The women are standing on the hiking trail, the Via Dell’Amore
Via Dell’Amore (The Path of Love)
Cinque Terre Trails
A rock slide at the end of September 2012 caused the Via Dell’Amore trail to close. This is the easy and flat trail that connects Riomaggiore (the southernmost Cinque Terre village) to Manarola.
As of this writing, March 2014 it is still closed. This is a drag as it runs close to the sea, and offers breathtaking views without much effort on our part in a 20 minute walk (if you don’t stop to take pictures). My sources tell me that they don’t think the repairs will be done in 2014. Of course, their main concern is the safety of their visitors.
Cinque Terre Trails that ARE OPEN as of this writing, March 27, 2014:
Monterosso to Vernazza: OPEN. 90 minute hike with over 700 steps, but it is definitely doable with good walking shoes or walking sandals like merrels with a back strap. Hikiing boots are NOT necessary.
Vernazza to Corniglia: OPEN and takes 90 minutes to two hours.
Corniglia to Manarola: CLOSED
Manarola to Riomaggiore (The Via Dell’ Amore) CLOSED.
HOWEVER, there are alternative trails open, just not easy ones. You many also enjoy the area by traveling by train and ferry which are all easy modes of transportation.
Monterosso with the trail in the background far right
Imagine yourself here walking the trail from Monterosso arriving at Vernazza in the distance
The segment of the trail from Monterosso to Vernazza is still open and is about a 90 minute hike, including about 700 steps through sunny landscapes, vineyards, groves, and forests that provide much appreciated shade. The views are breathtaking, and the women in my groups and myself all feel it is well worth the effort. We take it slow and easy, resting and taking photos at our leisure. If you are afraid of heights, this is not the trail for you, but it is extraordinary experience. The reward is arriving at a shangrila-like village– Vernazza.
If you’ve been, please share your experiences! We will be at Cinque Terre Trails in early September for the Women’s Retreat.
Learn more about traveling to Italy on Lenora’s Italy Retreats For Women
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