Trail 2
Trail 2
4.5
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Travel794711
Assisi, Italy13 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
We have walked all the paths that connect the 5 Lands. Monterosso-Vernazza challenging but spectacular, the view over Vernazza is magnificent. The route from Corniglia to Vernazza is also beautiful, the place you meet halfway is beautiful with fresh juices directly from their garden! Corniglia-Manarola mountain path passing through Volastra, challenging but worth it, spectacular view! Manarola-Riomaggiore last and therefore tiring. Trekking shoes, sunscreen, water and a decent amount of training are recommended because there are continuous ups and downs and stairs. But magnificent places
Written 16 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mairwen1
United Kingdom12 096 contributions
May 2022
Trail 2 is the series of paths that link the five Cinque Terre towns. Collectively they are known as the Sentiero Azzurro (SVA2), ’the Blue Path or ‘Trail 2’.
It is an incredible hiking experience.
We found ourselves walking along narrow, cliffside paths with jaw-dropping views over the Ligurian Sea and through vineyards where tight rows of vines were planted on impossible slopes along thin strips of land, supported by ancient drystone walls.
There were wildflowers and monstrous agave plants overhanging the cliff edges but perhaps the highlight was the birds-eye view of each beautiful little town as we descended down into it.
It is common for parts of Trail 2 to be closed at any given time. I’d recommend checking the Cinque Terre National Park website for updates.
When we were there in May, we found the following trails closed:
i) The Dell’Amore trail from Riomaggiore 592-1 (SVA2) to Manarola, due to re-open, July 2024. We took the alternate path, Trail 531 which was very steep and I’d think twice before doing it again.
ii) The Manarola to Corniglia path 592-2 (SVA2) is closed and scheduled to re-open in 2024. We took the alternate path via Volastra, which was absolutely beautiful.
iii) The Monterosso-Vernazza path was open when we were there, but has recently closed due to a landslide. I believe it’s only temporary.
It is worth noting that most of the trails are free. You only pay for the Monterosso-Vernazza and Vernazza-Corniglia trails. They are covered by the Cinque Terre Card (€18.20 for one day) which also includes trains and buses or you can buy a hiking pass on its own for €7.50. We did both trails in the one day which was a long day but very manageable.
Between Nov - March, all the trails are free.
It is an incredible hiking experience.
We found ourselves walking along narrow, cliffside paths with jaw-dropping views over the Ligurian Sea and through vineyards where tight rows of vines were planted on impossible slopes along thin strips of land, supported by ancient drystone walls.
There were wildflowers and monstrous agave plants overhanging the cliff edges but perhaps the highlight was the birds-eye view of each beautiful little town as we descended down into it.
It is common for parts of Trail 2 to be closed at any given time. I’d recommend checking the Cinque Terre National Park website for updates.
When we were there in May, we found the following trails closed:
i) The Dell’Amore trail from Riomaggiore 592-1 (SVA2) to Manarola, due to re-open, July 2024. We took the alternate path, Trail 531 which was very steep and I’d think twice before doing it again.
ii) The Manarola to Corniglia path 592-2 (SVA2) is closed and scheduled to re-open in 2024. We took the alternate path via Volastra, which was absolutely beautiful.
iii) The Monterosso-Vernazza path was open when we were there, but has recently closed due to a landslide. I believe it’s only temporary.
It is worth noting that most of the trails are free. You only pay for the Monterosso-Vernazza and Vernazza-Corniglia trails. They are covered by the Cinque Terre Card (€18.20 for one day) which also includes trains and buses or you can buy a hiking pass on its own for €7.50. We did both trails in the one day which was a long day but very manageable.
Between Nov - March, all the trails are free.
Written 19 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jgz
Oregon7 contributions
We were in Cinque Terre last week. The first day we hiked the trail from Riomaggiore to Corniglia. Though the views were great, it was packed with people-- I guess because it is not too strenuous. The next day we hiked from Monterosso to Vernazza; it took about an hour and a half of hard work, but I would highly recommend it. There were far fewer hikers and the views are outstanding. We hiked through olive groves and wildflowers as we climbed out of Monterosso. Someone told us they counted 700 steps up on that portion; we are both over 60 and felt very proud of ourselves; we just took it slow and stopped frequently to enjoy the views. I would recommend wearing good sturdy closed toe shoes. The trails are uneven, with lots of loose rock. At Vernazza we took the train to Corniglia. Rather than hike the 360 steps up to that village from the train station, we took the free bus provided by the national park with our hiking pass. We walked back down, by the road not the stairs--much gentler slope.
Written 2 July 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gohl
gohl41 contributions
May 2011 • Friends
I read the Cinque Terre online guide and was told that I could purchase a 7-day pass, or a 5-day pass and so on and so forth. Well, this was not true when I was there.
1) I could only buy a 1 day pass (5 Euro) or 2 day pass (9 Euros). Apparently now only these two passes are available. The pass also entitles you to the bus which takes you from the train station to the town. This is especially useful in Corniglia if you arrive with a big luggage. Otherwise it is 382 steps as Corniglia is built on a hill while the train station is almost at sea level.
2) The trail between Corniglia and Manarola was closed. I was told it would close for quite some time due to landslide. You have to use the alternative trail which is free.
3) The trail between Mararola and Riomaggiorie is the easiest, and I found that once I did the Monte Rosso - Vernazza - Corniglia - Manarola, that easy trail became boring, even in terms of views.
4) I find it a good way to approach the trails is to divide your time into half-days, and maybe do the easy-hard in a day, then rest for a day, then another easy-hard in another day. This means buying 2 one-day tickets, but it also means it is not so taxing on the body.
a) MonteRosso to Vernazza: this can be casually done within half a day. You only need good shoes, and maybe water and a camera.
b) Vernazza to Corniglia: again this can be casually done within half a day.
c) Corniglia to Manarola: because the coastal path (the fee-payable one) is closed, you have to use the alternative. I find this the toughest and longest but the view is absolutely stunning.
d) Manarola to Riomaggiore: a bore and too crowded anyway.
One thing to note about food: Italians probably do not mix seafood with cheese, so if you want your seafood pasta sprinkled with cheese, ask for it specifically.
And the other thing to note is if you order a latte, you get a glass of milk. What you really want is caffe latte.
In Monte Rosso seaside bar, I also noticed that the waitress padded the bill, just like the other trip advisor said.
1) I could only buy a 1 day pass (5 Euro) or 2 day pass (9 Euros). Apparently now only these two passes are available. The pass also entitles you to the bus which takes you from the train station to the town. This is especially useful in Corniglia if you arrive with a big luggage. Otherwise it is 382 steps as Corniglia is built on a hill while the train station is almost at sea level.
2) The trail between Corniglia and Manarola was closed. I was told it would close for quite some time due to landslide. You have to use the alternative trail which is free.
3) The trail between Mararola and Riomaggiorie is the easiest, and I found that once I did the Monte Rosso - Vernazza - Corniglia - Manarola, that easy trail became boring, even in terms of views.
4) I find it a good way to approach the trails is to divide your time into half-days, and maybe do the easy-hard in a day, then rest for a day, then another easy-hard in another day. This means buying 2 one-day tickets, but it also means it is not so taxing on the body.
a) MonteRosso to Vernazza: this can be casually done within half a day. You only need good shoes, and maybe water and a camera.
b) Vernazza to Corniglia: again this can be casually done within half a day.
c) Corniglia to Manarola: because the coastal path (the fee-payable one) is closed, you have to use the alternative. I find this the toughest and longest but the view is absolutely stunning.
d) Manarola to Riomaggiore: a bore and too crowded anyway.
One thing to note about food: Italians probably do not mix seafood with cheese, so if you want your seafood pasta sprinkled with cheese, ask for it specifically.
And the other thing to note is if you order a latte, you get a glass of milk. What you really want is caffe latte.
In Monte Rosso seaside bar, I also noticed that the waitress padded the bill, just like the other trip advisor said.
Written 26 June 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ReconChicago
Chicago29 contributions
Trail 2 connects the five villages and is altogether 13 kilometers long according to the trail map, but you can pick and choose the length and level that suits you. It cost 5 euros at the time that we went in April on Easter Monday. We were staying in Monterossa and took a morning train to start in Riomaggiore which is the shortest and easiest walk to Manarola. All you really need are some good walking or hiking shoes and maybe some water because there are plenty of places to stop and drink or snack along the way. Some people seemed overburdened with walking sticks and backpacks for this hike. It helped us to have the sun at our backs as we walked the trail. Each section of the trial features dramatic views. The trails on either side of Vernazza are steeper with some broken rocks, exposed roots, and wash outs and will take your breath away. The trains are always a convenient alternative if the hike takes longer than you planned or becomes too rigorous. Well worth the time and effort.
Written 17 April 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
benaround
Waynesville, NC26 contributions
In September 2003, we (two couples) visited Monterrosso. One day we took the train to Riomaggiore and hiked back the length of Trail 2. Each segment of the trail, from town to town, gets progressively more difficult, but the setting is breathtakingly beautiful. The sea, the sun, the vineyards, the experience is worth all the effort. We stopped for lunch in Corniglia (thinking we were halfway!), and the afternoon was, by far, the more difficult hike. Just as we felt we couldn't climb one more terraced vineyard, Monterrosso appeared, and a cool dip in the Mediterranean was the perfect reward. Not for the faint-hearted, but not to be missed by able-bodied adventure-lovers.
Written 12 May 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PaulSEA1
Seattle, WA178 contributions
We hiked trail #2 from Monterosso to Vernazza. Other parts of trail #2 were closed for landslides.
It's a beautiful hike and worth the detour. We accidentally bought the trail pass with train even though we had a railpass because the salesperson didn't tell us about the option to just get the train pass. We felt bad for paying those Euros because there was no evidence of their being used to repair or keep up the trail. Most of the trail was overgrown. Mud has slid down and covered most of the trail. In parts landslides and downed trees blocked the trail. Other parts are very narrow and would be uncomfortable for passing other hikers.
I find Italy conflicting because it has raw beauty that I can hardly recommend missing. However there is little to no evident reinvestment in the country by its people or government. I find it unethical to support the Italians in the rape of their country. Trains on our trip were almost 100% late and in terrible repair. There was little on the Cinque Terre trail that a local volunteer with a shovel couldn't fix yet it's clear that no local has lifted a finger for a decade except to extract money for the flocking tourists. We left Italy earlier than planned feeling disgusted by the place. We missed our first connection to Switzerland due to a 90+ minute delay on our Italian train. However on arrival in Switzerland we got the joy of experiencing a country with pride in itself.
It's a beautiful hike and worth the detour. We accidentally bought the trail pass with train even though we had a railpass because the salesperson didn't tell us about the option to just get the train pass. We felt bad for paying those Euros because there was no evidence of their being used to repair or keep up the trail. Most of the trail was overgrown. Mud has slid down and covered most of the trail. In parts landslides and downed trees blocked the trail. Other parts are very narrow and would be uncomfortable for passing other hikers.
I find Italy conflicting because it has raw beauty that I can hardly recommend missing. However there is little to no evident reinvestment in the country by its people or government. I find it unethical to support the Italians in the rape of their country. Trains on our trip were almost 100% late and in terrible repair. There was little on the Cinque Terre trail that a local volunteer with a shovel couldn't fix yet it's clear that no local has lifted a finger for a decade except to extract money for the flocking tourists. We left Italy earlier than planned feeling disgusted by the place. We missed our first connection to Switzerland due to a 90+ minute delay on our Italian train. However on arrival in Switzerland we got the joy of experiencing a country with pride in itself.
Written 14 December 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheJennings
2 contributions
My wife and I were first timers and we don't speak Italian. When we bought our 2 day tickets for the train and the park it was busy at the counter. The clerk may have mumbled something about "validating" the ticket but if so we sure didn't hear it. As a result, we were assessed a $50 Euro fine on the train! This in spite of the fact I had signed the ticket and had ID! A cash grab for sure. At the other stations enroute there was clear signage, but not at the main station in La Spezia...makes no sense. A sour start to our day so beware!
Written 26 May 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stephwita
Berlin, Germany2 contributions
Be aware that in the summer months the trail can be very crowded at times and feels a bit like driving in a traffic jam. Starting off early in the morning pays off!
If you have the chance to stay in the Cinque Terre for a longer period (i.e. a week or so) I can strongly recommend to take your time and appreciate the nature, scenery and hike of the Trail2, unlike running over the trail just to get it covered, like a lot of people seem to do who stay only for a short period.
My suggestion is to walk only one part between 2 towns per day. Between some towns the path can be quite exhausting for the less experienced hiker. Hiking between 2 towns only will never last longer than approx. 2 hours one way, and this gives you plenty of time to spend some more time in each of the little villages and really appreciate their individual beauty while also relaxing a little rather than running over the trail from village to village.
If you have the chance to stay in the Cinque Terre for a longer period (i.e. a week or so) I can strongly recommend to take your time and appreciate the nature, scenery and hike of the Trail2, unlike running over the trail just to get it covered, like a lot of people seem to do who stay only for a short period.
My suggestion is to walk only one part between 2 towns per day. Between some towns the path can be quite exhausting for the less experienced hiker. Hiking between 2 towns only will never last longer than approx. 2 hours one way, and this gives you plenty of time to spend some more time in each of the little villages and really appreciate their individual beauty while also relaxing a little rather than running over the trail from village to village.
Written 24 February 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RaydarVictoria
Melbourne, Australia83 contributions
Dec 2011 • Family
We arrived in Riomaggiore by train from La Spezia and only walked the 'lovers path' from Riomaggiore to Manarola which was an easy stroll. The views are amazing, it is really hard to describe the beauty of the Cinque Terre, it is an intensely beautiful and unique place. From Manarola we got a boat to Vernazza which was the best thing we did - highly recommended! You can truly appreciate the beauty of Cinque Terre from the water - you get gorgeous views and amazing photos of the houses clinging to the clifftops - an awesome site! We really enjoyed Riomaggiore, Vernazza and Manarola (we didn't go to Corniglia as the paths were closed) but would recommend giving Monterossa a miss if you are short on time. We found Monterossa to be more of a small town, it just didn't have the 'magic' of the other villages, there is a beach there though if you feel like a dip in the water!
Written 18 November 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Tyronne, no question about my lenses they are always in my pocket.We want to stay 4 days in Monterosso - would that be enough to see all villages and trails by walking from one to another.?we can go by feed or use the train?
Written 22 April 2018
Quanti km ci sono da Manarola a Monterosso a piedi per i due sentieri
Written 16 April 2018
Ciao, il sentiero dell'amore è chiuso da ben 7 anni. Dipendendo dai giorni le amministrazioni comunali decidono di aprire solo il tratto finale da Vernazza a Monterosso.
Quest'ultimo tratto richiede 2 ore di cammino, non difficile ma comunque impegnativo.
Written 18 April 2018
Is blue trail #2 clear from Monterrosso to Riomaggiore. There was a land slide a few years ago that blocked part of the trail. Is the trail clear now? I will be there in early September to hike between villages.
Written 28 July 2017
Hi, I believe that the "Blue Trail" is the one that stayed low along the water's edge and was wiped out in the 2014 storms. So the answer to your question is no it is not clear. But the trails which go up an over the hills from Monterrosso to Riomaggiore are all clear and quite spectacular. As a warning - they are directly in the sun and consequently can be very hot in the middle of the day. We enjoyed them very much in May.
Written 1 August 2017
Heading to Riomaggiore next week with the family for a few days...reading and researching.
Trying to understand the trail system - is there one path of easy to moderate difficulty from Riomaggiore to Monterossa that can be done in 3-5 hours? then perhaps train or ferry back?
Any tips or recommendations much appreciated!
Written 14 April 2016
Yes absolutely. There is a train that takes you from town to town and it's an easy option if hiking is not. You can purchase the train tickets at any of the towns.
Written 14 April 2016
were in riomaggiore do you purchase tickets for walk and what is time needed for trail to Manarola
Written 25 December 2014
no tickets purchased as the main track near the sea was still closed therefore we took the high track which is free, very steep and quite a few steps , but fantastic views and climbs, can't remember how long it took us not that long (maybe an hour or just over) we are both quite fit. the we went swimming at Manarola
Written 26 December 2014
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