Hiking from Vernazza via Volastra to Riomaggiore

There are many hiking trails in the Cinque Terre that you can combine. We chose a hike that does not require a Cinque Terre Card. There are only a few tourists on large sections of the hiking trail. On the hike, you can enjoy beautiful views of the coast and the terraced vineyards. The hike takes about 5 hours and requires a certain level of fitness. The paths are safe and well signposted. Since it is sometimes quite steep, the hike should only be carried out in dry weather.

per person

self guided tour

What to Expect on a Hike from Vernazza via Volastra to Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre

The hike leads on the hiking paths above the five villages of the Cinque Terre. You don’t need to buy the Cinque Terre Card. The hike starts in Vernazza. Since the first part leads up the street, this part can be covered by bus. Partly you hike through the mountains and partly through the wine yards.

Hiking Map Vernazza to Riomaggiore

Click on the map to open the GPS map in Google. From there you can explore it in great detail and move the GPS track data to your own device.

Cinque Terre map Hiking trail form Vernazza via Bernardino and Volastra to Riomaggiore

Google Maps

Description of the Hike in Cinque Terre from Vernazza via Volastra to Riomaggiore

Duration: 5 hours, without a lunch break and detours
Difficulty level: 2 out of 5
Distance: 15.7 km
Minimum altitude: Vernazza 16 m
Maximum altitude: Cigoletta 617 m
Total climb: 1116 m
Total descend: 1952 m

Starting Point of the Hike is Vernazza

The first part from Vernazza to Muro can be taken by minibus. Muro is a residential area above Vernazza. There are a few vacation rentals with nice views, but no bar or supply point. Then you climb from Muro on the narrow path that runs between the vineyards to San Bernardino. Alternatively, you can take the bus up to San Bernardino and start the hike there.

From San Bernardino to Case Pianca

From San Bernardino, the path 507 climbs steeply to Fornacchi and Cigoletta. The serpentine road has to be crossed a few times before the hiking trail continues steeply through the bushes. Once at the Cigoletta intersection, take the AV5T hiking trail towards Riomaggiore. But after a short time, you have to descend on path 506 towards Volastra and you pass Case Pianca on a very beautiful hiking trail along the wine yards. Arrived at Volastra it’s time for a rest. There is a restaurant and a bar there.

From Volastra to Riomaggiore

From Volastra you cross the street to take the path 506 and at the crossroads the path 530 towards Riomaggiore. On a wide path, it goes for long distances along a contour line. At the intersection, take the hiking path 501 to descend to Riomaggiore. The last part of the way is marked by steep stairs that lead past the former 13th-century defense castle, the Castel di Riomaggiore, to the train station.

Stages of the Hike

Vernazza

Vernazza is the site of the Cinque Terre that best preserved the classy and elegant look and characteristics. In October 2011, Vernazza was hit by a severe flood that completely destroyed the heart of the pretty place and the port. Today Vernazza shines in its original beauty.

San Bernardino, 341 m

San Bernardino is a little village high above Corniglia and Vernazza. From the balcony of San Bernardino, you have a fantastic view over Corniglia and the sea.

Volastra 340 m altitude

The name Volastra comes from the Latin: oleaster and means something like a village in the olives. The church was first mentioned in 1240. In Volastra there is a bar and restaurant.

Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore is the first of the five coastal villages of the Cinque Terre that can be reached by train from La Spezia. Each village in the Cinque Terre has its own special history. The narrow center of Riomaggiore is particularly impressive. The colorful houses rise steeply above the picturesque harbor.

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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