Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail)

The Sentiero Azzurro, or Blue Trail, is the famous low coastal footpath, numbered trail 592, that strings together the five villages of the Cinque Terre along the cliffs just above the sea. For generations it was the only land route between the villages, and walking it remains the classic way to experience the park, with the pastel harbours appearing one after another between vineyards, olive groves and dramatic drops to the water. Its southernmost and easiest section, the Via dell'Amore between Riomaggiore and Manarola, is a paved clifftop promenade that reopened in August 2024 after years of closure following a rockfall. As of mid-2026, the Corniglia to Vernazza and Vernazza to Monterosso sections, the most scenic and strenuous parts of the route, are open and involve steep stone steps and uneven ground, while the Manarola to Corniglia section remains closed because of long-term landslide instability. A valid Cinque Terre Card is required to walk the managed sections during the paid season, and the trail is checked and gated at the village ends. Walking the open sections end to end takes roughly half a day to a full day, depending on stops; each village-to-village stretch takes around one and a half to two hours. Proper hiking shoes are essential, as is water and sun protection, since much of the path is exposed. The trail is busiest from late morning through the afternoon in summer; an early-morning start brings cooler air, softer light and far fewer walkers. The most rewarding photographs come from the high points above Vernazza and Corniglia, looking back along the coast. The Sentiero Azzurro runs entirely within the Cinque Terre park in eastern Liguria, with every trailhead reachable by the regional train.