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What is the easiest hike between Cinque Terre?

Hike Between Corniglia and Manarola Travelers of most abilities can do this stretch of hiking trail (and then onward to Riomaggiore). It's a pretty easy hike in either direction, and Corniglia is a pretty little town tucked up and away from the water, with twisted streets and a classic Italian charm.



The easiest hike between the villages of the Cinque Terre is the path connecting Monterosso al Mare and Vernazza, but specifically the section often referred to as the "Sentiero Azzurro" (Blue Trail). However, since the famous and flat "Via dell'Amore" (the Lovers’ Lane) between Riomaggiore and Manarola has undergone various closures and limited re-openings with mandatory bookings in 2026, the Manarola to Corniglia segment is traditionally considered the next most accessible, provided the main coastal path is open. If the lower paths are closed due to landslides, the "easiest" alternative is often taking the shuttle bus to Volastra and walking the high trail to Corniglia, which is largely flat once you are at elevation and offers spectacular vineyard views. For 2026 travelers, it is vital to remember that "easy" in the Cinque Terre still involves uneven stone steps and some incline; the only truly "flat" path is the Via dell'Amore, so checking the current trail status on the official Cinque Terre National Park app before setting off is essential for a safe and enjoyable trek.

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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.

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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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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.

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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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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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Yes you can wear sandals to dinner, but on a rocky trail they could be a problem. A quick google search indicates that no flip flops, sandals, or pumps are allowed on the trails between the towns (fines range from 50-2500 euros depending on the intensity of a rescue mission).

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531 Riomaggiore - Manarola (via Beccara)
  • Forward time: 1 hour.
  • Return time: 1 hour/s.
  • Difficulty Level: EE - For expert hikers.
  • Length: 1.470 km.
  • Difference in height: 202m.


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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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Manarola has brightly painted houses, priceless medieval relics and a tiny harbour that features a boat ramp and a swimming hole; to the north, on the way to Corniglia, there's a stunning viewpoint (Punta Bonfiglio) where visitors can enjoy a drink in a bar between the village's cemetery and the sea.

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Vernazza is much more picturesque, and was recently voted one of the most charming towns in the whole country. Swimming wise, the water is actually perfect for swimming up until late October, as it's had August to warm it up. It's usually only chilly after some rains, but September here is still very much beach season.

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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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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.

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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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If you start at Corniglia station you will have 300 steps up from the station then a long slow downhill with hundreds of steps. If your problem is going down suggest you start at Vernazza and if you have problems you could catch the shuttle bus back from Corniglia village to the station.

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