Cinque Terre - Vertigo?
 

Among my goals for future European trips, is to walk the whole path linking all 5 Cinque Terre villages. But the current Fodors article on this region describes parts of this path as being "cut into the cliff". Are we talking about a really narrow path right on, or cut into, the cliff edge with a sheer drop hundreds of feet down on one side? The sort of path that might be a bit daunting for someone with no head for heights?

We were in Cinque Terre in April and walked 3 of the 4 trails along the ocean. It is generally well maintained and seemingly not as you picture it. One higher route had been closed due to some fallen rubble. There are areas where there would be a long drop, but it did not seem precipitous for the most part. We did not hike the section between Vernazza and Monterosso. We are in our fifties, are not seasoned hikers, and my husband walked the trail post knee surgery with a walking stick, so it was not all that daunting.

Four days ago we walked the trail from Vernazza and Monterosso. Aren't I cool. Hee hee.

I believe it's called trail #2. It was very rouged and many stairs were involved. At some points in the trail you have to yield to oncoming hikers as the un-wide trail is literally hugging the mountainside. The trail would be fine if you took your time when you felt uneasy, as there are many areas that will raise your blood pressure. The views were awesome and worth the fatigue. Pack light and don't go in the late afternoon -- too hot and the sun is strong up there.

Hi twoflower

You've brought up an interesting point.

On our trip to the Amalfi Coast my wife discovered a hitherto unknown verigo that prevented her from riding the buses along the AC road.

I suggest that you go stand about 10 feet from the edge of a cliff and see if you can take it.

Thanks everyone. I could stand 10 ft from the hedge of a sheer high drop, but from what you say it sounds like the Cinque Terre walking tracks may be narrower than that, in which case I might be in trouble. What would they be - 3 or 4 ft?

Re above - I meant edge, not hedge. Although a hedge on the edge might be the answer I'm looking for!!

My husband and I just discussed. Trail #2 from Vernazza to Monterosso had some spots where they trail was only two feet wide. A sheer drop is on one side of this. I haven't been on any of the other trails, but #2 seemed to get the best reviews for the sights seen above. It took us two hours to walk between the towns.

... and last autumn I had my first-ever vertigo attack on the trail between Manarola and Corniglia. I found the first "southern" leg of the trail between Riomaggiore and Manarola fine, but the next leg found me clutching the cliff face and inching my way back to Manarola. I was very disappointed.

I'd suggest starting at the "easy" end from Riomaggiore, and see how you manage. The vistas are incredible and it's worthwile giving the trial a try.

Cheers,
Linda

For what it's worth, we did all the usual hikes between the 5 villages last summer, and I was curious how I would be since I am quite scared of heights, and I found it no problem. Yes, you're high up, but I always felt safe.
cheers,
CC

Thanks everyone. I guess I'll give it a try and see how it goes.

I hiked the trail from Monterosso to Vernazza in mid May and I must say I found the difficulty/caution needed for the trails to be underadvertised.

The trail can be less than 2 feet wide with sheer drops in many parts if you were to slip. There are people going both ways so it gets really interesting when you have to let others pass. We are in mid 40s and in decent shape and it took 1 1/2 hours. The first part from Monterosso is uphill with LOTS of steps, the second part is downhill with sections of uneven footing. If you dont like heights, i might consider skipping this part of the trail and doing the path from Riomaggiore to Manarola and then to Corniglia. The path from Rio. to Manarola is a breeze and is spectacular. The path to Corniglia from Manarola is a dirt path but there is a fence or wall along the entire part and it is much safer than part from Monterosso to Vernazza. Now, for someone that is a big time hiker, they would disagree with me but if you are not used to hiking - its not to be taken lightly.

That being said, the Cinque Terre is heavenly and you will enjoy it no matter how you pass through!