,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Italy’s northwest coast, between Pisa and Genoa. It comprises five colorful villages—Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—perched on cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea. Known for its medieval fishing heritage, terraced vineyards, and vibrant culture, it’s a top hiking destination with over 120 km of trails across 48 paths in the Cinque Terre National Park.
[](https://intentionaltravelers.com/hiking-cinque-terre-2021-trail-tips-itinerary/)History
Founded in the Middle Ages under Genoese rule, Cinque Terre’s villages thrived as fishing and trading hubs. Their terraced landscapes, built for viticulture, and historic sanctuaries like Nostra Signora di Montenero reflect centuries of agricultural and cultural heritage. The trails, once mule paths, connected villages and sanctuaries, shaping the region’s identity.
[](https://www.emiliadelizia.com/the-most-comprehensive-detailed-list-of-all-cinque-terre-trails/)When to Visit
Spring (April–June) and fall (September–November) offer mild weather (15–25°C) and fewer crowds, ideal for hiking. Summer (July–August) is hot (25–30°C) with crowded trails. Winter (5–15°C) is quieter but risks trail closures due to rain or landslides.
[](https://www.alongdustyroads.com/posts/hiking-cinque-terre)Transportation
The Cinque Terre Express train connects all five villages, La Spezia, and Levanto (every 10–15 min, €4/trip). Train durations: Monterosso to Vernazza (5 min), Vernazza to Corniglia (4 min), Corniglia to Manarola (4 min), Manarola to Riomaggiore (3 min). The Cinque Terre Card (€7.50–€15/day for trails, €19.50/day with unlimited trains) is recommended. Book via Trenitalia. Cars are impractical due to limited parking.
[](https://www.earthtrekkers.com/hiking-cinque-terre-italy/)[](https://intentionaltravelers.com/hiking-cinque-terre-2021-trail-tips-itinerary/)Preparation and Safety
Purchase a Cinque Terre Card for Blue Trail access (€7.50 low season, €15 high season; Via dell’Amore requires extra €10, book at viadellamore.info). Wear sturdy hiking shoes (flip-flops banned, fines €50–€2,500). Check trail status at tourist offices or parconazionale5terre.it due to frequent closures. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Stay on marked paths for safety.
[](https://www.earthtrekkers.com/hiking-cinque-terre-italy/)[](https://www.alongdustyroads.com/posts/hiking-cinque-terre)Culture and Tips
Learn basic Italian like “Buongiorno” and “Grazie.” Tipping is optional (5–10%). Dress respectfully in churches (cover shoulders/knees). Stay in La Spezia or Levanto for budget accommodations. Trails are marked with red-and-white signs every 10 meters. Respect park rules and leave no trace.
[](https://www.alongdustyroads.com/posts/hiking-cinque-terre)Cinque Terre Walking Trails
Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro, 592)
Description: The most popular trail, connecting all five villages along the coast with stunning sea views. Divided into four sections, it’s known for terraced vineyards and rocky paths. Requires Cinque Terre Card (€7.50–€15/day).
[](https://www.earthtrekkers.com/hiking-cinque-terre-italy/)Sections and Details:
1. Riomaggiore to Manarola (Via dell’Amore, 592-1): 1 km, 30 min, Easy, 33 m elevation gain. Paved, accessible path with coastal views. Reopened 2024, requires extra €10 fee and time slot booking. One-way from Riomaggiore. Status: Open.
[](https://www.cinqueterre.eu.com/en/footpaths-cinqueterre)[](https://www.bestofcinqueterre.com/en/popular-hiking-routes)2. Manarola to Corniglia (592-2): 2.5 km, 45 min, Easy, 131 m elevation gain. Coastal path under cliffs, often closed due to landslides. Status: Closed until 2028 (first 300 m open from Manarola).
[](https://www.bestofcinqueterre.com/en/popular-hiking-routes)3. Corniglia to Vernazza (592-3): 3.2 km, 1.5 hrs, Moderate, 220 m elevation gain. Rocky paths and steps through vineyards. Best started in Corniglia for easier descent. Status: Open.
[](https://www.cinqueterre.eu.com/en/footpaths-cinqueterre)[](https://www.bestofcinqueterre.com/en/popular-hiking-routes)4. Vernazza to Monterosso (592-4): 3.3 km, 2 hrs, Moderate, 180 m elevation gain. Steepest section with many steps, best from Monterosso (one-way 9 am–2 pm, Apr–May weekends). Status: Open.
[](https://www.cinqueterre.eu.com/en/footpaths-cinqueterre)[](https://www.earthtrekkers.com/hiking-cinque-terre-italy/)Total: 11 km, 5–6 hrs (excluding village stops), Moderate overall.
Manarola to Corniglia via Volastra (506, 586, 587)
Description: Alternative to the closed Blue Trail section, this high route passes through vineyards and the village of Volastra. No Cinque Terre Card required. Offers panoramic views.
[](https://www.cinqueterre.eu.com/en/footpaths-cinqueterre)Details: 5.4 km, 2.5 hrs, Moderate-Difficult, 385 m elevation gain. Steep climb from Manarola (1200 steps); bus to Volastra (10 min, €1.50) saves 1 hr. Starts behind Madonna della Salute church in Volastra. Status: Open.
[](https://www.cinqueterre.eu.com/en/footpaths-cinqueterre)[](https://www.bestofcinqueterre.com/en/popular-hiking-routes)Riomaggiore to Manarola via Beccara (531)
Description: Steep alternative to Via dell’Amore, crossing a ridge with 600+ steps. No Cinque Terre Card required. Offers panoramic sea views.
[](https://www.emiliadelizia.com/the-most-comprehensive-detailed-list-of-all-cinque-terre-trails/)[](https://www.cinqueterre.eu.com/en/footpaths-cinqueterre)Details: 1.4 km, 1 hr, Difficult, 232 m elevation gain. Requires good fitness due to steep stairs. Best for experienced hikers. Status: Open.
[](https://www.emiliadelizia.com/the-most-comprehensive-detailed-list-of-all-cinque-terre-trails/)[](https://www.bestofcinqueterre.com/en/popular-hiking-routes)Riomaggiore to Portovenere (593, 598)
Description: A long, scenic coastal trail through pine forests and past the Sanctuary of Montenero. No Cinque Terre Card required. Views of Elba and Corsica on clear days.
[](https://www.cinqueterre.eu.com/en/footpaths-cinqueterre)Details: 12.7 km, 6 hrs, Difficult, 690 m elevation gain. Challenging ascent from Riomaggiore (45 min); bus to Telegrafo avoids climb. Status: Open.
[](https://www.cinqueterre.eu.com/en/footpaths-cinqueterre)[](https://www.bestofcinqueterre.com/en/popular-hiking-routes)Levanto to Monterosso (590, 591)
Description: A scenic trail from Levanto to Monterosso via Punta Mesco, passing pine forests and the Chapel of St. Antonio ruins. No Cinque Terre Card required. Offers views of all five villages.
[](https://www.cinqueterre.eu.com/en/footpaths-cinqueterre)Details: 6.8 km, 3 hrs, Moderate, 355 m elevation gain. Steep start from Monterosso; easier from Levanto. Status: Open.
[](https://www.cinqueterre.eu.com/en/footpaths-cinqueterre)[](https://www.bestofcinqueterre.com/en/popular-hiking-routes)Ring of Riomaggiore (593, 593V)
Description: A loop trail to the Sanctuary of Montenero, offering panoramic views of Riomaggiore and the Riviera. No Cinque Terre Card required.
[](https://www.bestofcinqueterre.com/en/popular-hiking-routes)Details: 3.5 km, 1 hr 20 min, Easy, 323 m elevation gain. Best clockwise to descend steps. Status: Open.
[](https://www.bestofcinqueterre.com/en/popular-hiking-routes)Vernazza to San Bernardino (508, 581, 507)
Description: A loop trail passing sanctuaries (Nostra Signora di Reggio, San Bernardino). No Cinque Terre Card required, except for first 50 m on Blue Trail. Scenic wooded slopes.
[](https://www.bestofcinqueterre.com/en/popular-hiking-routes)Details: 6.8 km, 3 hrs, Moderate, 515 m elevation gain. Clockwise recommended; bus to San Bernardino saves 1 hr. Status: Open.
[](https://www.bestofcinqueterre.com/en/popular-hiking-routes)Explore Cinque Terre’s Trails
Cinque Terre’s trails, from the iconic Blue Trail to the serene Ring of Riomaggiore, offer unforgettable adventures through vineyards, cliffs, and coastal vistas. With trails for all levels, you’ve discovered the beauty of this UNESCO gem. Check trail status at parconazionale5terre.it, grab your Cinque Terre Card at Trenitalia, and start hiking. Buon cammino!