Cinque Terre is one of Italy’s most famous destinations, drawing visitors from all over the world. Known as the “Five Lands,” it is home to five beautiful seaside villages along the rugged coast.

These towns can be visited on a day trip or as part of a longer adventure multi-day adventure. In my opinion, the best way to enjoy the beauty of these villages is by walking the old mule paths that connect them.

Visitors to the national park typically focus on exploring the villages from Riomaggiore to Monterosso. However, many overlook the longer, more tranquil route that stretches from Porto Venere to Levanto.

This scenic path not only passes through the national park and the five villages but also leads you along peaceful, lesser-known trails of the Higher Route.

This trail guide combines the Higher Route and the Blue Trail, making it the perfect 3- or 4-day adventure through the park.

It includes all the details you need for planning your trip, such as trail information, where to stay, transport options, and alternative routes to help make your trip even more memorable.

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Cinque Terre Trail Information

  • Route: Porto Venere to Levanto
  • Distance: 40km+
  • Duration: 3-4 Days
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
  • Permits required: Yes, if walking along the Blue Trail

Introduction to Cinque Terre National Park

The Cinque Terre National Park has 48 trails, covering more than 120 km. It is located in the Liguria region of northwest Italy, stretching from La Spezia to Levanto.

The park features many coastal hiking trails, hill treks, and, of course, the five historic seaside villages known as Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

These villages include Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. They are connected by hiking trails, trains, and seasonal ferries.

Hiking Routes

Cinque Terre National Park has many trails, but the three most important ones for this guide are the High Path, Blue Trail, and La Via Dell’Amore.

  • The High Path (Sentiero Alta) is free and takes you up the cliffside, offering amazing views of the villages and the Mediterranean Sea. The trail is more difficult, with steep climbs and rough terrain.
  • The Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro) is a moderate trail that connects all five villages. To use this trail, you need to buy a trekking card, which you can get locally. However, it’s now hard to visit all five villages by just using the Blue Trail, as some sections are closed for repairs.
  • La Via Dell’Amore is a newly reopened trail that connects Riomaggiore to Manarola. In 2012, a landslide caused damage, but since August 2024, it has been open again on a seasonal basis. There is a small fee to use this trail, which makes it feel more special and exclusive.

Independent or Tour Guide

While you can hike Cinque Terre on your own (as I did), hiring a local guide can enhance your experience by sharing the town’s rich history. Take a look at these tours:

Half Day Tour from Riomaggiore TO PORTO VENERE BOOK HERE

HALF DAY TOUR FROM RIOMAGGIORE TO MANAROLA BOOK HERE

hidden Gems in Cinque Terre BOOK HERE

Trekking Cards

Trekking cards are available for purchase at the Welcome Centers in the railway stations across the five villages (as well as in La Spezia and Levanto), or they can be bought online up to two months in advance. They are valid for 24 hours.

Trekking cards are mandatory on all Blue Trails throughout the national park. Passes can be verified at various checkout points throughout the trail.

Trekking cards cost:

  • 7.5 euro one day/adult 
  • 14.5 for two days/adult
  • 21.0 euros for 3 days/adult

Prices can increase significantly during High Turnout Days, which typically fall on certain days in April-November. Make sure to check the calendar for red days, which indicates higher turnouts and higher rates.

Higher rates during Red Days:

  • 15.0 euro one day/adult 
  • 29.0 for two days/adult
  • 42.0 euros for 3 days/adult

La Via Dell’Amore trail can only be purchased if you are already in possession of a Trekking Card.

Certain accommodations in the national park offer discounted rates for trekking cards and La Via Dell’Amore passes. Our host in Riomaggiore provided us with a special discount for both, as his accommodation supported the park’s conservation and cultural preservation efforts.

Train Cards in Cinque Terre

As mentioned, Cinque Terre is very well connected by local trains. All the villages are just 5 to 10 minutes apart and trains run frequently.

Train station in Cinque Terre

This is very helpful for getting around, especially if you’re only visiting for a day or if you’re tired from walking. You can buy tickets in advance online or at the train station kiosks.

Here are the prices for train passes:

  • 14.80 euros per day for adults
  • 26.50 euros for 2 days for adults
  • 31.50 euros for 3 days for adults

Alternatively, you can buy single tickets, which cost 5 euros per segment. Keep in mind that train prices can change depending on the season.

Overview of the five villages

Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore is the southernmost village in Cinque Terre, known for its terraced hotels, homes, and restaurants that offer beautiful views of the waterfront.

Evening views in Riomaggiore

The area is very popular for kayaking and has many scenic spots to explore. This charming town is one of my favorite places to stay, with its stunning hills and the picturesque walk down to the village. The view is especially magical at sunset.

 Manarola
Manarola is one of the most picturesque towns in Cinque Terre, famous for its dramatic cliffs and colorful buildings that seem to tumble down to the sea.

Views of Manarola

The town is a favorite among travelers, offering stunning views of the coastline and a peaceful atmosphere. With its charming harbor, cozy streets, and vibrant sunset views, Manarola is a perfect place to relax and explore. It’s also well-known for its vineyards and local wine production.

Corniglia
Corniglia is the only village in Cinque Terre without direct access to the waterfront, making it a quieter, less touristy destination.

300 stairs at Corniglia

While the village has its own charm, I found it to be the least scenic and interesting. One of the biggest challenges for visitors is the steep climb of over 300 stairs from the train station up to the village, which can be tough, especially on hot days.

Vernazza
Vernazza is one of the most popular and lively villages in Cinque Terre, famous for its vibrant atmosphere and beautiful harbor.

Vernazza in the rain

It’s larger than most of the other villages, with more attractions, shops, and restaurants. The town can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist season, but there is plenty to see and do.

Monterosso

Monterosso is the largest and most developed of the Cinque Terre villages, offering a more resort-like atmosphere compared to the others.

While it has a beautiful beach and many modern amenities, it lacks the quaint, traditional charm of the smaller fishing villages. The town tends to be busier, with a more commercial feel, making it a great option for those seeking a more relaxed, beach-focused experience rather than the rustic, picturesque vibe of places like Manarola or Vernazza.

Getting to the trailhead

The trailhead for this journey begins at the harbour of Porto Venere.

We based ourselves in La Spezia and used the ferry to transfer to Porto Venere. The ferry runs from late March to early November. It also connects all the cities of Cinque Terre. Our ferry ride cost 8 euros and took about 45 minutes to reach the harbour.

There are three lines that service Porto Venere and we ended up taking Line 2.

Alternatively you can take a local bus to reach Porto Venere. Bus information can be found here.

Stage 1: Porto Venere to Riomaggiore

  • Distance: 16km
  • Elevation Gain: 600m
  • Trail: High route
  • Trail Difficulty: Moderate
  • Duration: 8 hours (with breaks)

The route begins at the harbor in Porto Venere. From there, you climb up toward Castello Doria and get a nice view of Forno di Byron.

Porto Venere views

The path then takes you into the hills, where you walk along footpaths, roads, and eventually reach the coastline. You’ll travel through narrow, shaded dirt paths that are peaceful and quiet.

Stop for lunch in Campiglia Tramonti, where I recommend trying the fried ravioli. There are also water fountains where you can refill your water bottles.

As you continue, you’ll pass by vineyards before reaching Madonna di Montenero, a small church on top of a hill with a great view of Riomaggiore.

The last part of the hike is a slow descent down a long staircase into Riomaggiore, finishing the hike in this beautiful village. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of chances to enjoy the stunning views and peaceful atmosphere of the Cinque Terre.

Stage 2: Riomaggiore to Monterosso

  • Distance: 20km (-7km if you take the train)
  • Elevation Gain: 1000m
  • Trail Difficulty: Hard
  • Duration: 8-9hours (with breaks)

We took the easier route from Riomaggiore to Manarola via the La Via Dell’Amore . This path had been closed for over 12 years but recently reopened. It’s about 1 km long and follows a flat, paved trail that runs along the cliffside.

We explored the gem that was Manarola and proceeded to Corniglia. The easy trail from Manarola to Corniglia was closed due to landslides, so we had to take the more challenging route through Volastra. This trail gains a lot of elevation but offers stunning views of Manarola and the coastline. To start, we climbed up through the vineyards.

The route passes through many vineyards and forests before descending down a long set of stone stairs to Corniglia. The descent was very slippery due to heavy rain and slowed us down significantly.

About 12 kilometers into our hike, we were informed by our accommodation in Monterosso that we needed to check two hours earlier than originally planned. With over 7 kilometers still ahead, including steep elevation changes and heavy rain, we decided the best option was to take the train to Monterosso instead. We had lunch in Corniglia and then headed towards the train station.

We descended the 300 stairs towards the train station and took a short 5 minute ride to Vernazza. Vernazza was larger and had more tourists, despite the rain. The narrow streets felt like a maze as we tried to navigate our way to Castello Doria, which offers great views of the harbor and village.

We then hopped back on the train and made it to our final stop, Monterosso, just in time for check in.

Stage 3: Monterosso to Levanto

  • Distance: 8km
  • Elevation Gain: 350m
  • Trail Difficulty: Moderate
  • Duration: 4 hours (with breaks)

The third and final day began with a slow climb from Monterosso. The route takes you through a mix of roadways and rocky stairs, but it’s incredibly peaceful and quiet compared to the busier villages.

The tranquility of this section really stood out, offering a break from the crowds we had encountered in the five villages. The rain had subsided for a few hours, so that was also a plus!

At the tip of the peninsula, Sant’ Antonio al Mesco, you can see all five villages lined up in the distance. This section of the trail follows the coastline for a few kilometers, with narrow, rocky paths and breathtaking sea views that seem to go on forever.

Girl looking at Monterosso and 5 villages

Soon, the trail begins descending through a forest with thick moss covering the ground, adding to the sense of calm.

Levanto is a lovely town with a beautiful beach and gardens. It’s larger than some of the other villages but still doesn’t feel overcrowded, offering a more relaxed atmosphere to end the hike. The quiet charm of Levanto makes it a perfect place to unwind after completing the trail.

Additional Day

If you have more time, I highly recommend breaking up Stage 2 into two days:

  • Riomaggiore to Corniglia (12 km)
  • Corniglia to Monterosso (6 km)

This will give you more time to fully experience the five villages without feeling rushed. There are plenty of places to explore, additional trails to walk, and activities to enjoy along the way, allowing you to soak in all the beauty and charm of the region at a more relaxed pace.

Accommodations

Cinque Terre has different types of places to stay, like small hotels, guesthouses, and apartments with sea views. It’s best to book 3-6 months ahead if you’re visiting in the busy summer months, as rooms fill up fast. If you visit in spring or fall, there will be more choices and better prices.

We visited in late October and had no trouble finding places to stay. My favorite spot was in Riomaggiore at Scorci Di Mare . Our host was incredibly helpful, funny, and gave us a discount on the trekking card. We were centrally located, right next to waterfront.

Trail Markers

Red and white trail markers are found throughout the trails of Cinque Terre. These markers guide hikers along the paths and help ensure you’re on the right route.

Signs are also common, indicating the distance left to major villages, making it easier to navigate the area and plan your hike.

Best Time of Year to Hike

Choosing the best time to hike through Cinque Terre National Park can be tricky. While summer has perfect weather, it also brings crowded trails, packed trains, and busy towns, plus higher prices.

We hiked Cinque Terre in late October, which gave us more affordable accommodations and fewer tourists. However, the weather was unpredictable, and we faced several rain showers that made some of the climbs more difficult. Heavy rainfall can also lead to trail closures.

For the best experience, I recommend hiking in the spring or early fall and starting your days early to avoid the crowds. Most towns get busy after 10 a.m., so an early start helps you enjoy a quieter atmosphere. If you’re flexible, checking the weather forecast before your trip can help you plan accordingly.

Recommendations

  • Don’t rely on Google to tell you if a restaurant is open. It’s often inaccurate, especially during the off-season.
  • Check trail reports daily, as trails can close suddenly due to rain or erosion.
  • Don’t rush your visit—take your time to enjoy the villages and trails.
  • Streets can be narrow, especially in Vernazza. Leave the big bags behind and just bring a small daypack.
  • This is coastal Italy, so expect lots of elevation changes. It gets very slippery when it rains.
  • If you want more solitude, take the Higher Trail to avoid crowds. It’s also free.
  • Spend some time exploring La Spezia and Levanto. They are easily connected to the five villages and each other.

Top Gear for a Multiday Hike

If you’re heading out on a multiday hike, having the right gear is key to staying comfortable and safe. Here’s a quick list of the essentials you’ll need:

  1. Backpack
    A good hiking backpack is crucial. Choose one that fits comfortably and has enough space for all your gear. Look for adjustable straps and features like a hydration system. I travel with a 40L backpack for all my journeys and hikes.
    Recommended: Hiking Backpack 40 L – MH 500 Black – graphite black, Carbon grey – Quechua – Decathlon
  2. Hydration Pack
    Staying hydrated is super important. A hydration pack lets you drink easily while walking, so you don’t have to stop. Look for one with enough capacity for your hike length.
    Recommended: TANNOZHE Hydration Bladder 2Litre Water Bladder Leak Proof Water Reservoir
  3. GPS
    A GPS or trail map app is a must for navigation, especially in remote areas. AllTrails offers reliable trail maps and real-time location tracking to keep you on course. As someone who is directionally challenged, I rely on AllTrails for everything.
    Recommended: AllTrails: Trail Guides & Maps for Hiking, Camping, and Running | AllTrails
  4. Hiking Shoes
    A sturdy, comfortable pair of hiking shoes is essential for long hikes. Look for shoes that offer good support, traction, and protection for your feet. I usually opt for a trail runners or mid ankle support, as I find boots too bulky.
    Recommended: Women – Speed Strike 2 Mid Waterproof – Mid | Merrell
  5. Hiking Pants
    Lightweight, breathable, and durable pants are a must. They should allow for movement and handle different weather conditions. Make sure they dry quickly in case of rain.
    Recommended: Trekr™ Pant in Women’s Pants | KÜHL Clothing. I highly recommend these pants for long hikes (or active work) – the breathable fabric and flexible fit give you great freedom to move while staying durable. They’re incredibly comfortable and lightweight, almost like wearing pajamas. Plus, the quick-drying material makes them perfect for any weather, keeping you dry and comfortable all day long.

Additional Hikes in Italy

Craving more coastal hikes? Then check out my top recommendations:

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1 Comment

  1. The Trail from Telegrafo to Porto Venere is difficult not moderate. There is bad footing on many of the outcroppings you have to scramble over. We buy a monthly train pass from LA Speza to Levanto and put the pass on our phones. The weekly passes are only for residents! Beginners can take a bus from Riomaggorie to Telegrafo and hike the trail to Volastra. Excellent views and easy hiking. The trail from Manarola to Volastra has a lot of climbing, but the footing is good so I would call it moderate. The trail from Corneglia to Monterossa with lunch in Vernazza is great. You need a card or pass for this trail.

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