Dalesky

I see a lot of replies, because everyone loves this area. I have visited by foot, left by train. Arrived by boat, left by train. Arrived and left on foot. This area of 5 towns is a must see, but I believe there may be some restrictions on numbers who may visit this year. I don't know how that could be accomplished but that is what I have read.
I disagree with those who say you just need to pop in and see one or two towns. They are all unique and special in their own way. I would plan on taking the train between as many as you have time for. The schedule is easy to find, and you simply plan on being at the station on time. Not seeing as many as you could would be a mistake. Find a boat ride in, and then take a train out. It is the most beautiful way to see this area. Maybe boat in from La Spezia where tours are plentiful, then go on to another town by train? End up in Rapallo maybe? That is a great place to stop.

bvlenci

Masterphil, I don't know when you did this hike, but since 2011 it hasn't been possible to hike to all five towns. There are four trails involved, two of which have been closed because of the risk of landslides ever since 2011, when there was a terrible flood. A third trail was closed for over a month this spring, after heavy rains, but it's been reopened.

Here is the national park website which has the official trail descriptions. Those with a red circle are closed; the trails that begin with 592 are the low-level trails in what is commonly considered the Cinque Terre.

http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/sentieri-outdoor.php

There's an English version, which you can select at upper left, but it doesn't show the trail map or details. However, if you click on one of the trails on the Italian site, it will open a page with details, and on that page, you can select English.

Masterphil

bvlenci Yes. I remember a few years back of seeing cascading waters in CT that pretty much washed away lots of the hillsides.

I believe we did this back in 2009.

Beautiful area, wonderful people!

I had told my wife it was a nice walk between 5 towns.

After the first set of stairs out of Monterosso I got my first dirty look, then came the second set of stairs and more climbs.....

When all was said and done, my wife actually enjoyed the long trek.

Sorry it is no longer available!

Huitres

Yes, it's feasible to see all 5 towns of the Cinque Terre, but might be too rushed if you want to enjoy lunch and dinner in say, Manarola and Vernazza (meals are never "quick" experiences in Italy), as well as explore the other towns. As others have mentioned, there is also the boat service that stops in all 5 towns too. Either way, I would not drive a car to each town. Carports/parking are usually out of the way and not very convenient. I would make one of the towns your base (i.e. Riomaggiore) and park your car there. Then you can hop on the train and see each of the towns starting at the top at Monterosso al Mare and ending in Riomaggiore. From there, on the following day you could proceed to Florence.

mateonicola3

Thank you all!!! Such valuable information