Cinque Terre is a natural park with 5 picturesque coastal villages, all of them linked by paths from which you can get some truly impressive views. The walks are medium-low in terms of difficulty, although the sun can make the going harder. That is why you should take water and start your excursion quite early in the morning.
Recommended route:
2. The path that links Riomaggiore and Manarola is called "the love walk" (30min) and is without doubt the prettiest. Right at the beginning of the walk there is a small bar "A pie de ma" which has spectacular views. If you haven't had breakfast yet, this is a great place to have it! Attention! The path that connects Riomaggiore to Manarola (Via dell' Amore) is closed due to landslides. The reason why it was closed is that the detachment affected some tourists. It's expected to open again in 2019. In any case, we recommend going for a walk through the village and then take a train back to Manarola (2min). You can do the walk using an inner way, but it takes more than 3 hours at high intensity.
3. Once in Manarola, take a short walk and continue along the path until Corniglia (1h).
4. Corniglia is famous because it really does look as if it is hanging above the cliff. The bad part, the 377 steps to go up to the village! The other option is to walk along the road (a bit longer but not as tough). Have some refreshment in this village and rest a while.
5. Continue along the path that goes from Corniglia to Vernazza (1h 30min). This is the hardest section, so if you already feel tired, descend to the station and catch a train to Vernazza (4min - 4€).
6. Vernazza is a quaint place that stretches from the top of the cliff to the sea. This is where we recommend you recover your strength and have something to eat at the Pizzeria Fratelli Basso, on the Via Roma 1. They make delicious pizzas for 6€.
7. From the port of Vernazza take a ferry to Monterroso (15min, 3.50€). Getting on board is an adventure in itself (above all when the sea is choppy) but it's worth it because otherwise it is a 2 hour walk by the paths.
8. When you arrive in Monterroso have a rest on the beach and take a stroll round the village. If you like wine, go to the Enoteca Internazionale on the Via Roma 62, where for 10€ you can taste 3-4 of the region's wines.
9. In Monterroso, take the train back to Santa Margherita Ligure (45min - 7.30-9.00€).
Download official map of Cinque Terre (PDF). Check other trekking itineraries at Cinque Terre Park official website.
