Cinque Terre hiking trails: let's post references on a super thread
Jul 28th, 2006, 08:46 AM
#41
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Sorry I dropped the ball on this, folks. I haven't had time to write up a summary, with my summer schedule being wild and crazy. I will, though, in the Fall.
lvk, I think the trails going south to north, starting at the southernmost town, Riomaggiore, are the easiest. With that first stretch, from Riomaggiore to Manarola being the "Via dell'Amore" or Path of Love. It is short, only 20 minutes between the towns.
It is very simple to take the train and the ferry between the towns (assuming the ferry is running when you're there). You can just choose which you want to take, according to the weather, the crowds, and your preference.
Walking either direction into or out of Cogniglia is challenging, because it sits on a hill. The ferry doesn't go there, but the train does. The views from the trail are beautiful, so if you're fit and in the mood for an uphill or downhill climb, it's worth the effort. And there are places along the trail where you can find some shade, and even sit down on a rock or a stump.
Have fun! No flip flops!
lvk, I think the trails going south to north, starting at the southernmost town, Riomaggiore, are the easiest. With that first stretch, from Riomaggiore to Manarola being the "Via dell'Amore" or Path of Love. It is short, only 20 minutes between the towns.
It is very simple to take the train and the ferry between the towns (assuming the ferry is running when you're there). You can just choose which you want to take, according to the weather, the crowds, and your preference.
Walking either direction into or out of Cogniglia is challenging, because it sits on a hill. The ferry doesn't go there, but the train does. The views from the trail are beautiful, so if you're fit and in the mood for an uphill or downhill climb, it's worth the effort. And there are places along the trail where you can find some shade, and even sit down on a rock or a stump.
Have fun! No flip flops!
Jul 28th, 2006, 09:03 AM
#42
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I've copied this information from a post made by Shirley (aka LuvtoRoam), on another thread regarding the trails and heights:
"Off to the Cinque Terre for the final leg of our trip. The Cinque Terre is eleven miles of sheer rocky coastline in northern Italy, terraced hills and vineyards sloping steeply down to the sea. Five little villages are built into the rocks between the beach and the hills. You can hike, swim, drink red wine, and watch blazing Mediterranean sunsets away from the tourist throngs in the Italian cities and the French Riviera. Centuries old footpaths and mule tracks wind about 500 to 1,000 feet above the sea, leading through olive groves and vineyards, orchards and chestnut woods. Each village has its own character; they are a few minutes apart by train. There are almost no cars as the villages are not easily accessible by road.
...Arrived in ‘our’ village of Vernazza and found the apartment, which although very tiny (just room for a bed and toilet) offered a spectacular view of the coastline. It is built on the cliff, and the water is a stone throw away. The town is small and quaint, with lots of interesting little shops. Being a port town, there are a lot of local fishermen do their thing.
...Took the foot trail over to Corniglia next town south of where we were staying. Nice place, and less touristy than Vernazza. Spent a few hours eating, drinking, and poking around town.
...We did ourselves proud as we ended up continuing our walk south from Corniglia to Manarola, and finishing up at the last town Riomaggiore. Kick-butt walk! Took the train back.
...We survived the cliff line walk from Vernazza to Monterosso, which was a very, very long and rugged walk. Often the footpath was only a foot wide, with nothing separating us from the sea floor but air. Along the way was this old, old man selling water and grapes for a buck or two. How the hell does he manage to carry all his stuff along these trails?"
Thanks, Shirley!
"Off to the Cinque Terre for the final leg of our trip. The Cinque Terre is eleven miles of sheer rocky coastline in northern Italy, terraced hills and vineyards sloping steeply down to the sea. Five little villages are built into the rocks between the beach and the hills. You can hike, swim, drink red wine, and watch blazing Mediterranean sunsets away from the tourist throngs in the Italian cities and the French Riviera. Centuries old footpaths and mule tracks wind about 500 to 1,000 feet above the sea, leading through olive groves and vineyards, orchards and chestnut woods. Each village has its own character; they are a few minutes apart by train. There are almost no cars as the villages are not easily accessible by road.
...Arrived in ‘our’ village of Vernazza and found the apartment, which although very tiny (just room for a bed and toilet) offered a spectacular view of the coastline. It is built on the cliff, and the water is a stone throw away. The town is small and quaint, with lots of interesting little shops. Being a port town, there are a lot of local fishermen do their thing.
...Took the foot trail over to Corniglia next town south of where we were staying. Nice place, and less touristy than Vernazza. Spent a few hours eating, drinking, and poking around town.
...We did ourselves proud as we ended up continuing our walk south from Corniglia to Manarola, and finishing up at the last town Riomaggiore. Kick-butt walk! Took the train back.
...We survived the cliff line walk from Vernazza to Monterosso, which was a very, very long and rugged walk. Often the footpath was only a foot wide, with nothing separating us from the sea floor but air. Along the way was this old, old man selling water and grapes for a buck or two. How the hell does he manage to carry all his stuff along these trails?"
Thanks, Shirley!
Sep 6th, 2006, 03:30 PM
#47
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Thanks, SRS, for posting a recent trip report:
"The hike between Manarola and Riomaggiore is really just a stroll - the whole thing is paved and pretty level - you could probably do it in heels. I did it more than once in flip flops. The hike from Manarola to Cornelia is a bit harder but not the most visually rewarding.
Definetly the two best hikes are from Monterosso to Vernazza and then from Vernazza to Cornelia. Gorgeous views! But these two hikes are about 1.5 hours a piece if you are a steady walker and in pretty good shape (we did see runners - how brave). And it was so worth it. If you are going to do these (which I would if you are fit enough to), I would wear some type of sneaker because it really hiking."
"The hike between Manarola and Riomaggiore is really just a stroll - the whole thing is paved and pretty level - you could probably do it in heels. I did it more than once in flip flops. The hike from Manarola to Cornelia is a bit harder but not the most visually rewarding.
Definetly the two best hikes are from Monterosso to Vernazza and then from Vernazza to Cornelia. Gorgeous views! But these two hikes are about 1.5 hours a piece if you are a steady walker and in pretty good shape (we did see runners - how brave). And it was so worth it. If you are going to do these (which I would if you are fit enough to), I would wear some type of sneaker because it really hiking."
Sep 6th, 2006, 03:41 PM
#48
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More good info., stolen from another thread:
"Cinque Terre Hiking and Fear of Heights"
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34843558
Author: alan64
Date: 07/27/2006, 01:27 pm
The path between Riomaggiore (the most southern village) and Manarola is known as the Via dell'Amore. It's wide, and very easy to walk. Walkers are well protected from the cliffs and the path isn't very high up. This is really more of a walking path than a hiking trail.
The hikes between the other towns are just that - hikes! Some of the paths are pretty narrow and in a few areas are close to an edge. The large majority of the trails are steep but not really on a 'cliff edge'. I wouldn't consider any of the hike dangerous unless you were doing it at night (NOT recommended, and perhaps not even allowed).
You may get nervous in a couple spots but I don't think it would be terrifying. It would be a shame to skip these hikes as they're very beautiful. The 'path of love' is pretty boring in comparison. Good luck!!!
Author: LuvToRoam ([email protected])
Date: 07/27/2006, 01:32 pm
We did this walk in 2004 and it was wonderful! I do not like "high places" much either but did not find this terrifying at all. There were areas that were tight for passing others on, but I do not remember being fearful at all on the walks. The stairs-wow! I just kept telling myself -firm buttocks, firm buttocks, etc. While it was quite warm when we were there, it was for us an enchanting end to a wonderful vacation. I think this link will take you to our trip report.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34699548
Have a wonderful trip. Shirley
Author: BostonGal
Date: 07/27/2006, 02:11 pm
Ditto Shirley. Believe it or not (based on the things that I've done) I have quite the phobia of heights. However, I do love to hike.
I don't recall being afraid when we hiked the CT goat paths. Sure, some spots were tight but really nothing to be afraid of.
Ahh those stairs! We actually took the reverse route through the 5 villages, so we went down the stairs and then took the train back. ?
Author: LuvToRoam ([email protected])
Date: 07/28/2006, 11:17 am
Comfy shoes and regular clothing are a must. It was hot when we were there. Sleeveless top, capris (nooooo shorts for these old legs), water bottle and $$$ for drinks and chow when you get to town! I wish I would have had a hat, but I didn't. Shirley
Author: SuQue
Date: 07/28/2006, 01:45 pm
I hiked the whole trail, broken into two days-(Monterosso to Vernazza first day and Riomaggiore to Vernazza second day) and also suffer from acrophobia. The difficult part for me was Corneglia to Vernazza where it was a sheer drop and narrow, rock strewn path. It was worth it though and the reward was lunch at Gambero Rossa in Vernazza both days.
Author: eurogals
Date: 07/28/2006, 04:41 pm
I walked the trails in 1996 for the lst time and found the trail between Corniglia and Vernazza terrifying. There was an area where there was no vegetation and the narrow trail had a sheer drop to the water below. So when we returned there in 2005 I was very apprehensive about doing this walk again, but it was so beautiful I went for it.
Since 1996 they have made this trail very safe, and the spot where it was a sheer cliff to my left on a very narrow path has either been diverted inland a bit, or has been fenced off. I didn't encounter any areas that would cause you any alarm.
Now on a very hot day it is best to go early in the morning as it is a very rigorous hike with lots of ups and downs, but nontheless safe and not scary.
Author: anna_in_france
Date: 08/10/2006, 05:23 pm
Thanks for all the helpful replies! Just got back today from a great trip to Lucca, Cinque Terre, and Florence. I walked the Cinque Terre in both directions starting from both Monteresso and Riomaggiore and also took two different trails from Levanto to Monterosso with no problems! It was beautiful and perfectly safe! Yes, it was high (made for some amazing views!)but most of it has railings and/or fence along the way.
"Cinque Terre Hiking and Fear of Heights"
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34843558
Author: alan64
Date: 07/27/2006, 01:27 pm
The path between Riomaggiore (the most southern village) and Manarola is known as the Via dell'Amore. It's wide, and very easy to walk. Walkers are well protected from the cliffs and the path isn't very high up. This is really more of a walking path than a hiking trail.
The hikes between the other towns are just that - hikes! Some of the paths are pretty narrow and in a few areas are close to an edge. The large majority of the trails are steep but not really on a 'cliff edge'. I wouldn't consider any of the hike dangerous unless you were doing it at night (NOT recommended, and perhaps not even allowed).
You may get nervous in a couple spots but I don't think it would be terrifying. It would be a shame to skip these hikes as they're very beautiful. The 'path of love' is pretty boring in comparison. Good luck!!!
Author: LuvToRoam ([email protected])
Date: 07/27/2006, 01:32 pm
We did this walk in 2004 and it was wonderful! I do not like "high places" much either but did not find this terrifying at all. There were areas that were tight for passing others on, but I do not remember being fearful at all on the walks. The stairs-wow! I just kept telling myself -firm buttocks, firm buttocks, etc. While it was quite warm when we were there, it was for us an enchanting end to a wonderful vacation. I think this link will take you to our trip report.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34699548
Have a wonderful trip. Shirley
Author: BostonGal
Date: 07/27/2006, 02:11 pm
Ditto Shirley. Believe it or not (based on the things that I've done) I have quite the phobia of heights. However, I do love to hike.
I don't recall being afraid when we hiked the CT goat paths. Sure, some spots were tight but really nothing to be afraid of.
Ahh those stairs! We actually took the reverse route through the 5 villages, so we went down the stairs and then took the train back. ?
Author: LuvToRoam ([email protected])
Date: 07/28/2006, 11:17 am
Comfy shoes and regular clothing are a must. It was hot when we were there. Sleeveless top, capris (nooooo shorts for these old legs), water bottle and $$$ for drinks and chow when you get to town! I wish I would have had a hat, but I didn't. Shirley
Author: SuQue
Date: 07/28/2006, 01:45 pm
I hiked the whole trail, broken into two days-(Monterosso to Vernazza first day and Riomaggiore to Vernazza second day) and also suffer from acrophobia. The difficult part for me was Corneglia to Vernazza where it was a sheer drop and narrow, rock strewn path. It was worth it though and the reward was lunch at Gambero Rossa in Vernazza both days.
Author: eurogals
Date: 07/28/2006, 04:41 pm
I walked the trails in 1996 for the lst time and found the trail between Corniglia and Vernazza terrifying. There was an area where there was no vegetation and the narrow trail had a sheer drop to the water below. So when we returned there in 2005 I was very apprehensive about doing this walk again, but it was so beautiful I went for it.
Since 1996 they have made this trail very safe, and the spot where it was a sheer cliff to my left on a very narrow path has either been diverted inland a bit, or has been fenced off. I didn't encounter any areas that would cause you any alarm.
Now on a very hot day it is best to go early in the morning as it is a very rigorous hike with lots of ups and downs, but nontheless safe and not scary.
Author: anna_in_france
Date: 08/10/2006, 05:23 pm
Thanks for all the helpful replies! Just got back today from a great trip to Lucca, Cinque Terre, and Florence. I walked the Cinque Terre in both directions starting from both Monteresso and Riomaggiore and also took two different trails from Levanto to Monterosso with no problems! It was beautiful and perfectly safe! Yes, it was high (made for some amazing views!)but most of it has railings and/or fence along the way.
Sep 15th, 2006, 07:45 AM
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I am very afraid of heights and was unable to hike the CT trails.
We started off from Monterosso towards Vernazza and I had trouble with the very first staircase. I got past it but couldn't get myself to go up the next. I sent my companions on a little ways to see if the trail got less scary further on, but they came back to say no. I urged them to go on without me & I would take the train to Vernazza and meet them there but they refused.
We decided to cut out Vernazza entirely as possibly too scary for me, and took the train to Corniglia. We were planning to try the trail from there to Manarola, but the trail was closed due to dangerous conditions. We looked around Corniglia then got back on the train to Manarola, explored the town then walked the Via Dell'Amore to Riomaggiore. Even on the very tame Via Dell'Amore I had some alarming moments, but for the most part is was feasible for me.
I was very disappointed to be unable to hike most of the trail, and I really wish my companions had gone on without me. I feel bad about depriving them of the hike. I would have had a fine time looking at the towns by train, maybe shopping, and catching up on my reading.
We started off from Monterosso towards Vernazza and I had trouble with the very first staircase. I got past it but couldn't get myself to go up the next. I sent my companions on a little ways to see if the trail got less scary further on, but they came back to say no. I urged them to go on without me & I would take the train to Vernazza and meet them there but they refused.
We decided to cut out Vernazza entirely as possibly too scary for me, and took the train to Corniglia. We were planning to try the trail from there to Manarola, but the trail was closed due to dangerous conditions. We looked around Corniglia then got back on the train to Manarola, explored the town then walked the Via Dell'Amore to Riomaggiore. Even on the very tame Via Dell'Amore I had some alarming moments, but for the most part is was feasible for me.
I was very disappointed to be unable to hike most of the trail, and I really wish my companions had gone on without me. I feel bad about depriving them of the hike. I would have had a fine time looking at the towns by train, maybe shopping, and catching up on my reading.
Sep 16th, 2006, 06:22 PM
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Excuse me if this has been covered already..... but we will be in CT at the end of Sept. and I still have some questions.
I have bad knees and it is easier to go UP stairs than down (as someone previously mentioned). It also helps to look UP instead of down with a fear of heights. So which way to walk to avoid walking down all the steps that I am reading about? We have 2 full days in the area and I'm thinking about walking part 1 day and part the next(mornings), having lunch each day and then doing the boat ride and touring around the towns. Anyone want to help me figure out a good itinerary?
Also, how late at night do the trains run? We are staying in Levanto and need to know if we eat dinner in another town, how late can we ride home?
Thanks all! This thread has a ton of info.
Deb
I have bad knees and it is easier to go UP stairs than down (as someone previously mentioned). It also helps to look UP instead of down with a fear of heights. So which way to walk to avoid walking down all the steps that I am reading about? We have 2 full days in the area and I'm thinking about walking part 1 day and part the next(mornings), having lunch each day and then doing the boat ride and touring around the towns. Anyone want to help me figure out a good itinerary?
Also, how late at night do the trains run? We are staying in Levanto and need to know if we eat dinner in another town, how late can we ride home?
Thanks all! This thread has a ton of info.
Deb
Sep 18th, 2006, 07:37 AM
#55
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abqdeb, I am not an expert by any means. But the Vernazza to Corniglia hike I would not recommend to anyone who has knee problems, or a fear of heights. It is a solid 90 minutes of stairstepping. I don't think you want to do it going up or down. And I don't remember that many railings or handholds along the way.
If you start at the southernmost town, Riomaggiore, and walk north to Manarola, the trail is a paved pathway, and would be better for your bad knee.
Read the posts above carefully. There are specifics about each trail. Quite frankly, the other four don't sound like your cup of tea.
If you start at the southernmost town, Riomaggiore, and walk north to Manarola, the trail is a paved pathway, and would be better for your bad knee.
Read the posts above carefully. There are specifics about each trail. Quite frankly, the other four don't sound like your cup of tea.
Sep 18th, 2006, 08:04 AM
#56
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motorgirl,
I'm also sorry about your experience. Did you post your observations of the " CT fear of heights" thread?
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34843558
I think that would be a service to people who might be looking for this type of info.
abqdeb,
In addition to the Riomaggiore to Manarola paved walk, I didn't think the Manarola to Corniglia walk was too bad. It is uneven and rocky in spots, but there are railings the entire way, and there is not much of a climb. I saw people stopping and resting along the way.
From Corniglia, you could take the train to Vernazza, then boat to Monterosso.
Have a nice trip.
I'm also sorry about your experience. Did you post your observations of the " CT fear of heights" thread?
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34843558
I think that would be a service to people who might be looking for this type of info.
abqdeb,
In addition to the Riomaggiore to Manarola paved walk, I didn't think the Manarola to Corniglia walk was too bad. It is uneven and rocky in spots, but there are railings the entire way, and there is not much of a climb. I saw people stopping and resting along the way.
From Corniglia, you could take the train to Vernazza, then boat to Monterosso.
Have a nice trip.
Sep 18th, 2006, 09:54 AM
#57
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Thanks Maureen, but I've been working long and hard to prepare for this trip and I plan on at least trying to hike the entire thing. I work out at the gym every day and my knee should be fine. I'll guess I'll have to look at the hard hike when I get there and determine if I can do it.
So, back to my original question, which way are the steps going up??
Deb
So, back to my original question, which way are the steps going up??
Deb
Sep 18th, 2006, 11:07 AM
#58
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Between Vernazza and Corniglia, the steps go up toward Corniglia, as it sits on a hilltop. So hiking north, from Corniglia to Vernazza, would be stairstepping downhill.
If you were to start at the southernmost town, you could start off on the trail from Riomaggiore to Manarola, which is paved (it is called the "Via dell'Amore" or Path of Love) and is short, only 20 minutes between the towns.
Quoting other posters: "From Manarola the trail is not paved. It becomes narrow and steep in many places, but the trail never becomes excessively difficult. The walk from Manarola to Corniglia takes one hour. The last half of the trail walks you up a beautiful switchback staircase that goes from sea level to the town up on a cliff."
And: "I didn't think the Manarola to Corniglia walk was too bad. It is uneven and rocky in spots, but there are railings the entire way, and there is not much of a climb. I saw people stopping and resting along the way."
If you workout everyday at the gym, you'll do better than I did! Have fun.
If you were to start at the southernmost town, you could start off on the trail from Riomaggiore to Manarola, which is paved (it is called the "Via dell'Amore" or Path of Love) and is short, only 20 minutes between the towns.
Quoting other posters: "From Manarola the trail is not paved. It becomes narrow and steep in many places, but the trail never becomes excessively difficult. The walk from Manarola to Corniglia takes one hour. The last half of the trail walks you up a beautiful switchback staircase that goes from sea level to the town up on a cliff."
And: "I didn't think the Manarola to Corniglia walk was too bad. It is uneven and rocky in spots, but there are railings the entire way, and there is not much of a climb. I saw people stopping and resting along the way."
If you workout everyday at the gym, you'll do better than I did! Have fun.
Sep 18th, 2006, 11:25 AM
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Thanks Maureen,
I'll let you know how we make out on the trails. I'm so excited!
The contradiction is some people saying that there is no railing or fencing and some saying that it is mostly fenced in some fashion. The heights aren't as scary to me if there is a railing and the walking is considerably easier if there is something I can grab on to if needed.
I'll let you know how we make out on the trails. I'm so excited!
The contradiction is some people saying that there is no railing or fencing and some saying that it is mostly fenced in some fashion. The heights aren't as scary to me if there is a railing and the walking is considerably easier if there is something I can grab on to if needed.
