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 handiwork of man has adapted perfectly
to nature.
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..
Starting
point: Portovenere Arrival
point: Levanto Time:
10 h. Distance:
Total = 40 Km.; Cinque Terre portion =
20 Km. Difficulty:
Medium
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 (€3) must be paid to
walk this route.
Starting
point: Riomaggiore Arrival
point: Monterosso Time:
5 h. Distance:
11 Km. Difficulty:
Easy
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
Starting
point: Monterosso Arrival
point: Riomaggiore Time:
6 h. Distance:
Total = 12 Km. Difficulty:
Medium
Starting
point:
Arrival
point: 
Time:
Difficulty:
