The Sentiero Azzurro, or Blue Trail, is Cinque Terre’s most iconic hiking route, connecting all five picturesque villages—Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare—along the dramatic Ligurian coastline. Spanning roughly 12 kilometers with a total elevation gain of about 600 meters, the trail showcases breathtaking sea views, terraced vineyards, and charming villages at nearly every turn.
While the overall difficulty of the Blue Trail is generally rated as easy to moderate, it does vary between sections based on the terrain and your personal fitness level. Personally, I found the trail quite manageable and enjoyable overall—with two exceptions: the temporary Via Beccara detour between Riomaggiore and Manarola (used before the Via dell’Amore reopened), and the high route from Manarola to Corniglia via Volastra. That latter section is the longest and most strenuous, with a steep climb involving many steps. For this stage, I’d say a solid base level of fitness is definitely helpful. If the coastal section is still closed when you visit, I recommend hiking the original Blue Trail segments wherever possible and reserving the high route only for the Manarola–Corniglia stretch.
The Blue Trail is very well marked and easy to follow. Keep an eye out for the red and white striped trail markers painted on rocks, walls, and signs along the way—these indicate you’re on the right path. At key junctions, you'll also find wooden signs with trail numbers (the Blue Trail is often marked as Trail SVA) and estimated times to the next village.
Here’s a stage-by-stage breakdown of the route:
Stage 1: Riomaggiore to Manarola (Via dell’Amore)
- Distance: 1 km
- Time: ~20 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Known as the Path of Love, this section is a flat, paved walk carved into the cliffside—a romantic stroll with dramatic views. Via dell'Amore officially reopened on February 14, 2025, after being closed for 12 years due to a landslide. Given the extensive and costly restoration, a €10 supplement has been added to the Cinque Terre card to access this portion of the trail.
Want to learn more about the two Cinque Terre Cards, the Via dell’Amore supplement, and where to buy them? Check out my blog post here.
Alternative: Riomaggiore to Manarola (Via Beccara)
- Distance: 1.4 km
- Time: ~45 minutes
- Difficulty: Moderate
Before the Via dell’Amore reopened, the steep and strenuous Via Beccara served as the main detour between Riomaggiore and Manarola. This short but demanding trail is approximately 1.4 kilometers long with an elevation gain of around 200 meters, mostly via some 600 narrow stone steps. It typically takes about 45 minutes to complete, depending on your pace.
Note that this is not part of the Blue Trail, but rather a section of the high route (Sentiero Alto) that winds through the mountains above the villages. As such, you do not need a Cinque Terre Card to hike this part. While the panoramic views are rewarding, the climb is intense—so sturdy footwear and a decent level of fitness are highly recommended.
Stage 2: Manarola to Corniglia
- Distance: 3 km
- Time: ~1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy (when open)
Note: The coastal route is currently closed due to a landslide and is set to reopen some time in 2026, so you'll need to take a higher detour via Volastra. Though steeper and longer, this alternate path offers spectacular views and winds through olive groves and vineyards.
Manarola to Corniglia (via Volastra)
- Distance: 5.5 km
- Time: ~2.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
This route is around 5.5 kilometers long with an elevation gain of approximately 350 meters, taking about 2.5 hours to complete. The trail begins with a steep climb of stairs from Manarola to the hilltop village of Volastra, then winds through peaceful terraced vineyards and olive groves, offering panoramic views of the sea and surrounding hills. Though more challenging than the coastal route, it’s a beautiful and rewarding hike. No Cinque Terre Card is required for this section.
Stage 3: Corniglia to Vernazza
- Distance: 4 km
- Time: ~1.5–2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
This is a popular and picturesque stretch of the trail, with an elevation gain of around 260 meters. The path winds through vineyard terraces and along stone steps, offering sweeping views of the sea. The hike finishes with a rewarding descent into Vernazza, arguably the most photogenic of the five villages.
Stage 4: Vernazza to Monterosso al Mare
- Distance: 3.5 km
- Time: ~2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
This final leg includes several steep ascents and descents, with a total elevation gain of approximately 220 meters. The trail winds through Mediterranean scrub and shaded pine forests, offering breathtaking views back toward Vernazza. The descent into Monterosso reveals your first glimpse of Cinque Terre’s best beach—a perfect reward after the climb.
For more on the best beaches and top things to do in Cinque Terre, check out my blog post here.
Tips for Hiking the Sentiero Azzurro
- Hiking pass: A Cinque Terre Trekking Card is required for most parts of the Sentiero Azzurro; available at park offices or online.
- Footwear: Hiking shoes or sturdy trainers are a must—flip-flops are forbidden on the trail.
- Start early: Beat the crowds and the midday sun.
- Protect yourself from the sun: Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. There’s little shade on many parts of the trail, especially between Corniglia and Vernazza.
- Water & snacks: Bring plenty; there are refill stations and shops only in the villages, not on the trail itself.
- Check trail conditions: Some sections—especially Manarola to Corniglia—are frequently closed due to landslides or maintenance. Always check the Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre website before visiting.
- Pace yourself: Even if the distances are short, the elevation gains, stairs, and heat can make the trail more tiring than expected. Take your time and enjoy the views.
- Don't underestimate the trail: Sections like the Via Beccara or the Volastra high route are steeper and more physically demanding. If needed, take the train between villages instead of hiking every stretch.
- Take breaks in the villages: Each village has its own charm. Plan time to explore, a dip in the sea, eat gelato, or enjoy lunch between hikes.
Hiking the Cinque Terre Trail is so much more than just a walk between villages—it's an unforgettable journey through terraced vineyards, rugged coastline, and centuries-old charm. Whether you tackle every stage or just a short section, the combination of natural beauty, local culture, and coastal views makes it a truly special experience. Take your time, soak it all in, and don’t worry about ticking off every box—Cinque Terre is best enjoyed at your own pace.
Happy Travels! x
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