Cinque Terre offers some of the best views while hiking overlooking blue waters and hillside vineyards. Hikers come from all over the world to hike in the Cinque Terre. The trails range from novice to experienced and vary in the amount of time and kilometers it takes to hike. You will need a great pair of hiking shoes or sneakers. Absolutely no heels, dress shoes, sandals or flip flops! This is not the time to be cute. You need to be in reasonable shape as some places are steep incline/decline, uneven and rocky. Make sure to bring plenty of water on your hike as there are no facilities on the trails between each town. Feel free to bring healthy snacks to munch on until you arrive to the next town. Don't get too full because each town offers some sort of inexpensive local cuisine and of course gelato. What a great reward after your hike!

In this example you will follow me on my actual hike I did in fall 2017 from Corniglia to Vernazza. Hike time: 1.5 hours, Distance: 2 kilometers.

Let's begin: Take notice of the town info board as you are about to head out on your hiking journey. This is your last chance to buy a bottle of water and use the restroom!

When leaving a town you will see signs pointing you in the direction of the hiking path.

Each town has an entry point to begin your hike. This is the time to present your Cinque Terre card to the booth attendant to access the trail.

NOTE: This actually happens to be the entry point leaving Vernazza headed to Monterosso Al Mare as this picture was much clearer than the picture taken leaving Corniglia headed to Vernazza because of the sun glare.

When you buy your Cinque Terre card you will be presented with a smaller version of this map of the Cinque Terre.

There are red and white stripe painted markers to keep you going in the right direction. It's not wise to veer off the trails because certain parts can be dangerous.

You will come across many hikers along the trails consisting of families, young and old couples, and even solo travelers.

Here is a sign with an estimated time and distance of the hike from each town to the next.

Of course one has to be well informed of the current weather conditions while hiking. I do find the weather forecast to be quite interesting.

As you hike you will notice many terraced vineyards located on the hillsides. The locals learned how to tend to these vineyards by using a cog-wheeled system that goes up and down the hillside (the vertical white link in the middle of the first picture) transporting the collected goods.

Have a look at the distant hiking paths crossing the hillside.

Get a good view of the hillside town of Corniglia in the distance from where you originated your hike.

Several sections of the hike are very close to a ledge so be careful. At times it will be necessary to stop and let others pass by safely.

Take the time to enjoy the spectacular views everywhere. The natural beauty of the Cinque Terre is so amazing. Make sure you have a good camera and enjoy the moment.

As you come to the end of your hike there will be a sign pointing you in the direction of the town. Take some time and explore the town and refresh yourself. Now is the perfect time to kick back, relax and have some Limoncello gelato. You earned it.