Footpath Monterosso
#1 in Best Things To Do in Cinque Terre
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2 of 2Details
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- 4.5Value
- 0.0Food Scene
- 5.0Atmosphere
The trail that connects Monterosso to Vernazza is a beautiful yet challenging one. At the trailhead, travelers will ascend a daunting number of stairs, but the views of citrus orchards and vineyards more than compensate for the climb. After the initial ascent, the mostly flat trail affords views of the sea and panoramas of Monterosso and Vernazza. On maps, you'll see this marked as the "Blue Trail" and labeled with a No. 2.
Recent travelers agreed that you must be in reasonably good shape to attempt this hike from Monterosso to Vernazza, since there's a steep incline to traverse at the start of the trail. Others recommend beginning your hike early in the morning to avoid the heat and hordes of other tourists.
To find the trailhead, head to the eastern part of the old town of Monterosso and look for the small footpath that leads to Hotel Porto Roca. From there, take the footpath marked with a small red and white-striped sign. If you start ascending a long staircase that overlooks vineyards and orchards, you'll know you're headed the right way. If you haven't already purchased admission to the Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre, you'll have to pay a few euros near the trailhead. The hike, which winds for a little more than 2 miles, takes an average of 90 minutes. For more information, check out this website.
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2 of 4#2 Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre
At only about 15 square miles, the Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre is one of the smallest national parks in Italy but with a population of about 4,000, it's also one of the most heavily inhabited. In fact, that's what makes this national park – also called Park of Man – so unique, since for centuries, the people of Cinque Terre cultivated the steep, sloping land and built stone walls to hem it in. In 1997, it also became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors to the Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre raved about their trips to the five towns that make up the Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre. Reviewers loved the atmosphere, the views, the food and the people, but also cautioned that the towns are packed with tourists. Many planned a daytrip from Milan or Florence and recommended travelers short on time do the same (check Trenitalia for train timetables).
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