footpath monterosso - vernazza

Walked the monterosso to vernazza trail today (13 march). Absolutely fabulous! So worth the effort. We are road walkers, not trail, and found it a challenging walk - especially in jeans and carrying a jacket! Suggest you take water and wear comfortable shoes.The initial climb from monterosso is very steep as it follows the cliff face. I don't like heights and managed going up okay. I would not like to have gone down. Going south was definitely tougher. Yes, there are many, many steps and some of the trail is narrow but all doable and so very, very worth it.The view was spectacular but we also enjoyed stopping along the way and having a chat with the fellow walkers we met.We trained the rest as the walks as they were closed. If we were staying in the area we would do them all.

Some of the trails may be closed at any given time, but do make an effort to hike those that are open and take trains for closed pathways between villages. Must have water and be able to hike steep inclines occasionally. South from Monterosso is most challenging leg getting progressively easier. You can always catch your breath or get a gelato between cities. Wear hiking shoes & take bottled water.

We did this walk in mid-June 2014 from a cruise that docked in La Spezia. I had read a lot about when to go, which trails, etc and I was a bit concerned it would be difficult and crowded. We took the train from La Spezia early in the morning (and by that I mean around 7:30-8a). We went to Monterosso and opted to hike back to Vernazza. First off - it was absolutely stunning. Completely worth it. It was not what I would call difficult (we are hikers) but it is not a casual walk either, you are going to break a sweat climbing up some of the stairs/paths. However, you only need sneakers (be careful it can be slippery, but you don't need hiking shoes). By going early in the morning, it was a quick hike (under 2 hours), not hot and we did not see many people. Bring plenty of water. We ended up in Vernazza for lunch but on the early side so we walked around a bit. We did buy tickets to hike the trail, but no one was there to check them - it didn't cost much. We had our two boys (11 and 13) with us and they zipped along at a rapid pace. It is one of the fondest memories from our trip.... From there we took the train back, hopped on the train to Pisa in early afternoon to climb the tower. So we did a lot of climbing. But managed to get it all done before the boat departed that evening.

We had to pay to hike this trail, it was pretty tough because it was a lot, I mean a lot, of uphill steps so it was tiring at first but it'll get better and easier. The views make it totally worth paying and sweating :) Once you see Vernazza come into view you'll understand. The views the whole way is beautiful!

Unfortunately it was raining today but the walk while slightly harder was certainly worthwhile. The views in all directions were fabulous. Path quite slippery and water running across path in many places on the very narrow paths. Made it slow going but longer looking at the views. Reasonable level of fitness required.

Be prepared to bring cash to buy a ticket onto the trail (unless you bought the rail pass option that includes entry to the trail). The trails are narrow in places, but always feel safe, and the views are incredible. On my last trip I wanted my boyfriend (who had never been before) to see the view of the town from one of the first corners on the way to Montorosso past Vernazza and I was surprised to find a pay booth (new since my previous trip to Vernazza). IWe explained to the gentleman working the booth that 1) we had no cash on hand (evident by us wearing basically only swimwear and flipflops) and 2) that we'd be back shortly after a quick photo and he let us run up so we didn't have to go back into town to grab our wallets which was quite nice.Ladies note- it seems somewhat obvious, but heels are not allowed on the trails. =)

My husband and I visited Cinque Terre in September 2014. The weather was exceptional. Unfortunately, several of the hiking trails were closed due to land slides. With our 3 short days visit, we hiked the path from Monterosso to Vernazza. Although it was challenging, it was so worth it!!! The views were spectacular, out-standing and literally breath-taking!! Along the way, we'd met many hikers and shared some experiences. Based upon the people we'd talked to, the incline from Monterosso to Vernazza is the tougher one. No matter...it is so worth the experience! A "MUST-SEE" if you visit Cinque Terre! There is a small fee for the entrance to the trail, but again...you're there for the experience...don't hesitate.Be careful where you walk, there may be times when the steps are uneven.

We actually walked this from Vernazza to Monterosso, and caught the train back in time for a meal at Il Pirata.My daughter and I (11 and 52) had great fun on the narrow paths, surrounded by spectacular views. We completed the walk in well under 2 hours but certainly didn't stroll along. Both of us dripping by the end which simply made the ice cream and juice at Monterosso as we watched the local bocce all the more worthwhile.

Walked the available trail today from Monterosso al Mare to Corniglia. The section from Corniglia to Manarola and Riomaggiore is closed due to a landslide.Need moderate fitness and good walking shoes.A walking pole was helpful for me as I am over 50Took 1 hour 45 to Vernaza and 1 hour 30 to Corniglia StationHighly recommended

I just love this hike. It is not easy but the views are incredibly and at the end of every section is a gem of a town with great shops and a spot to get a coffee or lunch. I shared the experience with my 17 year old daughter and it is a memory we will have forever.

On this 10-day vacation to Italy, each of us picked a special place they wanted to visit with Cinque Terre was mine - for many reasons including this one. The hiking the path, with the ocean in view was wonderful. Areas of hte path were a bit challenging but my 16 yr old grandson and I enjoyed it thoroughly. There are simply no words to describe how beautiful this CT area really is ... and the hiking is part of that experience.

We just returned from Cinque Terre. We had checked websites, etc. in advance since we were going to be there off season. We were very disappointed that all the trails were closed. This information was not provided online. The benefit was we did not have to pay the park fees. We rode trains from town to town and enjoy the area a lot, especially without crowds. Parking was a issue for our car, also because of off season. They seem to be building more parking structures so that should help come 2015 season.

My husband I found wild cats and locally made limoncello along the way! The views are amazing. Be sure to wear good shoes - there are some steep sections and of course, stairs to climb.

the absolute best part of our trip to Italy was visiting the 5 small villages that comprise Cinque Terre. The views from the footpath were breath taking. We will never forget that hike. Best of all was sitting on the veranda in Monterosso eating the best gelato we have ever tasted, enjoying some cappuccino and taking in the magnificent view of the Ligurian Sea.

Beautiful views. Some places challenging with the number of high steps and had some in our party struggle that were shorter. There were not many on the trail but I would imagine it could be treacherous on a busy day.