Visiting Cinque Terre – a UNESCO world heritage site along the shores of northwestern Italy in the region of Liguria – had been on our bucket list for so long. We spent one and a half days in July exploring Cinque Terre and loved hiking from Monterosso to Vernazza along the Blue Trail during our visit to the region.
Stunning Cinque Terre consists of five picturesque villages nestled along the dramatic cliffs of the Italian coastline.
Cinque Terre is widely considered as the most beautiful stretch of the Italian Riviera and is also the smallest national park of Italy.
I am guessing that if you are reading this post, you might be planning on visiting Cinque Terre soon and perhaps even considering hiking along the beautiful trails in the region.
So here’s a photoessay and travel guide about our experience of hiking from Monterosso to Vernazza along the Blue Trail (Azure Trail). This post also covers the details about how to reach Cinque Terre, our hike along the Blue trail, hiking tips and things to do in Vernazza.
Cinque Terre – an introduction and how to get there
The five villages of Cinque Terre are Riomaggiore (the southernmost, closest to La Spezia), Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare (closest to Levanto). While all of these villages have the same shades of charming pastel buildings, they each have a unique feel to them.
For example, Monterosso is the more resort-like village with a classic Italian beachfront, larger hotels and attracts a lot of tourists.
On the other hand, the smaller, but probably the most beautiful village of Cinque Terre – Vernazza, exudes charms with its boat-filled natural harbor, tiny beach, narrow alleys, and a castle.
While both Monterosso and Vernazza are quite touristy, the equally charming villages of Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore are a delightful base for visitors who would prefer to experience the quieter slice of Cinque Terre.
The five villages of Cinque Terre are seamlessly connected by train, bus and boat services. We arrived at Cinque Terre after spending a memorable day in Pisa. Our train from Pisa brought us to La Spezia in about 1h 20 mins. We switched trains at La Spezia and arrived in Vernazza in about 18 mins.
The trains along the La Spezia to Genova line run frequently and stop at each of the five villages of Cinque Terre along the way. Our train journey from La Spezia to Vernazza was short but dramatic. What I distinctly remember is the train crossing through several tunnels and emerging out to stunning, brilliantly blue hues of the Mediterranean (Ligurian Sea) and pastel-colored buildings of the villages along the rugged coastline. So beautiful! Those brightly painted buildings reminded me of the colorful homes we had seen in Murano and Burano during our trip to Venice.
We hadn’t even stepped off the train yet, but I could already tell that exploring Cinque Terre was going to be a truly memorable experience. Additionally, during the peak tourist season from spring to summer, there are ferries also that run from La Spezia to Cinque Terre.
Hiking in Cinque Terre – The Blue Trail
When visiting Cinque Terre, if you don’t mind an active day of hiking, then one of the best ways to discover the region is to hike along the popular and scenic Blue Trail – Sentiero Azzuro (SVA 2, 592-4).
The Blue Trail starts from Monterosso, passes through Vernazza, followed by Corniglia and Manarola before ending at Riomaggiore. This trail is about 12 km long and can be hiked in either direction starting from either Monterosso or from Riomaggiore. It is also, of course, possible to hike only certain sections of the trail and visit other villages along the way by either train, boat or bus. A non-stop hike along the full length of the trail takes nearly 5-6 hours.
However, the real charm lies in hiking the trail and discovering each village as you go by. In order to do so, the best thing is to spread the full hike over two days as you explore the five villages, and once you complete the hike, take the boat back to the starting point to see Cinque Terre from an entirely different perspective.
The level of difficulty, as well as the time needed to hike between villages, varies quite a bit. Without a doubt though, the toughest hike in the region is the trail between Monterosso and Vernazza.
Hiking from Vernazza to Corniglia is also quite demanding and takes about 1.5 hours. Further on, the hike from Corniglia to Manarola takes one along the hills and lasts about 45 mins. The easiest and shortest hike along the Blue Trail is the one from Manarola to Riomaggiore along the level path of Via dell’Amore which takes just 20 mins to complete.
Cinque Terre Card
Cinque Terre is a national park and hiking the trails requires a fee to be paid. The proceeds from the sale of the Cinque Terre card go directly towards the upkeep of the Cinque Terre national park.
The Cinque Terre card can be purchased online or at the welcome centers located in the train stations at each of the villages.
You will notice, that at each end of the section of the trail between the villages, there are checkpoints where this card needs to be shown for entry to the trails of the national park.
There are two types of Cinque Terre cards – the Cinque Terre trekking card and the Cinque Terre Treno MS Card.
The Cinque Terre Trekking Card gives access to the hiking trail and covers the use of bus service between the villages. We purchased the 2-day Cinque Terre Trekking card for €14.50 per person.
On the other hand, the Cinque Terre Treno MS Card includes access to the Park area and its trails as well as train travel on regional trains from Levanto to La Spezia.
Our memorable experience of hiking from Monterosso to Vernazza
We stayed at Camere Nicolina in Vernazza during our visit to Cinque Terre. After breakfast, we made it a point to the first shop for some snacks and water to take along our hike in Vernazza.
We stopped by the fruit stands in Vernazza to pick up some fresh fruit and at Panificio focacceria to buy some of their freshly made focaccia. Did you know focaccia had originated in Liguria? That makes it a must-try when visiting this region and this delicious treat along our adventurous hiking day was one of the best snacks we had (the pesto focaccia was the tastiest of all the varieties we tried).
After purchasing and snacks and water, we took the train from Vernazza to Monterosso as we wanted to hike the section of the Blue trail (Azure trail) starting from Monterosso to Vernazza.
The start of the hike at Monterosso:
The trail for Monterosso to Vernazza spans a distance of about 3.7 km and takes about 2 hours to complete. Hiking from Monterosso to Vernazza leads one dramatically along the coast and through the vineyards.
It was easy to locate the starting point of the hike as we approached the beachfront of Monterosso from the train station. Facing the sea at the Monterosso beachfront, as we looked towards the left, we could see a concrete ramp heading upwards from the beach along the sides of the nearby cliff.
To start the hike, we headed towards this well-paved ramp and as we climbed it and looked back, we were able to take in some breathtaking views of beautiful Monterosso al Mare. For those who love visiting the beach, it is clear to see why Monterosso would be an ideal base for exploring Cinque Terre.
The Panoramic Window Near Monterosso
Climbing further up this ramp, we came across a panoramic window where couples had placed locks to symbolize their love for each other. Looking through this panoramic window, one gets to see the mountain of Punta Mesco – the promontory of the mountain that encloses the gulf of Monterosso. At its summit is an abandoned lighthouse named iL Semaforo.
It was really interesting to learn that the sandstone mines in this mountain that we saw from this window were once mined for stones that were used to pave the streets on Monterosso and nearby villages.
Moving further and crossing Hotel Porto Roco, the paved concrete ramp ended and a series of steep stone steps started. This was the start of the toughest section of hiking from Monterosso to Vernazza.
The most challenging stretch of the hike – the climb over the numerous, tall steps
Climbing those hundreds of uneven, stony, tall steps was challenging. Even though I am quite accustomed to hiking, my heart was racing and I could see several other hikers stopping to catch their breath at this stretch.
It is best to pace yourself during this section of the hike. The steps are actually spread out over short sections but it was clear to see that just within a short span of distance we had gained quite an elevation by climbing these steps. This stretch of the blue trail from Monterosso to Vernazza definitely requires stamina and for one to be in a reasonably fit condition.
The hike along the dirt trail further took us along local farms and also people’s backyards that had doors opening straight on to this trail. I couldn’t help but wonder how charming it must be for those locals to just step out of the backyard for a daily stroll onto this trail which happens to be one of the most popular hiking routes in Italy.
We came across locals playing music, sitting along the walls and admiring the views while they chatted with each other. As we passed by, they smiled at us and we exchanged friendly greetings of Buongiorno.
Past citrus groves, vineyards and farms -the hike starts to get easier
Hiking further, the trail took us past citrus groves that were enclosed by stone walls. We could also see terraced farms with local produce growing supported by these walls. It was incredibly interesting to see and learn that these man-made walls supporting the terraces and farms in Cinque Terre were built without mortar by skilled dry-stone masons of the region. These walls naturally require constant maintenance by the masons and volunteers from the nearby villages and universities.
Moving further away from Monterosso, the landscape started to change a bit – we could see more olive trees, lots of vineyards and lemon trees along the way. We enjoyed walking along this beautiful trail as we ate the snacks we had purchased from Vernazza.
Keep in mind that it is certainly not permissible to pluck any grapes or fruits grown in the orchards along the trails, so be sure to refrain from doing so.
Panoramic views of the Italian coastline
Once the initial stretch of steps finished, the trail became more level most of the times with occasional steps every now and then. It was definitely much easier to hike from this point onwards compared to the challenging initial section.
Despite the hike being arduous, it was clear that the rewards were immense – stunning panoramic coastline views of brilliantly blue Ligurian sea, lush green vineyards and scent of the lemons and flowers growing nearby – I was completely enchanted by this hiking experience.
The hiking trail, in general, was narrow with few sections being so narrow that only one person could cross in a direction and had to carefully squeeze past the hikers waiting to move in the opposite direction.
We crossed by more steep terraced hills and family vineyards where the grapes are grown for the production of the famous local wine of Cinque Terre – Sciacchetrà. These vineyards still use traditional techniques for wine production. Walking along the trail, one could get a sense of how the locals really appreciated the heritage of their beautiful land.
Traversing the valley of Cravarla and Costa Linaro
The trail then traversed the valley of Cravarla and Costa Linaro where we saw lots of shrubs growing on the terraced hills.
A hike along the cliffs on one side of the trail for the majority of the way and the sheer dramatic drops along the other end of the trail was thrilling. The sheerest drop off points tend to have wooden railings next to them. We couldn’t help but stop at several points along the way to Vernazza to soak in the stunning views of the Mediterranean. We were able to spot Monterosso in the distance and kept looking out for the first glimpse of Vernazza.
Trail markers and information along the way
The trail, in general, had markers along the way indicating the direction in which Vernazza was. The Blue Trail is also marked at some points with a white and blue stripe to guide hikers. Moreover, we came across information boards with location details, medic and emergency contact details along the way. It is a good idea to note such details listed in the board before moving past it in case you need to reach out in the event of an emergency.
Breathtaking views of Vernazza
The biggest thrill of hiking from Monterosso to Vernazza was our first sight of Vernazza from high up the mountain. We could see this cozy harbor village with its characteristic pastel buildings and prominent castle tower in the distance and it was a lovely sight to behold.
The hike after this point was mostly downhill and easier. We did have to climb down some more steps along the way but those weren’t as tall and steep as the steps of the trail closer to Monterosso. We came across the famous vantage point of Vernazza and stopped by for taking in the beautiful view and plenty of photographs.
Walking down along the vineyards and olive groves, the dirt trail changed to the stone steps again as we approached Vernazza. The trail brought us back to the narrow alleys of Vernazza and we walked back towards the piazza – straight to Gelateria Vernazza.
Oh yes, after this intense hike we were craving some gelato and we were in for a treat – there were plenty of delicious flavors of gelato to choose from and we loved eating our gelatos at the cute harbor of Vernazza.
Things to do in Vernazza
After having some gelato, we decided to explore Vernazza some more. We headed to the beach which is actually located just a short walk from the main drag of Vernazza but is surprisingly quieter compared to the hustle-bustle of the piazza.
Thereafter, we headed up the narrow alleys of Vernazza towards the castle – Castello Doria – located uphill towards the right side of the village. We took the stairs past the alley next to Trattoria Gianni and followed the signs for the Castello as we made our way up to this lookout.
Castello Doria, Vernazza
Castello Doria was once the watchtower warning the villagers of approaching pirates and later during World War, it served as a lookout point as well.
The views from the top of Castello Doria were such a delight – panoramic views of the Cinque Terre coastline, Vernazza and the Mediterranean.
There were several stairs we needed to climb to visit this tower, and the ticket counter was located almost at the top of the climb. Visiting Castello Doria is definitely well worth the effort given the spectacular views you get from the top.
We enjoyed the views and sitting along the walls of this castle for quite a while as we watched people cliff diving, boating, swimming and enjoying seaside dinners at nearby restaurants. Relaxing and reflecting on the beautiful hike from this perch and taking in the stunning Mediterranean views that lay ahead of us was a true moment of la dolce far niente for us.
Catch the beautiful sunset views at the lookout point near Vernazza
We then hiked up to the vista point on the trail from Vernazza to Corniglia. This vista point is located at top of the trail near the edge of Vernazza and is one of the most photographed spots in the region. We watched the sunset from this point and the beauty of the moment cannot be described in words – well worth the short hike up to this vista to experience this romantic moment.
Indulge in a delicious meal in Vernazza
Following the visit to the watchtower, we headed back to Piazza Marconi for a delicious seaside dinner at Ristorante Gianni Franzi. The seafood served at the restaurants of Cinque Terre is delicious. We also enjoyed eating the Caprese salad made with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella. Our favorite dish was without a doubt the hand-rolled pasta topped with freshly made pesto.
When visiting Cinque Terre (and if you aren’t allergic to pine nuts), be sure to indulge in the regional specialty – pesto. This pesto made from freshly ground basil that is mixed with locally produced olive oil, sea salt, pine nuts, and cheese was the most delicious pesto I have ever tasted. And of course, don’t forget to sample the regional wine, Sciacchetrà, when dining in the restaurants of Cinque Terre. Bon appetito!
Tips for hiking in Cinque Terre
1. The trails in the region can be quite uneven so be sure wear sturdy, walking shoes with a sole that has a good grip.
2. Avoid hiking the trails if it has rained when portions of the trail could be wet as the stones and steps along the trail tend to be quite slippery when wet.
3. Be sure to pack plenty of water and some snack before heading off to the hike as these are not available on the trail. We purchased focaccia and fresh fruit from Vernazza before heading out for our hike.
4. Check the official Cinque Terre website and the welcome centers regarding trail closures and conditions before hiking in the region. Trails or sections of the trails can be closed for maintenance and due to landslides so be sure to check before you go.
5. There are actually 48 trails in Cinque Terre national park and the official website lists the details and difficulty levels for each of the trails. Make sure you choose the trail according to your physical condition as certain trails or sections of trails are quite arduous, including hiking from Monterosso to Vernazza.
6. While hiking along the trails, you will likely come across medic and emergency boards – note down the emergency number and keep track of the location listed in case there is an emergency along the way.
7. The trails are not covered – there may be portions in which the trail passes through a grove and is shaded but most of the trails run along the sunny coastline. Be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen to avoid sun exposure.
8. If you plan on visiting Cinque Terre during the summer months, then hiking early in the morning is the best option in order to beat the crowds and avoid the heat.
Thoughts about hiking from Monterosso to Vernazza along the Blue Trail
Hiking from Monterosso to Vernazza is the toughest section along the Blue Trail as it requires climbing up several steep steps which are uneven and quite weathered in places. The hike initially requires climbing tall steps – the most challenging stretch – after which it is mostly a level hike as it goes uphill and downhill at a gentler gradient. Approaching Vernazza, the downhill hike is definitely the easiest section of the stretch.
It is said that while hiking from Monterosso to Vernazza is tougher than going in the opposite direction, it offers better views as one approaches Vernazza.
This was the reason we chose to hike in this direction and I also later realized it was a better choice for us given the tall steps we came across this hike. I felt that while it was surely arduous to climb the numerous steep steps along the way from Monterosso to Vernazza, it is probably riskier to climb down these same steps if coming from Vernazza towards Monterosso as the steps are quite uneven.
Hiking along the Blue Trail while discovering the villages of Cinque Terre along the way is one of the best experiences one can have during a visit to Cinque Terre. We loved exploring this beautiful stretch of the Italian Riviera at a relaxed pace and could see why this once off the beaten path destination, has become a must-see on so many itineraries.
We loved hiking from Monterosso to Vernazza for its stunning mix of panoramic views, nature, friendly locals and a chance to get to learn more about the cultural heritage of the region.
I wish we could have spent a few more days in Cinque Terre but there’s always a next time! We were enchanted by the beauty of the Ligurian sea and would love to visit Cinque Terre again in the future and hike along its trails some more.
Until then…..Ciao Cinque Terre! Happy travels and I hope you have a wonderful time visiting Cinque Terre and hiking along its trails.
Disclaimer: It’s a pleasure for us to share our travel experiences with all our readers and we sincerely hope to inspire your future travels. In order to help us maintain this blog and offset the costs of running landoftravels.com, we have sprinkled affiliate links throughout the site. If you choose to make a purchase via any of these affiliate links, we’ll earn a tiny commission at no additional cost to you.
If you enjoyed reading this post, don’t forget to share!
Hello ! I’m Aditi …..
Welcome to Land Of Travels – a travel blog that my husband Manish and I started to share our travel stories and travel tips. We are full-time professionals, dedicated parents, foodies, and it is our shared passion for traveling that lead us to become part-time bloggers.
I was born and brought up in Northern India, lived in Bay Area, California for nearly two decades and currently reside in Ontario, Canada. Since childhood, I’ve always had a passion to travel far & wide and experience different cultures. I am passionate about planning our trips and exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations.
My sincere hope is that the travel tips offered on this blog will help you plan your next memorable adventure.
Happy travels!
~ Aditi Sharma ~
Amazing trip. Could you please tell me if you think it is best to stay 2 nights at the same place and then explore from there? Or move between two different hotels? Would you stay north or south? Thank you
Hi Lauren. Thanks for your comment. I would recommend staying in one place and exploring from there. The five villages of Cinque Terre region are connected via frequent train services which makes exploring them easy. I stayed in Vernazza during my first visit to the region and in Manarola the second time I visited Cinque Terre – I had a great time staying in both these villages but if you choose to stay in either of these two villages, try to reserve your accommodation well in advance as they tend to get booked quickly. I would recommend purchasing the Cinque Terre card that allows access to the trails and the train service (note that the Eurail Passes also cover the local trains but using the pass for the trains will count towards a travel day for the Eurail Pass).
Beautiful pictures! We’re going to Genoa/Nervi/Cinque Terre in May 2023 and initially wanted to do this hike but I did some research and saw footage of skinny, little trails with no railings and huge drop-offs. I’m afraid of heights and am worried that I might have a panic attack or something going along those skinny paths. Ok, maybe not that bad, but you get the point. Were you ever in fear of your life hiking this trail? Are there more railings that I’m imagining in my head? Thank you for your article!!
Thank you. We absolutely loved this hike but it is true that the trail can be quite narrow in some parts and daunting for those who fear heights. While we were not scared as such on the trails, certain sections of the trail are indeed more challenging than others with steep ascents and uneven steps. The official Cinque Terre website lists the details for each section of the trail that runs across the five villages of Cinque Terre including the difficulty of each section as well as which ones are open for hiking. Via dell’Amore runs between Riomaggiore to Manarola, and when that portion is open, it is considered to be the easiest section of the hike as it is well-paved and flat. Perhaps that section might interest you if you are afraid of heights. I hope this helps
I love this part of Italy! Really pretty 🙂
Cinque Terre is so beautiful! I went here over 10 years ago with my family when I was young, but we didn’t. I am heading back to Italy in January for three months, and I am definitely going to be hiking it this time.
Aditi your post has only increased my longing to get to Cinque Terre.
And I think I could do the hiking, with the help of the food, the ice cream, and those views.
Great post, thanks.
I visited Cinque Terre back in 2016, and was in total awe of the cacophony of colour. I can’t remember which hike I did though, but I don’t think that it was Monterosso to Vernazza. That being said, I’m hoping I’ll be able to get back in the next couple of years to do this hike. Thanks a lot for putting a lot of careful detail in this so it’ll be nice and easy for my to execute and enjoy the hike!
Cinque Terre is a delight. We look forward to returning to this stretch of the Italian Riviera and exploring it some more. Thanks for visiting the blog.
I had no idea that Cinque Terre was a national park, but it is definitely on my bucket list as well. The water is just so stunningly blue, and it’s too bad that the hike is made so difficult by the large, uneven stairs. However, it sounds like it was worth it to go the way you did because you are absolutely right that going down those steps sounds even more risky. Thanks for sharing!
Cinque Terre is gorgeous. There are 48 trails in the region – all of varying levels of difficulty. It was a challenging hike for us for sure but we thoroughly enjoyed it.
Oh my, I love hiking so much! I never thought of that in Italy but it’s good to know this. Maybe I’ll consider this bec I’m planning to visit Cinque Terre soon!
The whole look and feel of this destination is so gorgeous and pretty. I will love to explore and go on this hike by myself. Cinque Terre is very gorgeous from what I can assume.
Your pictures are gorgeous! Although it sounds like a total workout I would love to hike that trail from Monterosso to Vernazza.
Thank you! Yes, it was a workout for us at least, but it was so worthwhile! I would love to hike this stretch again.
I didn’t know Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site! We just had a touch and go experience when we made it to Italy but went to Capri instead and not to Cinque Terre which is a pity because it looks gorgeous. The Italian Riviera is undoubtedly very stunning and hiking the Blue Trail, although tough in parts as it seems, sure looks like a great way to get some breathtaking views of the coast and the deep blue waters.
I was surprised and delighted to know about the 48 hiking trails in the region. Visiting Cinque Terre was truly a highlight for us. Thanks for visiting the blog.
Reading the whole post makes me dreamy in this Monday morning at work. You are inspiring me to not stop to travel, and add Monterosso and Vernazza to our travel list. Both are romantic places – a best wedding destination too!
I’ve always wanted to hike through Cinque Terre! Who wouldn’t want to hike surrounded by an ocean view and vineyards?! Plus, I love that they use the same hiking markers I’m used to throughout the rest of Italy for easy navigation.
I was so surprised to learn that they have 48 trails in the Cinque Terre national park area. It’s always a good idea to check the official website to learn about the trail difficulty and closures and plan accordingly. Hiking the Blue Trail was an amazing experience for us.
This looks and sounds like a phenomenal hike! Good to know about not picking grapes, although I’m sure it must be tempting, especially after such a great deal of exercise.
Oh my gosh, I did this hike way back in 2003 and your post has made me wanna go back and do it again! Gorgeous photos 🙂
Thank you! It’s such an amazing hike and I’m glad to hear it brought back fond memories for you.
It’s all so pretty! Those buildings and the crazy coloured water – it just looks like a fairyland. I LOVE the photos of the sunsets too!
Thank you! Indeed – Cinque Terre is truly beautiful.
Wow!!! What gorgeous views on this hike! That looks like so much fun!
When it comes to travel, driving is better than flying and walking is better than both. This is a great way to soak in a new place. It’s very scenic. How fitting to call it the “blue trail”.
There are nearly 48 trails in the region – we look forward to returning to Cinque Terre and hiking around the trails some more. Thanks for visiting the post.
For once I was given a close-up view of Cinque Terre other than the traditional photos. I didn’t know it is a national park. The Cinque Terre Trekking Card would be very useful!
Glad you found the post informative. We loved visiting Cinque Terre and hope to return someday soon. Thanks for your kind message.
Reading your article is such an amazing experience. Cinque terre is always stunning and you captured nice pictures in your trip. It surely helps to plan my next trip there.
Glad you found the post informative. Wish you a lovely trip to Cinque Terre – it is truly an amazing destination.
What a lovely place this is how wonderful to hike and see the ocean and such lovely scenery and hear music along the way as well then be able to explore a castle in these lovely villages .
The music added that extra level of charm to this already stunning hike. It’s definitely a lovely destination.
I’m not into hiking coz it is indeed tiring, but if I will visit a place like this.. oh la la I want! This is a dream destination.
Personally, I’m into hiking, so this is something that got my attention. The Blue Trail that actually starts from Monterosso, and passes through Vernazza is really amazing and beautiful. The scenic views are just breathtaking and beyond compare. I haven’t been in this part of World, hopefully soon.
We had been looking forward to this hike for so long and it was everything we’d imagined and more. The hike is challenging but with such stunning views, we knew we were in for a treat. Thanks for visiting the post.
Such gorgeous photos and what a hiking experience of a lifetime! Bookmarking this for inspiration for the future!
There are so many stunning hiking trails in the region. Thanks for visiting the blog
I definitely want to do this hike one day. The views look incredible, and I love hiking and seeing places on foot. Thank you for all the great tips on hiking from Monterosso to Vernazza!
Discovering the five villages of Cinque Terre by hiking was our favorite way of exploring the region. We particularly loved the hike from Monterosso to Vernazza – it was the most challenging section but the views were incredible.
This is a part of Italy I have not yet done, but have always wanted to do! In my mind, it is the best, with all that hiking you don’t need to worry about the carbs that come with the pizza and pasta and gelato!
Oh yes so true – the food is so delicious in the region. Thanks for visiting the blog.
Those views are stunning, the sky is so blue. I would love to hike cinque terre one day with my family. I can imagine how good the food must be as well. Great tips for hiking.
Thanks Alison. Glad you found the post informative.
I wish to go there, Italy has such a great food and those views are just incredible. Hiking in Cinque Terre sounds perfect I am sure I will visit there one day.
I’ve always seen pictures of Cinque Terre and had a dream of one day visiting.
Looking at its beauty, it is no wonder to read that it is thought to be the most beautiful stretch of the Italian Riviera.
I had no idea you could hike here, and the fact it is in a setting so beautiful is the icing on the cake.
Your information about the Cinque Terre card was also extremely helpful.
The view of Vernazza from the mountains certainly looked like a highlight to me!
That’s a very nice hike indeed! Very scenic too as it is near the coast, and the seascape is marvelous. And all that food waiting for you at the end of your hike makes it so worth it. Sheila and I would like to try out this trail as well.
OMG! That was an amazing article and pretty comprehensive too. I have been to Italy several times but never to Monterosso or Vernazza but it seems like a splendid spot for a nice vacation.
Glad you enjoyed reading the post. Cinque Terre is definitely a must-visit destination – highly recommend a trip to this stretch of the Italian Riviera.
This is a great detailed post! I had no idea how beautiful Cinque Terre is!
Thank you – glad you found the post informative.
I keep seeing everyone say “you must visit Cinque Terre” your pictures and descriptions show me why they are right! We always enjoy finding new places to take a great hike and this looks so beautiful. Thank you for all the tips!
Glad you enjoyed reading the post. Visiting Cinque Terre was one of the highlights of our visit to Italy and we loved hiking in the region. Thanks for visiting the blog.
Cinque Terre is so magical! I’m dying to go back in the middle of August and do the 5 Terre hike – so cool!
The hike is a lovely way to discover the villages of Cinque Terre. Thanks for visiting the post.
This is great advice about the Cinque Terre! I have been to Italy many times but still haven’t made it to the Cinque Terre. That is good information to know about the Cinque Terre card. All the hikes you took looked amazing!
Thank you! Glad you found the post informative.
Ah! Cinque Terre is a great place that I have heard a lot about and can’t wait to go to. While Italy is on my bucket list forever, I have to really make this happen. Thanks Aditi for showing us a beautiful side of Cinque Terre.
Cinque Terre is lovely and I highly recommend a visit to it whenever in Italy. Glad you enjoyed reading the post.
What a fantastic post with beautiful photos. I went years ago and loved hiking parts of the trail, and visiting each village. You are right, they all have a different feel. I loved being able to visit each village differently too – by boat, train or on foot. I’ll have to go back!
Thank you – glad you enjoyed reading the post. Looks like you had an incredible trip too to Cinque Terre. We loved it there and look forward to returning to this beautiful stretch of the Italian Riviera whenever we visit Italy next.
Whoa! The color of the water is just amazing!
I can see why Cinque Terre is considered as the most beautiful stretch of the Italian Riviera. It is indeed beautiful and breathtaking. I am enjoying the view through your pictures. Thank you for sharing your experience and for the detailed guide.
Glad you enjoyed reading the post. Visiting Cinque Terre was a memorable experience for us.
oh still need to visit that part of Italy. In summer is vey crowded so I am thinking about maybe going in spring. Thanks for all the info. I didn’t know that there is a train that connects all of them so that makes it easy for me to go in case that I have to travel solo.
It does get busy in summer but if you stay in Cinque Terre rather than just visiting it on a day trip, then it’s the best way to experience the joys of this stretch of the Italian Riviera year round. Train is the easiest way to reach Cinque Terre and these are pretty frequent.
I have never been to Cinque Terre, but it’s long been a place high on my Italy bucket list. I mean, how beautiful is it from every angle? And I am a big pesto lover. I can only imagine how delicious it is in Cinque Terre!
I’ve never tasted pesto like the one we had in Cinque Terre – it was delicious. Our hike through Cinque Terre was such a breath of fresh air for us after a busy touring schedule across bustling cities. Thanks for visiting the post.
This looks like a trip of my dreams! I’ve always wanted to go to Cinque Terre to hike the trails and see the colourful homes, beautiful sea views and eat all the gelato I can. This is great information for me to save for a future trip.
Thank you, Sara – glad you found the post informative.
The views are breathtaking! Saving this for when I get to go someday soon!
Indeed – Cinque Terre is an amazing destination to visit. Thanks for visiting the post.
WwwI totally plan on doing this hike when I visit. The views are spectacular and it seems to be a great way to see a different perspective.
Hiking is an amazing way to see Cinque Terre. There are many trails of varying difficulty levels so one has to choose according to what is most suitable for themselves. It’s truly a lovely destination to visit.
This is so detailed and helpful! It is a dream of ours to hike along this route and we’re up for the Monterosso to Vernazza if there’s gelato at the end of it!!
Oh yes, there’s plenty of gelato around and also delicious focaccia. Glad you found the post helpful.
Wow! That looked amazing and is added to the bucket list. I’m also due for some authentic Pesto.
Pesto in this region is a must-have – it was the best pesto I’ve ever tasted. Thanks for visiting the post.
Wow, this is such a stunning place! I love how blue the water is and how colorful all the buildings are! I know it’s a little cheesy, but I love the idea of locks in places like this. In Seoul, there’s a place called Namsam Tower that’s said to have millions of locks put up by couples. I think it’s so sweet.
The food looks amazing and overall, this seems like such an active, yet relaxing trip. Hope y’all had a great time!
I find the idea of locks charming too. The food, the views and the hikes in the region are incredible. Thanks for visiting the post.
That’s quite a detailed description of the hike. And from what you have described, looks totally worth it! And the photos look stunning. 🙂
Thank you – glad you found the post informative.
One of my favorite places! Last time I was there, I was fortunate enough to stay in an apartment that overlooked the main piazza in Vernazza. It was beautiful!
One of my fav places as well. We too stayed in an apartment overlooking the piazza of Vernazza, just behind the bell tower. Loved the stay there.
Looks like you had the most amazing time here. I think the hike would be my preferred way as well. I love walking around new towns and discovering all that they have to offer. This would be my favorite way of visiting Italy for sure.
Hiking is a lot of fun in Cinque Terre. Of course one needs to check the terrains for all the trails and plan accordingly. It was our favorite way to explore the region as well.