Yes, stairs are an unavoidable and defining feature of the Cinque Terre. Because the five villages are built into steep, rugged cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea, the primary way to navigate them is via a network of narrow, vertical stone staircases and "caruggi" (alleyways). Even simple tasks, like walking from the train station to your hotel or down to the harbor, often involve climbing dozens of steps. For hikers, the "Blue Trail" (Sentiero Azzurro) is famous for its grueling verticality; the section between Vernazza and Monterosso, for example, features hundreds of uneven stone steps that can be physically demanding. One of the most legendary challenges is the Scalinata Lardarina in Corniglia, a zigzagging brick staircase consisting of 382 steps that connects the train station to the village above. If you have mobility issues or heavy luggage, it is vital to research your accommodation's location carefully, as many apartments are accessible only by climbing several flights of steep, historic stairs without an elevator.