Fancy a stroll through the "Cinque Terre"?
The famous Blue Trail #2 starts (or ends) with the sea-view section connecting Monterosso and Vernazza.
This was the first hike I did through Liguria's famous "5 lands" when I moved to Italy.
Hard to forget…
Technical details
- Difficulty: medium.
- Length: 3.7 km (one way).
- Elevation gain: 217 m (steep, at the beginning and end).
- Duration: 2-3 hours.
- Start: Monterosso.
- End: Vernazza.
- Date completed (photos): May, 2013.
Heads up:
At the time of writing this post (January, 2020), this trail is closed to the public due to landslides and other storm damage.
It's a common occurrence along the Cinque Terre coast because of its exposure to the sea.
Before planning your hike, check the trail conditions on the park's official website (you'll find the link at the end of this post).
Blue Trail from Monterosso to Vernazza (or vice versa)
Initial climb from Monterosso
Once you're in the main square of Monterosso al Mare, take the path heading towards Hotel Porto Roca.
From there, a long stone staircase takes you up to the higher section of the trail.
I know all those "steps" might sound like torture, but when I did this trail, the stairs didn't exist (or were in very bad shape). I even had to scramble up some parts on all fours through a narrow dirt and overgrown path.
So be grateful for all those stone steps. 😉
Walk with sea views
Once you reach the upper part of the trail, you can relax and enjoy the walk among crops and lush greenery.
Almost the entire route offers breathtaking views of the sea, Monterosso, and Vernazza.
And I say breathtaking because sometimes (just sometimes) the trail gets very narrow or has little protection, so watch your step. 😉
Descent to Vernazza
As you get closer to Vernazza, the view of the village from above becomes hypnotic.
That's exactly why I recommend doing this stretch of the Blue Trail #2 in this direction (Monterosso ➔ Vernazza) and not the other way around.
After taking plenty of stops to capture the view, you'll reach the village.
Blue Trail #2: requirements to visit
Maintaining the Blue Trail #2 is demanding because, due to its exposure to the sea, certain sections need to be closed every year to repair damage caused by autumn and winter storms.
Because of this, access requires purchasing an entry ticket in advance, which also gives you access to buses, public restrooms at train stations, and even some museums.
The price of this ticket varies depending on the condition of the trails and can be bought as a simple pass (€5 to €8) or including unlimited local train rides throughout the area (€16 for one day).
Where can you get this ticket?
- Online (you have the link in the final section Useful Links).
- At the trail entrance points.
- At local train stations.
Top tip: if you're buying it with the train service included, get it before arriving in the 5 Terre to make the most of it! 😉
How to get to and get around the Cinque Terre
By train
The best way to visit the 5 Terre?
Without a doubt, the train: fast and affordable.
There are several regional routes that stop in some of the villages making up the Cinque Terre, along with other lines connecting them to each other.
Their frequency (and price, if we're talking about the ones stopping in Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore) varies depending on the season.
I recommend checking the official Trenitalia website (link at the end of this post) to find your ideal schedule and route. 😉
Boat
Another great way to explore the 5 Terre is to take a boat tour.
The Golfo dei Poeti ferry company operates routes from La Spezia and Levanto, running more frequently during the summer.
This option costs a bit more and limits your visiting time in each village, but it undoubtedly offers coastal views you just couldn't get any other way.
Car
Don't even think about it.
When to visit the Cinque Terre
It really depends on how you want to experience it.
You can visit the villages of the Cinque Terre at any time of the year, but…
- If you want to enjoy the sea: you'll want to go in summer (June, July, August, and September). Heads up: you might get an unforgettable swim, but the streets, trains, and trails will be packed to the brim. In other words, this season isn't for you if you're allergic to crowds.
- If you want to go hiking: the best time is in late September or early October, before the autumn storms hit, or in May, once they've finished repairing any trails damaged over the winter.
- If you want the villages all to yourself: during the winter months (January, February, March), you can soak up the 5 Terre without the crowds. That said, if you can, try to steer clear of weekends and public holidays.
What to bring
- Food: pack whatever you feel like eating during the hike in your backpack. Need some inspiration?: focaccia, fruit, nuts, cookies…
- Water: you'll find drinking water in both Monterosso and Vernazza, but not along the path, so I recommend carrying at least 1 liter per person (in summer, 1.5 is even better). 😉
- Sun protection: the route is mostly out in the open, so bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen…
- Clothing: lightweight clothes, a warm layer depending on the time of year, and (mandatory if you're hiking) shoes with trekking soles; meaning no sandals. By the way, remember to bring your swimsuit—you'll definitely want to take a dip when you arrive in Vernazza or Monterosso.
- Travel insurance: if you don't have a European Health Insurance Card, book your IATI travel insurance through this link and get a 5% discount. They offer customizable coverage tailored to your needs and cover all medical expenses upfront if you notify them beforehand.
Where to sleep
Since I lived in Genoa for 5 years, my trips to the 5 Terre were always 1-day getaways by train.
Although I have to admit, with how charming these villages are, I always felt the urge to stay overnight in one of their cozy rural guesthouses.
The downside is that I can't recommend a specific one. Sorry about that! 🙂
Useful links
- Official park map with updated trail conditions.
- Online tickets to visit the Cinque Terre national park.
- Trenitalia official website.
- Golfo dei Poeti boats from La Spezia and Levanto.
- Hotel deals in the area.
- Flights to Italy: Trabber, eDreams, Momondo, and Vueling.
- 5% discount when booking your travel insurance with IATI.
Planning a trip to the 5 Terre?
Then you'll definitely want to check out these posts too:
Map
Got any questions about this hiking trail in the Cinque Terre between Vernazza and Monterosso?
Leave your question down below. 😉