The Cinque Terre, located in the Liguria region, is one of those places you've probably seen a thousand times in photos. Those colorful villages perched on cliffs, the Mediterranean in the background, the terraced vineyards sloping down to the sea. The image is perfect, almost unreal.
But hiking them completely changes the experience.
Trekking between the five villages is not just a hiking trail: it's a different way to visit them. More leisurely, more real, and much more connected to the surroundings. You walk among ancient vineyards, along paths carved into the stone above the Mediterranean, and you discover corners that you don't see from the train or from the boat: small taverns hidden on the hillside, unmarked viewpoints, the smell of basil and sea salt mixed in the air.
If you are thinking of visiting Cinque Terre and want to go beyond a fleeting tourist visit, this article tells you everything you need to know to plan it well.
What is Cinque Terre and where is it located?
The Cinque Terre—which literally means "the Five Lands" in Italian—are five fishing villages nestled on the coast of the Ligurian Riviera di Levante, between Levanto and La Spezia. They are part of a National Park and have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997.
The five villages, from north to south, are:
- Monterosso al Mare — the largest and with a beach
- Vernazza — considered by many to be the most beautiful
- Corniglia — the only one not directly on the sea
- Manarola — famous for its reflections in the water at sunset
- Riomaggiore — the closest to La Spezia
An important detail that influences the trek: Corniglia is situated on top of a cliff, about 100 meters above sea level, which means that both the ascent and descent to this village involve a significant change in elevation. It's not technically difficult, but it is tiring.
Where to start the trek
You can hike the route in either direction. The choice primarily depends on where you are staying and how you arrive.
Start in Monterosso al Mare (north → south) if coming from Genoa
This is the most common option and, possibly, the most convenient from a logistical point of view. Monterosso has a direct train connection from Genoa, making it easy to arrive early in the morning and begin the journey south.
Furthermore, Monterosso boasts the widest beach in the entire area—pebbly, with very clear water—so if you arrive with time, you can start your day with a swim before you start walking. A good incentive to set off early.
From Riomaggiore you can take the train back to La Spezia or back to Genoa.
Start in Riomaggiore (south → north) if coming from La Spezia
If you are staying in La Spezia, this option is more practical: from there, the train reaches Riomaggiore in just 10-15 minutes. You do the route in reverse and end up in Monterosso, where you can take a swim at the end of the day as a reward.
From Monterosso you can take the train back to La Spezia or to Genoa.
Distance, duration, and difficulty of the Cinque Terre trek
- Total distance: approximately 11 km
- Duration: between 5 and 6 hours walking, not counting long stops
- Difficulty: medium
It's not a technical route and doesn't require special equipment, but it is physically demanding. There are quite a few climbs, sections with stairs carved into the rock, and uneven ground. Anyone accustomed to walking can complete it without a problem, but you'll feel it in your legs by the end of the day.
Ideally, you should leave between 8 and 9 in the morning to avoid the midday heat on the most exposed sections and reach the last village comfortably before evening.
Consider your departure time depending on the sections you want to do. Leaving Monterosso at 1 PM, with stops for lunch, photos, and a glass of wine, you could reach Riomaggiore around 8 PM.
How the trek is section by section
The route connects the five villages consecutively, but the most interesting part isn't arriving: it's what happens in between. The scenery constantly changes. There are sections that hug the sea, others that ascend through vineyards, and others that give you an aerial perspective of the villages that you won't find in any photograph.
Monterosso → Vernazza · ~1h 30 min
A very well-balanced section to start. Mediterranean views appear almost from the beginning, and the path combines open areas with cooler sections among vegetation. It's demanding in some places but not exhausting. A good introduction to the type of terrain that awaits you.
Upon reaching Vernazza, it's worth stopping for a while. It's probably the most picturesque of the five villages, with its small harbor, medieval tower, and colorful houses that tumble directly into the water. Perfect for breakfast or a drink before continuing.
View of Vernazza at the start of the trail to Corniglia
Vernazza → Corniglia · ~1h 30 min
This is one of the most demanding sections of the entire route. The climbs are more intense, there are more stairs, and the elevation change is clearly noticeable. It's not technical at all, but if it's hot, it can be tiresome.
Upon arriving in Corniglia, remember that the village is located high up and to reach the center you still have to climb a bit more (or there's a shuttle). It's worth it: it's the least crowded of the five villages and has a calm that you won't find in the others.
Corniglia → Manarola · the most special section
This is, for many, the most beautiful section of the entire route. The landscape changes radically: the vineyards take center stage, the path opens up, the pace slows, and the light (especially in the early afternoon) is spectacular.
In this section, you'll find some taverns and small stalls where you can stop. One of the best known is Capellini, where you can have an informal aperitif: bruschettas, olives, a glass of local wine—Sciacchetrà or a local Vermentino—or even buy a bottle for the road. If you don't finish it, you can take it with you without a problem.
This section invites you to slow down. Don't waste it.
Manarola → Riomaggiore · ~30-45 min
The shortest section. Perfect for ending the day without additional exhaustion or simply for a leisurely stroll before catching the train back. Manarola also deserves a stop: its reflections in the water at sunset are among the most photographed in all of Italy, and there are terraces where you can have a drink with direct sea views.
The Cinque Terre Card: the ticket for trekking
To access the park's trails, you need the Cinque Terre Card, which funds the maintenance of the paths and the natural park.
- Trails only: approximately €15 per day
- Combined with train: variable price depending on journeys and days
Before you go, it's important to check the official park website because:
- Sections may be closed for maintenance or weather conditions, especially after winter or heavy rains.
- During certain periods, there are capacity controls and the trail can only be done in one direction.
- On days of peak attendance, there may be queues at the entrances.
At each train station, you will find a park office where you can buy tickets, get a physical map, and ask about the updated status of the trails.
There are also booths at the trail entrances where you will need to show your card.
You can pay by card and contactless, but carrying some cash is always a good idea.
Best time for trekking
The best times are, without a doubt:
- April and May: the landscape is green, there are fewer people, and temperatures are pleasant for walking
- September and October: the heat subsides, the trails are in good condition, and the autumn light is beautiful
In summer (July and August) it is very hot, there are sections completely exposed to the sun without shade, and tourist crowds are at their maximum. Trekking is harder and less pleasant, although it has the advantage that you can combine the walk with swimming in the sea at the end of the day.
If you travel in summer, it's worth leaving very early (before 8 AM if possible) and bringing plenty of water.
Can you trek all 5 villages in one day?
Yes, you can. But it's demanding.
If you have time, it is best to do it in two days: the first day the northern sections (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia) and the second day the southern ones (Manarola, Riomaggiore), with more time to stop in the villages, eat well, and enjoy without rushing.
If you only have one day, choose your starting point carefully, leave early, and don't forget that the train is always there if you need to shorten the route.
Our plan
- Buy food before leaving (focaccia is the most typical) at a bakery in Genoa or La Spezia, bottles of water, and some fruit (bananas).
- Departure from Monterosso (there's a direct train from Genoa). We bought our ticket directly at Monterosso train station at the official Cinque Terre office. This way, you can confirm that all routes are open and get updated daily information (confirm the office's opening hours). The ticket can also be bought online: cinque terre card
- Monterosso - Vernazza route: it took us approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes (without long stops). The start is uphill and is the toughest part.
- Picnic lunch in Vernazza
- Vernazza - Corniglia route: it also took us about 1 hour and 15 minutes (also without long stops, just a few for photos). Upon arriving in Corniglia, there's a drinking water fountain to refill your bottle.
- Corniglia - Manarola route (with a long stop at Cantina Capellini): the toughest of the three routes (perhaps also because you've already been walking for a few hours, with ups and downs). The first stretch is uphill, and then you traverse the vineyards until you reach Cantina Pellini. We did this about 3 hours before sunset, and it truly is a stunning route, well worth the effort. Once we arrived at this Agrivino (as they call it), we ordered a bottle of wine and enjoyed the views. Don't worry if you don't finish the bottle; you can take it home as we did. The rest of the route from the Agrivino to Manarola is downhill and took us about 30 minutes.
- Return home from Manarola: there are many train options to get back home or to your hotel/B&B. We took the train from Manarola to La Spezia (approx. 10-15 minute journey) and from La Spezia a direct train to Genoa.
Enjoying wine at sunset at Cantina Capellini
Practical tips before you go
- Water: carry at least 1.5-2 liters. There are refill points in the villages, but not always between them
- Footwear: sports shoes, trekking shoes, or trail shoes with good grip soles.
- Sun protection: especially on the open sections above the sea. The sun on the cliffs is intense
- Swimsuit: if you want to swim in Monterosso, Vernazza, or Manarola
- Walking poles: optional, but appreciated on descents and climbs if you usually use them
- Cash: for taverns, small stalls, or unforeseen circumstances
- Leave early: avoid the midday heat on the most exposed sections
Regarding children: it is not an especially recommended route for the little ones if they are not used to walking for several hours with inclines. For children over 8-10 years old who walk well, it can be a very cool experience with the right stops. For example, you can do only one of the 1-hour sections.
Useful links
-
Cinque Terre card
- Cinque Terre trekking (ticket for those who only want to trek)
-
Cinque Terre train (special train ticket to get around the 5 Terre)
The Cinque Terre trek is not just a hiking trail. It is, probably, the most authentic way to discover these villages: walking among them, watching the landscape change, stopping wherever you want, eating in a roadside trattoria overlooking the Mediterranean.
You can completely adapt it to your pace. Do it all on foot, combine trekking with the train, add a boat trip to see the cliffs from the sea. There is no single correct way to travel through Cinque Terre, and that is precisely what makes it special.
What is certain is that, if you have the opportunity to do it, it is worth every step.
More photos and information on our Instagram @justintime.travel
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