Italy- dayhike

[ajlavigne]

Anyone hiked these Cinque Terre trails in the last year or so?

Seeing mixed reviews this summer because of crowding and trail closure reports alongside a lot of 'omg this is a hard hike' on tourist sites. Not much about actual mileage or timing.

I'm planning on being there Sept. 29th-30th and would like to through-hike from Riomaggiore to Monterosso if enough of the trails are open. Because of the shoulder-season date it shouldn't be crowded and (I'm thinking) the 6-7.5 miles and <1500' can be done in about 6-7.5 hours for just about anyone who can do an easy 14er, (allowing for pictures, quick jaunts in each town along the way, and lunch in Vernazza). I'm still debating which end to start from - most people recommend north-to-south because of the views, but one should always look back on a trail anyway, and relaxing on the sandy beach in Monterosso for a bit before catching a train south sounds pretty good.

If you had a different experience, please let me know.

[JulianSmith]

Anyone hiked these Cinque Terre trails in the last year or so?

Ran/hiked from Vernazza to Monterosso and then back down to Riomaggiore last June. It was about 13 miles or so in length, with some of the trail detours in place. I think I was like 7 or 8 hours... There are tons of trails in the area, so don't let the storm damage reports deter you. That affects only a very small portion of the trail system. Expect a lot of crowds between Monterosso and Vernazza. Otherwise, you will have the place almost to yourself. Every possible nook and cranny off the narrow trail seems like it is a bathroom spot, filled with TP and such. Expect very steep climbs and descents in and out of each town. There is mostly flat/rolling terrain in between. It can get pretty hot by mid-day/afternoon. The little towns are awesome for an impromptu aid station. Enjoy!

[pmeadco]

I hiked it once in 2012 and again last September. You can expect various trails to be closed due to safety and/or lack of maintenance. You can always find a way along the coast since there are lots of different routes, but you may have to climb further up than you were expecting. Just be sure to pick up the local trail map and get the parks pass that includes rail. Both times we stayed in Monterosso so we took the train down to Riomagiorre and hiked back. I don't think it makes much difference which direction you go, but be prepared to get backed up behind slow tourists on the narrow pathways down into Monterosso. I don't remember exactly how long it took but I think it was around six hours, including a lunch stop. Even with the crowds I still find it to be a pleasant place to hang around for a few days. Buon viaggio!

[AlpineStart]

I'm planning Dolomites/Austrian Alps in September, and finding Cicerone a great resource as always:

https://www.amazon.com/Walking-Dolomite ... entries*=0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[cougar]

Be sure to go to Portovenere also. As mentioned there are parallel trails so you have a choice of high road vs low road. The views looking north are better for natural landscape, but south seems to offer better views of towns .. Especially Manarola.