A Local's Guide to Hiking in Cinque Terre Italy
Cinque Terre Hiking Tour
Nestled along the rugged coastline of the Liguria region, Cinque Terre beckons with its charm, comprising five picturesque villages that paint a colorful canvas against the azure backdrop of the Mediterranean. While this UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned among travelers worldwide, I invite you to experience it through a different lens with this curated itinerary.
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Practical Information:
Location: Cinque Terre encompasses five villages—Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare—each offering its own unique allure. Additionally, I recommend exploring Porto Venere, located nearby and sharing a similar charm.
Exploration: While there isn't a ticket required to explore the villages, it's worth noting that the trekking trail between Monterosso and Corniglia incurs a fee from March 16th to November 3rd (during the high season). To streamline your experience, consider purchasing the Cinque Terre trekking card in advance. While the suggested trails are easy in terms of difficulty, they are indeed lengthy and can be physically demanding. However, if you're a sports enthusiast seeking an immersive way to explore the region, trekking provides an exhilarating opportunity to soak in the stunning scenery and experience the villages from a unique perspective.
Transportation: As cars are prohibited within the villages, the best way to navigate Cinque Terre is by train or on foot, allowing you to soak in the scenery at a leisurely pace. You can acquire online the Cinque Terre card to purchase multiple train tickets at a lower rate.
Weather: While the summer months draw crowds with their warm temperatures, I recommend visiting in the spring or autumn to avoid the hustle and bustle of peak tourist season. The winter months can be chilly, so plan accordingly for your trekking adventures.
Accommodation: La Spezia serves as an ideal base for exploring Cinque Terre. While many opt to stay within the villages themselves, La Spezia offers logistical advantages as the starting point of the Cinque Terre train line. Additionally, accommodations in La Spezia tend to be more budget-friendly, and the city boasts a plethora of authentic Italian restaurants where you can savor traditional cuisine away from the tourist crowds that often inundate the villages (at the bottom you find my food recommendations).
Here's a suggested Cinque Terre walking tour:
1 - Monterosso
Begin your journey in Monterosso, the furthest village from La Spezia. Arrive via train from La Spezia station and take some time to explore Monterosso. Then, embark on the scenic path (SVA2) towards Vernazza, a 4 km trek taking approximately 2 hours. Map and itinerary details here.
2 -Vernazza
After soaking in the beauty of Vernazza, continue your journey along the SVA2 trail towards Corniglia. This leg of the journey is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Detailed information available here.
3 - Corniglia
3. : Explore the charming village of Corniglia before continuing your trek to Manarola. This stretch of the path covers 2 km and takes about 1 hour. Refer to the map and detailed information here.
4 - Manarola
Discover the beauty of Manarola before heading towards Riomaggiore. Due to maintenance on the Via dell’Amore coastal path, take the alternative 531 trail from the train station, which offers panoramic views along its 1.4 km length. Access the detailed map here.
5- Riomaggiore
Explore the picturesque village of Riomaggiore before embarking on the final leg of your trek towards Portovenere. The SVA2 trail spans 12.7 km and takes approximately 6 hours to complete. While challenging, this trail offers breathtaking viewpoints, particularly towards the end nearing Portovenere. Find the trail map here.
6- Portovenere
Conclude your trekking adventure with a visit to the charming and picturesque village of Portovenere, where you can unwind and immerse yourself in the beauty of this coastal gem.
As a final remark, I'd love to share some food recommendations as an Italian myself. Ligurian cuisine is renowned for its fresh and flavorful dishes, often showcasing the region's abundance of seafood, herbs, and vegetables. Some traditional plates of Liguria include:
Pesto Genovese: Perhaps the most famous dish from Liguria, Pesto Genovese is a fragrant sauce made from fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and extra-virgin olive oil, traditionally served over trofie or trenette pasta.
Focaccia: Ligurian focaccia is a beloved staple, characterized by its fluffy texture and crispy exterior. It's often topped with a drizzle of olive oil, sea salt, and sometimes other ingredients like rosemary, onions, or olives.
Trofie al Pesto: Trofie pasta, a short, twisted variety, is commonly paired with Pesto Genovese to create a simple yet delicious Ligurian dish.
Frittura di Pesce: A popular seafood dish in Liguria, Frittura di Pesce features a selection of fresh fish and seafood lightly battered and fried to golden perfection.
Cappon Magro: A traditional Ligurian seafood salad, Cappon Magro features layers of seafood, vegetables, and hard-boiled eggs, all topped with a rich green sauce made from parsley, anchovies, capers, and olive oil.
These are just a few examples of the delicious and diverse dishes that represent the culinary heritage of Liguria. For the suggested tour I've recommended, I suggest preparing packed lunches in advance and grabbing some fresh focaccia from any local bakery (panetteria) along your route. Focaccia in Liguria is unparalleled and a must-try experience unlike anywhere else in Italy.
If you're eager to indulge in authentic Italian cuisine, particularly from the Ligurian region, I highly recommend checking out the following places:
• Osteria all'Inferno dal 1905
Planning a perfect day trip doesn't have to be overwhelming. By following these steps and considering your preferences, you can create an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags, choose your destination, and get ready for an adventure!