Hiking, Vernazza

4 more images

The highlight of a trip to the Cinque Terre is a hike between the 5 villages. The distance from Riomaggiore to Monterosso al Mare is 12kms, and a lot of the trail is steep and rocky.

The walk from Riomaggiore to Manarola is the easiest. It is paved all the way, and the hardest part is probably the flight of stairs from the station at Riomaggiore up to the start of the path. Other than that the path is fairly flat and suitable for prams and high heels. This section of the trail is called the Lovers Lane. The walk from Riomaggiore to Manarola is 1km long and takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on how long you stop to gaze at the view!

The next section of the walk is from Manarola to Corniglia. This section is 3km long and takes about 1 hour. Parts of this trail are again pretty easy, but it is steeper and at times the ground is uneven under foot. The most exhausting part of this section is at the end, once you arrive at Corniglia train station. The station is located at the bottom of the hill, by the ocean, but the town of Corniglia is located on top of the hill....and there are approx 365 stairs to climb up to get up to the village!!

My favourite part of the hike is the section between Corniglia and Vernazza. This is the most scenic part, through varied landscapes - you walk through olive groves and forest, and then along the cliff edge, with spectacular views coming into Vernazza. This section is 4km long and takes about 1.5 hours to complete, though we found ourselves stopping quite a bit to admire the views - not because we were tired or anything ; )

The section between Vernazza and Monterosso is the most difficult. It is 4kms long and has lots of ups and downs and steep stairs. It is little less scenic than the others, but you do get a good view of some of the local vineyards. The beauty of Monterosso makes up for it all, plus the availability of a gelato or refreshing vino bianco at one of the many bars helps to ease those weary legs!!

From Vernazza you can walk still another part of the Sentiero Azurro, to Monterosso al Mare. The hike starts in the centre of town. It's the most difficult and also the most spectacular hike of the Sentiero Azzuro hikes. A good physical condition is essential as there's a lot of climbing and descending involved. Total hiking time: about 2 hours.

The Italian Riviera provides exceptional hikes with stunning sea views. If your time is limited in the Cinque Terre, at least take the 1 1/2 hour walk from Vernazza to Corniglia. The trail begins with a steep climb up carved rock stairs, ending with a sweeping view of the Ligurian Sea and a picture-perfect glimpse of Vernazza. The trail winds through the terraced hills, passing through quiet olive groves. Notice the nets spread on the ground to catch the olives. Along the path, stop to absorb brilliant views of the Italian coast and search for grapes and basil growing nearby. The final stretch of trail to Corniglia snakes up and down over small bridges and along small vineyards before ending in a parking lot at the top of town.

The only true way to enjoy the Cinque Terre at its best is by foot. The Cinque Terre is criss-crossed by a mesh of footpaths. The routes are numerous. We chose the coastal route that links all five villages and takes about 5 hours. You don't have to walk the entire route. The train stops at each village allowing you to hop on and continue to the next town or go back to where you started.

There is a small fee of about $3 (in 2001) to go on the coastal trail known as "Villa dell'Amore"

4 more images

And then plan to "escape" for as much time as you can spare.... This is the R&R part of your vacation!

4 more images

And then plan to "escape" for as much time as you can spare.... This is the R&R part of your vacation!

4 more images

And then plan to "escape" for as much time as you can spare.... This is the R&R part of your vacation!