Sentiero Azzurro

The Sentiero Azzuro is part of the coastal trail between Monterosso and Riomaggiore which takes you through beautiful scenery and Cinque Terra villages. I walked from Vernazza to Riomaggiore taking in the villages of Corniglia and Manarola. So only the Monterosso to Vernazza section was omitted. It took about 4 hours 30 mins which included time to look around the villages and for numerous photo stops. The first thing to appreciate is that unless you are an experienced hill walker this is not an easy route. It is virtually all ascent and descent with very few level sections. The inclines are also very steep and are mostly man-made rock steps that will test your thighs. The descents are probably worse and will test your knees. You will need to use your hands in a few scramble sections. You will also definitely need proper hiking boots with rubber soles for grip, for ankle support and to save your feet being hammered by the hard rocks. You should also be ok with heights because some narrow sections have no handrail. Despite all this I saw plenty of people in trainers, some in street clothes and some even carrying hand bags. A few were not fit and were clearly regretting setting off. The section between Manarola and Riomaggiore is essentially a giant staircase. The descent has steps that are a little too high and you have to be careful not to over balance as there is not much to hang on to. If you are fit this is a challenging walk with fabulous views. It is well signposted so a map is unnecessary. There are also useful information boards on history, geology, and fauna along the way as well as emergency contact details if you get into trouble. Make sure you study the train timetable for your return journey.

We did the hike between Corniglia and Vernazza. It is a picturesque segment of the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail), which is part of the Cinque Terre National Park. You need to buy tail pass in order to hike. We bought one day pass for train and trail combine, it even gives you WiFi. The hike itself between 2 check points take us 70 mins. Coastline views almost entire hike. Moderate hike. I enjoy the vineyards, olive trees farm and some of most beautiful views between this 2 cities. It really makes our trip in this area feel very special. Highly recommended.

Probably the best segment of the main trail in cinque terre. Difficult in some sections due to the steep steps. I recommend stopping at the halfway bar for a drink and some focaccia.

The Sentiero Azzurro, also known as the Blue Trail or Trail No. 2, is a spectacular coastal hiking route that connects the five charming villages of the Cinque Terre region in Italy: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The entire trail is approximately 12 km long and can be completed in about 5-6 hours depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the views. The trail is mostly easy to moderate, with a few steep or rocky sections that require careful footing. The trail is divided into four main sections, each connecting two villages: Monterosso to Vernazza: This segment is roughly 3.5 km long and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to hike. It offers beautiful coastal views and passes through terraced vineyards. Vernazza to Corniglia: This section is about 4 km long and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. It features stunning views of the coastline and the vibrant village of Vernazza. Corniglia to Manarola: This stretch is 2 km long and takes around 1 hour to hike. It includes some steep steps and offers breathtaking views of the cliffs and sea. Manarola to Riomaggiore (Via dell'Amore): Currently, this section is closed due to safety reasons, but it is a popular and romantic stretch that is only 1 km long.

A trail that can be for most people as you need to climb some stairs coming from either way but it has also a lot of flat parts. Our pick was starting in Corniglia, it seems easier. In any case, it is a good exercise that takes you through amazing landscapes, especially on a clear blue sky day. Some spots are paradise! Note: it is not free. We had bad weather the day before and it was free.

Lovely hiking trail with breathtaking views. Start early at around 06:00 to avoid the crowds. After 10:00 gets very crowded and you have to stop many times to give way.. Can't maintain your pace.

It’s an absolute must do while in Cinque Terre. It’s a moderate trail with lots of stairs and elevation gain. It’s best to have some hiking experience before attempting this. We did it in March and it wasn’t busy. The views are stunning!!! And just when you think you are about to give up going uphill, there’s a bar that pops up out of nowhere, like an oasis in the middle of the desert. We stopped off there for a break and to get a drink.

This should be on everyone’s to-do in Cinque Terre. While the climb is difficult at times, the views and experience make it well worth it. It takes an hour and fifteen to an hour and a half either way. I also recommend stopping at one of the restaurants up on the trail for a break to take in the views.