Cinque Terre is a group of five villages located on the Italian Riviera in the Ligurian region. Because of their rich history and incredibly beautiful buildings, these villages are recognised by UNESCO as world heritage sites. Moreover, the area is surrounded by a lovely countryside and coastline. As a result, there are more than 120 km of trails along the Cinque Terre coast. So if you’re a wellness traveller who loves hiking, this is the perfect destination for you! In fact, there are 48 different trails to choose from. However, I’ll only focus on the top 7. Without further ado, here are the best places for hiking in Cinque Terre.
1. Hiking trail from Levanto to Monterosso
This hiking trail stretches 8 km and has an estimated duration of 3 hours. The trail has an average level of difficulty and there is no hiking fee required. I recommend you start this hike from Levanto, as the path from Monterosso begins with a steep incline. Nevertheless, the trail starts at the eastern end of the beach promenade in Levanto. Thereafter, you ascend the stairs leading up to the Castello castle.
Historically used by donkeys, this trail winds through beautiful pine forests and Mediterranean vegetation. For that reason, this is one of the best trails for hiking in Cinque Terre. As you continue, you reach Punta Mesco where you should follow the path to the right. Along this route, you come across the ruins of the Chapel of St. Antonio and an old lighthouse, offering awe-inspiring vistas of all five Cinque Terre villages. Finally, be prepared for a descent with numerous stairs leading down to Monterosso.
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2. Hiking Trail from Manarola to Corniglia via Volastra
Like the previous footpath, this hiking trail from Manarola to Corniglia is one of average difficulty. It spans a length of 5.4 kilometres and typically takes around 2.5 hours to complete. There is no fee for hiking on this trail and you can find its location on Google Maps. While you can start the hike in either direction, I recommend starting in Corniglia. Why? Because Corniglia is situated 100 metres above sea level and makes for beautiful views of Hiking in Cinque Terre.
The initial part of the trail involves a steep climb. If you want to avoid this, start in Manarola and take a bus shuttle to Volastra. The shuttle usually runs every hour and takes about 10 minutes. Thereafter, the trail starts behind the small church of Madonna della Salute in Volastra.
From there, you embark on the most scenic section of the hike, leading you through ancient terraces that descend towards the sea. These terraces are home to vineyards and olive trees, thanks to the dedicated efforts of local winemakers. The vineyard hike is moderately easy and offers magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea and the neighbouring villages. Certainly, this is among the top places for hiking in Cinque Terre!
3. Hiking Trail from Manarola to Riomaggiore via Beccara
This trail serves as an alternative to the closed Via dell’Amore and can be hiked in either direction. Unlike Via dell’Amore, there is no fee required to hike this trail, and the Cinque Terre Card is not necessary. However, it’s important to note that this trail is quite challenging and requires a good level of physical fitness.
Riomaggiore and Manarola are located very close to each other, but they are separated by a steep mountain. Therefore, you need to tackle a half-hour challenging climb to hike between them via Beccara. Consequently, this includes navigating numerous steep stairs that lead up to the ridge. As you approach the high point, you pass through a metal gate before descending through terraced grape fields. Once you reach the town, be sure to take a break and enjoy refreshments. Why not soak in the panoramic sea views offered by this trail as well?
Essentially, this trail is about 1.8 kilometres long and takes around 1 hour to complete the hike. Easily find this trail on Google Maps to help you navigate your way between the two villages. Although this is one of the most challenging trails for hiking in Cinque Terre, it’s also the most rewarding!
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4. Hiking Trail from Monterosso to Vernazza
With an average difficulty level, this trail spans a length of 3.6 kilometres and takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete. Moreover, a hiking fee of £6 per day or a Cinque Terre Card is required to access the trail. For a smoother experience with fewer steps, I recommend walking from Vernazza to Monterosso. However, if you choose to start in Monterosso, be prepared for a long staircase at the beginning. At least you are rewarded with magnificent views of Vernazza along the way.
The path itself is easily identifiable, marked by white and red signs. Start the journey from Monterosso and follow the small pedestrian road leading to Hotel Porto Roca. Along the trail, you encounter diverse vegetation, including evergreen oaks, heather bushes, broom, and juniper. Enjoy peaceful stretches with panoramic views of the sea. And don’t miss the opportunity to capture a picture of the antique stone bridge when you come across it! Although this is a smoother option for hiking in Cinque Terre, it’s still among the best!
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5. Hiking trail from Vernazza to Corniglia
This moderate hiking trail from Vernazza to Corniglia is 3.5 km long and takes about 1.5 hours to complete. Similar to the previous trail, there is a hiking fee of £6 per day here. However, you can use the Cinque Terre Card for access if you have one. If you choose to embark on this trail, you have the choice to start from either Vernazza or Corniglia. However, I recommend starting in Corniglia. Why? Because there’s a convenient shuttle bus from the train station up to the village. This shuttle service is included with the Cinque Terre Card, and the journey only takes a few minutes.
Once you arrive in Corniglia, take some time to explore its charming streets, lined with shops and restaurants. Afterwards, follow the clearly marked signs that guide you towards Vernazza. Starting from Corniglia, the trail is relatively flat, offering pleasant views as you descend towards Vernazza. To break up your journey, make sure to pause at Prevo, which sits 208 meters above sea level. There, you find the delightful bar named “Il Gabbiano” that provides fantastic views of the sea. Ultimately, this is the perfect spot for hiking in Cinque Terre which allows you to indulge in delicious lemon granitas while taking in the stunning scenery.
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6. Hiking trail from Riomaggiore to Portovenere
This hiking trail from Riomaggiore to Portovenere offers you an adventurous and rewarding experience in nature. Spanning a length of 13 kilometres with a challenging difficulty level, this trail presents a thrilling journey through the picturesque landscapes of Cinque Terre. The best part? It’s completely free to explore!
You have the option to choose between two starting points: Riomaggiore or Portovenere. If you start in Riomaggiore, get ready for a challenging uphill climb of about 45 minutes. However, the views in this direction are absolutely stunning. Alternatively, take a morning bus to Telegrafo to avoid the climb altogether. The Cinque Terre Card is not required for this hike, allowing you to fully enjoy the trail at your own pace.
The trail takes you through serene pine forests and leads to the 15th-century Sanctuary of Montenero, a perfect spot to rest and admire the breathtaking panoramic view of the entire coastline of Cinque Terre. As you ascend to the ridge that separates the coast from La Spezia, the scenery becomes even more captivating. The most enchanting section of the trail awaits, featuring a spectacular cliff-side path that offers magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea and the islands of Elba, Capraia, Corsica, Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto. Clearly, this is another one of the top spots for hiking in Cinque Terre!
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Explore Italy’s Beauty by Hiking in Cinque Terre
By exploring these top hiking trails in Cinque Terre, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty and rich history of Italy. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there are trails suitable for all skill levels. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before embarking on your hike and carry necessary supplies such as water, snacks, and comfortable footwear. So, pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Cinque Terre! For more adventure in Italy, check out these golf cart tours in Rome. Have a wonderful time!