The Ultimate 7-Day Cinque Terre Hiking Guide
- tejaswiseth
- Apr 10
- 6 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Let's embark on a fantastic 7-day trip focused on hiking the beautiful trails of Italy's Cinque Terre! This itinerary prioritizes trail time while still allowing you to soak up the atmosphere of the five famous villages.
Cinque Terre 7-Day Hiking Adventure: Trails, Villages & Ligurian Views
Why This 7-Day Cinque Terre Hiking Guide is Valuable For You:
Hiking Focused: Designed specifically for those who want to experience the Cinque Terre primarily through its network of scenic trails, rather than just quick village stops.
Practical Base Strategy: Recommends basing yourself in one or two locations to avoid excessive packing/unpacking, making daily hikes more manageable.
Covers Key Trails (and alternatives): Includes sections of the famous Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Path), acknowledges potential closures, and incorporates beautiful higher trails for stunning views and different perspectives.
Balanced Pace: Mixes moderate to challenging hiking days with time for village exploration, relaxation (beach time!), and enjoying Ligurian food and wine.
Logistical Guidance: Includes essential tips on the Cinque Terre Card, checking trail status, using local trains/ferries, and what to pack.
Flexibility: Provides a solid framework but encourages adaptation based on trail conditions, weather, and personal energy levels.
Cinque Terre 7-Day Hiking Adventure: The Itinerary
Pacing Legend:
(R) Relaxing: Focus on village exploration, beach time, slower pace.
(M) Moderate: Mix of hiking (gentle/moderate sections) and sightseeing.
(A) Adventurous: Focus on longer or more challenging hiking sections.
(T) Travel: Arrival/Departure focus.
Recommended Base: Monterosso al Mare (largest village, best beach, good train access, more lodging options) OR Vernazza (centrally located, incredibly picturesque, fewer amenities). This itinerary assumes a base in Monterosso. You can easily adapt it if staying elsewhere by adjusting train usage.
Essential: Purchase the Cinque Terre Card (Treno MS) upon arrival. This covers access to paying hiking trails (like the Sentiero Azzurro sections) AND unlimited train travel between Levanto and La Spezia (including all 5 villages), plus use of park buses.
CRITICAL NOTE: Trail conditions change frequently due to weather and landslides. Sections of the Sentiero Azzurro (SVA #2), especially the lower coastal paths between Riomaggiore-Manarola (Via dell'Amore) and Manarola-Corniglia, are often closed. ALWAYS check the official Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre website (parconazionale5terre.it) or visit park information offices daily for current trail status before setting out. This itinerary suggests common alternatives if lower paths are closed.
The Itinerary: Based in Monterosso
Day 1: Arrival in Monterosso & Village Exploration (T/R)
Arrive via train (likely changing at La Spezia or Genoa) to Monterosso al Mare station.
Check into your accommodation.
Explore Monterosso: Wander the Old Town (Centro Storico) with its narrow lanes, visit the Church of San Giovanni Battista. Walk along the Fegina beachfront (New Town) with the large statue of Neptune/Giant.
Relax on Monterosso's relatively large sandy beach. Get acquainted with the local train schedule. Purchase your Cinque Terre Card.
Enjoy a welcome dinner featuring Ligurian specialties (pesto, seafood). Value: Settling in, exploring base village, beach time.
Day 2: Hike Monterosso to Vernazza (M/A)
Hike: Sentiero Azzurro (SVA #2 / Blue Path) section from Monterosso to Vernazza.
Distance: Approx. 3.5 km / 2.2 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours (allow more for photos/stops)
Difficulty: Moderate, with significant initial ascent from Monterosso and descent into Vernazza. Uneven terrain, many steps.
Enjoy stunning coastal views along the way. Arrive in Vernazza, arguably the most picturesque village.
Explore Vernazza: Wander the main street, climb to Doria Castle for panoramic views, relax in the harbour piazza. Have lunch or gelato.
Return: Take the local train back from Vernazza to Monterosso (5 mins).
Evening: Relax in Monterosso. Value: Classic Cinque Terre coastal hike, exploring iconic Vernazza.
Day 3: Hike Vernazza to Corniglia (M/A)
Travel: Take the train from Monterosso to Vernazza (5 mins).
Hike: Sentiero Azzurro (SVA #2 / Blue Path) section from Vernazza to Corniglia.
Distance: Approx. 4 km / 2.5 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, with climbs and descents, rewarding views back towards Vernazza and ahead to Corniglia.
Arrive near Corniglia station. To reach the village centre, climb the Lardarina staircase (380+ steps) OR take the park shuttle bus (included with CT Card).
Explore Corniglia: Wander the quiet, charming hilltop village (the only one not directly on the water). Find viewpoints, visit St. Peter's Church. Enjoy lunch with a view.
Return: Take the shuttle bus/stairs down to Corniglia station and train back to Monterosso. Value: Another beautiful coastal section, exploring unique hilltop village.
Day 4: Higher Trails - Corniglia to Manarola via Volastra (A)
Travel: Train from Monterosso to Corniglia. Shuttle bus/stairs up to the village.
Hike: Since the coastal path Manarola-Corniglia is often closed, take the scenic higher trail via Volastra (Trail #586 formerly #6d connects to #587 formerly #7a then #506 formerly #6).
Distance: Approx. 5.5 km / 3.4 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging. Involves significant ascent initially from Corniglia, then flatter sections through vineyards with stunning views, followed by a steep descent into Manarola.
This route offers breathtaking vistas over the coastline and terraced vineyards.
Explore Manarola: Wander the colourful village, walk the scenic viewpoint path (towards cemetery/park), enjoy the harbour area (popular for cliff jumping/swimming).
Return: Train from Manarola back to Monterosso. Value: Experiencing higher trails & vineyards, stunning views, exploring Manarola.
Day 5: Southern Villages - Riomaggiore & Via Beccara Hike (A)
Travel: Train from Monterosso to Riomaggiore (southernmost village).
Explore Riomaggiore: Walk down the main street to the picturesque harbour, explore the upper parts of the village, visit the Church of San Giovanni Battista.
Hike: Since the Via dell'Amore (coastal path Riomaggiore-Manarola) is often closed (check status!), hike the alternative higher path, the Via Beccara (Trail #531).
Distance: Approx. 1.5 km / 1 mile
Time: 1 - 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Challenging/Strenuous. Very steep ascent from Riomaggiore and steep descent into Manarola – many, many steps! Requires good fitness. Offers great views.
Arrive back in Manarola. Option to relax there or head back.
Return: Train from Manarola or Riomaggiore back to Monterosso. Value: Exploring southernmost village, challenging but rewarding alternative hike.
Day 6: Sanctuary Trail OR Levanto Hike OR Relax/Ferry (M/A/R)
Choose your final main activity:
Option A (Sanctuary Hike): Hike from Monterosso up to the Soviore Sanctuary (oldest in Liguria). Trail #591 (formerly #9). Steep climb, rewarding views, peaceful atmosphere. Approx. 2-3 hours round trip. OR hike from Vernazza up to Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Reggio (Trail #582 / #508).
Option B (Hike towards Levanto): Hike the Sentiero Azzurro section north from Monterosso towards Levanto (Trail SVA #2 / Blue Path, sometimes labelled #1 or #10). Offers different coastal views. Hike all the way (~2.5-3 hrs) or part way and return.
Option C (Relax/Ferry): Enjoy a relaxed day in Monterosso. Spend more time on the beach, rent kayaks, browse shops. OR take the Cinque Terre ferry (seasonal, runs Apr-Oct approx.) between the villages (excluding Corniglia) for stunning perspectives from the sea.
Evening: Farewell Ligurian dinner. Value: Spiritual hike, different coastal direction, or relaxing sea views.
Day 7: Departure (T)
Enjoy a final cappuccino and focaccia.
Do any last-minute souvenir shopping (local wine, olive oil, pesto).
Take the train from Monterosso towards your next destination (e.g., back via La Spezia/Genoa towards Pisa, Florence, Milan). Value: Leisurely departure.
Essential Tips for Your 7-Day Cinque Terre Hiking Trip:
Cinque Terre Card: Essential for hikers using SVA #2 trails and trains. Buy locally (stations, info points) or sometimes online. Validate before first train journey if needed.
Check Trail Status DAILY: Cannot stress this enough! Use official park website/app or info points. Closures are common. Be prepared to use alternative higher trails or rely on trains/ferries.
Footwear: Proper hiking shoes/boots with good grip are essential. Trails are rocky, uneven, involve many steps, and can be slippery. No flip-flops or unsuitable sandals.
Water & Sun Protection: Carry plenty of water, especially on warmer days. Wear sunscreen, hat, sunglasses – sun exposure on trails is significant.
Hiking Poles: Highly recommended, especially for descents, as trails involve many steep steps.
Fitness Level: Be honest about your fitness. While some sections are moderate, ascents/descents can be demanding, especially higher trails or Via Beccara. Heat adds to the challenge in summer.
Start Early: Beat the heat and the worst of the crowds (especially July/August) by starting hikes early in the morning.
Pack Light (for hiking): Daypack essentials: water, snacks, sun protection, basic first aid, trail map, phone (charged), Cinque Terre Card, cash, camera, light rain jacket.
Accommodation: Book well in advance, especially for stays within the five villages, as options are limited and popular.
Best Time to Go: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer the best balance of pleasant weather for hiking, fewer crowds than summer, and most services open. Summer (June-August) is hot, very crowded. Winter (Nov-Mar) sees many trail closures, fewer services, and potentially wet/cold weather.
Cash: While cards are accepted in many shops/restaurants, carry some Euros cash for smaller purchases, cafes, potentially trailside vendors (rare), or if card machines are down.
Buona camminata! Have an incredible time hiking the stunning trails of the Cinque Terre!
💛 Enjoyed this itinerary or found it helpful?
Support my work with a small donation.
It helps keep these travel guides free for everyone.
Comments