Panoramic Trekking
Monterosso al Mare - Vernazza (Cinque terre)
Italy - Liguria - La Spezia
Simply the perfect combination for the road to happiness!
If you think of a beautiful sunny day, we are sure you would like to be right here in the Cinque terre. Between the sea on one side and the mountains on the other.
A perfect combination that you can find by walking along the first stretch of the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) of the Cinque Terre that connects the village of Monterosso al Mare with Vernazza.
4.3 Km
Difficulty Hiking
How to arrive
To get to the Cinque Terre, the only possible solution is to use the train. The train leaves from La Spezia and terminates in Levanto, crossing all the Cinque Terre.
The Sentiero Azzurro that we describe in this article is subject to payment.
Our advice is to buy the “Cinque Terre Card” which gives you access to both the path and the train (valid for the whole day). The card can be purchased online (here the official website) or at the La Spezia station from which we recommend you leave. Alternatively, you can purchase access to the trail only just before the entrance.
For this route, it is compulsory to use shoes suitable for trekking.
The way
Our GPX route will take you from Monterosso al Mare station to Vernazza station.
Along the first stretch you will pass through beautiful Monterosso al Mare with its enchanting beach. The walk continues along the sea until you reach the entrance to the actual Cinque Terre trail.
Even before arriving at the Sentiero Azzurro you will be enchanted by the view of the sea before your eyes.
As soon as you arrive at the route and pass the entrance box, I would have a very first section with gentle inclines but you will soon abandon them to begin a climb with an altitude difference of more than 150 metres. Equip yourself with fresh water bottles and take all the necessary breaks because this section will be quite demanding.
The climb consists entirely of a rock staircase. Watch out for smooth stones that can make you lose your grip on the ground!
The central phase of the route is characterised by continuous ups and downs. Some sections will be narrow and others will consist of natural rock steps.
You will feel completely immersed in nature, with a breathtaking view of the sea. Along this stretch you will see numerous viewpoints where it will be impossible not to stop and take a few photos. We recommend you always be careful as some spots are not very well protected.
At the end of the trail, fatigue definitely sets in! But luckily comes the easiest part of the trail in terms of fatigue, namely the descent to Vernazza.
In this final stage of the route you will descend a lot, passing also somewhat more challenging and slightly slippery sections as the stairs are many times carved out of the rock. Descend calmly and give way to those going up.
Having passed this last stretch, you will finally arrive in Vernazza, another village in the Cinque Terre.
Take a nice walk through the village streets and also treat yourself to a sweet treat with a fresh ice cream in one of the artisan ice-cream parlours you will find here.
It was hard, but absolutely worth it!
Tips
The Blue Trail is definitely not one of those treks suitable for less trained people, but at the same time you don’t have to be an experienced hiker.
Our advice is not to miss this wonder at all. For us it remains one of the most beautiful trails that Italy gives us.
The view that gives directly to the sea is something sensational.
The best time to tackle the trail is spring or summer.
However, try to avoid days that are too muggy. It gets hot along the trail and there are no drinking fountains or refreshment stations.
Remember to bring a hat to protect you from the sun and some sunscreen.
Download GPX
