Monterosso–Levanto Coastal Trail
Hike between Monterosso and Levanto, offering dramatic sea views and challenging climbs through the Cinque Terre.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Monterosso–Levanto Coastal Trail
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike between Monterosso and Levanto, offering dramatic sea views and challenging climbs through the Cinque Terre.
"If you love a good hike with gorgeous views, I definitely recommend this."
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
Sturdy hiking shoes or trainers are a must for the uneven, steep paths.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
No refreshment stops on the trail. Stay hydrated, especially in warmer months.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vernazza Viewpoint
Near Vernazza
Iconic postcard view of Vernazza's harbor and colorful buildings. Perfect for photos!
Monterosso Beach
Monterosso al Mare
Relax on the largest sandy beach in Cinque Terre after your hike. Refreshing dip in the sea!
Coastal Vistas
Along the trail
Uninterrupted views of the Ligurian Sea and dramatic cliffs. Breathtaking panoramas await.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Difficulty & Direction
Best Time to Hike
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
Sturdy hiking shoes or trainers are a must for the uneven, steep paths.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
No refreshment stops on the trail. Stay hydrated, especially in warmer months.
⬆️ Start from Vernazza
Many find the climb from Vernazza to Monterosso less strenuous than the reverse.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is stunning! Allow extra time for photos, especially near Vernazza.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
Sturdy hiking shoes or trainers are a must for the uneven, steep paths.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
No refreshment stops on the trail. Stay hydrated, especially in warmer months.
⬆️ Start from Vernazza
Many find the climb from Vernazza to Monterosso less strenuous than the reverse.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is stunning! Allow extra time for photos, especially near Vernazza.
🐱 Support the Cats
Near Vernazza, you'll find cats with little houses. Bring food/water if you can!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
This hike offers absolutely stunning coastal views and a rewarding workout, with many praising the beauty of Vernazza and Monterosso. However, be prepared for steep stairs and challenging ascents, especially if starting from Monterosso. It's a popular trail, so expect company, but the scenery is consistently described as worth the effort.
"It was absolutely beautiful. It did take 1-2 hours and the stairs are quite the workout. Definitely have to stop and catch your breath from how much you climb up and down but if you love a good hike with gorgeous views I definitely recommend this. Some of the pathway is pretty narrow so be careful!
Also, if you hike when it's hot, bring a swimsuit and jump into the water at Vernazza or Monterosso, it feels MAGICAL."
Laura Pitka
"Very beautiful hike. WARNING for anyone that wants to do this hike but isn’t a seasoned hiker: start from Vernazza and go towards Monterosso!!
I started from Monterosso and it was a LOT of steep stairs & uphill. I read a review from someone on here who talked about having to climb up on all fours… while I didn’t get to that level I DEFINITELY was feeling that review to my core 😂😭
If I were to do it again, I would start from Vernazza. It’s doable both ways, but know that it will be more difficult if you start from Monterosso. The views will be beautiful & the same whichever town you start from. I had to take a lot of breaks, but many people (both old & young) did the same so I didn’t feel too left out.
I recommend you do the hike early in the morning or towards late afternoon, that way you can have a little bit of a breeze and it’s not constantly hot. For reference, we did the hike with a lot of breezes and I STILL had my shirt drenched with sweat.
If it is rainy, be careful!! Wear appropriate shoes for that. We did it while it was sunny & dry but there were many areas that were slip-potential.
Also, you can access the viewpoint of the Vernazza background for picture-taking WITHOUT having to hike. I have included a picture so you know which viewpoint I’m talking about."
Deniz Namik
"Beautiful hike! Definitely lots of stairs, which worked up quite a sweat in the heat. Views were totally worth it. Also, there was a small cat community (with little cat houses) that lives along the hike route close to Vernazza. A sign asks visitors to bring cat food/water because they have no owners. Really sweet cats!"
Sophia Pratt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to access the trailheads is by train. Monterosso and Levanto are well-connected by regional trains. You can also start from Vernazza, which is a popular intermediate stop. +1
Parking in Cinque Terre towns is very limited and expensive. It's highly recommended to use the train to reach Monterosso or Levanto.
Yes, the trail can be hiked from Monterosso to Levanto or vice versa. However, many travelers suggest starting from Vernazza towards Monterosso for a slightly easier ascent.
The Cinque Terre train is the most efficient and scenic way to hop between the five villages. A Cinque Terre Card often includes unlimited train travel.
Absolutely! The train is your best friend for accessing the trailheads in Monterosso and Levanto, and for exploring the other villages.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, access to the main coastal trails, including the one between Monterosso and Vernazza (which is part of the longer route), requires a Cinque Terre Card. This card also covers train travel between the villages.
Prices vary depending on the duration (1, 2, or 3 days). It's best to check the official Cinque Terre National Park website for current pricing.
You can purchase the card at any train station in the Cinque Terre villages, at the tourist information centers, or online in advance.
Discounts may be available for children, seniors, or families. Check the official park website for details.
The card typically includes access to the hiking trails, unlimited train travel on the Levanto-La Spezia line, use of park buses, and Wi-Fi access in the villages.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The section between Monterosso and Vernazza alone takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop. The full trail to Levanto is longer.
It's considered a medium-difficulty hike with many steep stairs and uneven terrain. It's a good workout!
No, there are no facilities directly on the trail. You'll find amenities in Monterosso, Vernazza, and Levanto.
Comfortable, breathable clothing and sturdy hiking shoes or trainers are essential. A hat and sunglasses are also recommended.
It can be challenging for very young children due to the steepness and stairs. Older children who are used to hiking may manage, but be prepared for frequent breaks.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The viewpoint overlooking Vernazza is a must-capture. You'll also find stunning coastal vistas throughout the hike.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer crowds, making for more dramatic and serene photos.
Yes, the iconic Vernazza viewpoint can be accessed without completing the entire hike.
Keep an eye out for the charming villages nestled into the cliffs and the vibrant blue of the Ligurian Sea.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A smartphone with a good camera is also sufficient for most visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Alternatively, families can enjoy the beauty of Vernazza and Monterosso without completing the entire hike. Monterosso's large sandy beach is a fantastic spot for kids to play and swim, offering a more relaxed experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own food and water to save money on expensive cafe stops. Monterosso has a large supermarket where you can stock up.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Starting early in the morning is a great strategy for solo hikers to enjoy the trails with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Cinque Terre Trails
Trail Etiquette is important here. When passing others, especially on narrow sections, be mindful and yield appropriately. Many visitors, young and old, complete the hike, but it's crucial to be prepared for the physical demands.
Direction Matters: While you can hike in either direction, many reviews suggest starting from Vernazza and heading towards Monterosso. This is because the initial climb from Monterosso can be quite steep and demanding. Starting from Vernazza allows for a more gradual ascent, though both directions offer spectacular views.
Monterosso: The Gateway to the Trail
When arriving in Monterosso, you'll find a more developed infrastructure compared to some of the other villages. This includes a good selection of restaurants, cafes, and accommodation options.
Getting to Monterosso is straightforward via train from major cities like Genoa or La Spezia. Once you're there, you can easily access the trailhead for the hike towards Vernazza. The town's accessibility and its beautiful beach make it an excellent base for exploring the Cinque Terre and enjoying the coastal trail.
The Vernazza Experience
Vernazza itself is a delightful village to explore. Its natural harbor is a focal point, with fishing boats bobbing in the water and small cafes lining the waterfront. The narrow, winding streets invite exploration, leading to hidden piazzas and charming shops.
For hikers, Vernazza offers a crucial resting point and a chance to refuel. Many recommend starting the hike from Vernazza towards Monterosso, as it involves a significant climb but is often considered more manageable than the reverse.
Social
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