Cinque Terre for 1 1/2 days - strategy needed
 

I am in Cinque Terre for 1 1/2 days so need to plan my time REALLY well. Am on my own so can't do any big hikes. Any insight as to what I should make my priority please give me any and all opinions. I am staying in Manarola

If you are there now, just relax. Go feed the ducks up near the church.

If you are not there now, just relax when you get there. And go feed the ducks up near the church.

Find out which trails are open. If the weather is good, do the one that is your highest priority first, hiking in the direction that takes you closest to the nearest end of your second priority. Etc.

And don't forget the ducks :-) , pinot grigio, fish, or pesto!

I'm not sure why being on your own precludes any "big hikes" - because the trails are likely to be busy with lots of English-speaking tourists. If there was a problem, finding help would be fairly easy.

Do check the trail status prior to arrival. I think the Via Dell'Amore (easy trail between Manarola and Riomaggiore) will be closed throughout 2013, but the other main trails between villages may be open by now. It's easy to get from town to town by train too except that Corniglia is at the top of a step hill (from the train station, either walk up a bunch of steps or wait for a shuttle bus). If you have parts of two days and one night, I'd probably do the trail between Corniglia and Vernazza one day and the one between Vernazza and Monterosso the other day - each hike would be a few hours, of moderate difficulty in parts but not extremely hard (lots of steps up and down). Manarola to Corniglia isn't that long, could be done same day you hike Corniglia to Vernazza probably.

Do take the time to visit Riomaggiore, too, even though you can't hike directly there if that trail is closed. There are some beautiful murals by the train station and in the tiny town square.

I was in Manarola few years ago before the big flood that almost destroyed CT.I did some hiking mostly the easier trails.
Cinque terre is one of my favourite places and I hope to go back someday.

Here is an article dated Feb.2013 about the trails. Take a look and make certain that you well informed before going on your own.
I love Manarola..I stayed there for 8 days..

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel...king-BR-1.html

Vernazza to Monterosso trail was great, we did it in May and it was perfect weather. You can do it alone, takes about 3 hours if you stop and enjoy the views and take pics. Bring two bottles of water in a light backpack. I so loved Cinque Terre. I have so many pictures of laundry hanging. Train between villages is great.

I'm checking out the status of the Via Dell'Amore and will get back to you with the update. We visit CT 4-5 times a year with the guests from our cooking school for a one day trip. The highlights for them other than hiking is lunch at Belforte in Vernazza and the boat back from Monterosso to Riomaggiorio.
When making a reservation at Belforte ask for a table on the front balcony (if the weather is OK) and the very funny Andrea as your waiter. He is a riot. Our meals initially began as two courses. Each time we go, the lunch becomes longer as Alessandro, the owner/chef, pops out to tempt us with new dishes. Michaela is gorgeous. Our relationship was cemented when we brought guests there in May 2012 as many people avoided Vernazza after the landslide. Looking forward to seeing them next month.

For a really fun half day, try angelo's boat tours. It leaves out of Monterosso and goes down the coast to all of the towns and stops in a few. Angello grills lunch while you swim. All in all a great time

Thank you for all the great responses so far, I'll keep watching. Nice to have a spot for dinner & I wanted to do a boat tour as I've heard I must see CT from the water. Approx how much is it and what time does the boat tour leave dock?

Will definately be doing some hikes, feeling better now that everyone says it is safe. Keep replying!!

Hi Corrinel
Just received this email from the Cinque Terre National Park. The link is very useful.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-of-trails.cfm