Walking in nature has never been better than in the Cinque Terre! The easy walk takes only 25 minutes from Riomaggiore to Manarola. The panoramic views overlooking the Mediterranean (called the Ligurian Sea here) are dotted with exotic plants like the agave and cactus, as well as fascinating geological rock formations in layers. At both ends of the path are the train stations, so you can hop on the train for under two euros to get to the next Cinque Terre village or many other cities in Italy.
Via Dell’ Amore trail seen from upper street in RioMaggiore
Heading to Manarola from Riomaggiore Hiking trail
These next photos are the path that begins in Monterosso, the northern Cinque Terre village where we stay for my Italy Retreat For Women. It continues for 90 minutes to the next village of Vernazza. Climbing up past one of the Monterosso beaches, we begin our journey. It’s a challenge and a transformational experience, but we take our time, and rest along the way drinking lots of water. I recommend bringing small packets of electroytes along with plenty of water. If you have bad knees, I don’t recommend this hike since there are around 700 steps along the way.
Climbing into the light through grape vineyards and olive trees
Hiking from Monterosso to Vernazza
The view of Monterosso from the hiking trail to Vernazza
Some of the path has hand rails, but not all of it
Take your time walking any of the trails, visit the quaint stores in each town, eat the delicious food and savor every moment. When I teach my workshop, I focus each day on how we can live la dolce vita, the sweet life, wherever we are even in our daily lives at home. Savor each moment, do something you are afraid of doing, live outside your comfort zone.
As you can see in the photos, we’re not wearing hiking boots, but good walking sandals or shoes, like Merrells or Ecco.
Passing vineyards, citrus orchards, olive groves, and brooks
Love this bridge
Jewelry sales on the trail! Made our day.
There are many rewards for hiking this gorgeous trail and one is a surprise artisan selling his beautiful creations. The other two, of course, is breathtaking views, and the inner sense of true accomplishment.
After 90 minutes, the jewel village of Vernazza appears in the horizon
Everyone can find something to love in the Cinque Terre. Join me next year and find out for yourself.
Learn more about traveling to Italy on Lenora’s Italy Retreats For Women
Find out more about Lenora’s Sweet Life Workshops and Sweet Life Happiness Coaching.
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