The Blue Trail: A Hiking Guide to Cinque Terre, Italy

Tap to Read ➤ Ketki Dongare

The region of 'The Italian Riviera' holds a great deal of popularity when it comes to tourists. Cinque Terre and its five towns, nestled on top of the Italian Riviera are best explored by hiking!

Cinque Terre has an iconic hiking trail, the 'Blue Trail' , famous for its route, scenic views of the coast, and a passage through all its five towns. Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video.

Complete this 11 km trail, along its adventurous routes and rewarding views in about 5 hours. Linger on in the towns at your own pace and enjoy the local heritage at its best. The Blue Trail Hike Distance

The five towns of Cinque Terre are: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mar (south to north). Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Hiking Trail Towns

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. The pastel colored buildings, topped on rocky terrains with blue water bodies, are the only common aspect of each town.

Cinque Terre's most romantic sights, with pastel buildings gleaming in the sunset and the sea harbor floating. Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Town: Riomaggiore

Apart from its picturesque location, this town is famous for grapevines embracing the village, and the Sciacchetrà wine. Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Town: Manarola

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Town: Corniglia A quiet, middle-town of Cinque Terre, sitting 100 meters atop a hill, amidst the serene vineyards.

The quaintest town of Cinque Terre, docked at a small harbor to a vast blue sea, with a bell tower at the tip of the terrain. Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Town: Vernazza

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. With abundant trees of lemons and olives, it's the only town with a proper strip of beach, water sports activities, and is the largest town of Cinque Terre. Town: Monterosso al Mare

Start your hike from Riomaggiore to Monterosso or vice versa, the adventure is unlimited. Note that the difference in both options depends on the level of difficulty. Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Routes

Whilst hiking, if you wish to skip a trial or two, there is always an option of boarding a train. The views, however, remain unchanged. Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Alternative Options

Begin your trail with the ‘Lover’s Lane’. On the easiest 1.5 km of the trail, the mountain views and Riomaggiore coastline are your partners in this journey. Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Riomaggiore to Manarola:

Comparatively easy, but the steep sections may be a little adventurous for beginners. This 3 km stretch is full of gardens and sea views. Manarola to Corniglia:

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Rated as moderately difficult, check in for a break on the terraces serving drinks and snack along the route. 3 km are sure to go by, with the lush greenery and coastal views. Corniglia to Vernazza:

Down to the last 3.5 km stretch of trail, this is the most difficult one. But the panoramic view of the five Cinque Terre towns, once you reach Monterosso, is your reward! Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Vernazza to Monterosso:

Once in Monterosso al Mare, head straight down to the beach and catch your breath with a nice swim in the blue waters. Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video.