Hiking the Blue Trail in Cinque Terre
Hiking the Sentierro Azzurro or the Blue Trail along the Ligurian coast is a phenomenal way to experience Italian utopia. At only 16km (under 10 miles), this path is a manageable difficulty even with a food baby.
The hiking itself is not strenuous in length, but I will warn you that the views are earned by climbing uphill to reach the path itself. Doable, but not easy or flat.
Most people visit Cinque Terre for a day trip from Florence or Pisa, but I think that staying in the small towns and spending an entire week there allowed me to take in the magic that this area offers without feeling rushed.
Something that I am personally trying to be more aware of is how I build my trips and the results I get from that. It is tempting to pack an itinerary full of monuments and experiences to account for every moment, but the most rewarding travel experiences I have are spontaneous, local recommendations, or sitting in front of a view and breathing in the environment I find myself in.
Riomaggiore
We started in Riomaggiore following the path around the cliff for a spectacular view of the ocean. Photos really do not hold a candle to the colorful buildings and bright blue water when it is in front of you.
Manarola
Corniglia
Vernazza
If you are going to hike any part of this path, hike between Corniglia and Vernazza because of Bar Il Gabbiano. A bar in the middle of the hike for a cocktail or a fresh lemonade is what it is all about. Every hike should include a bar with a view like this one.
Monterosso al Mare
The largest of the five towns and the best beach access but not necessarily my favorite.
Getting to Cinque Terre
The easiest way to arrive is by flying into Pisa or Genoa and taking the train. The train runs the length of Cinque Terre with just a few minutes between towns making it easy to get around after hiking if you want to explore.
Local Tip
Because the towns are small and the lovely streets are narrow, the crowds that come with summer high season travel can make this destination less lovely and more claustrophobic. The best time to go is early spring or fall when school is back in session. A shop owner in Monterosso told me that October is the best month to visit because the accommodations are typically discounted while the water is still warm enough to swim.
Rankings
1. Vernazza
2. Corniglia
3. Riomaggiore
4. Monterosso al Mare
5. Manarola
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