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Hiking the Cinque Terre Trail with the Cinque Terre Card
The lower path between the five villages of the Cinque Terre is the most famous hiking trail of the area, it is signed SVA2 (sentiero verde azzurro). In each section of the trail, there are spectacular views of the colorful villages and the magical cliffs. The paths are carefully maintained. Nevertheless, sections are blocked from time to time for security reasons. However, alternative hiking trails to the upper paths are always signposted. We recommend getting up-to-date information before starting and spreading the hike over several days to enjoy it properly.
To access this hiker’s paradise, you need to have the Cinque Terre Card. There are multiple options for the duration, discounts, and variants of this card.
What to Expect on a Hike between the five villages of the Cinque Terre
The hiking trail SVA2 connects the Cinque Terre villages. The lower path is the direct and most scenic route. The Cinque Terre hiking trail is marked with SVA (Sentiero Verde Azurro) and can only be accessed after purchasing a Cinque Terre Card. There is another upper long-distance hiking trail that extends from Levanto to Portovenere at a height of approx. 500 to 700 m. This upper path leads past some of the pilgrimage churches and offers breathtaking views of the coast and the sea between sections of forest. For the upper path, you do not need the Cinque Terre Card, but it is much longer. If you want to return to the villages you will need to hike downhill or take a public bus. The high-altitude hiking trail is marked with a sign VA5T.
Description of Hiking the Cinque Terre Trail SVA2
- Duration: 6 Hours, without a lunch break and detours
- Difficulty level: 2 out of 5
- Distance: 11.3 km
- Minimum altitude: 14 m
- Maximum altitude: 204 m
- Total climb: 411 m
- Total descend: 405 m
Track of the Trail:
- Monterosso – Vernazza 2:30 h
- Vernazza – Corniglia 1:30 h
- Corniglia – Manarola 1:15 h – The direct route is not completely accessible. There is an alternative trail via Volastra, 2:30 h.
- Manarola – Riomaggiore 0:25 h – The route Via dell’Amore is closed. There is an alternative trail via Costa Corniolo on via Beccara nr. 531, about 1 hour.
Hiking from Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza
The way from Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza is very beautiful, but also very busy. Fantastically flowering shrubs and cacti, olive groves and fantastic views make the mostly narrow and steep path uniquely beautiful.
From Vernazza to Corniglia
Up and down it is mostly narrow paths nestled close to the mountain. The hiking trail from Vernazza to Corniglia is one of the most beautiful sections and is particularly busy on weekends. Good footwear is necessary on the stony path that leads through olive groves and past blooming cacti and opens up the most beautiful view of Vernazza with the Castello and Corniglia.
Onwards from Corniglia to Manarola
The path is mostly wide and flat and leads past an abandoned holiday camp. The trail was closed for a long time due to mudslides. The rocks were fastened with large steel nets.
From Manarola to Riomaggiore
Well-developed wide footpath without a large difference in height. The path is easy to walk without hiking shoes.
Why Hiking the Cinque Terre Trail with milano24ore?
Pricing
The above price has been calculated for a group of 8 participants on a 5-hour hike (only part of the trail and in one direction). Please let us know the number of participants and special wishes with your request.
Services Included in the Price
We provide a Cinque Terre authorized Mountain Guide that speaks your language. Our guide will accompany you on this hike on the Cinque Terre trail. He or she will give you interesting details on the way and draws your attention to the special features of the region and the special cuisine.
Additional Services
– We buy for you the Cinque Terre Card for trekking and train
– Lunch during the hike
– Extension of the hike over two days
– Accommodation before and after the hike
– Multi-day tour pre-arranged with more overnight stays, guide, meals
– tasting of the Cinque Terre wine with food and olive oil tasting
– Private transfers
– Extension of the holiday trip through Tuscany
Exclusive and in Your Language
The hiking tour is organized only for you and your fellow travelers. They are conducted in the language you choose. We have experienced local guides for German, Italian, English, French. Other languages on request or with an interpreter.
Arrival and Meeting Place
Your guide can meet you at Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola or at your hotel in La Spezia. We can organize transport to the meeting point and collect you from the endpoint.
Stages of the Hike along the Cinque Terre Trail
Monterosso al Mare
With almost 2000 inhabitants, Monterosso is the largest village in the Cinque Terre. There is a large beach here. The atmosphere is characterized by the hustle and bustle in town and on the beach promenade.
Vernazza
Vernazza on the small peninsula with the ancient castle tower is the best-known symbol for the fascinating beauty of the Cinque Terre.
Corniglia
Corniglia is a very friendly village on a rock and is the only one without a harbor. As picturesque as the place appears today, people of nature once had to wrest their treasures hard. Winegrowing on steep slopes is typical for this area.
Manarola
The steep coast of Manarola has no place for storing boats, so they are pulled out of the water with a cable winch onto the rocks.
Riomaggiore
The colorful houses rise steeply above the picturesque harbor bay of Riomaggiore, to which steep stairs lead from the broad main street.
Hiking Alone in the Cinque Terre
You are welcome to get inspired by our description of this hike. However, we recommend to not hike alone and do not go without an experienced local licensed guide. Mountains are dangerous and you can get lost or surprised by weather. Also, our description might have small errors, be incomplete or outdated. Therefore, we recommend you book the tour with us and let us take care of the organization.
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Please contact us if you don’t find what you are looking for. Our strength is to develop bespoke itineraries for individual travelers and private groups
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