In Cinque Terre, hiking trails are as plentiful as sand on the beach. Whether you would prefer to take easy, moderate or demanding hikes, or whether you would like to walk for an hour or a whole day: the choice is yours. Good shoes, sun protection, food and something to drink are part of the journey. And because from time to time, maintenance work is being carried out or sections are closed due to rain or rockfalls, it is important to check in advance whether the required trail is open.

There are essentially three main hiking trails, which are marked with red and white signposts:

• No. 1, “Alto”, runs along the mountain ridge which separates the coast from the “Val di Vara” valley.
• No. 2, known as “Azzurro” (blue hiking trail), connects all five villages to one another. A fee is charged. Some sections are closed due to maintenance work, including the Via dell’Amore between Riomaggiore and Manarola.
• Many mule paths start along the blue hiking trail, and these lead up to the mountain ridge. These steep mule paths connect the five churches of the villages and are still walked by religious followers today as true Ways of the Cross or “Via Crucis”.

The wine hiking trail between Corniglia and Manarola has particularly stunning vistas. This varied hiking trail leads through the largest wine area in the region and offers glorious views of the fascinating countryside. In Volastra, there is an opportunity to have a bite to eat in the village restaurant. The hike takes a good two hours and is indicated as being of medium difficulty.

In Cinque Terre, there are also hiking trails with opportunities for swimming, kayaking or diving. 

Cinque Terre Express trains run every 20 minutes between La Spezia and Levanto, and these stop in the five villages. If you are staying several days, it is best to organise a Cinque Terre Card. This includes the use of all hiking trails as well as unlimited travel with the railway on the Levanto–Cinque Terre–La Spezia line and back in 2nd class. You can obtain the card at the information office of the national park, in the stations at La Spezia, Levanto and the other stations in Cinque Terre or online on the website of the Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre. 

Both of the large sandy beaches in Cinque Terre are located in Monterosso. However, you can also go in the sea at Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore, Levanto and Bonassola; some are small rocky beaches and others shingle or sandy beaches. You can swim for free at all times in the sections marked “Spiaggia Libera” (free beach), where you may use your own sunshade.