Walking the Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre form one of the most unspoilt areas of the Mediterranean, it is a landscape unique in the world in which man and nature live together in harmony since the beginning of time. The unique characteristic of the area are the terraced wineyards and olive groves sustained by dry walling, a perfect example of a landscape architecture created by man in inaccessible surroundings.
To visit the Cinque Terre means to visit five villages suspended between sea and earth, clinging on to cliffs and surrounded by green hills. Because of Cinque Terre's exploding popularity, we recommend that you avoid the high season between July and September; not only are accomodations booked solid, the temperatures can be in the 90's making walking an uncomfortable prospect.

Overhanging coasts over the sea with bays and small beaches, thousands of miles of dry-stone walls enclosing the terraces where vineyards are cultivated, the characteristic rustics, the medieval quarters, the sanctuaries, the panoramic paths over the sea and the slopes. If you consider the precious Ligurian wines, the fresh fish, the cuisine, and the traditional craftsmanship, you will appreciate the value of these places.

There are two ways to explore the region: One is to select a village as base then walk to another village and return by train or ferry.
Selecting a base allows one to hike with a light day pack, we suggest either Corniglia (lots of steps up and down to the train station, less touristy, not a ferry stop, mostly accomodations in private homes), Vernazza (less steps, more touristy, many accomodations), or Riomaggiore (moderate amount steps, more touristy, many accomodations, not a ferry stop). As you will most likely visit here to walk, the number of steps might not be as important as the beauty and solitude encountered in Corniglia in the evenings.
Local trains and ferries stop every hour in each town. A Cinque Terre Card wins you unlimited access to the trains, parks, and several hiking paths, and is therefore the ideal purchase. Available as a three-day (Euro 13 in 2005) or five-day card (Euro 18 in 2005). For a little more, you can get a special card that includes ferry usage.

We chose to walk from Levanto to Portovenere with packs; in retrospect, staying at a base with day walks would have been just as enjoyable. Click the links below for pictures and descriptions fo the hikes.

	To the left a map showing the train and ferry routes, to the right a map with the hiking trails and trail numbers. The paths vary in difficulty, from an easy stroll between Riomaggiore and Manarola to more challenging hiking, especially the sections between Levanto and Monterosso as well as between Riomaggiore and Portovenere.
The name "Cinque Terre" dates back to before the fifteenth century but the history of the coast on which the small villages are located dates further back. Primitive man lived in this stretch of land, bones and prehistorical tools found support this claim. The ancient Romans conquered this area by taking it with great difficulty from the stubborn population of Liguria. This region demonstrates the challenge of man against a hostile nature, a conquest that has lasted for more than nine centuries and requires continuous intervention.		The Cinque Terre is made up of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, they all cling to the sides and tops of the steep coastline and were only reachable by boat until well into the 1960's. The paths are clearly marked with the red and white waymarks of the Club Alpino Italiano and many directional signs such as the one seen on the left.
Levanto to Monterosso Monterosso to Vernazza Vernazza to Riomaggiore Riomaggiore to Portovenere