What to see in Cinque Terre, by how much you like to walk
By the TravelCheap Editorial Team · Updated October 18, 2026
You do not need to hike to see Cinque Terre: the train links all five villages in 4 to 6 minutes per hop, and boats add the view from the sea. If you like to walk, the easiest path is the flat Via dell’Amore (about 1.1 km, 25 minutes, booked time slot). Fit hikers can do Corniglia to Vernazza and Vernazza to Monterosso on the Blue Trail.
Trail status changes after storms. In October 2026 the coastal section from Manarola to Corniglia is closed after landslides, with no reopening date. Check the national park website on the day you go.
Little or no walking
- Ride the train village to village and stroll the main streets. Monterosso has the flattest centre and the biggest beach.
- Take a ferry between Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola and Riomaggiore (March 28 to November 1, 2026) for the classic view of the villages from the water.
- In Corniglia, skip the almost 400 steps from the station and take the small shuttle bus. It is included in the Cinque Terre Card and runs loops of about 10 minutes.
- In Riomaggiore there is a public lift near the station, but it is sometimes out of order.
- Manarola’s main route between the station and the harbour is manageable, and the harbour viewpoint needs little climbing.
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Compare hotels in ManarolaEasy walks
The Via dell’Amore between Riomaggiore and Manarola reopened in full on August 9, 2024. It is about 1.1 km and 25 minutes, rated T (tourist path). You must book a 15-minute time slot, and in high season it runs one way from Riomaggiore to Manarola. When it reopened, the hours were 8:30 am to 9:30 pm from April 1 to October 31 and 9:30 am to 5 pm from November 1 to March 31; confirm the current times when you book.
Add a wander around each harbour and the short climbs to the viewpoints in Manarola and Vernazza and you have a full, easy day.
For hikers: the Blue Trail section by section
| Section | Distance | Time | Rating | Status (October 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riomaggiore to Manarola (Via dell’Amore) | 1.1 km | 25 min | T (tourist) | Open, booked slots |
| Manarola to Corniglia | 2.2 km | 1 h 15 min | E (hiking) | Closed after landslides |
| Corniglia to Vernazza | 4.1 km | 1 h 30 min | EE (experienced hikers) | Check park status |
| Vernazza to Monterosso | 3.7 km | About 2 h | EE (experienced hikers) | Check park status |
Distances, times and ratings from The Blue Path, Monterosso to Riomaggiore (lecinqueterre.org); status from Cinque Terre hiking guide 2026 (cinqueterrefromflorence.com). You need a Trekking Card or Treno Card for the Blue Trail.
Vernazza to Monterosso is the steepest and busiest section, with many steps. Walk it early in the morning in summer, carry water and wear proper shoes, not flip-flops.
For strong hikers: higher routes
- Riomaggiore to Manarola via Beccara (path 531): about 1.5 km and 1 hour, rated EE, with about 200 m of climbing.
- Manarola to Corniglia on higher paths via Volastra (paths 506, 586 and 587): about 5.5 km and 3 hours 30 minutes, rated EE. This is the walking alternative while the coastal section is closed.
Paths can close in bad weather because of landslide risk, especially in October and in winter. Always check the national park trail status before you set off.
Each village in one line
- Monterosso al Mare: the biggest beach, an old town and a new town joined by a flat walk.
- Vernazza: a small harbour and piazza, the classic postcard view from the trail above.
- Corniglia: on top of a cliff with no harbour, quiet lanes and wide sea views.
- Manarola: a tiny harbour, swimming spots and the famous sunset view; the hillside nativity lights up in winter.
- Riomaggiore: steep coloured houses around a narrow harbour and the start of the Via dell’Amore.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit Cinque Terre without hiking?
Yes. The train stops in all five villages, boats run from late March to early November, and Corniglia has a shuttle bus from the station. Monterosso and Manarola are the easiest villages to walk around.
Is the Via dell’Amore open?
Yes. It reopened in full in August 2024. You need to book a 15-minute time slot, and in high season it runs one way from Riomaggiore to Manarola.
Do I need a ticket to hike in Cinque Terre?
Yes, for the coastal Blue Trail you need a Cinque Terre Trekking Card (from €10 a day) or a Treno Card, which also covers the trains.
Is the trail from Manarola to Corniglia open?
Not in October 2026: the coastal section is closed after landslides and no reopening date has been published. Take the train, or hike the longer high route via Volastra if you are an experienced hiker.
Plan the trip
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More from our Cinque Terre Special
Sources
- The Blue Path, Monterosso to Riomaggiore (lecinqueterre.org)
- Cinque Terre hiking guide 2026 (cinqueterrefromflorence.com)
- Via dell’Amore reopening and booking (AFAR)
- Cinque Terre National Park, trail status
- Cinque Terre: where to stay, a practical guide (La Spezia Guide)
- Cinque Terre ferry boats 2026 (cinqueterre.eu.com)
Prices, timetables and trail status change. We checked the figures on this page on October 18, 2026. Found something out of date? Email contact@travelcheap.online.