The Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) connects the five villages of the Cinque Terre with amazing views of the Mediterranean and the picturesque villages.
The Blue Trail is divided into four sections which connect the five villages Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
Only one section is easy, Via dell'Amore, while the other trails are quite challenging, especially during the summer months. It is very important to wear proper hiking shoes as the terrain can be rocky and slippery. We recommend you to start early, if you are planning a long hike, to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
The Blue Trail is 12 km (7.5 miles) long and marked with white and red stripes. For those in very good shape, it is possible to walk the entire trail in approx. 6 hours. Anyway, we recommend you to divide the trail into smaller sections.
The Blue Trail is divided into four sections:
Blue Trail, Monterosso - Vernazza
The trail begins in the old part of Monterosso, going up from the central square towards the Porto Roca hotel. The first part of the trail, which leads to the top, has a steep staircase.
Then several ups and downs among lemon groves, olive groves and vineyards lead towards Vernazza where the trail gradually descends towards the sea.
Visit the page Trail from Monterosso to Vernazza.
Blue Trail, Vernazza - Corniglia
From the Vernazza station, continue along the main street of the village where you then turn left following the signs for Corniglia. A long staircase towards the tower and its fortifications leads to a beautiful panoramic point overlooking Vernazza.
You continue with several difficult high/low differences in altitude with wonderful views of the sea. Take a break halfway at Prevo, 208 metres above sea level, and the juice bar with fantastic sea views serving delicious lemon granitas.
Visit the page Path from Vernazza to Corniglia.
Blue Trail, Corniglia - Manarola
The coastal path from Corniglia to Manarola is currently closed due to a landslide.
Alternatively, you can take the path that passes through Volastra (Corniglia - Volastra - Manarola).
Visit the page Path from Corniglia to Manarola via Volastra.
Blue Trail, Riomaggiore - Manarola (Via dell'Amore)
From the Riomaggiore train station, keep left and walk up the stairs which lead you to the entrance of the Via dell'Amore. This path is very easy and flat (1km) overlooking the sea.
The footpath is only accessible one-way and starts in Riomaggiore. The path is accessible with the purchase of a Cinque Terre Treno MS Card or a Cinque Terre Trekking Card, paying a 10 euro supplement on top of the standard price. Visitors need to book a time slot in advance.
For more information: Via dell'Amore footpath.
