Wallflowers Lead Singer

For as long as Cinque Terre has been inhabited, i sentieri, the paths, have been the transportation route among the villages. Other than by boat, this was the only connection among the villages, whether for trade of foods and goods, or for the locals to get to the vineyards and farms. These paths have become beloved, well maintained hiking trails. Ranging from a paved section along the sea to narrow and steep trails amid trees and vineyards, there is something for everyone to share in the past of Cinque Terre.

The path that bears no resemblance to its ancestors is between Riomaggiore and Manarola. It is now paved and since it also fairly flat, it is ideal for those with baby strollers, walkers, canes, crutches and all kinds of footwear to experience the walk along the sea with the cliffs rising above.

Between Manarola and Corniglia, the terrain changes and becomes hilly, narrower and a little wilder. There is no pavement, stairs are мейд from rocks and the path can be a little uneven. The change of elevation is easily managed by stopping often to take photos of the Ligurian Sea and the bay.

From Manarola to Corniglia, the climb is higher and also steeper and thankfully the views are stunning, making more photo stops necessary. Mid-day, there are also frequent stops, or at least slow-downs, to allow the hikers going in the opposite direction to pass safely. And of course, the stop is usually мейд by those going uphill. A refreshing swim is offered along this path, by following the sign to the beach, "spiaggia libero." Possibly not many people go because they don't want to endure the climb back up or maybe they know (or do not know!) that it means not a free beach but a nude beach.

Finally the path flattens somewhat, passing the old beach club and walking parallel to the train tracks until reaching the Corniglia station. After that brief relaxation, the choice is walking up the 368 stairs to get to Corniglia or walking up the road that the bus takes from the train station to town. Or taking the bus is also an option! The stairs are surrounded by flowers, and there are usually local artists on at least a few platforms selling their art. The road is the more interesting option, as it meanders by people's home and farms, with the smells informing the hiker what is in season, and what's growing in backyards and the small plots, and among the vineyards. At this point, too, there is the choice of just taking the train and saving the other trails for another day.

From Corniglia to Vernazza is more difficult than the previous hikes and is also longer. But about two thirds of the way, there is a sign announcing Prevo, a place of just a few buildings. The important one is café. Along with great tortes of various fruits (whatever is in season), it offers a stunning view over the ocean and looking at Corniglia and beyond, sitting as it is on the edge of the cliff. There is always a breeze from the ocean, giving a perfect opportunity to refresh and rejuvenate before continuing into Vernazza and following the stairs from the castello down into town and towards the sea.

And once again, there is the most temping option of staying in Vernazza, or taking the ferry to Monterosso instead of the trail. Many people do break up the hike at this point, saving the most difficult portion from Vernazza to Monterosso al Mare until the next day. It generally takes about an hour and a half for this hike, and is the most varied portion. There are vegetable plots and fruit trees, vineyards, forests, small streams and sometimes waterfalls. There are dry areas and lush ones. There are stairs leaving Vernazza and then there are stairs down through a vineyard near the end in Monterosso. There are even friendly cats (at least to people) along the trail, each with their own territory.

The hiking trails among the villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso offer all kinds of terrain and levels of difficulty. By experiencing any part of it, a traveler can share in the experience of what it was like when taking these trails was not just for fun, but for a life.

Hike the less-traveled trails, experience the sea, enjoy meals of locally caught and grown food and wines of Cinque Terre. Share the culture of this unique part of Italy, with charming and fun locals whose families have lived there for generations. Visit the website to learn and share information about Cinque Terre, Liguria, Italy.