Sentiero Monterosso - Vernazza
Sentiero Monterosso - Vernazza
Sentiero Monterosso - Vernazza
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- Leslie S8 contributionsGorgeous but challenging hike. Glad we did it.The views were breathtaking. The trail was tougher than expected. We hike regularly and were told it was a moderate hike. The trail was challenging. If you’re not in moderately good condition do not take this hike the steps will leave you in pain for days and if you have rain the rocks are very slick. if you are up to a challenge and have time this is a well maintained gorgeous trail. We took it in October I do not think it would be fun in the middle of summer with the heatVisited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 16, 2023
- Norm the NomadAustralia1,245 contributionsFantastic - but a reasonably hard walk.Today we did some serious walking between 2 of the Cinque Terre villages, covering some pretty challenging mountain trails. After a hearty breakfast, we set off walking from Monterosso to Vernazza. About 2 hours in duration, through some very steep and rocky terrain. It was hard going but was well rewarded when we eventually turned that final bend to see the village ahead, nestled by the coast. And adding to the moment …. we were greeted by some random chap on the trail playing an accordion (an Italian busker?). Vernazza is a sea side, fishing village, with colourful houses, narrow lane ways and church all clustered around the harbour. Very pretty. The church was again different - this one having a medieval feel. Quite ‘raw’ in some ways.Visited December 2022Traveled as a coupleWritten November 6, 2023
- Philip CYork, Maine576 contributionsLots of people - but great viewsAfter much research, we determined that this was the best segment to walk, reasonably challenging with great views, and an opportunity to take the water taxi back down the coast. We are hiking junkies and are not used to crowded trails with folks who have no trail etiquette. Can't say we can even recommend Cinque Terre - too many other choices of hill towns and awesome trails.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten January 29, 2024
- kta99Spokane, Washington280 contributionsBeautiful views!Outstanding views. Path will get strenuous in places so out of shape people beware. Bring plenty of water and wear good walking/hiking shoes. It got busy on the trail so go earlier in the day as it will be cooler. Vernazza was a great town…lots of choices for food. You catch the train back to your village at a cost of 10eu one way. If staying multiple days and doing lots of hiking, check out the Cinque Terrace card for transportation. We hiked with 3 kids..12, 10, 7…..who did amazingly well. The gelato in Vernazza made it worth it.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 12, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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texascamps
Denver, CO43 contributions
Apr 2022
We started at the train station. We followed a trail by the Capuchin Convent and took the stairs to the cemetery at the top. We stopped at the overlook, as well. This is way before you actually get on the Vernazza trail where you pay.
Follow signs that say Vernazza until you get to a little hut where you can pay your fee. I recommend you go ahead and pay for the train, even if you feel you will walk all 5 towns. You won't.
The trail is an uphill climb for forever and when you think it will even out, it doesn't. It never evens out. There are shaded areas but it would be harder in the summer.
The trail itself is very safe and they built excellent guard rails along the steep edges. There are no bathrooms anywhere on the trail so go while you are in the train station.
We are seasoned hikers at high altitudes and brought strong teenagers, but everyone was exhausted and starving once we got to Vernazza. The plan was to hike all 5 cities but we realized that would be impossible. I think a lot of these Instagram models and "Tour Italy" talking heads are liars, that come to the trailheads and take a few pics and then leave.
Older people (45 plus), people with bad knees or ankles, young children or people who only work out on a treadmill at the gym will not be able to do this hike or, they will suffer as they pretend they are enjoying it. If you are coming from the US and want to do Cinque Terre plan more than one day to complete all 5 cities and begin doing serious stair climbing beforehand. We didn't meet anyone on the trail that actually thought you could do all 5 in one day. They were all doing one town to one town per day and couldn't believe we thought we could do all 5. Also, it was agreed that the Monterosso to Vernazza was the easiest section of all 5.
Still, Monterosso is a lovely town and worth walking around. The convent is worth climbing, as well, eat breakfast, then take the train to Vernazza.
Follow signs that say Vernazza until you get to a little hut where you can pay your fee. I recommend you go ahead and pay for the train, even if you feel you will walk all 5 towns. You won't.
The trail is an uphill climb for forever and when you think it will even out, it doesn't. It never evens out. There are shaded areas but it would be harder in the summer.
The trail itself is very safe and they built excellent guard rails along the steep edges. There are no bathrooms anywhere on the trail so go while you are in the train station.
We are seasoned hikers at high altitudes and brought strong teenagers, but everyone was exhausted and starving once we got to Vernazza. The plan was to hike all 5 cities but we realized that would be impossible. I think a lot of these Instagram models and "Tour Italy" talking heads are liars, that come to the trailheads and take a few pics and then leave.
Older people (45 plus), people with bad knees or ankles, young children or people who only work out on a treadmill at the gym will not be able to do this hike or, they will suffer as they pretend they are enjoying it. If you are coming from the US and want to do Cinque Terre plan more than one day to complete all 5 cities and begin doing serious stair climbing beforehand. We didn't meet anyone on the trail that actually thought you could do all 5 in one day. They were all doing one town to one town per day and couldn't believe we thought we could do all 5. Also, it was agreed that the Monterosso to Vernazza was the easiest section of all 5.
Still, Monterosso is a lovely town and worth walking around. The convent is worth climbing, as well, eat breakfast, then take the train to Vernazza.
Written May 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ryan S
Cardiff, UK604 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
€7.20 to walk on a path way for an hour is a goddamn ripoff. You shouldn’t need to pay to walk on a pathway and €7.20 is a bit extreme €2 is enough and it doesn't warn you anywhere on the internet or tourist information its just disgusting and disappointing. I was looking forward to a good hike that day and i ended up just going in the sea and just walking around monterosso and there was not much to do in monterosso.
Written September 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David
Lille, France1,890 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
The footpath takes you between two of the Cinque Terre. You must pay 7.50 euro cut this gives you access to all the other fee-entry components of the national park.
Some good photo opportunities along the route.
An abundance of steps in places, but nothing insurmountable even if you don't have a high level of fitness.
Some good photo opportunities along the route.
An abundance of steps in places, but nothing insurmountable even if you don't have a high level of fitness.
Written August 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve_Grant1
Oldham, UK1,770 contributions
May 2022
This is a great trail. We did it the "hard way" apparently from Monterosso to Vernazza. It was warm in late May so make sure you have enough water with you. The climb initially is hard with many steps so do stop when you feel you need to. Great views along the way,
Written May 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
P T
6 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
In theory it is a great place to visit. In reality it is terrible.
The reasons include:
Very, very crowded. Lots of people everywhere.
Very, very hot in summer (eg. 35deg C) so will be uncomfortable and sweaty all the time outside. Make sure you get air con and pref. a pool.
Beaches are private so you will need to pay to go on them and they are very very crowded. There are some small free beaches but even more crowded. Gravel not sand. Very hot. Likely drains into sea near free beaches.
Expensive.
Steep hillsides and lots of steps and uneven paths on walks. I fell twice and am going to physio.
Crazy things such as 2 ticket machines at stations only in Italian and for hundreds of passengers and are made for all of Italy so need to scroll through all Italian stations to get to your destination to buy a ticket. You will most likely need to stand on the crowded train. Only one or two grocery shops that open and close random times. Buses don't keep to their timetable.
We tried to walk between two villages, but at the halfway there was a dude who said the path was one way only so had to walk back.
Bring a water bottle and a smile!!
Maybe avoid World Heritage Sites as the whole world wants to visit.
Good Luck!
The reasons include:
Very, very crowded. Lots of people everywhere.
Very, very hot in summer (eg. 35deg C) so will be uncomfortable and sweaty all the time outside. Make sure you get air con and pref. a pool.
Beaches are private so you will need to pay to go on them and they are very very crowded. There are some small free beaches but even more crowded. Gravel not sand. Very hot. Likely drains into sea near free beaches.
Expensive.
Steep hillsides and lots of steps and uneven paths on walks. I fell twice and am going to physio.
Crazy things such as 2 ticket machines at stations only in Italian and for hundreds of passengers and are made for all of Italy so need to scroll through all Italian stations to get to your destination to buy a ticket. You will most likely need to stand on the crowded train. Only one or two grocery shops that open and close random times. Buses don't keep to their timetable.
We tried to walk between two villages, but at the halfway there was a dude who said the path was one way only so had to walk back.
Bring a water bottle and a smile!!
Maybe avoid World Heritage Sites as the whole world wants to visit.
Good Luck!
Written September 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SJT22222
Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom35 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
The footpath is narrow and steep in parts. We walked the path in October and it was busy. We had to stop to let people pass but also we’re stuck behind slow walkers at times. I enjoyed the walk but it must be crazy in peak season. You have to pay to use the path which is no better than other coastal paths I’ve walked but don’t mind the fee if it means they maintain the path and when we visited sections further along the coast were closed due to landslides so I can understand the need to charge..
Written October 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LoBommer
The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, UK1,760 contributions
Sep 2020
We set off about 7.30am, nice weather, it is a steep climb at the start up through the terraced vineyards. Once you get to the top it levels off a bit but there are still a few ups and downs before the nice downhill section into Vernazza.
I measured the route at 2.37 miles (3.8kms) and it took us 2 hours.
Best tip, you dont have to pay if you set off before the pay kiosk opens at 9.00am, I think.
I measured the route at 2.37 miles (3.8kms) and it took us 2 hours.
Best tip, you dont have to pay if you set off before the pay kiosk opens at 9.00am, I think.
Written November 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah L
London, UK3,524 contributions
Apr 2023
We didn't know when we hiked this path that it was known as the toughest hike in Cinque Terre. You leave the ambience of the beach in Monterosso to travel uphill for the best part of 2 hours. Just when you think it can't get any steeper or narrower, it does. It is often crowded too so just try and take your time with it and sit on a rock when you need to. You will be rewarded with the best views of Vernazza when you descend into the village- tough but well worth it!
Written April 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
drmader
Orinda, CA2,932 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Vernazza to Monterossa was the way we were advised for less stairs up and to end at beach . We caught first ferry from Porto venere and rode to monterossa catching the one heading south to get to vernazza by 9:30
In the morning. We purchased trail and train ticket at the kiosk in vernazza..36€ for 2 . It took us 90 min to get to the beach..we weren’t racing..we took
Photos, water breaks and let people pass us. It got pretty crowded the closer we got to monterossa..and it’s single file down hill w some serious drop
Offs in spots .. of course the up hill
Is large stairs /slippery in spots so you are winded.. but it’s more the mass of aggressive people at time who won’t. Yield
When there isn’t a hand tail.. scary more than difficult at those
Spots .. but not terrible.. most people were lovely as they said bonjour or buongiorno or good morning ..views incredible, hillside wine rows, turquoise water, shady spots, blooming flowers.. breathtaking and incredible. Like hiking narrows at Zion or bridal veil falls in Yosemite or bindi beach coastal trial in Sydney.. you must try if you are traveling to a national park. We lounged at beach..25€ for umbrella and chairs for the day w showers changing room and bathrooms..bar close..water clear clean and refreshing. Took train to 2 other towns..walked one more and ferry in afternoon back to PV. We decided a stroll and beverage In each town would make for a fun day without overdoing the knees :) we loved it ..and could see coming again especially to monterossa da mare.. all the towns were charming..but we liked this one so much .
In the morning. We purchased trail and train ticket at the kiosk in vernazza..36€ for 2 . It took us 90 min to get to the beach..we weren’t racing..we took
Photos, water breaks and let people pass us. It got pretty crowded the closer we got to monterossa..and it’s single file down hill w some serious drop
Offs in spots .. of course the up hill
Is large stairs /slippery in spots so you are winded.. but it’s more the mass of aggressive people at time who won’t. Yield
When there isn’t a hand tail.. scary more than difficult at those
Spots .. but not terrible.. most people were lovely as they said bonjour or buongiorno or good morning ..views incredible, hillside wine rows, turquoise water, shady spots, blooming flowers.. breathtaking and incredible. Like hiking narrows at Zion or bridal veil falls in Yosemite or bindi beach coastal trial in Sydney.. you must try if you are traveling to a national park. We lounged at beach..25€ for umbrella and chairs for the day w showers changing room and bathrooms..bar close..water clear clean and refreshing. Took train to 2 other towns..walked one more and ferry in afternoon back to PV. We decided a stroll and beverage In each town would make for a fun day without overdoing the knees :) we loved it ..and could see coming again especially to monterossa da mare.. all the towns were charming..but we liked this one so much .
Written May 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
guana007
Miami, FL157 contributions
Oct 2021
When we went there it was closed due to to weather, that was "inclement" for Italian standards, but for Miami standards was cloddy at best, so the hiking trails were "closed". Meaning you can go but they will not charge entrance (Euro7.5)
So i did it in 1 hours very easy, use hiking shoes a lot of rocks.
I enjoyed a lot beautiful views upon approaching Vernazza.
So i did it in 1 hours very easy, use hiking shoes a lot of rocks.
I enjoyed a lot beautiful views upon approaching Vernazza.
Written November 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pyro
Bucharest, Romania
6 contributions
Hello,
I heard that there are fines for improper shoes.
What does that exactly mean? I know they banned flip flops (duh!) and other type of stuff like that.
But would I be fine with running shoes (think Adidas, Nike etc)?
Written July 31, 2021
Yes, they just mean to not wear open toe shoes.
Written August 5, 2021
Salve , volevo sapere se il sentiero fosse aperto (vista la situazione covid ) .
Written April 22, 2021
Faccio chiarezza visto che sono appena tornato :
Fino a marzo i sentieri non sono a pagamento. Poi si paga !
La passeggiata dell amore é chiusa fino al 2023.
Da Monterosso a Vernazza il sentiero si può fare, il tratto dopo no: c e stata una frana.
Written January 1, 2020
We are planning to visit in Oct. Are the paths in the trail clearly marked ? If not, how do we ensure we do not miss out or confuse the paths from Monterosso to Vernazia .
Written September 7, 2019
It would recommend that you start hiking from Vernazza to Monterosso rather than from Monterosso to Vernazza. Reason is that there is a long stretch of strenuous downward steps nearing Monterosso and it would be less strenuous going downhill towards Monterosso. For those hiking from Monterosso, I saw them struggling climbing those steps upwards and was feeling relieved that I was going the opposite direction ie hiking down the steps . Hope this helps
Written November 1, 2019
Alice T
Desenzano Del Garda, Italy
In quanto si percorre il sentiero azzurro da Vernazza a Monterosso?
Written August 18, 2019
Rivolgo una domanda generale, non solo sul sentiero Monterosso-Vernazza: girare le cinque terre con un passeggino è molto complicato? Immagino che alcuni sentieri non siano fattibili, ma è anche possibile passeggiare con un bimbo piccolo o cosa consigliate per i vari spostamenti da paese a paese?
Grazie anticipatamente!
Written August 15, 2019
Il sentiero monterosso vernazza è impossibile con il passeggino dato gli innumerevoli scalini. Anche con il bimbo in un marsupio a spalle diventa impegnativo e pericoloso... piuttosto che girare le 5 terre consiglio di fermarsi a monterosso e godersi spiaggia e mare... se vi stufate proprio unico mezzo utile è il treno molto frequente ma anche molto affollato
Written August 16, 2019
Once in the village what path do you take to climb to the top or lookout
Written August 12, 2019
When we were there in May the entrance was closed and we had to climb a lot of steps to get to the booth. They did not want anyone not in hiking boots to pass ! We took sole responsibility and continued, unfortunately it rained for the total descent and was pretty treacherous. Please check the weather before setting out !
Written August 12, 2019
Buona sera, il sentiero è accessibile anche in bicicletta? Grazie
Written March 31, 2019
No..
Troppi tratti rocciosi e con presenza di tanti scalini.
Written March 31, 2019
Sounds like a great hike but is there a simpler walk ? Train to get back. Can you pay by credit card?
Written December 20, 2018
Larry W pretty well covered it. I did not do the second walk but my wife did and said it was a bit easier but still took over 2 hours.Take plenty of water and take it slow.Unless you are very unfit it is achievable. I had problems with the humidity which made it a bit difficult for me but got there.If you come a long distance like we did you MUST do the walk.
Written December 21, 2018
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