Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail)
Sentiero Azzurro / SVA
The classic coastal trail linking the Five Villages. The Monterosso–Vernazza and Vernazza–Corniglia sections are the most beautiful, with terraced vineyards, cliffs and blue sea all the way.
The Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro, marked SVA, formerly Trail No. 2) is the most famous coastal path in Cinque Terre National Park. It runs about 12 km in total, linking the five villages, passing through terraced vineyards, olive groves and cactus patches, with the Ligurian Sea right below your feet. It is currently divided into four sections. Monterosso to Vernazza (3.5 km, about 1.5 to 2 hours, climbing about 200 metres) is the most classic and features one of the most famous views in the Cinque Terre as you approach Vernazza. Vernazza to Corniglia (4 km, about 1.5 hours) is quieter. Corniglia to Manarola (about 1 hour) reopened after 2024, depending on the progress of landslide repairs. Manarola to Riomaggiore via the Via dell’Amore (1 km, flat, reservation required). The first two sections charge admission and require a Cinque Terre Card (about €7.5 per day for the trail version, or a train version that includes the trail), or you can buy a ticket at the entrance. In peak season (roughly mid-March to early November), there are daily patrol checks. The path is mostly stone steps and dirt tracks, and in narrow places only one person can pass at a time. For this reason, the park rules require sturdy footwear. Walking in flip-flops, sandals or barefoot can result in fines of €50 to €2,500, so wear closed sports shoes or hiking boots. In peak season, the Monterosso–Vernazza section operates one-way traffic or limits numbers, so check the official website. Suggested itinerary: take the train to Monterosso in the morning, walk to Vernazza for lunch, continue to Corniglia in the afternoon, then return by train or minibus. The whole trip takes about 4 to 5 hours. Those with limited stamina can walk just the Monterosso–Vernazza section. Bring plenty of water, since the only supplies along the way are in the villages, and bring a sun hat. Stone paths become slippery after rain. If the Blue Trail is closed, you can take the high-level path on the hills (route No. 1, AV5T) or the alternative trails between villages, such as Manarola–Volastra–Corniglia (about 2.5 hours), which offers equally stunning views.
Opening hours
Sunrise to sunset (paid section peak-season ticket check-in 08:00–19:00)
Nearby sights
- Corniglia
- Volastra
- Manarola
- Church of San Lorenzo, Manarola
- Manarola Nativity Scene
- Via dell'Amore
- Vernazza
- Riomaggiore