Cinque Terre hiking
What Is Hiking Like in Cinque Terre?
Cinque Terre hiking is an amazing experience – even for non-hikers (like us)! The well-maintained trails lead from one village to another, with amazing views along the way. Cinque Terre is truly a hiker’s paradise.
Some routes have vineyards and wineries with wine tastings along the way. If not, wine shops and beautiful marinas are waiting at the end!
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cinque Terre Hiking Routes
There are many amazing hikes in Cinque Terre. For more information about these and many other routes, we recommend alltrails.com.
Levanto to Monterosso al Mare
Length: 5.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,250 ft.
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: average
Fee: none
Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza
Length: 2.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 700ft
Duration: 1h 30m
Difficulty: average
Fee: 7.50 euros (2022)
This hike follows the Blue Trail that connects the five main villages of the Cinque Terre.
Vernazza to Corniglia
Length: 2.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 500ft
Duration: 1h 30m
Difficulty: average
Fee: 7.50 euros (2022)
This hike follows the Blue Trail that connects the five main villages of the Cinque Terre.
Corniglia to Manarola (via Volastra)
Length: 3.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,350 ft.
Duration: 2h 30m
Difficulty: Moderate
Fee: None
Manarola to Riomaggiore (via Beccara)
Length: 1.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 470 ft.
Duration: 1h
Difficulty: Difficult
Fee: None
Riomaggiore to Portovenere
Length: 8.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,250 ft.
Duration: 5h
Difficulty: Difficult
Fee: None
Hiking Tours in Cinque Terre
Want a guide for your Cinque Terre hikes? Book a highly-rated hiking tour in Cinque Terre!
FAQs About Cinque Terre Hiking
How Long Does It Take To Do the Cinque Terre Hike?
You can hike the entire route in six to eight hours if you take short breaks—although many hikers prefer to spread the route out over a few days at a strolling pace, stopping to enjoy the towns along the way. You can hike from Monterosso (heading south) or Riomaggiore (heading north).
Is Cinque Terre a Difficult Hike?
Some portions of the trail are very easy to walk, such as the paved section connecting Riomaggiore to Manarola, and other sections climb up and over hillsides with spectacular views along the coast. It takes 6 to 8 hours to hike the entire distance, not counting the time to explore and linger in each town.
Is It Worth Hiking In Cinque Terre?
Cinque Terre is a beautiful and unique place worth visiting if you’re interested in hiking or photography.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Hike Cinque Terre?
The best time to visit Cinque Terre is in September and October when summertime tourists have returned home – and cooler temps and emptied-out trails await. The wintertime, from November to February, is characterized by cold weather and some amenity closures.
What Is the Hardest Part of the Cinque Terre Hike?
The trail portion between Monterroso Al Mare and Vernazza is the most difficult and challenging of all Cinque Terre trails. There are lots of narrow steps and stairs to hike up and down. You have to climb lots of hills up and down.