Monterosso to Vernazza Hike via Sentiero Azzuro in Cinque Terre
The Monterosso to Vernazza hike via the Sentiero Azzuro aka the Blue Path is an absolutely stunning hiking experience not to be missed in Cinque Terre. This trail is super popular because it combines amazing coastal views with the charm of two of the region’s most picturesque villages. Not only that, but given its terrain and length its also one of the most doable and accessible of the hikes in the Cinque Terre region.
Below is the ultimate guide to completing the Monterosso to Vernazza hike based on my own recent experience spending time in Cinque Terre and completing the trail.
How hard is the hike from Monterosso to Vernazza?
I would describe the Monterosso to Vernazza hike via Sentiero Azzuro as moderately challenging. The hike does start off with some steep ascents and large steps up, but smooths out pretty quickly as the trail turns and curves away from Monterosso. Overall the terrain has a few ups and downs but can be done by most people with a reasonable level of fitness.
I would highly recommend good footwear for this hike. You don’t technically need hiking shoes though, a comfortable pair of supportive trainers should be sufficient for most people.
There are many part of this hike, (especially the middle) where you get a lot so tree coverage so are protected from the sun, nonetheless we did this hike in the start of summer and it was already quite hot nonetheless. Sunscreen and a hat are a must on the trail! Same as all the other trails in Cinque Terre.
How long is the hike from Monterosso to Vernazza?
The hike is a 3.5-kilometer (2.2-mile) trail that typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and the number of stops you make along the way for photos! There are plenty of places for pictures, especially at the start and end of the trail as you approach Vernazza. Descending towards Vernazza, I think we literally stopped for 30 minutes taking countless shots of Vernazza harbour!
Monterosso to Vernazza Hike Start Point
To find the Monterossa to Vernazza Hike start point, once you’re in Monterosso Old town on the main street, look for signs pointing to the trail to Vernazza (often marked as Sentiero Azzurro Monterosso – Vernazzaor Trail No. 2). The starting point is near the waterfront, close to the Church of San Giovanni Battista. As you walk through the narrow streets of the old town, you’ll see signs and possibly other hikers heading in the same direction.
Starting in Monterosso al Mare, the path begins with a steep ascent through terraced vineyards and lush greenery, offering stunning views of the Ligurian Sea. As the trail levels out, it meanders through olive groves and lemon trees, providing picturesque spots to rest and enjoy the scenery. The descent into Vernazza is steep but rewards hikers with breathtaking views of the colorful village and its iconic harbor. The hike concludes in Vernazza, where you can explore narrow streets, historic buildings, and relax by the vibrant waterfront, making the effort well worth it.
Should you hike from Monterosso to Vernazza or Monterosso to Vernazza?
Both directions of the Monterosso to Vernazza hike on the Blue path offer unique experiences and challenges. Hiking from Monterosso to Vernazza allows you to tackle the steepest sections first and finish in a beautiful, smaller village. Hiking from Vernazza to Monterosso provides a more gradual start and the reward of ending at a larger beach with more amenities. I would recommend considering your fitness level but also more importantly which village you want to spend time relaxing in post hide as the main consideration when deciding which way around to do this hikes.
For me personally, hiking from Monterosso to Vernazza just suited better based on our itinerary. I personally loved finishing in Vernazza especially as the the hiking trail descends into Vernazza, you are rewarded with some of the most iconic views of Cinque Terre. We spent quite some time on the descent taking photos and just admiring Vernazza’s colorful village and its iconic harbor.
Cinque Terre Blue Trail aka ‘Sentiero Azzuro’
The Monterosso to Vernazza hike is part of the Cinque Terre Blue Trail, also known as the Sentiero Azzurro. The Sentiero Monterosso to Vernazza is the small portion of the overall Blue trail connects all five villages of Cinque Terre – Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore and runs along the stunning Linguarian coastline. The full length of the Blue trail is about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) in total.
One thing to note is thatI have visited Cinque Terre twice, and both those times, not all of the Blue trail has been open – either due to weather or route maintenance. This is something to keep in mind and check in advancee before you plan intend to hike in Cinque Terre. The latest details on the trail can be found on the official website link here.
The segment of the Cinque Terre Blue Trail from Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza is a must-do for its stunning coastal views, diverse landscapes, and unique village experiences. This 3.5-kilometer hike offers breathtaking panoramas of the Ligurian Sea, terraced vineyards, and lush Mediterranean flora. Starting in Monterosso, known for its beaches and historic center, the trail ascends steeply through picturesque scenery and descends into the charming village of Vernazza, renowned for its colorful houses and iconic harbor. The moderately challenging path is well-marked and provides a rewarding adventure, encapsulating the natural and cultural beauty of Cinque Terre.
Cinque Terre Card
The Cinque Terre Trekking Card provides access to all hiking trails in the Cinque Terre National Park, free use of the National Park’s shuttle buses, free Wi-Fi at park hotspots, and free entry to visitor centers and guided tours organized by the park. Prices are €7.50 for adults, €4.50 for children (4-12 years), and €19.60 for families (2 adults + 2 children) for a one-day card, with a two-day option available at higher rates. The card can be purchased online here. Alternatively, you can also buy this at some visitor centers in Cinque Terre. Make sure you carry it with you on the trails as it can be checked by the rangers on the trail.
How do you get from Monterosso to Vernazza?
The Monterosso to Vernazza hike is honestly the most rewarding way to travel between the two villages, nonetheless if you’re unable to hike or short on time, then the train is a super fast and easy way to commute between the two villages.
Monterosso to Vernazza Train
If you don’t plan on doing the Monterosso to Vernazza hike, then traveling by train from Monterosso to Vernazza is a quick and convenient alternative, with a journey time of just 3 to 5 minutes. Trains run frequently, approximately every 20 to 30 minutes, and tickets can be purchased at the station or online, costing around 4 euros for a one-way trip. The Cinque Terre Card, which per ts description includes unlimited train travel between the villages, is a good value for multiple trips. Both train stations are centrally located, making it easy to access the main attractions in each village. Pro tip! Remember to validate your ticket before boarding to avoid fines, and enjoy the brief but scenic ride along the Ligurian coast.
Monterosso to Vernazza Hike Map
Is Vernazza Italy worth visiting?
Vernazza, Italy, in the Cinque Terre, is definitely worth a visit. It’s got a beautiful harbor with colorful buildings and narrow streets that feel really old and charming. There are great hiking trails with amazing views, a small beach for swimming, and you can take boat tours to explore the coast.
The local food is fantastic, especially the seafood and pesto, and there are cool historical spots like Doria Castle and the Church of Santa Margherita. It’s easy to get to by train and has a relaxed, laid-back vibe that makes it a perfect spot to unwind.
If you only have half a day, I personally recommend aiming to spend the later half of the day in Vernazza, so you can catch the sunset from this spot!
Vernazza Wine Tasting
We completed the Monterosso to Vernazza hike in the late afternoon and decided to head to one of the local Vernazza wineries for a tasting.
I would recommend booking these in advance! If I have learnt anything from my recent time in Cinque Terre, it is that although this place has a small town vibe things definitely need to be booked in advance if you are visiting anytime between May – September. After attempting a few walk-ins but having no luck, we finally stumbled upon a charming wine bar that just happened to have spaces available for a wine tasting.
The place is called Cinque Sensi – a typcial Italian style wine bar, known for its excellent wine and gorgeous ambiance. It also has some highly recommended pesto classes as well, although we did not have time to try these. However if you are into trying local cooking experience, Pesto classes are immensely popular in Cinque Terre, with the region being birthplace of this iconic pasta sauce.
Sunset in Vernazza
Having finished the wine tasting, we decided to skip sit-down dinner in a restaurant in favor of catching the sunset from this viewpoint in Vernazza. To get here, find the arrows for the trail to Corniglia from Vernazza town center and start heading up, about 2-3 minutes along the trail, you will come across this viewpoint. Before heading up. we opted for a pasta takeaway from a little Italian street food spot – Pippo in Vernazza, and headed up with our little pasta takeaway. Spontaneous decision – 100% worth it!
There you have it, I hope you enjoy Cinque Terre as much as I did! Let me know what you think of Cinque Terre or any hikes you did or are planning to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better Vernazza or Monterosso?
This really depends on what you are looking for, I personally would visit both for at least half a day to a full day each.
Overall Vernazza is better for its picturesque beauty, historic charm, and intimate atmosphere, while Monterosso al Mare is ideal for its larger beaches, more amenities, and easier accessibility. So go with Vernazza for a quaint, scenic experience and Monterosso for better beach access and more facilities. In my opinion, definitely try and visit both!
Are you heading to Cinque Terre? Check out our other guides on Cinque Terre below!
