Hiking the CinqueTerre

The CinqueTerre (translated the Five Lands) is a region of Italy south of Genoa. It's eighteen kilometers of sheer rocky coastline, terraced hills and vineyards sloping steeply down to the sea. Five little villages are built into the rocks between the beach and the hills. Each village has its own unique character.

The CinqueTerre used to be inaccessible except by foot or boat. Now there's a train that runs between the villages.

But to truly experience the area, try hiking the footpaths. All of the main trails offer spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Depending on which trail you attempt, you may want to overnight in your destination village in order to relax and enjoy the ambiance.

**Especially if you attempt the Monterosso to Vernazza trail. Vernazza is a beautiful little village with a square right on the water. A great place to take some refreshment post your hike!!


About the trails:
Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza: This is a difficult trail that is 2.5 miles (4km) with many up's and down's. It will take most people between 1.5 and 2 hours depending on how many stops you make to admire the view.

Vernazza to Corniglia: This is the most difficult of the four trails and has the least number of ocean views. It will take most people about 2 hours to hike this 2.5 mile (4 km) trail. The terrain is uneven in places and you will have to be able to hike up and down hills.

Corniglia to Manarola: This is an easy 45 minutes walk and you have an ocean view for the entire walk. The trail is less than 2 miles (3km).

Manarola to Riomaggiore: This .5 mile trail (.6 km) is an easy stroll on a paved walkway. It will take about 30 minutes to walk the path.

http://www.cinqueterre.it/en/cta1.html