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!

The best place to start the Cinque Terre hike (the Blue Trail) is generally considered to be Monterosso al Mare, hiking south toward Riomaggiore. Starting in Monterosso is strategically better because the most grueling, steep incline occurs right at the beginning between Monterosso and Vernazza. By tackling this section early in the morning, you avoid the midday sun and have the "hardest" part behind you while your energy is highest. Furthermore, hiking in this direction provides the most iconic "unfolding" views—you walk into the picturesque vistas of the towns rather than away from them. However, in 2026, it is vital to check trail status, as sections like the Via dell'Amore (Riomaggiore to Manarola) are often closed for maintenance, meaning you may need to use the train to skip certain legs of the 11km coastal path.