What You Need to Know
Cinque Terre attracts many travelers looking for a scenic hike along its coastal trail offering views across hamlets, cliffs, and lemon trees.
It takes about 5-6 hours to hike the trail linking all five villages. Running shoes or hiking boots are musts. I was surprised by how serious some hikers were with their hiking poles, hydration packs, and actual hiking shoes! I was lucky to have just my flip flops since my luggage was delayed and was held at the Milan airport.
There is a network of hiking trails throughout Cinque Terre. The most popular trail among travelers is the Blue Trail (no. 2), which takes you through the coastal villages. To hike the Blue Trail, a hiking fee must be paid through the purchase of the Trekking Card. The other hiking trails, including the Red Trail, are free to hike. All other trails illustrated on the map (map can be found at any tourist info center) are narrow footpaths along mountain terrain with considerable altitude changes. These trails are not recommended for novice hikers.
None of the trails have a barrier between you and the rocky cliffs below, so watch your back when you’re taking that selfie!
Cinque Terre Trekking Card
In addition to being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cinque Terre has been declared a national park that charges a hiking fee to help maintain the area. This hiking fee comes in the form of the Cinque Terre Trekking Card, which you need to hike the trails.
The park-only access card, called the Cinque Terre Trekking Card is 7.50€ (adult); the Cinque Terre Treno Multiservizi Card is 12€ (adult) and includes the use of regional trains. There are different price points for kids, adults, seniors, families and multi-day passes. The card includes reduced admission into some museums.
The cards can be purchased at all information centers, located at each village’s train station, including La Spezia and Levanto. The hiking trail maps can also be obtained here. Click here to visit the official park website for more info.
What’s the Best Way to Hike the Trails?
For some of the footpaths, don’t expect a leisurely stroll in the park. The paths can be uneven and bumpy with narrow passage ways and precarious steps to navigate. The incline grows progressively steeper as you hike north-westward from Riomaggiore. There is a difference of 280m between Vernazza and Monterosso.
If you’re not feeling the upward climb, you could hike the other way – heading south-easterly from Monterosso to Riomaggiore. This way, you would tackle the most challenging trail first from Monterosso to Vernazza and everything else will feel like a piece of cake. It’s easier said than done, right?!
Estimated Hiking Times
Depending on your fitness level and how often you stop for photo-ops, these general hiking times may vary:
- Riomaggiore – Manarola // 20 minutes (currently closed for restoration as of 2015)
- Manarola – Corniglia // 1 hour (currently closed for restoration as of 2015)
- Corniglia – Vernazza // 1.5 hours
- Vernazza – Monterosso // 2 hours (a challenging trail but it offers the most scenic view)
The flash floods of 2011 devastated certain sections of the trails. Certain trails still remain closed to this day. Trails may also be closed following rainfall due to the danger of landslides. Check this website for closures before you visit.
Time of Day to Hike the Trails
Start your hike early at sunrise. The light won’t be ideal for taking photos but there are fewer hikers at that hour and during the summer months it’s much cooler to hike in the morning.
What to Bring on the Hike
The footpaths will lead you in and out of shaded areas, so bring lots of protection against the sun including a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Bring sunscreen from home, since it’s expensive to buy in Cinque Terre. Again, wear sturdy hiking shoes or sandals. For clothes, I wore comfortable yoga wear.
If you’re out hiking all day, pack snacks like energy and protein bars, and of course lots of water. Though I didn’t encounter any mosquitos, I always apply a light spray of insect repellant when hiking. Finally, don’t forget your camera.
Safe Travels!
xx Deb
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