Hiking The Cinque Terre - Plus - Last Day Boat Trip to Manarola

Once we knew we going to the Cinque Terre region, it was always on my mind to hike it. The area has a national park with many hiking trails. Some easy, some not so easy. Some path less travelled, some tourist. I did have every intention of hiking it all. Maybe not all in one go, but there is a very cheap and reliable train service that runs between ALL of the 5 villages that make up the Cinque Terre. So the plan was to travel down to the end village. Complete a section then return to Monterosso (or base) by train. Then pick it up again later on and so on. Sadly, the weather and my knee injury weren't playing nicely so this plan went out of the window.

But the weather did finally break and we were able to get a train down to Corniglia and walk back, via Vernazza, to Monterosso. This video is of that day. On certain paths it is required that you have a trekking card which can be bought online. In May, when we went, it was 7.50 euros each, but this does go up. This ticket does allow you free use of the bus up into the village. Without it, you may have to climb the 350 or so steps up to Corniglia before you even start. As Corniglia is the only village NOT at sea level.

There are certain rules you need to follow on the trail so check these before setting off. But one of the main ones is footwear. Sandals, flip flops, smooth soul shoes are not allowed, but that's great advice for any hike. Just because you're on holiday, it doesn't make the trails more safe!!!

We set off early doors and completed the first section without seeing many people. There were shops/bars on the higher section of this trail that we were not expecting!!! So take cash with you to help these guys out. Plus the views are spectacular.

The Vernazza to Monterosso section however, was a different kettle of fish. It was like everyone in Monterosso had been in a WhatsApp group and all left hiking at the same time. Climbing out of Vernazza would be difficult enough, but the footfall of hikers coming down was insane and hindered this climb and the rest of the route all the way back to Monterosso. So expect delays during the tight single path stages. Also expect rude people to walk past you, ignoring the fact it is clear you're hanging over a wall or a drop to let them through :-0)

I don't claim to be the fittest hiker but I did, not only complete it, but really enjoyed this hike. Some of the hills have steep inclines, that's a given, but the views from the top are worth the climb and breathtaking. Some of the stepped paths are uneven in height, as you'd imagine, so does take it out on the joints a tad. Trekking poles will come in handy here.

In short, this had to be not only one of the most stunning hikes I've ever done. But you get to visit some of the most stunning villages you'll ever see. The Cinque Terre did NOT disappoint. My advice?? Don't try and rush your visit. There is much to enjoy. As the famous philoshper Ferris Bueller once said. "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look. around once in a while, you could miss it.”

#cinqueterre #cinqueterreitaly #hiking #monterosso #vernazza #corniglia #manarola

Corniglia Route: https://out.ac/ITkcac

Vernazza Route: https://out.ac/ITm3fB


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