Is the Cinque Terre walk worth it?
 

Would like to walk the Cinque Terre trail. We are in okay shape and would love to hear from others who have done it. Also would it be worthwhile, to better appreciate area to spend an overnight in one of the villages. Thanks.

Yes...YES...YES.

We have traveled a good deal and one of the best experiences we have had was walking the Cinque Terre trail. (in the late 90's) It even started to rain which did not dampen our spirits - okay, until they closed the last part of the trail when the really heavy rain came, but only because they closed the trail. We were soaked and loved every minute of it, including the best seafood risotto that no risotto has every been able to live up to since.

We were staying in Genoa for business and would have loved to have stayed in Santa Margherita or one of the villages.

yes, don't miss walking at least a portion of it. Give enough time to stop and rest, as there are portions where you will encounter more stair-steps than you can imagine, but the scenery is impressive.

We 'walked' from Monterosso to Vernazza last year. I'm glad we did it so I can say I did; but, had I known what it was like, I wouldn't have. I thought I was in good shape until we did this, my partner thought the same. I can't speak for any other section of the walk, but this part is strenuous.

The view as you approach Vernazza is spectacular if you live long enough to see it.

Do overnight in one of the towns! My sister, brother-in-law, and I hiked the trails and we are 60 something in so-so shape. It was worth every step even the agony toward the end of the Vernazza-Corniglia section. A lot of that part is steps rather than trail. The views are outstanding and give one an excuse for stopping to look. This was in early April and there were lots of wildflowers blooming. It was especially appreciated because we had left Boston in a late spring snowstorm.
It was wonderful!

You don't say what time of the year you are going- as another poster noted, rain can alter the experience- another reason for staying at least overnight, for another chance if it does. (We stayed two nights and three would've been better!) We are approaching 50 and good hikers at home. Sometimes the steep stairs are really stairs, and other times part of the path! The walk between Riamaggiore and Manarola is paved and very easy- people pushing strollers on it, when we were there in August. It is between villages "3" and "5" (Monterosso)where you get some of the sheer drop-offs in places, some pebbly parts and sometimes both together! I wore Keen sandals- good traction is essential but it doesn't have to be hiking boots and I only stopped once or twice to fish out a pebble. We started from Monterroso where we stayed, about 9 a.m. or so and didn't get to Riamaggiore until late afternoon. But we stopped to rest and admire the villages on the way, and ate lunch, too. The map you are provided when you pay (or from the TI) provides estimated walking times between each. Of course, that will depend on how often you stop to take photos and/or catch your breath! With another day I would've loved to explore higher up, along a trail through some olive groves. If you enjoy hiking, you absolutely should do it! If not, you can hike partway and turn around...there is a local "milk train" between the villages as well as boat options, too. Definitely stay the night- yes!!!!

My wife and I did it one day without too much effort. Looking back, I'd probably make it a two day walk. You'll have more time to enjoy all the area has to offer. You will be sharing your experience with LOTS of other visitors. We based out of Santa Margherita, a short train ride away, which we both loved and hope to return to someday.

After reading the replies definitely going to make time to do the walk. We are going in September so hopefully beautiful skies. Will want to do an overnight in one of the villages. Suggestions?

We spent our honeymoon in Italy in 1999 and during that trip we spent 3 nights in Manarola at the Marina Piccola Hotel. We loved the location of the hotel and there is a restaurant there too and the food was great. Check it out: http://www.hotelmarinapiccola.com
Whenever we make it back to the CT, we will try to stay there again.

Definitely do the walk between the villages and spend at least a night there.

I have been to the Cinque Terre twice, 1996 and 2005. The trails are better maintained now than in 1996. The first town of Manarola to Riomaggiore is along the Via della Amore and is wheelchair accessible with a wide sidewalk and rail.

The second town of Riomaggiore to Corniglea ends with 365 steps leading up to the town. I have twice walked these steps and they are killers. I have since learned and have seen that as you approach Corniglea from the South you pass the train station where a bus will shuttle you to the top of the hill. Much easier, but the exercise is good for you.

We stayed both times in Vernazza. It is crowded by day, but then you aren't even there you are on the trails. Very quiet at night when most of the tour busses have left. Lots of good restaurants in the square by the harbor.

I am a young senior citizen and my brother in law is 70 and he loved it. Vernazza to Monterosso was too much for me. Very steep.

My mistake: The towns from South to North are Riomaggiore - Manarola (very easy) Corniglia (Steps, but take the bus), Vernazza and Monterosso (both difficult, but doable).

We weren't sure we were going to be nuts about CT, after reading all the stuff about crowds and heat and poorly-maintained paths. In October 2006, the crowds were small, the weather was perfect, the hiking paths were in pristine condition, and we totally fell in love with Cinqueterre!

I second Marina Piccola. We stayed there for 4 nights & loved it, loved being in Manarola in the mornings and evenings, before and after the hikers descend on the towns.

We did the hike with no problem, but we took it easy, stopping frequently to absorb the beauty. We broke it up into 2 days. We're both walkers, but not "hikers;" in relatively good shape, but not in our 20s - or 30s - or 40s! There are actually 4 hikes, with varying degrees of strenuousness, but all are very doable, and only in a few spots do you feel even remotely afraid. (I found CT much less scary than driving Big Sur in the fog, which we've done a few times!)

Do wear your most comfortable, supportive running or walking shoes. Do bring plenty of water. Do dress in layers that you can remove. Do bring a snack (even just a piece of fruit and some of those little packages of Nutella from breakfast like we did!)

In any case, you're going at a great time. I don't think I'd be too keen on being there in the summer; there were just enough people there in October for the towns to feel friendly without feeling oppressively crowded.

Have a blast!

You'll love it. My wife and I are in good shape, and found the walk to be generally easy with moderate difficult in spots, but never above our skill or fitness level.

Stay for a night. We like Vernazza. For people who want a busier town, Monterrosso is a nice choice.

Another Marina Piccola person here. And yes, stay a night to experience the place. I really believe that you are better off hiking from south to north, as the final stretch that way seems much less strenuous that starting out in Monterosso and heading south.

We did the entire hike in one day -- interupted by about a two and a half hour lunch in Vernazza. It was one of the most glorious days I've ever spent in Europe. Yes, I was sore the next day, but it was soooo worth it.

This has definitely helped cement the walk. Was so worried we would be too old but after hearing from so many others our age we are going for it! Thanks.

Yes.

Updating this post. We leave for our 40th anniversary Italian holiday in 3 weeks and 2 days! Thank you all in advance.Finding this board has been such a huge help in allowing us to feel comfortable about our plans. I have become addicted! We start our journey by visiting a friend in the UK (never realized about open jaw and being allowed 1 international stopover w/o reading so many of the posts who discussed open jaw.) Flying into Bologna where we will pick up a car, for a week, and on to Pieve where we have rented a villa using www.vrbo.com. Then off to Florence where we are staying in a townhouse for a few days. (I am so sorry I can't remember who posted re: staying here since they were quick to respond to my e-mails and have been overly helpful w/tickets, tours, etc) Then by bus to Siena for 4 days. I know we are backtracking but had no choice. I want to go to Cinque Terre from the 21st -23rd of September 2007 but so far have not been able to get housing there. Others discuss Santa Margerita Ligure. Is it near to the trail? Not even sure I can get anything there. On the 23 we are heading up to Lake Maggiore where I have just gotten confirmation to a lovely apt. on the lake in Stresa from the 23rd until we leave from Malpensa Airport on the 27th. Any suggestions for that 21st-23rd timeframe would be appreciated. Should I book into Stresa earlier and skip Cinque Terre altogether?

Have you tried Mar-Mar in Riomaggiore?

http://www.5terre-marmar.com/home.asp

We stayed in a very large two bedroom apartment named "Anna" for cheap. The bad thing is that the staircase to get to the apartment is a joke! But if you're in shape, it's no sweat (pun intended). Now this was 10 years ago but it's rated well on Trip Advisor. This couple owns a few apartments in Riomaggiore. I loved staying there. Have fun.

And YES the walk is worth it!!!! Bring your camera!!!!

Thank you Pilates for the information. I have not tried them but will email them to see if they are able to help. Going to try Pilatess for the first time this week. Am doing Nia and love it!

Have you tried La Torretta in Manarola? GREAT views!