The Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail)
The most iconic footpath in Liguria strings all five villages together along vertiginous cliffs above an impossibly blue sea. Sections reopen and close seasonally, but even a partial walk between Monterosso and Vernazza rewards you with views that feel stolen from a painting.
The Route
The full Sentiero Azzurro runs roughly 12 km from Riomaggiore to Monterosso al Mare, passing through Manarola, Corniglia and Vernazza. Each village-to-village leg has its own character: the Riomaggiore–Manarola stretch (the famous Via dell'Amore) is flat and romantic, while the Vernazza–Monterosso leg is the most dramatic, climbing steeply through terraced vineyards.
Wear proper trail shoes — the stone steps are uneven and can be slippery after rain. Start early in the morning, ideally before 8 am, to beat the cruise-ship crowds and hike in cooler temperatures. The trail is managed by Cinque Terre National Park and requires a Cinque Terre Card to access.
What to Expect Along the Way
Between Vernazza and Corniglia you'll pass through ancient dry-stone terraces draped in Bosco and Sciacchetrà grapevines, with hawks circling overhead and the smell of wild rosemary in the air. Small shrines and stone benches appear at the most photogenic bends — locals have been resting here for centuries.
The trail occasionally narrows to single-file width on exposed cliff edges, so anyone with a fear of heights should choose the gentler Riomaggiore–Manarola leg instead. Signage is good, but download the Cinque Terre National Park app for offline maps before you lose mobile signal.
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