Is the full Cinque Terre coastal trail open?

The main trail between Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Manarola is almost always open. The Via dell'Amore section between Manarola and Riomaggiore has been closed for renovation work. If closed, take the local train between Manarola and Riomaggiore (2 minutes, included with the Cinque Terre Card) as an alternative.

Walking Guide · Liguria, Italy

Cinque Terre Coastal Trail — Walk Guide with Eco Hotel at the Trailhead

Walk: 12 km · Moderate · 5 hours · Liguria, Italy · Updated June 2026

The Cinque Terre Coastal Trail is Italy's most famous coastal walk. Five villages — Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore — cling to the rugged Ligurian coastline, connected by a footpath carved into terraced cliffs high above the Mediterranean. Olive groves, lemon trees, and vineyards blanket the hillsides. The trail is a masterwork of sustainable tourism: the entire area is a protected national park and UNESCO World Heritage site, with the park authority reinvesting trail fees directly into conservation and maintenance. Pair this walk with eco-friendly accommodation through IMPT for a genuinely carbon-negative holiday.

12 km

Distance

Moderate

Difficulty

5 h

Duration

450 m

Ascent

Villages

🌿 Book Cinque Terre accommodation on IMPT — 1 tonne CO₂ removed per night. Garanzia miglior prezzo.

Hotels at the Trailhead →

Step-by-Step Walk Guide

Start at Monterosso al MareBegin at Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five villages and the only one with a wide sandy beach. Pick up your Cinque Terre Card from the park office near the train station. The trail starts at the eastern end of the old town, climbing through lemon-scented terraced vineyards. The initial ascent is the steepest section of the entire walk, but the sea views opening up behind you make every step worthwhile. Estimated time: 9:00 AM start.

Walk to Vernazza (3 km, 90 min)The trail from Monterosso to Vernazza is the most dramatic stretch of the walk. Carved into the cliffside, the path snakes around rocky headlands with the Mediterranean glittering 100 metres below. Terraced vineyards cling to the slopes — the famous Cinque Terre DOC Sciacchetrà wine is produced from grapes grown on these very terraces. Arrive in Vernazza's natural harbour, the most picturesque of the five villages, with its medieval tower and tiny piazza at sea level. Stop for coffee or explore the narrow alleys before continuing.

Continue to Corniglia (4 km, 90 min)From Vernazza, the trail climbs again, passing through olive groves and Mediterranean scrub before descending towards Corniglia. Unlike the other four villages, Corniglia sits on a 100-metre clifftop — you don't see it from the water. The final approach involves the Lardarina staircase, a 377-step brick stairway that ascends through terraced gardens to the village centre. Alternatively, take the shuttle bus from the train station (1.50 €). Corniglia feels quieter and more authentic than the other villages, with fewer crowds and spectacular sunset views over the coastline.

Walk to Manarola (3 km, 45 min)The trail from Corniglia descends towards Manarola through ancient olive groves and dry-stone terraces. This is the most peaceful section of the walk, with far fewer walkers and the smell of wild rosemary and thyme in the air. Manarola's pastel-coloured houses cascade down a rocky promontory directly into the sea. This is the most photographed village in Cinque Terre for good reason — the view from the harbour wall at golden hour is pure magic.

Finish at Riomaggiore (3 km)The final section from Manarola to Riomaggiore was traditionally the Via dell'Amore (Lovers' Lane), a flat, easy coastal walk. Check trail status locally — this section has been undergoing renovation work. If closed, the train between Manarola and Riomaggiore runs every 15 minutes and takes just 2 minutes. Riomaggiore, with its tall, narrow houses in shades of terracotta and ochre, is the perfect finish. The marina at sunset is spectacular. Treat yourself at one of the seafood restaurants on the harbour.

Eco Hotel Vicino a the Cinque Terre Trail

The Cinque Terre National Park is a model of sustainable tourism, with strict building regulations, protected marine areas, and a tourism model centred on foot traffic and train travel. The villages are car-free zones — all visitors arrive by train, boat, or on foot. Eco-friendly accommodation options include family-run agriturismi in the hills above the villages, hotels with solar water heating, and guesthouses that serve organic Ligurian breakfasts with local produce. Booking through IMPT adds carbon removal at no extra cost.

Monterosso Hotels

Monterosso has the widest hotel selection of the five villages, including several eco-conscious options. Look for accommodation near the old town for the easiest trail access. View Monterosso hotels on IMPT →

Riomaggiore Hotels

Riomaggiore offers excellent accommodation for those arriving by train from La Spezia or the Cinque Terre Express. Many properties feature rooftop terraces with sea views. View Riomaggiore hotels on IMPT →

Garanzia miglior prezzo — stesso prezzo di Booking.com o migliore. IMPT funds carbon removal from its commission. No green premium. Same room, same rate, verified carbon credits retired on-chain. Book now →

Sustainable Travel Tips for the Cinque Terre

Travelling sustainably in the Cinque Terre starts with transport. Arrive by train at La Spezia Centrale or directly at the Cinque Terre stations — the Cinque Terre Express runs every 15-30 minutes between La Spezia and Levanto, stopping at all five villages. Avoid driving: the villages are car-free, with parking limited and expensive on the outskirts. Carry a reusable water bottle — there are public drinking fountains (fontanelle) in each village where you can refill for free. Eat at trattorias serving local Ligurian pesto, fresh anchovies, and focaccia — choose seasonal, local produce. Every IMPT booking removes 1 tonne of CO₂ per night, making your Cinque Terre holiday genuinely carbon-negative.

Domande Frequenti

Do I need to book Cinque Terre trail access in advance?

Yes, the Cinque Terre National Park charges a small trail access fee (Cinque Terre Card) which covers trail maintenance and conservation. You can purchase it online, at park offices in any of the five villages, or at train station ticket offices. The card also includes unlimited train travel between the villages for the day.

What is the best time of year to walk the Cinque Terre trail?

Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are ideal, with temperatures between 18-26°C and far fewer crowds than July-August. The trail can be very hot and crowded in peak summer. Winter walking is possible but some sections may close for maintenance. Early morning starts reward you with quieter paths and better light.

Where should I stay for eco-friendly accommodation near the trail?

All five villages offer accommodation, but Monterosso and Riomaggiore have the widest selection. Look for properties with solar panels, local organic breakfasts, and water refill stations. Booking through IMPT means your stay removes 1 tonne of CO₂ at the same rate as Booking.com — with our garanzia miglior prezzo.

Is the full coastal trail open?

The main trail between Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Manarola is almost always open. The Via dell'Amore section between Manarola and Riomaggiore has been undergoing renovation. If closed, take the local train between Manarola and Riomaggiore (2 minutes, included with the Cinque Terre Card).

Can I make this walk carbon-negative with IMPT?

Absolutely. Book your Cinque Terre accommodation through IMPT and each night removes 1 tonne of CO₂. IMPT funds the removal from its commission; you pay the same rate as Booking.com with our garanzia miglior prezzo.

🌿 New IMPT members get €5 di credito gratuito on top of the 1-tonne CO₂ removal per booking. No promo code needed — sign-up credit is applied automatically. Search and book now →

‹ All Italy Sentieri · Italy Hub · Guide · Top Hotels