The Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) links the five villages of the Cinque Terre on foot, from Riomaggiore to Monterosso: about 12 km, 5 hours of walking and 500 m of total climbing, in four very different sections. It is the old route between the villages, from the days when there was neither road nor railway.
In 2026 you cannot walk all of it in one day. The Park closed the Corniglia–Vernazza–Monterosso section on 10 September 2026 for geological checks, with no reopening date, and Manarola–Corniglia is closed because of landslides. The Via dell’Amore is open, with a Card and a booking. Check the notice from the Cinque Terre National Park before you set out.
By Italian Riviera editorial team·Updated on ·4 min read
Trail status in 2026
Conditions change with landslides and weather alerts; this is the position in mid-October 2026. With an orange or red weather alert all trails close.
Section
Km
Time
Level
Status
Riomaggiore – Manarola (Via dell’Amore)
about 1
25 min
easy
open, with Card and booking
Manarola – Corniglia
2.2
1 h 15
hiking
closed (landslides)
Corniglia – Vernazza
4.1
1 h 30
experienced
closed since 10/9/2026
Vernazza – Monterosso
3.7
2 h
experienced
closed since 10/9/2026
Some unofficial sites still show the last two sections as open: the Park’s notice is what counts.
The four sections
Riomaggiore – Manarola: the Via dell'Amore
The easiest section, almost flat. It was cut into the cliff in 1920 during railway works and used as an explosives store, then the locals took it over in place of the mule track. After the 2012 landslide it stayed closed for a long time; it reopened on 14 February 2025. Today you walk one way only, from Riomaggiore to Manarola, in timed slots, with a booked time slot; entry is included in the Cinque Terre Card (Trekking or Train). Opening hours on the official site: 9–21 until 24 October, 9–18 from 26 October. More in Via dell’Amore in Manarola.
Manarola – Corniglia
2.2 km along the sea, with a pedestrian tunnel of about 150 m at the entrance to Manarola and the Punta Bonfiglio viewpoint, where the classic photo of the village is taken. The coastal path is closed because of landslides and no early reopening is planned. On foot, the high variant via Volastra remains, about 5.5 km and 3 hours or more, for experienced hikers. You climb into Corniglia by the Lardarina, 377 steps (how it works).
Corniglia – Vernazza
4.1 km and 269 m of climbing. The path passes Prevo, the highest point of the route at a little over 200 m, and has a viewpoint over the Guvano bay. The beach cannot be reached: the railway tunnel that led to it has been closed since 2016 and access is forbidden. This section has been closed since 10 September 2026.
Vernazza – Monterosso
The most famous and the most crowded: 3.7 km, 217 m of climbing, about 2 hours. It passes Costa Mesorano, among the olive trees, and Punta Corone, with the view of Monterosso. The steps are steep and the path narrows in places; in past years the Park has made it one-way from Monterosso to Vernazza on busy days. This section is closed too. For Vernazza see how to get there.
Cinque Terre Card and booking
You pass on the Sentiero Azzurro with the Cinque Terre Card, either the Trekking version or the one with trains. The Trekking Card includes the paid trails, the Via dell’Amore, the Park buses in the villages and guided visits. For the Via dell’Amore you book a time slot separately. The card does not replace safety rules: trails can close for bad weather or crowding. In 2026 the Trekking Card costs 10 € a day (15 € on peak days) and the Train Card 22, 29.50 or 35 € depending on the band until 1 November; from 2 November the Train Card costs 17.30 €. Adult prices: check the calendar on the Park’s website. Full guide: Cinque Terre Card.
Alternatives while sections are closed
Via Beccara (531), Riomaggiore – Manarola: 1.5 km, about 1 hour, 202 m of climbing, for experienced hikers.
Levanto – Punta Mesco – Monterosso: about 6 km, 2 h 45–3 h, about 350 m of climbing, normally without a card. Start in Levanto and take the train back from Monterosso.
Only in part. The Corniglia–Vernazza–Monterosso section has been closed since 10 September 2026 for geological checks, with no reopening date. Manarola–Corniglia is closed because of landslides. The Via dell’Amore from Riomaggiore to Manarola is open, with a Card and a booking.
How long is it and how long does it take?
About 12 km according to guides (the sections add up to 11.1) and about 5 hours of walking, with 500 m of total climbing. It is best split into stages, using the train in between.
Do I need the Cinque Terre Card?
Yes, the trail is paid and you enter with the Cinque Terre Card. The Via dell’Amore also needs a booked time slot.
Can I visit Guvano beach?
No. The tunnel that led to the bay has been closed since 2016 and access is forbidden. You can only see it from a viewpoint on the path between Corniglia and Vernazza.
Which village is the best place to start?
It depends on where you sleep and where you catch the train. Monterosso and Riomaggiore are the two ends of the route; check the Park site for any one-way rule.
Is it suitable for children?
The Via dell’Amore is. The other sections have steps and narrow stretches above the sea and are rated for experienced hikers.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Vernazza
All places to stay in Vernazza on Booking: compare prices and availability.
