So, I did a search and only found two threads on this subject, the last being from 2016 when only one trail was open (Vernazza to Monterosso, I believe). I wonder if any of you have more recent experience hiking these trails, and really would like to know how difficult they are relative to one another. I'll get my timed entry for the Via dell'Amore, but I think I would like to try one of the higher (blue?) trails on the day that there will be a ship in port (figuring that I won't encounter many cruisers up there). I'm particularly interested in the trails leading to Corniglia, as that seems to be a good place to ride out the middle of a day when the cruise ship passengers come to the CT.

My experience was not recent -- I was there in 2004. The Via dell'Amore is, as I recall, truly easy -- mostly flat, except for the entrance. A terrible rain storm hit the area while I was on the trail from Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza, resulting in what definitely count among the most terrifying few hours of my life as the rail-less trails turned to slippery mud and my rain-soaked slacks stretched to create a risk of tripping. Yikes!!! All the trails were then closed for the rest of that day and at least the next, so I took a train to Corniglia, which I enjoyed immensely. IIRC, the trails to Corniglia from Vernazza and from Manarola were generally considered similar in difficulty.

By the way, I staed at Lat Torretta in Manarola -- magnificent! And it still gets great reviews.

Even if this dated information isn't very helpful, it will, at least, top your thread.

Its been almost 10 years since we hiked in the CT (the blue trails), but the official website is the best source of information about the status/access conditions
https://www.parconazionale5terre.it/...tieristica.php

Thanks for the reply. I have looked at the official site a few times before, and they list some trails as "expert" and some "tourist." The trails I'm most interested in, and which I've seen on videos, are the trails from Corniglia to Vernazza and from Vernazza to Monterosso. As I said, I've even watched a few videos of people hiking the trails, but these are all made by younger folks. For example, I watched a video where a guy goes from Monterosso to Vernazza using what I believe is an orange (expert) trail on the map. It didn't look infeasible to me, but I wouldn't call myself an expert.

'm 59. Not athletic, but getting myself in shape for the trip to the point where 10,000 steps is normal, so I was just curious if anyone more in my age bracket had some real life experience with this and if there was some more specific advice as to which trails might be feasible for a middle aged (I'll hold off saying old until I'm 60, or maybe 65) guy like me, understanding this will be a lot tougher than your average day walking cobbled streets in Milan or Florence.

I did zoom in and take a closer look at the map and it appears that the trails between Corniglia and Manarola are closed (at least the direct ones), so I suppose I should scratch that off the list.

Have you done any hiking before? I agree the official website is the best source, as you want to compare elevation gain and such when comparing hikes to some you have done in your own area.
If that is not an option, maybe/you can approximate at a gym? I’m an avid hiker, but there are some steep ascents in CT, and the descents can be tough on the knees. When my husband, who tends to be over ambitious, suggests a hike, I evaluate both overall distance and elevation gain to decide if it’s one that works for me, but only experience can give me those specs.
trail status can change for maintenance or due to storms, so keep that website refreshed before your trip.

I don't do a lot of nature hiking. I guess the last time I did that was in Switzerland in 2016, and those trails were easy. I did manage the steps at Mont St. Michel OK in 2022, but I wouldn't want to be doing something like that every day of the trip.

I agree that weather may be a disqualifying factor. If it rains, I'll be taking the train and boat between towns. I've got 3 nights, so, really, two full days. Optimally, I'd do whatever trail hiking I'm going to do on the second day, when there is a cruise ship in port at La Spezia, because I can't imagine too many cruise passengers opting to hit the trails.

Just keep up with your training and you will be fine, it’s the steps at the outset that’ll get you, so as long as you are ready for that, you are prepared!

Thanks. That's what I needed to know. Will cross my fingers for good weather.

We walked Vernazza to Monterosso and I took a few shots of the steeper parts - beautiful walk, really enjoyed it. It wasn’t hard, we aren’t particularly fit.







Monterosso..

Thanks for the feedback. I’ve bought health insurance for the trip with a $1 million repatriation clause but I sure would hate to use it, so your experience is reassuring.

And given that the term "repatriation" is often used to refer to transporting one's mortal remains, I think we can all agree that we hope you don't need it!

You might already know this but Corniglia is the only village of the five that is not by the sea, it's up high. So walking to Corniglia or from it, will have some steep bits. We were there years ago and things have changed but at the beginning of the Corniglia hike there were lots of steps leading up but also a small road. Cars generally aren't allowed in the villages but there was a mini-van used by the community. So obviously very little traffic. The road also winds up but would be easier on your legs.

Yes, the disconnect from the train platform was one reason why I was thinking it might be a good place for lunch on the day that the cruise ship is in port. As I understand it, they do have a shuttle bus that runs down to the train station, so if my knees are worn out by that time, I might take the bus back down to the train (or take it up to gain some elevation if I start in Corniglia).

It's certainly cheaper for the insurance company that way, as they can put you in the cargo hold rather than purchasing a seat.

My son was in the CT last year. He and his friend hiked “further up” than you’re referring to, as well as within the park itself, but perhaps this info is helpful: The part that was challenging (even for a couple of guys in their early 20’s) was from Seistre Levante to Deiva Marina. After that they got back on the train until the park, and the rest was easy. I think you’ll be okay from what you and others are saying.

In 2012, four of us aged between 59 and 68 in average physical shape hiked the high trail from Volastra to Corniglia and did not find it difficult. We took a bus from Manarola to Volastra which saved a lot of uphill hiking. We then walked the black trail in the picture from Volastra to the orange trail and in to Corniglia. I think it took about an hour and a half because we did not rush and took lots of time taking pictures and admiring the views. We had a drink in the main part of the town to celebrate us grandparents doing this hike then took a bus down to the train station. The scenery was incredible and we highly recommend doing it.