From Monterosso to Vernazza

This is one of the most beautiful trails on the Cinque Terre coast. Passing through vineyards and forests with Mediterranean vegetation, it offers magnificent views at every turn with the sea as a backdrop. Fairly easy despite a steep climb at the start, it allows you to soak up the atmosphere of the Cinque Terre!

(!) User comment 30-09-2025: there is a charge for the trail or it is included in the train ticket

Details

2697734
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.23 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 314 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 299 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 184 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 5 m

Photos

Description of the walk

(S) From the platforms of Monterosso Al Mare station, take Via Fegina, which runs along the coast, and follow it to the left. Continue along the sea and reach the centre of the old town of Monterosso.

(1) Continue to the right and follow the red and white SVA markings, which lead you up a staircase that quickly takes you up among the vineyards.

(2) Monterosso checkpoint. There is a charge to access the trail, either on site or by purchasing an appropriate pass.
Continue climbing, following the signs. Red and white markings are present along the entire trail.

(3) As the trail moves away from the coast, cross a small stone bridge over a stream. This is followed by a slight descent and then a long, fairly flat section where the path runs along the hillside. Simply continue along the trail.

(4) Begin the descent towards Vernazza. The final descent is fairly easy and offers magnificent views of the town. This series of panoramic views makes the trail even more enjoyable.
Once in the village, take a small staircase that descends steeply to the right. It leads to a magnificent square in front of the church, where there is a drinking fountain (E).

Waypoints

  1. S : km 0 - alt. 9 m - Monterosso station
  2. 1 : km 0.55 - alt. 7 m - The ancient town of Monterosso
  3. 2 : km 1.06 - alt. 30 m - Checkpoint
  4. 3 : km 1.99 - alt. 159 m - Small stone bridge
  5. 4 : km 3.61 - alt. 138 m - Final descent to Vernazza
  6. E : km 4.23 - alt. 15 m - Port of Vernazza

Notes

Water sources are located in Monterosso and Vernazza.
Wear closed-toe shoes, as the trail is strewn with small stones. It is dusty and can be slippery, so avoid smooth soles.
In hot weather, take at least two litres of water per person.

Worth a visit

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 22 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.6 / 5
Gilou 42
Gilou 42

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 13, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

I can't post a hike.
I’m going to give up and quit Visorando.
😠

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mmendret
mmendret
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : Not used / Not applicable
Very busy route : Yes

There are too many people on this route and the path is narrow, which means you have to stop to let walkers coming in the opposite direction pass.
There is a charge for using the trail, or it is included in the train fare, but this does not mean that the route is well maintained. It is also difficult to enjoy the views.

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Tenebreuse74
Tenebreuse74

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 21, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The route is not technically difficult, with only minor elevation gains for those who regularly hike in the mid-range mountains. It is not very busy, at least when I hike in the morning. I left Levanto at 7:30 a.m. and then headed straight to Monterosso and Vernazza. The real difficulty is the temperature, which can really sap your energy.
The scenery is truly beautiful.

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coltean
coltean

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 21, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Nice hike without much elevation gain
Classic but very pretty Cinque Terre landscape (lush vegetation and sea views)
The high steps described by others didn't bother me
However, there was an entrance fee when we visited

I highly recommend it

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coltean
coltean

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 21, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Nice hike without much elevation gain
Classic Cinque Terre scenery
However, there is an entrance fee

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User 4064690

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Hike starting at noon, even though it was hot. We encountered many other groups. Beautiful arrival in Vernazza and swimming in the harbour.

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Fransoi
Fransoi

Overall rating : 4.5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

I don't follow the descriptions, which are often too personal and subjective...
Otherwise, everything is fine and corresponds to the reality on the ground.
Numerous uneven and often high steps => quite "rough" route

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steph7878
steph7878

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 03, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Magnificent hike. Easy route to follow.

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chephilor
chephilor
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 26, 2025
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

With the sun shining, there were lots of people on this trail, which starts with a steep climb, mostly stairs with very uneven steps between 15 and 40 cm!
A very beautiful hike along the coast, surrounded by vegetation and local crops (vines, lemon trees and olive trees).
NB: we didn't have to pay anything for this hike (the end of March is still "off season").

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Mallo38
Mallo38

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 02, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

This is a very physically demanding hike, not suitable for beginners. There are lots of steps to climb in direct sunlight. Bring plenty of water.
I usually hike a lot, but I found this one difficult. However, the views are magnificent and the landscape is beautiful!
We did it in early August and it was very hot, but there weren't many people around.
In summary, a beautiful hike but difficult. Be sure to wear closed walking shoes.

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Boukroukee
Boukroukee

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 29, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A lot of people..

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Xav26D
Xav26D

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 17, 2024
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Superb hike with magnificent scenery. Much more physically demanding than the Corniglia-Vernazza hike, but the views are more interesting.
I recommend starting from Vernazza, as there are a lot of steps on the Monterosso side...
If you use the Cinque Terre Treno card, it's a good idea to do Corniglia-Vernazza-Monterosso (or vice versa) because the card includes the train, bus and these two paid hikes.
For the less athletic, it can be done in one day (one in the morning, the other in the afternoon), which is doable but not impossible...

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ESCUR CORINNE
ESCUR CORINNE

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 24, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : Yes

We didn't enjoy this hike because there were too many people and the narrow path meant we had to stop often to let others pass
Bring walking sticks to relieve your knees as there are lots of steps, and good walking shoes
Honestly, for me, there are other much nicer hikes that don't cost €7.50

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VAM01
VAM01

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 24, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Even in May, after the bank holidays and during the week, there were lots of people around.
Many were wearing trainers and sandals
Nice route, easy to follow with your app

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dezei
dezei

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : May 20, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

a somewhat challenging hike, but very enjoyable. The crossings are sometimes complicated. After our picnic in Vernazza, we continued on to Corniglia. This doubles the distance, but the scenery is worth it and the return trip by train is easy. This way, we only needed a one-day train pass, which was a significant savings.

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