What is the hardest trail in Cinque Terre?

To get the hardest hiking over with first, start in Monterosso. Once you reach Corniglia, and assuming all of the trails are open, the easier sections will be at the end. For those who are very ambitious, there are trails that go even higher into the mountains for some of the best views of the area.



The hardest trail in the Cinque Terre is widely considered to be the stretch of the Blue Path (Sentiero Azzurro) between Monterosso al Mare and Vernazza. This section is approximately 3.5 kilometers long and is notorious for its steep, uneven stone steps and significant elevation gain of over 200 meters (650 feet) in a very short distance. Unlike the relatively flat "Via dell'Amore" between Riomaggiore and Manarola, this trail requires high levels of stamina and can be physically taxing, especially under the hot Mediterranean sun with very little shade. Another strong contender for "hardest" is the Corniglia to Manarola via Volastra route (Trail 7a), which many hikers use as a detour when the lower coastal path is closed. This trail involves a punishing climb up to the sanctuary of Volastra through steep vineyards, but it offers spectacular panoramic views as a reward. Proper footwear, plenty of water, and starting early in the morning are essential for anyone attempting these challenging paths.

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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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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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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.

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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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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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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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Overtourism in a fragile area Fabrizia 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.

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Monterosso - Fegina beach In Monterosso, there are two long beaches with sand and pebbles, Fegina beach being the most famous one, in the new town.

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The easiest village to reach by car is actually Monterosso, which also has the cheapest parking. Manarola and Riomaggiore do have parking lots above their towns, but you will need to walk from there to the center. Corniglia and Vernazza are more difficult to reach by car, due to narrow roads and limited parking space.

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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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Experience this 2.1-mile point-to-point trail near Corniglia, Liguria. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 14 min to complete.

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Leaving Corniglia station behind (Street View 1 ), take the flat road that runs along the long wall of the railway up to the foot of via Lardarina, a rather easy staircase consisting of 33 ramps, for a total of 377 steps (photo 360°).

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