Can you walk Cinque Terre in trainers?

Tips to prepare for hiking in the Cinque Terre First 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.



Yes, you can walk the trails of the Cinque Terre in trainers (sneakers), provided they are high-quality athletic shoes with good tread. While professional hiking boots are not strictly necessary for the main "Blue Trail" (Sentiero Azzurro), standard fashion sneakers or flat-soled slip-ons are highly discouraged and, in some sections, actually prohibited by the National Park authorities for safety reasons. The paths are made of ancient, uneven stone, dirt, and steep stairs that can become very slippery after a light rain. If you wear trainers, ensure they have a firm grip and provide enough support for your arches, as you will be climbing hundreds of steps between villages like Vernazza and Corniglia. For 2026 travelers, "trail runners" are the perfect middle ground; they offer the lightness of a trainer with the rugged sole of a boot. Avoid brand-new shoes that aren't broken in, as the "vertical" nature of these trails is a recipe for blisters if your footwear isn't perfectly molded to your feet.

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Look, it's not necessary to have hiking boots (though some people prefer them). Trainers are just fine so long as they have decent tread on them. A daypack. You'll want a small, lightweight backpack to hold all of your necessities.

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Cinque Terre hiking essentials
  • Proper walking shoes – please notes fines are in place for ill equipped visitors as wrong gear has caused many rescue missions!
  • Hiking trousers/ shorts.
  • Short sleeve tops.
  • Hiking or well cushioned socks.
  • Well fitting hiking backpack.
  • Reusable water bottle.


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Trains are the easiest way to get to and around Cinque Terre. Trenitalia has direct connections to La Spezia from Rome, Florence, and Pisa (the closest airport). Once in Cinque Terre, the Cinque Terre Express train runs between La Spezia and Levanto in Sestri Levante, stopping at each village.

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Visit some of the villages Choose to visit two or three of the villages, for example Vernazza, Manarola and Riomaggiore. You have to skip Corniglia situated on top of a cliff 100 metres above sea level. If you are limited on time, take the train between the villages.

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You definately DO NOT need a guide. If you only have one day, Monterosso is the largest town and this is where you should go. If you plan a full day, I would recommend to hike to the next town (Vernazza). It's about an hour and a half, and sooooo beautiful!

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Some portions of the trail are very easy to walk, such as the paved section connecting Riomaggiore to Manarola, and other sections climb up and over hillsides with spectacular views along the coast. It takes about 5 hours to hike the entire distance, not counting the time to explore and linger in each town.

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Opt for a pair of comfortable leather boots, flats, or dress shoes instead of blinged out sneakers. Avoid carrying a fanny pack or large backpack with you, since it makes you look like a tourist and tells pickpockets that you're carrying money around.

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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).

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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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In the small harbour of Manarola, you can sunbathe on the rocks, and dive into the sea (or use the small ladder). The water is deep, so for good swimmers only. This is one of my favourite swimming spots in the Cinque Terre, especially late afternoon.

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Public restrooms are often available near big tourist sites, but you usually have to pay up to one euro for entry. Restaurants have bathrooms, but you are of course expected to purchase something in order to use them.

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