The Sentiero Azzurro, or Blue Trail, is the path that made the Cinque Terre famous for walkers. It is split into four sections, each linking two neighbouring villages: Riomaggiore to Manarola, Manarola to Corniglia, Corniglia to Vernazza and Vernazza to Monterosso. The two northern sections are the real hiking, with steps, narrow stretches and long climbs between terraced vineyards and the sea. They take roughly one and a half to two hours and at least two hours respectively, and are classed as moderate to demanding. The southern end is gentler, ending with the Via dell'Amore. November is a good month for the walk, with cooler air and few other hikers, but daylight is short and the stone steps are slippery after rain, so start early and wear shoes with proper grip.
Which sections are open
The park's trail pages list the Manarola to Corniglia section as closed, so the walk cannot be done end to end along the coast at present. The Riomaggiore to Manarola section is the Via dell'Amore, run as a timed ticket walk. Corniglia to Vernazza and Vernazza to Monterosso are the walkable sections that keep the Blue Trail alive.
The park closes paths after heavy rain or storm alerts and reopens them after inspections, so look at the park's trail map the morning you walk and ask at a welcome point if the sky looks threatening.
How to plan a day
Most walkers start in Monterosso and head south, because the climb to Vernazza is steep early and the reward is the view down over the village. From Vernazza, either continue toward Corniglia or take the train and save your legs. A card is required at checkpoints on the paid sections, so buy the Trekking Card or the Train Card first. Carry water, because the trail has few places to refill, and allow extra time for photographs.
What November feels like
The vineyards are bare and the light is low and golden, which makes the views clearer. Some cafes in the villages are closed for the season, so bring a snack. Keep to marked paths, avoid walking after dark, and do not rely on phone signal in the tunnels and deep valleys. If you would rather walk with a leader, a guided hiking day starting in La Spezia is also available.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk along marked paths with stone steps and terraces, from about one hour on the short section to two hours or more on the northern ones.
Best time
Start early in the morning for the best light and the longest window of daylight, ideally on a dry day.
How long
A single section takes one to two hours; two sections with a train hop in between fill a comfortable day.
Tips
Buy a card before you start, wear shoes with good grip, carry water and a snack, and check the park's trail map for closures on the day.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Active visitors who want the classic walk with sea views and do not mind steps.
- Families
- The shorter sections suit fit older children; the northern sections have steep and exposed stretches that are tiring for small legs.
- Couples
- Walk from Monterosso to Vernazza early, then enjoy a long lunch in the village before taking the train home.
- Pair with
- The Cinque Terre Card, a boat tour and a wine tasting among the terraces.
- Time needed
- Half a day for one section, a full day for two or three.
Good questions
Is the whole Sentiero Azzurro open?+
No, the Manarola to Corniglia section is listed as closed on the park's trail pages. The other sections can be walked when the weather allows.
Which section is the hardest?+
Corniglia to Vernazza and Vernazza to Monterosso are the demanding ones, with long climbs and steps. Allow at least two hours for the Vernazza to Monterosso walk.
Do I need a card for the Blue Trail?+
Yes, a Trekking Card or Train Card is needed at checkpoints on the paid sections. Buy it before you start.
Is it safe to hike in November?+
It is a good month if the weather is dry, but paths close after heavy rain and the steps are slippery. Check the park's trail map each morning and start early.
Can I do it without walking all four sections?+
Yes, the trains link all five villages, so you can walk one or two sections and ride the rest. Many visitors walk Monterosso to Vernazza and take the train back.
