Are you coming for a walk in the "Cinque Terre?
Prepare to have your breath taken away by the views offered by the section of the Blue Trail #2 linking Vernazza to Corniglia.
This hike through the famous "5 lands" of Liguria I walked on 2 different occasions during my stay in Italy.
Why twice?
Because I didn't have the chance to do it anymore.
Looking at the pictures you will understand why 😉.
Technical specifications
- Difficulty: medium.
- Length: 4.1 km (one way).
- Elevation gain: 269 m.
- Travel time: 2 hours.
- Start: Vernazza.
- End: Corniglia.
- Date of realization (photographs): February , 2018.
Notice:
At the time of this writing (January, 2020), this trail is closed to the public due to landslides and other storm damage.
This is common along the Cinque Terre coastline due to its exposure to the sea.
Before organizing your excursion, check the road conditions on the park's official website (link at the end of this post).
Blue trail from Vernazza to Corniglia (or vice versa)
Ascent to the upper part of Vernazza
From the Vernazza train station, go uphill in the opposite direction of the sea until you find this sign on the wall.
There are other ways to access the trail from the center of town, but this is one of the easiest to follow.
From here you will only have to follow the indications.
Remember that Blue Trail #2 is marked with two lines, one red and one white.
Shortly after, after climbing some stairs at the top of Vernazza, you will get a spectacular view of the village from behind, including the tower.
One thing is undeniable: Vernazza does not have a bad profile.
And if not, look at the picture it shows when you finish the first stretch of the blue trail #2 from Monterosso to Vernazza.
What we said. Vernazza does not disappoint.
Promenade with sea view
When you leave behind the view of the tower over the sea, you arrive at the park's booth (where you will have to pay an entrance fee if you don't have one).
And from there, much of the path (usually, but not always, protected by a railing) runs along the coastline offering views of the cliff.
Sometimes the train tracks appear between slope and slope.
The best part?
That Corniglia gains definition as you go along.
A small village with colorful houses in the pure 5 Terre style.
But unlike the other 4 villages of the Cinque Terre, Corniglia has no access to the sea.
It is true that you can go down to a small beach if you feel like taking steps, but there is no port.
Arrival in Corniglia
And now that you are so close, you can even appreciate the details of Manarola, the next town cut out on the coast.
Shortly after you reach the asphalt road that leads you to the center of the village.
I couldn't quite explain why, but Corniglia was always my favorite.
I recommend walking along the main street to get to the viewpoint overlooking the sea:
Do you want to take the train?
In that case, return to the beginning of the village and continue on the asphalt road that led you here.
You will soon see the signs to the station next to a huge zig zag staircase.
Keep up the good work!
When you reach the bottom you will see the road to the station in front of you.
Sendero Azul nº2: requirements to visit it
The maintenance of the Blue Trail No. 2 is demanding since, due to its exposure to the sea, every year some segments need to be closed to repair the damage caused by the autumn-winter storms.
Because of this, its access requires the prior payment of an entrance fee that also gives you access to buses, public restrooms at train stations and even some museums.
The price of this ticket varies according to the state of the roads and can be purchased in simple mode (from 5 to 8€) or also including unlimited train rides in the area (16€ for one day).
Where to get this ticket?
- Online (you have the link in the final section Useful Links).
- At the entrance gates to the trail.
- At the train stations in the area.
Recommendation: if you are going to buy it with train service included, do it before arriving at the 5 Terre to make the most of it 😉.
How to get to and around Cinque Terre
Train
The best way to visit the 5 Terre?
Undoubtedly, the train: fast and economical.
There are several regional routes that stop in some of the towns that make up the Cinque Terre, along with other lines that connect them with each other.
Their frequency (and price, if we are talking about those stopping at Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore) varies according to the season.
I recommend you check the official Trenitalia website (link at the end of this post) to find your ideal schedule and route 😉.
Boat
Another way to visit the 5 Terre is to take a boat excursion.
The shipping company Golfo dei Poeti offers routes from La Spezia and Levanto, more frequently in summer.
This option costs more and conditions the time spent in the villages, but it undoubtedly offers views of the coast that would be impossible to obtain in any other way.
Car
Don't even think about it.
When to go to Cinque Terre
It depends on how you want to live 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 will have to go in summer (June, July, August and September). Be careful, you may have an unforgettable swim, but the streets, trains and paths will be full of boats. In other words, this season is not suitable for people allergic to crowds.
- If you want to hike: the best time is in late September or early October, before the autumn storms begin, or in May, when the trails that were damaged during the previous winter have been rehabilitated.
- If you want to have the villages all to yourself: during the winter months (January, February, March) you can enjoy the 5 Terre without crowds. However, if you can, avoid weekends or holidays.
What to bring
- Food: put in your backpack whatever you feel like eating during the excursion: focaccia, fruit, dried fruit, cookies...
- Water: you will find drinking water both in Vernazza and Corniglia, but not along the way, so I recommend you to carry at least 1 liter per person (in summer, better if it's 1.5) 😉.
- Sun protection: the tour runs in the open air most of the time, so bring sunglasses, hat, sunscreen...
- Clothing: light clothing, warm layers depending on the time of year and (mandatory if you are hiking) shoes with a sole suitable for trekking, i.e. no sandals. By the way, remember to bring your swimsuit, it will make you want to take a dip in Vernazza.
- Travel insurance: if you don't have a European health card, book your IATI travel insurance through this link and get a 5% discount. They offer customizable coverage according to your needs and will pay all medical expenses in advance if you let them know in advance.
Where to stay
Since I lived in Genoa for 5 years, the excursions to the 5 Terre for me were 1-day excursions by train.
Although I must admit that, with the charm of the villages, I always felt like spending the night in one of their rural lodgings.
The bad thing is that I can't recommend you any specific one, sorry! 🙂 🙂
Useful Links
- Official map of the park with updated trail status.
- Online tickets to visit the Cinque Terre park.
- Trenitalia website.
- Boats from La Spezia and Levanto Golfo dei Poeti.
- Hotel offers in the area.
- Flights to Italy: Trabber, eDreams,Momondo, andVueling.
- Get 5% off when you purchase travel insurance with IATI.
On route in the 5 Terre?
Then these entries are also of interest to you:
Map
Do you have any questions about this hiking route in the Cinque Terre between Vernazza and Corniglia?
Leave your question below 😉
Light, entertaining and interesting, great report!
Thank you, Marab! 🙂