CINQUE TERRE - HIKING AND WALKING PATHS

A huge part of the Cinque Terre`s tourist triumph is due to its trails and walks which curve round the shore or reach the sanctuaries near each village. The Cinque Terre offers a dense network of hiking trails, connecting each of the villages with the trail along the top of the hills behind (up to 2,600 feet). Hiking in the hills offers a sense of peace and quiet, with even more spectacular views of the coastline.
The Blue Path (C.A.I #2)

Created over the centuries by people who used it for passage from one town to another, it runs from Monterosso to Riomaggiore. It is a walking trail along the coast, offering magnificent views on the Cinque Terre coastline and villages. It is about 7.5 miles long and reaches a height of around 700 feet at the highest point in Prevo, a small, nice village near Vernazza. It features 5 miles paths, 1.25 miles mule tracks, about over a half mile of streets inside the villages and another half mile as the famous `Via dell`Amore.`

The whole itinerary is marked by a white-blue stripe. You need about five hours to complete the full path, but remember that the approximate completion time doubles if stop to visit the villages.

Info:
Length: 7.5 miles
Difficulty: easy
Total walking time: 5 hours, the path is divided into 4 parts, the most famous Via dell`Amore (durations: 20 min).
Cost: You need Cinque Terre CARD (after 7:30pm, it`s free)

Ring of Volastra - The High Path (C.A.I #1)

This path is for serious hikers, as it is a difficult path. This trail is around 25 miles, stretching beyond the National Park of Cinque Terre and linking the towns of Levanto in the north with Portovenere in the south. The part between Portovenere and Campiglia is amongst the most beautiful walks in the area.Don`t forget to pick up the detailed map, you can find it in the centers for tourists.

Info:
Length: 25 miles
Difficulty: difficult
Total walking time: 12 hours or more. It is possible to do only a part of the trail.

The Sanctuaries Way

This path was created after WWII, it got its name because it links all of the the sanctuaries of the National Park of the Cinque Terre. Each village has its own Sanctuary which residents hold with deep devotion. The trail is about 12.5 miles long. The walk is long and requires some effort. The path is signaled with white and red stripe. From La Spezia, you need to go to Biassa and then the Telegraph Pass (Colle del Telegrafo). From Monterosso, you need to follow the Pignone-Levanto until the the branch of the Termine, where you find an entrance to the path.

Info:
Length: >12.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Madonna di Soviore

The Sentiero Number 9 links the center of Monterosso to the sanctuary of the Madonna di Soviore. This Sanctuary is one of the oldest in the region and dates from the 11th century. The end point reaches a height of 1,500 feet. It links with Sentiero Number 1 which goes from Portovenere to Levanto.

Info:
Length : 1.5 miles

The Path of Love

The `Path of Love` was constructed from the 1920s through the 1930s. It`s said that it got its name because the local lovers would walk the path to admire the beautiful panorama here. Located on the easternmost of the Cinque Terre, between Riomaggiore and Manarola, it is wide, flat, paved, and by far, the easiest section of Trail #2. The path features views of the beautiful cobalt blue sea spread beneath, and high rock walls on the other side And it`s famous for its kissing statue and tunnel covered in declarations of love!

It is by far the most crowded part of the trail. At sunset, when most tourists are gone, you can enjoy the scenery in all quietness.

The entrances of the Path of Love in both towns are near the station and there are many signs, so you can find it quickly. At the entrance please show the Cinque Terre Card to get free admission.

Info:
Length: 1.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Total Walking Time: 40 minutes

Check Out Our Tips for Hiking in Cinque Terre