The Cinque Terre, located on the hilly coast of the Mediterranean Sea, consists of five charming villages that are known for their production of wine and olive oil. Each one has a number of cafes serving fresh pasta and gelato and bars that serve locally made Cinque Terre wine. During the summer months, thousands of guests go hiking in Cinque Terre. The region has an extensive network of trails that connect each of the five villages to one another. Each section of the Cinque Terre trail has its own terrain conditions and scenic view points. Some Cinque Terre hiking trails are tiring and difficult, while others are suitable for nearly everyone.

From north to south, the towns that make up the Cinque Terre coast are Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The entire area is around eight miles long, while the average distance between neighboring villages is two miles.

If you"re up for a challenge, put on your hiking shoes and hike the entire distance of the Cinque Terre Trail between Riomaggiore and Monterosso. The steep trail is eight miles long and is full of rocks and occasional mud, although there are smooth areas. Cinque Terre trekking enthusiasts enjoy the trail because, although it is challenging, it provides a chance to see each village. The average amount of time it takes to make the entire trek is five hours, although the hike may be shorter or longer depending on your pace and how often you stop. A shorter, yet challenging Cinque Terre hiking trail, is the section between the neighboring villages of Vernazza and Monterosso. Even though the trail is only two and a half miles long, it has many steep stairs and ups and downs.

Italy Map

The section of trail between the neighboring villages of Corniglia and Manarola takes about an hour to hike. The trail remains relatively level and isn't challenging until you arrive at the Corniglia train station, where you must climb over 350 stairs to reach the village! You"ll want to take several breaks during the course of your hike to catch your breath and admire the view.

Hiking in Cinque Terre isn't only for athletes. If you're in the mood for something easy, yet scenic, head north on the Lover's Path from the southernmost village of Riomaggiore to the neighboring village of Manarola. This Cinque Terre trail starts at the Riomaggiore train station and is paved the entire way. The walk is approximately one and a half miles long and takes around 25 minutes, depending on how many times you decide to stop and take in the view.

Hiking in Cinque Terre offers the chance to walk through forests, along cliffs, and through groves of olive trees. The Cinque Terre hiking trail between the next door villages of Corniglia and Vernazza offers all of these varied landscapes and is suitable for beginners or experts, although the entire walk takes around two hours to complete. Don"t worry, there are plenty of places to sit down and rest along the way!