The Cinque Terre is a UNESCO-protected stretch of the Italian Riviera, five fishing villages strung along 12 km of cliff-side coastline: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) is the classic hiking route linking the villages on foot; sections close periodically for landslide repair. When the trail is fully open, the full Monterosso-to-Riomaggiore walk takes 5–8 hours including stops. The cheaper alternative is the regional rail line that links all five villages with 5-minute hops between stations. Combine both for the best experience.
Ticket
€7.50 daily Cinque Terre Card (trail + bus); €18 with rail
Visit time
5–8 hours for full Sentiero Azzurro
Type
natural
UNESCO
World Heritage Site
When to visit
May, early June, September, early October; avoid August heat
Skip-the-line tip
The Cinque Terre Card skips the queue at every trail-checkpoint hut and includes unlimited regional bus and (premium tier) train access. The Vernazza-Corniglia path is the most-popular section; arrive at 8am to walk it without congestion. Manarola is the most-photographed sunset viewpoint.
Tours including Cinque Terre Coastal Trail
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Cinque Terre coastal trail?
The full Sentiero Azzurro from Monterosso to Riomaggiore is 12 km, taking 5–8 hours with stops at each village. Many travellers walk just one or two sections and use the train for the rest.
Are all sections of the Cinque Terre trail open?
The trail closes sections periodically for landslide repair. Check the latest status at parconazionale5terre.it before travelling. The Vernazza-Corniglia and Vernazza-Monterosso sections are usually open; the Manarola-Riomaggiore "Via dell'Amore" reopened in 2024 after a decade of closure.
When is the best time to visit Cinque Terre?
May, early June, and September deliver the best balance of weather, water temperature for swimming, and crowd levels. July–August is peak; the rail line and trail are extremely crowded.
Where should I stay in Cinque Terre?
Vernazza for the most picturesque stay (limited rooms; book 6+ months ahead in summer). Monterosso for beach access and the easiest hotel infrastructure. La Spezia (just outside the park) for cheaper rooms and a 5-minute train into Riomaggiore.