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What is the easiest hiking trail in Cinque Terre?

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.



The easiest and most popular hiking trail in the Cinque Terre is the Sentiero Azzurro (The Blue Trail), specifically the segments connecting the southernmost villages. The absolute easiest section is the Via dell'Amore (The Path of Love), which connects Riomaggiore to Manarola. This path is almost entirely flat, paved, and wheelchair accessible, taking only about 20 minutes to walk. However, this section has faced frequent closures due to landslides and is currently operating under a restricted reservation system in 2026. The next easiest "standard" segment is the trail between Manarola and Corniglia, which is relatively level as it follows the coastline, though it still requires some basic fitness. For those who want to avoid steep inclines entirely, the best "cheat" is to take the train between villages and simply walk the internal streets, which are charming but can be hilly. It is important to remember that most of the "classic" Cinque Terre trails involve thousands of ancient stone steps and significant elevation changes; if you are looking for a casual stroll, stick to the village promenades or the paved paths near the train stations.

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There are portions of the trail which are very easy, there's even a paved section connecting Riomaggiore to Manarola, and there are some portions which are a little more difficult, but nothing too strenuous. The hike can even be enjoyed by children.

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The most famous network of hiking trails in the Cinque Terre: Trail #2, or Sentiero Azzurro
  • The Via dell'Amore, from Riomaggiore to Manarola.
  • From Manarola to Corniglia. ...
  • From Corniglia to Vernazza. ...
  • From Vernazza to Monterosso.


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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.

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Manarola is often the first village that comes to mind when people talk about the Cinque Terre. Along with Vernazza, it is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque and charming villages of the five.

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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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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.

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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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Experience this 5.0-mile point-to-point trail near Levanto, Liguria. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 44 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, birding, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.

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There are three ways to visit Cinque Terre: by boat, by train, or a combination of boat and/or train and hiking.

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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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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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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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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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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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