Hiking trails

The Cinque Terre area is almost entirely off-limits to automobile traffic: the best way to enjoy it is on foot.

For centuries, trails were the only link between the towns and the only way to reach vineyards and vegetable gardens, which in the past, along with fishing, were their only true economic resource.

Even today, trails are the only way to fully explore the true spirit of the Cinque Terre, to discover the area’s beauty, and at the same time, to experience the significance of its heritage: a landscape where the handwork of man has adapted perfectly to nature.

Today hiking the trails is one the most important attractive for tourism in Cinque Terre. To resolve problems of continous difficulties in mantaining the hiking trails in good conditions and safe the Cinque Terre National Park did introduce a small fee of € 5,00/day to hike the path number 2 from Monterosso to Riomaggiore. Paying the Cinque Terre Card you will help the National Park well mantaining the trails in safe conditions.

Photogallery

Trail #1: “Cinque Terre high trail”

Itinerary This trail, which leads along the ridge separating the coast from the inland regions, is considered by more ambitious hikers to be the quintessential Cinque Terre trail. It is a demanding route, but is accessible to everyone. In any case, one can choose to do just one leg of the trail (selecting the most panoramic parts), and combine the hike with a descent along one of the many trails leading to the various villages in the Cinque Terre.

Note: the trail is described starting from Portovenere, but we recommend starting from Levanto, given that the climb is easier from that side.

Trail #2: “Blue trail”

Itinerary This trail links all the towns in the Cinque Terre (the leg between Riomaggiore and Manarola is called the Via dell’Amore) and is the most popular trail in the whole area. It takes several hours to walk it all, but the effort is well rewarded by one-of-a-kind panoramic views, with classic Mediterranean scenery overhanging the sea, the scent of herbs and flowers, austere cliffs and charming little coves. It is an experience to be enjoyed at leisure; that’s why we recommend you break up the hike, and not exclude stopping in one of the towns for some traditional snacks washed down with a local wine.

Note: a small fee (€ 5) must be paid to walk this route.

The Sanctuary Trail

Itinerary Agriculture used to be as important in the Cinque Terre as marine activities; it is no coincidence that the Sanctuary Trail (there are five sanctuaries as well, one per town) wanders along the hilltops, testifying to the area’s ancient roots.

The trails lead to the sanctuaries of:

• Nostra Signora di Soviore – Monterosso
• Nostra Signora di Reggio – Vernazza
• Nostra Signora delle Grazie e di S. Bernardino – Corniglia
• Nostra Signora della Salute – Manarola
• Nostra Signora di Montenero – Riomaggiore