Although best known for their clusters of colourful seaside villages, Cinque Terre is also a fantastic hiking destination.
The myriad of dusty narrow paths, used by farmers and locals for centuries; link the cliffs and communities from Monterosso to Riomaggiore, while offering incomparable views of the coastline and unique glimpses into what makes this region of north-west Italy so remarkable.
Indeed, the opportunity to walk along ancient dry stone walls and terraced vineyards, up steep stone steps or towards wild lemon and prickly pear trees; always with the sea somewhere nearby - is the main reason why the Cinque Terre is such a wonderful hiking destination.
And while serious hikers, or those who enjoy hiking on holiday, may choose to base their entire trip on the 48 official trails of the Cinque Terre National Park; many smaller sections offer accessible and convenient activity for those who prefer to focus on the beaches, food and incredible views.
In this guide, we've shared the essential tips and inspiration for any traveller wishing to spend time hiking in Cinque Terre; whether along a single section of the Sentiero Azzurro or one of the many less popular trails; with advice on costs, difficulty and equipment needed.
1. How do I get to Cinque Terre?
The easiest way to reach the villages is by train. Start from either Levanto or La Spezia.
Five Cinque Terre villages are located on the railway line between the towns of Levanto and La Spezia.
You can take a train to each of the five Cinque Terre villages from either Levanto or La Spezia (depending on which direction you choose).
If you take a train from Levanto, your itinerary will be Levanto, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore and La Spezia.
You can get off at any of these stations and visit any of the Cinque Terre villages.
Once you've arrived in one of the five Cinque Terre villages, you can also hike to the next village (if the path is open).
If you take a train from La Spezia, your itinerary will be La Spezia, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso, Levanto.
Again, you can hike between any of the five Cinque Terre villages if the trail is open.
Train journey time
The train journey between each of the Cinque Terre villages only takes around 5 or 10 minutes.
2. Level of difficulty of the hiking trail
The section of trail between Monterroso Al Mare and Vernazza is the most difficult and demanding of all the Cinque Terre trails.
There are many steps and narrow staircases to climb up and down. You have to climb up and down many hills.
Don't forget that you can walk in either direction.
Distance
The trail between Monterosso Al Mare and Vernazza is 3.5 km long. It takes at least 2-3 hours of brisk walking to get from Monterroso Al Mare to Vernazza.
Stairs and steps
First of all, you do a lot of walking up steep stairs and steps when you set off from Monterosso. During your hike, make short stops along the way to enjoy the panoramic sea views.
The most spectacular views. This part of the Cinque Terre hike offers the best views all along the way. Breathtaking sea views. Once the path begins to descend towards Vernazza, the views are nothing short of spectacular.
Vernazza is the most beautiful village in Cinque Terre
The path between Monterosso and Vernazza is the most beautiful hiking trail in Cinque Terre.
Although it is the most difficult of all the Cinque Terre trails, the views are breathtaking and well worth the effort.
Because the hike is quite intense and difficult, it is not covered as much as other sections of the Cinque Terre trails. And, while there are still plenty of people who hike it, there aren't as many hikers as other trails.
VERNAZZA TO CORNIGLIA
Level of difficulty
The path between Vernazza and Corniglia has many ascents and descents. You can walk in either direction.
Distance
The trail is 4 km long. Plan to spend at least 2 hours on this trail.
Steps and staircases
There are many steep stone steps to climb. The steps are often uneven, so you need to be very careful. Make sure you wear appropriate footwear and have the right amount of water.
Incredible views
However, the views are nothing short of spectacular. The hike to and from Vernazza is one of the best on the Cinque Terre trail.
CORNIGLIA TO MANAROLA
Level of difficulty
The path from Corniglia to Manarola is easy. Don't forget that you can walk in either direction.
Distance
The trail is around 2.5 km long. It generally takes hikers 1 hour or a little more to complete this trail.
FROM MANAROLA TO RIOMAGGIORE
Level of difficulty. The path between Manarola and Riomaggiore is easy and flat. The footpath is paved and wide.
Distance
The trail is 2 km long and will take you around 1 hour of leisurely walking to complete.
3. Where to stay?
You can stay in one of the five villages of Cinque Terre. However, bear in mind that they get crowded during the high season.
Stay in the town of La Spezia or the town of Levanto. If you want to be less crowded, it's best to stay in towns close to the Cinque Terre region.
Find accommodation in, near and around the towns of La Spezia or Levanto.
Then, from these towns, you can take a train to Cinque Terre.
Moneglia
Hotel Abbadia San Giorgio, Moneglia near Cinque Terre Italy
Another option is to stay in the beautiful, quiet and relaxed seaside town of Moneglia.
One of the best hotels in Moneglia is Abbadia San Giorgio, a historic hotel housed in a former monastery.
From Moneglia it's just 30 minutes by train to Cinque Terre.
4. Cinque Terre map
To access the Cinque Terre trail, you'll need to buy a Cinque Terre card.
If you plan to take the train between any of the five Cinque Terre villages, make sure you buy a card that includes the train journey.
This card includes the train journey between the 5 villages on the route from Levanto to La Spezia. It also includes entry to the hiking trail.
5. Hiking tips
Hiking shoes or boots
Wear sturdy hiking boots. If you plan to hike a more strenuous part of the Cinque Terre trail, such as the section between Monterosso and Vernazza, wear hiking boots.
Bring water and snacks.
Make sure you have enough water. The Cinque Terre becomes very hot in summer and even in September.
Use sunscreen.
Dress appropriately. Wear breathable clothing. Bring sunglasses and hats.
See also:
Cinque Terre, Italy: 30 must-see visits and activities
From Florence to Cinque Terre, the 3 best itineraries
What to do in La Spezia near the Cinque Terre in Italy