How long is the trail from Monterosso to Vernazza?
Head out on this 2.2-mile point-to-point trail near Monterosso al Mare, Liguria. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 19 min to complete.
People Also Ask
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
This trail is about 12 km long and can be hiked in either direction starting from either Monterosso or from Riomaggiore. It is also, of course, possible to hike only certain sections of the trail and visit other villages along the way by either train, boat or bus.
If you start on the Monterosso end, you will have the toughest part of the climb early on. Once you get halfway, the rest of the way to Vernazza is pretty gradual and not nearly as tough as the first part. The views are spectacular, especially looking back at Monterosso, and then seeing Vernazza on your approach.
I took the course I did on the recommendation of the Cinque Terra office in Levanto where I was told it is a steeper climb out of Corniglia and an easier descent into Vernaza. True, but it depends on which you favour: steep up or steep down. One is harder on your breathing, the other, your knees.
Visit some of the villagesChoose 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.
Overtourism in a fragile areaFabrizia Pecunia, the mayor of Riomaggiore, came up with the new plan for the 3,215- foot-long path to combat overtourism. Last year, about three million tourists visited Cinque Terre, a fragile national park. In contrast, there are fewer than 4,000 residents left in the area.