I came to this picturesque part of Italy to hike to the Cinque Terre Blue Trail. I did not know that I would fall in love with the region, that I leave a piece of my heart in the charming seaside village of Riomaggiore and to be swept away in Eden on earth.
During my second day in Cinque Terre I woke up early, excited and emotional. Today, I would check an item on my bucket list – hike Cinque Terre Blue path. After a quick coffee and an energy breakfast of eggs, toast and fresh fruit, I went to the station’s tourist office. Here, I bought my one -day Cinque Terre collar. The pass, for € 7 (in 2015), allowed free train walks in the five villages of Cinque Terre. As well as the entrance on the blue path.
Related article: I left a piece of my heart in Riomaggiore
I was ready to hike at least the part of the riomaggiore in Manarola. But alas, this section was closed. After horrible landslides on the trails a few years ago, there were closings due to maintenance and safety problems. And turned out, at the time of my visit, the only section of the opening of the trail was from Monterosso Al Mare to Vernazza.
After a feeling of ephemeral loss, I went up and I realized that it was still happening. Whatever section I hike, I always hike on this incredible and emblematic path. I jumped on the next train towards the north to MONTAOSO and I sat down in the morning awake above the Mediterranean Sea.
I decided to explore a little Monterosso before heading for the path. It was very different from my charming and small riomaggiore. Monterosso is larger, and even if it was still full of history, it was almost overshadowed by its seaside resort atmosphere. But after exploring a moment, I realized that I would better take the path. I quickly caught a delicious and fresh focaccia and a cold drink before starting.
While I was impatiently approached the path, on the other side of the city, I realized that I should have started earlier. The midday sun beaten on my bare shoulders and the little one in my back, under my backpack, was already sweating. The temperature quickly increased to 30 degrees Celsius which was the standard since I arrived in Europe a few weeks earlier.
I slowed down my rhythm. Not only to reduce overheating, but to make sure I savor this hike every moment. The hike over the entire Cinque Terre Blue Trail, connecting the five villages, is 11 kilometers and takes about 5 hours. But I had the feeling that this section was going to take me a while. With these radical views on Cinque Terre, I couldn’t help stop and take photos, hoping to capture and ounce the beauty that this incredible place occupies.
We, with me, with the dispersion of hikers’ colleagues, we are rising from top to bottom. Along narrow passages. Some apparently so close to the edge, you had to be careful not to swept. At other times, we set up old ruin staircases cut in the hill. Sometimes I felt wrapped in a dense forest, while other areas felt wide open while we were passionate through long -term vineyards that were hugging the hill.
I stopped for a while once I reached a tray in a way. Sitting under a section of trees on the path. I tried to cool off, reject water and snack on snacks. And there before, I was holding the dark blue Mediterranean, and in the distance, I could just distinguish the ephemeral view from the yellow beach parasols from Monterossa. An older couple going by stopping to enjoy my sight and smiled at me and said: “Large choice. “It was certainly.
I continued, stopping periodically to relax, cool and savor the generous panoramas. I was impressed by all those I met on the track. People from all walks of life, young and old, and around the world. And everyone was incredibly kind and unable to hold on their fear.
I still remember the exaltation when I rounded up the last turn and spotted Vernazza below. Almost there! Everyone seemed to breathe a slight joy. By directing myself slowly on the hill towards Vernazza, I realized how much Cinque Terre is really magnificent. Full of history, of colorless color, charming seaside villages, some perched on cliffs and bind them together were this magnificent path. Forged by those who have preceded us and have appreciated to date by countless others.
I wandered Vernazza for a while and I stopped at the port to sit on a bench and enjoy a gelato. Everyone, from these stores to tourists gambling in refreshing water, simply oozing pure joy. I couldn’t help but think, this is the happiest place that I have never had the privilege of exploring. Like Eden on earth.
Advice:
• Buy a Cinque Terre Pass
• Bring water and snacks (at least one liter of water)
• Return it slowly and enjoy the views
• Start the first thing in the morning
Have you enjoyed the Cinque Terre Blue Trail hike? I would love to hear your story!
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