Can you walk between Vernazza and Corniglia?

Experience this 2.1-mile point-to-point trail near Vernazza, Liguria. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 12 min to complete.



Yes, you can absolutely walk between Vernazza and Corniglia in 2026, and it remains one of the most popular sections of the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) in Italy's Cinque Terre. The hike covers approximately 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) and typically takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours to complete. As of March 2026, the trail is open, but hikers are required to purchase a Cinque Terre Card (roughly €7.50) to access this specific coastal path during the peak season. The route is considered of moderate difficulty; if you start in Corniglia, you will descend more than you ascend, making it slightly easier on the lungs but tougher on the knees. You will pass through ancient olive groves, terraced vineyards, and high vantage points offering stunning views of the Mediterranean. A key 2026 tip: if you arrive in Corniglia by train, remember that the village is perched high on a cliff. You can either climb the 382 steps of the Lardarina staircase to reach the trail head or take the small green shuttle bus included with your trekking card to save your energy for the actual coastal walk to Vernazza.

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Monterosso Al Mare to Vernazza The 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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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To reach Corniglia, it is necessary to climb the Lardarina, a long brick flight of steps composed of 33 flights with 383 steps or, otherwise follow a vehicular road that, from the station, leads to the village.

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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.

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Corniglia is the least known and the least visited of the five towns in Cinque Terre. Visitors often skip it, discouraged by the lack of a port and rather difficult accessibility; however, those who do come here usually fall in love with this little village and even declare it their favorite terra of all!

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Visiting Corniglia in the Cinque Terre There's no such thing as a quiet Cinque Terre village, but Corniglia is as near as you get. It's in the middle of the five villages, and has managed to keep a more laid-back, local feel than the others by being the hardest to get to.

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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.

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If you want a much easier hike, definitely hike from Vernazza to Monterosso (and not vice versa). The trail is much easier and Monterosso has the best beach of all five villages — so you can relax on the beach after your hike! Be sure to bring water and snacks on your hike!

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In Vernazza, there is a small sandy beach (good for kids as well), and you can also swim at the end of the pier, among the boats. (The water is deep here, so this area is for good swimmers only.)

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