Cinque Terre Hiking Itinerary – Classic Route with Practical Tips. It’s known to have been the inspiration for the animated film LUCA (Disney)
📍 Start: Monterosso al Mare
🏁 Finish: Riomaggiore (or return based on your accommodation)
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🥾 Recommended Full-Day Itinerary
• This route connects all five iconic villages, combining hiking and train options. Perfect for an active day, but be warned, this is not a simple seaside stroll like some tourists imagine!
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1️⃣ Monterosso al Mare
• Start early in the morning to avoid strong heat.
• Wide beach, relaxed vibe.
➡️ Hike to Vernazza – approximately 1h30 – 2h, stunning but demanding trail.
⚠️ Important:
✔️ Expect many stairs, steep ascents, and descents.
✔️ Long sections with no shade, direct sun exposure.
✔️ Proper hiking shoes are a must – we saw people in flip-flops or beach sandals, totally unprepared. Not recommended!
💧 Hydration is crucial, bring enough water, especially in warm weather.
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2️⃣ Vernazza
• Probably the most photogenic village.
• Small harbor, narrow streets, perfect for a break or some gelato.
➡️ Hike Vernazza – Corniglia, 1h30 – 2h.
• Similarly demanding trail with elevation changes and sunny sections.
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3️⃣ Corniglia
• Village perched on a cliff, no direct beach access.
• Climb the Scalinata Lardarina (370 steps) or take the local shuttle bus.
• Quieter atmosphere, ideal for a coffee break.
➡️ Options:
✔️ You can continue hiking to Manarola, but the trail is often closed or challenging.
✔️ A good idea can be to take the train to Manarola, especially if it’s hot.
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4️⃣ Manarola
• Romantic, famous for sunsets and local wines.
• Perfect dinner spot with a sea view. We had a great dinner at Tony’s, stunning view and perfect seafood.
➡️ Via dell’Amore trail Manarola – Riomaggiore:
• Entrance fee is 10 €/person. It’s. It included in the Cinque Terre Train Card as we though. :)
• Easy, scenic walk with stunning views.
• If you don’t want to pay, taking the train is a quick alternative.
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5️⃣ Riomaggiore
• Charming harbor, rocky beach, steep narrow streets.
• Great for a final stop or sunset photos.
➡️ Return by train to La Spezia or Monterosso.
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🍇 Insider Tips from Real Experience:
✔️ Be ready for lots of stairs and uneven terrain.
✔️ The sun can be brutal on long exposed stretches, especially midday.
✔️ Stopping at bars or small terraces in the vineyards, like we did, is perfect to rest – amazing views, a glass of local wine or a cold lemonade makes all the difference.
✔️ Don’t underestimate the trail – it’s accessible, but requires basic fitness and proper footwear.
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🎟️ Tickets & Logistics:
• If you plan multiple train rides between the villages, get the Cinque Terre Train Card.
• If you only need 1–2 rides, single tickets are enough.