Hiking the Blue Trail in Cinque Terre

Hiking the Blue Trail in Cinque Terre

Focaccia, hike, pasta, hike, sleep, repeat.
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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. 

Riomaggiore
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Vista Panoramica di Riomaggiore
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Bakery Rosi Roberta Di Baudinelli
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Try the pesto focaccia with burrata
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Bar O'netto
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Cozy little bar with fantastic negronis
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Riomaggiore Beach
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Via dell'Amore
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The chillest part of the Blue Trail from Riomaggiore to Manarola. Partially reopened after renovations, and should be fully open summer 2024
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Via Beccara
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The alternative path to Manarola the Via dell'Amore
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Manarola

IL PORTICCIOLO ristorante pizzeria
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Typical Italian ristorante with a small terrace overlooking the town
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Manarola Overlook Viewpoint
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Corniglia

KM0
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Fantastic paninis, burrata, & spritz
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Alberto Gelateria
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A' Càneva
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Lovely bakery. Try the pistachio croissant for breakfast
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Bar Terza Terra di Cadario Alison
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Grab a spritz or a glass of wine here to enjoy at the little square view point to watch the sunset
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View Point
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Marina di Corniglia
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Bar with a fantastic view
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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.

Bar Il Gabbiano
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A must see!!! Best lemonade ever
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Ananasso Bar
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Fun bar at night
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Il Pirata delle 5 Terre
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Great breakfast spot
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Pippo a Vernazza - Tradizione&StreetFood
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Casual pasta spot
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Port of Vernazza
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Vernazza Beach
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Sentiero Azzurro
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Monterosso al Mare

The largest of the five towns and the best beach access but not necessarily my favorite.

Sentiero Monterosso - Vernazza
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Crippa Lorenzo
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Little deli that is the perfect stop for a beach sandwich
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Da Eraldo
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My favorite meal in Cinque Terre by a long shot!! Try to seafood pasta and make sure you arrive hungry
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Statua del Gigante
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Bathing Resort Il Gigante Monterosso Al Mare
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Grecale Monterosso al Mare
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Felt like this is the kind of store big brands find the next trend in & the owner is so kind
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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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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I am a part-time English teacher, part-time traveler currently based in Northern Spain. As I am in my second year living in Spain, I am attempting to see as much as possible with a focus on budget-friendly, outdoor destinations. My guides are built for anyone looking to fill a long weekend in Western Europe with a balance of good food and great views!
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