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I visited the “5 Terre” for the first time just for a quick trip, but when I saw people hiking, I promised myself I’d come back prepared. I’m a true hike lover, so I did my research and chose the trail from Vernazza to Corniglia. There are many paths depending on how many kilometers you want to walk or the difficulty level, but if you only have time for one hike—like me—this is the one.
It’s a 3.5 km journey through olive groves, vineyards, and some of the most breathtaking coastal views in Italy.
đźš— First Rule: Forget the Car in La Spezia
The first time I went, I tried to take the car. I regretted it instantly! We spent 3 hours looking for a parking spot. The second time, I knew better: don’t even try to drive into the Cinque Terre villages. Finding a parking spot is nearly impossible; most spaces are strictly reserved for residents, taxis, or NCC.
The Pro Move: Leave your car in a parking garage in La Spezia. It’s much cheaper and stress-free. From there, take the train—it’s fast, frequent, and drops you right in the heart of the villages.
🥾 The Route: Why starting in Corniglia is better
I started in Corniglia, but you can walk in both directions. Tip: Take the shuttle bus from Corniglia station up to the village (it’s included in your Cinque Terre Card).
Walking from Corniglia towards Vernazza means the trail is relatively flat at the start, and you get the “Grand Reveal” of Vernazza’s harbor from above as you descend. It’s a view you’ll never forget!
🍋 The “Hidden” Stop: Prevo
Halfway through the hike, at 208 meters above sea level, you’ll reach a tiny hamlet called Prevo.
Don’t skip it: There’s a lovely juice bar here with a terrace overlooking the sea. It’s the perfect spot for some “instagrammable” pictures and to take a deep breath of fresh air while you rest.
My advice: Order a lemon granita (slushy). It’s made with local lemons and it’s the ultimate reward after 45 minutes of walking under the sun!
Essential Info at a Glance:
Difficulty: Average (expect some steep steps).
Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours.
Fee: You need the Cinque Terre Card (approx. €10.00 for the trekking version). You can find it at the info point offices, at the La Spezia train station, or to skip the line, buy it on the official website. Note: Prices may change depending on the day and season.
What to bring: At least 1.5L of water and proper sneakers. No flip-flops allowed!