Bring mosquito spray with you!As throughout Italy and in the Mediterranean sea in the Cinque Terre there are many insects: mosquitoes, bees, wasps, sand flies and much more. There are not particular problems if you use mosquito spray before sunset and during the night (and during the day if you are allergic).
Time slots for the public beaches are released just 40 hours in advance, so there's no possibility to reserve weeks (or months) prior. If you are staying in Monterosso be sure to speak to your hotel or host first as they have the possibility to reserve for you.
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.
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.
Tips to prepare for hiking in the Cinque TerreFirst and foremost this means wearing appropriate shoes. Comfortable sneakers will suffice for most of trail #2 but most of the other paths require hiking boots for ankle support and traction. Flip flops are not a good idea and don't even think about high heels.
Overall, it's one of the safer destinations to travel to. Cinque Terre is currently ranked #68 safest place for solo female travellers. Check full ranking.
Vernazza, the most beautiful village to visit in Cinque Terre. Vernazza is without question one of the brightest gems of Cinque Terre, a coastal village that enthralls visitors with its undeniable charm.
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.
Shopping and pricesThe Cinque Terre is not cheap. As everywhere in the world, tourism has raised prices. I often go to the market of La Spezia to shop for food, it's much cheaper than the stores of the villages. In restaurants, you have to expect Western European prices.
You can walk the entire route in about six hours, if you take short breaks—although many hikers prefer to spread the route out over a few days at a strolling pace, stopping to enjoy the towns along the way. You can start from either direction (Monterosso, heading south, or Riomaggiore, heading north).