Hiking from Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza in Cinque Terre

We save one of our favorite hikes for the last full day of our stay in Monterosso al Mare:  Monterosso to Vernazza, the next town south in Cinque Terre.  When we are able to plan our vacation to arrive in Monterosso early in the afternoon, we are known to do this hike on our arrival day.  But, travelling from the US, we often arrive too late in the day, after a 4-5 hour train ride from Rome or Milan.  It does take a while to get to Cinque Terre, but it is definitely worth it!

But, back to our hike to Vernazza:  this 1.5 hour hike is a perfect introduction (or, in this case, conclusion) to a stay in Cinque Terre, connecting two fabulous (and unique) towns with a trail up into the hills that follows the ridge overlooking the sea and is very popular and heavily travelled.  We prefer to hike it in the early morning or late afternoon when there are fewer people on the path and we can enjoy the views and the hike with some solitude.

We start by passing the Monterosso public beach and heading up into the hills.

Passing the beach

Around the corner and starting up

We continue up the path, climbing to the top of the ridge that we will follow around the hills and along the sea to Vernazza.

Continuing up

Leaving Monterosso behind us

Looking the other way (south) down the coast

Since our last hike on this trail, some enterprising people have built Ristoro da Maria, a fruit juice and smoothy stop along the trail.  We don't stop, but do admire the enterprise (espeially since all the fruit and equipment have to be carried in on the trail).

Juice station along the trail

We continue along the path, climbing a little more, but principally following  the ridge until we round a corner and leave views of Monterosso behind us and expose views of Vernazza ahead.

Continuing along the trail

Monterosso is farther away

Continuing along the ridge

Vernazza appearing in the distance

Continuing

Approaching Vernazza

We descend into Vernazza and walk through the village to the harbor, anticipating lunch overlooking the harbor and the main square, Piazza Guglielmo Marconi.  We settle in, order some wine and choose a white base pizza:  Acciugata (cherry tomatoes, anchovies, buratta, oregano).

Harbor and piazza

Monterosso across the water

Pizza Acciugata

This has been another great morning hike in Cinque Terre, followed by a delightful lunch.  Now, it's time to catch the train back to Monterosso and plan our dinner as we are about to leave this magical place tomorrow and return home.