Perched above a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage coastline in the Italian Riviera, the five fishing villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore are connected by a network of cliff and vineyard paths that make the Cinque Terre one of the most iconic walking destinations in Italy. Beyond the famous villages, the surrounding area extends to neighbouring Levanto, Campiglia, and Porto Venere, offering quieter routes well away from the crowds.

All five Cinque Terre villages serve as starting points in this Cicerone guidebook by Gillian Price, which describes 16 graded walks ranging from 2 to 14km (1 to 8 miles) and can be completed in 2 to 5 hours, all accessible by public transport. It combines clear route descriptions with notes on local history, plants, wildlife, and cuisine to help you explore the Cinque Terre with confidence and context.

• The 16 walks are graded 1 to 3 and cover routes in and around all five Cinque Terre villages as well as Levanto, Campiglia, and Porto Venere, ranging from easy coastal paths to steep climbs through vineyards and cliff-edge terrain
• The popular Sentiero Verde Azzurro linking Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore is described in full, alongside a superb higher traverse continuing via Campiglia to Porto Venere
• All 16 routes can be combined to create a 3 to 4 day trek across the Cinque Terre, with detailed information on accommodation, refreshments, and public transport, making it straightforward to plan a multi-day itinerary by train and ferries
• Maps at 1:50,000 or 1:25,000 are included for each walk alongside GPX files available to download, so you can navigate the ancient paths with confidence, whether on paper or on a GPS device or smartphone app
• Spring (April to June) and autumn (September and October) are the best seasons for walking, though winter offers a quieter and magical experience for those happy to find some accommodation providers and restaurants closed

From the Sentiero Verde Azzurro linking all five villages to the quieter heights above Campiglia and Porto Venere, this guidebook covers the full breadth of walking in the Cinque Terre with maps, GPX downloads, and expert local knowledge for every route.

Walking in Italy's Cinque Terre – Quick Facts

Location: Cinque Terre, northwestern Italy  
UNESCO status: World Heritage Site  
Walk format: 16 graded walks  
Walk distances: 2 to 14km (1 to 8 miles) per walk  
Walk duration: 2 to 5 hours per walk  
Multi-day option: All 16 walks can be combined into a 3 to 4-day trek  
Villages covered: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore, plus Levanto, Campiglia, and Porto Venere  
Difficulty grades: 1 to 3; routes involve moderate to steep ascents and long flights of stone steps; reasonable fitness required  
Key highlights: Sentiero Verde Azzurro, Via dell'Amore (recently reopened), Porto Venere, Monte Muzzerone, Palmaria island circuit, cliff and vineyard paths, ancient sanctuaries  
Best season: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October); winter is quiet, but some facilities are closed; summer is hot and busy  
Getting there: Fly to Genoa, Pisa, or Milan; all villages are accessible by train and ferry  
Maps: 1:50,000 or 1:25,000 maps included for every walk 
GPX files: Available to download

Author Highlight

“We’re talking about a mere 12km of rugged coast that is home to gliding seagulls and the ‘Famous Five’. There’s nowhere else like it, and it is duly recognised with UNESCO World Heritage Site status.” 

- Gillian Price, author of Walking in Italy's Cinque Terre

Map key
Overview Map
INTRODUCTION
Exploring the Cinque Terre
Walking
Plants and flowers
Wildlife
Getting there and getting around
Information
When to go
Accommodation
Food and drink
What to take
Maps
Dos and don’ts
Emergencies
Using this guide
Walks
Walk 1 Levanto to Monterosso
Walk 2 Monterosso via Colla di Gritta circuit
Walk 3 Monterosso to Vernazza via the sanctuaries
Walk 4 Monterosso to Vernazza on the SVA
Walk 5 Vernazza to Corniglia on the SVA
Walk 6 Corniglia via Cigoletta and San Bernardino to Vernazza
Walk 7 Corniglia via Volastra to Manarola
Walk 8 Manarola panoramic loop
Walk 9 Manarola to Riomaggiore on Via Beccara
Walk 10 Riomaggiore high circuit
Walk 11 Riomaggiore low circuit
Walk 12 Riomaggiore to Porto Venere
Walk 13 Campiglia circuit via Monesteroli and Fossola
Walk 14 Punta Persico
Walk 15 Porto Venere and Monte Muzzerone
Walk 16 Palmaria island circuit
Appendix A Village maps
Appendix B Route summary table
Appendix C Useful information
Appendix D Glossary
Appendix E Accommodation

Seasons

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September and October), avoiding the heat of summer, are the best times for walking but also the busiest. Winter can be magical and quiet - though many accommodation providers and restaurants close and the weather can occasionally be wild and stormy.

Centres

The Cinque Terre villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia, Riomaggiore, as well as neighbouring Levanto, Campiglia and Porto Venere.

Difficulty

The walks in this guide are graded 1-3 and are suitable for beginners through to experienced walkers. Some walks are steep, and long flights of stone steps are often encountered. Quality walking boots or shoes are essential.

Must See

The world-famous paths between charming Cinque Terre villages on spectacular cliff and vineyard routes. The popular Sentiero Verde Azzurro links Monterosso to Vernazza to Corniglia to Manarola to Riomaggiore. A superb higher traverse leads on via Campiglia and on to delightful Portovenere.

May 2026

Park website

August 2024

Via dell'Amore

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