The towns can be visited by bus, boat, train, or by hiking trail. We chose the hiking option. There is a 11 km trail (called the Blue Trail) connecting Riomaggiore to Monterosso al Mare.
People Also Ask
Head out on this 2.3-mile point-to-point trail near Vernazza, Liguria. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 22 min to complete.
The walk from Riomaggiore to Manarola is no easier than the other way, it took us about the same time both ways, although coming back was at a hotter time and after a full days activity. If you are up to it, do it, if you have doubts, don't try it.
You can start from either direction (Monterosso, heading south, or Riomaggiore, heading north). But here's a tip: Start from Riomaggiore, where the paths are easier and paved, and work your way up to the more challenging trails. That way, you can stop at any time? and head to the nearest train station if you have to!
Riomaggiore is the most accessible of the villages, being closer to La Spezia, and it has less of the remote-fishing-village look. Also you may be able to get parking in Monterosso depending on your hotel. It's the only village anyone should consider driving to. La Spezia would be more expensive to park than Levanto.
The most popular of these paths is the Sentiero Azzurro (blue trail) and it shows up as blue on most maps. Although it can be rigorous at times, it is the easiest, most direct route between Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso.
Most of the research I have done suggests Monterosso is the biggest town and has a more laid back/ resort style to it whereas Vernazza is more romantic and picturesque.
Vernazza: Located to the north of the Cinque Terre, Vernazza is probably the most beautiful and picturesque fishing village of Cinque Terre, where its colourful houses hang above the sea level on rugged cliffs. It has a charming natural port and an old castle, built to protect the area from pirates.
Monterosso al Mare is the best place to stay in Cinque Terr for the first time. It is the largest of the villages in Cinque Terre. You'll find many hospitality venues, a medieval old town, and the sandy Monterosso al Mare Beach.
Corniglia is the only one of the five Cinque Terre towns that isn't a fishing town and you need to walk up around 365 steps to get there. That puts most people off and means that Corniglia is the Cinque Terre town with the fewest tourists.
Known for its colorful stone houses that seem stacked on top of one another and its harbor filled with traditional fishing boats, Riomaggiore is part of the string of five villages that make up the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO Heritage Site. It's also one of Italy's most sought-after travel destinations.
Monterosso Al Mare to VernazzaThe trail portion between Monterroso Al Mare and Vernazza is the most difficult and challenging of all Cinque Terre trails. There are lots of narrow steps and stairs to hike up and down. You have to climb lots of hills up and down. Remember that you can hike in either direction.
Do this hike when you go, it adds so much to the experience, it's definitely worth the effort of the two-hour hike. Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza was just one section of the Cinque Terres region, some routes are closed off due to landslides but there are alternatives and still plenty of hiking to be done.
Head out on this 2.3-mile point-to-point trail near Vernazza, Liguria. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 22 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.