Cinque Terre hiking tour: Villages, vineyards and coastal cliffs

Walk the trails between five villages through olive groves and vineyards clinging to the cliffs

A 6- to 7-hour guided hike through Cinque Terre's villages, vineyards and clifftop trails with a certified English or Italian-speaking guide. The route passes through Corniglia and Volastra before descending to Manarola, where you stop for gelato and wander the waterfront alleys. Children from age 12 are welcome. Moderate fitness is required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hiking and exploring Cinque Terre villages

• Admire villages Corniglia, Volastra, Manarola
• Walk vineyard trail with sea view
• Enjoy gelato in Manarola
• Stroll alleyways of Manarola

The experience

What makes this hike different from walking the villages on your own is the guide's knowledge of the working landscape. You'll see locals harvesting grapes or tending olive groves, sometimes carrying baskets on their heads or using the "monorail," the steep hillside cable system unique to these slopes. The trail itself moves between forest, terraced vineyards with sea views, and private gardens thick with Mediterranean plants, then opens onto the clifftop stretches where the five villages come into view below.

The route takes you through Corniglia and Volastra before the descent into Manarola, where the hike ends with time to eat gelato and walk the narrow alleys between the stacked pastel houses. Six to seven hours total means an early start and a midday finish, leaving the afternoon free. A certified guide leads in English or Italian, and the pace is built for moderate fitness, not a scramble, but steady climbing and uneven terrain underfoot.

Bring hiking boots, a sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. Carry 1.5 to 2 liters of water and consider trekking sticks for the descents. Train tickets to the trailhead are not included and cost €8 one way. The hike is not suitable for pregnant travelers or anyone with spinal or cardiovascular concerns.

What’s included

• Certified hiking guide in English or Italian.
• route through Corniglia, Volastra and Manarola with time for gelato and village exploration in Manarola.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Stazione Ferroviaria”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Veronica F.

Is this one for you?The hike starts from the trailhead accessible by train, so you don't need a car or a ride to begin. Book your own €8 train ticket and meet the guide at the meeting point. This works for anyone staying in Cinque Terre or nearby towns without transportation.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

3 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years). Under 12: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

Can I do this hike if I'm staying in La Spezia or another town outside Cinque Terre?

Yes. Public transportation connects to the trailhead, and the guide will direct you to the meeting point. Train tickets are your own cost.

What are Corniglia, Volastra and Manarola actually like when we reach them?

Corniglia sits on a hilltop above the sea, Volastra is a smaller village inland among the vineyards, and Manarola is the southernmost of the five villages, built into the rocks at the water's edge with narrow alleys and a small harbor where you'll have time to rest and eat.

Is this hike difficult, and what fitness level do I need?

The hike requires moderate fitness. You'll climb and descend on uneven terrain, but the guide sets a steady pace and the route is established trail, not scrambling.

What's the "monorail" I keep reading about?

It's a cable transport system unique to these steep hillsides, used by locals to move grapes and supplies up and down the terraces instead of carrying them by hand.

Can my 10-year-old come along?

Children are welcome from age 12 and up. Younger children would find the 6- to 7-hour hike and the terrain challenging.

What should I bring, and what does the guide provide?

Bring hiking boots, a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and 1.5 to 2 liters of water. Trekking sticks are optional. The guide provides expertise and route knowledge. You supply your own gear and fitness.