Where does the Monterosso to Vernazza trail start?

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.



The world-famous Monterosso to Vernazza trail (part of the Blue Path or Sentiero Azzurro) begins in the Old Town of Monterosso al Mare. To find the starting point, head toward the eastern end of the village, past the "Monterosso al Mare" train station and the main beach. You will walk through a short pedestrian tunnel into the historic center, then follow the signs for "Vernazza" or "SVA" (the trail's official designation). The trail entrance is located near the Hotel Porto Roca, where a steep set of stone stairs marks the beginning of the climb into the terraced vineyards. In 2026, you must have a Cinque Terre Card to access this specific segment, which can be purchased at the checkpoint right at the start of the stairs. The hike is roughly 2.2 miles (3.6 km) and involves a demanding initial ascent, so starting before 9:00 AM is highly recommended to avoid the midday sun and the heavy crowds that frequent this iconic Ligurian path.

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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!

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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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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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Hiking trail Levanto - Monterosso The trail starts on the east end of the beach promenade in Levanto by stairs up to the castle (castello). This path is an old donkey trail and goes through pine forests and Mediterranean vegetation. Nice views over Levanto as you climb the hill.

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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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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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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.

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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.

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Head out on this 2.3-mile point-to-point trail near Vernazza, Liguria. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 22 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.

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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 beach 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.

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The biggest part of the beach is private and of course you have to pay for the services, but there are some free public beaches as well: in front of the railway station, under the statue of the Giant and at the end of the beach towards Vernazza, near the historical center.

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There are several walking trails with picturesque landscape running across the place, numerous old castles and ancient structures and a few beaches. Cinque Terre is an ideal location for a solo travel.

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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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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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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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