the trail - via dell'amore, Vernazza

The hikes don't really require any special gear. You can go out with just a comfortable pair of shoes and some H2O. Be sure not to forget the latter, because some trips will take approximately 3 hours and there isn't a QuikTrip up there.
The hike from RioMaggiore(1st town) to Manarola(2nd) is the easiest, a plain walk in relativel flat and wide path. Kind of like a bicycle path inthe States. But it drastically changes when you ty to go to the next town, Corniglia(3rd). The views will be great, but do to the rock structure, you should check to see that it is open before heading down it. Making it to Vernazza(4th) from there is one of the tougher hikes, but when you arrive into Vernazza you are rewarded with one of the best views of your life. Here you will have a toll booth that is sually manned, but the fareis a paltry 2 or 3 Euro. The last hike to Monterosso(5th) is spectacular with changing elevations and winding trails.
On this last hike there is an old man that sells fruit out of his garden and it is amazing to think of how many years he has lived up in thosse hills, doing his daily life.
Also, there is a village of sorts for cats on the top of one of the ridges. There is a donation box so the sponsor can provide food for them. They have quite an interesting life up there.

The views you get from up on the hill are fantastic. Breathe the fresh sea air and absorb the view. Even though I'm from sunny SoCal with tons of beaches, I was still awed by the ocean views from here.

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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!!

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

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

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