The pathway connecting Riomaggiore and Manarola goes by the name of Via dell’Amore – the Path of Love. This route is typically level and manageable for walking, yet its availability is frequently affected by landslides. It connects the picturesque villages of Riomaggiore and Manarola and is only about 1 km long. The trail  carves its way through solid rock, meandering alongside the cliff’s edge that hovers above the sea.

The origins of the Via dell’Amore path trace back to the early 20th century, during the upgrading of the Genoa – La Spezia railway line. A pedestrian path was required for the railroad laborers to navigate between Riomaggiore and Manarola while the tunnel connecting the two villages was under construction. The tale goes that this footpath evolved into a rendezvous spot for romantics hailing from both towns.

Blue Trail: The journey commences near the Riomaggiore train station, where a staircase awaits on the left. After just a handful of steps, the sea unfolds before your eyes. Geomorphologically speaking, you’re treated to the spectacle of Riomaggiore’s sandstones and the visible remnants of marine erosion. Along the way, the vegetation showcases an array of plant life including agaves, sea fennel, wallflowers, and the rare Brassica robertiana. As you approach the trail’s conclusion, you’ll pass beneath terraced vineyards that command a view over Manarola’s railway station. To enter the town, a pedestrian tunnel approximately 150 meters in length leads the way.

High Trail: If this trail is closed, you have the option to take the train to Manarola or hike a much more difficult trail, the high route, to the next town. The starting point for the high route is situated a mere 5 minutes away from the Via dell’Amore. This trail involves a sequence of stone steps and steep ascents. Despite the demanding uphill stretches, the climb affords breath-taking vistas of the coastline.

Blue Route: From Manarola, the route progresses towards Marina di Manarola before ascending towards the cemetery. Here, a crossroads emerges at the level of a Madonna chapel originating from 1860. Opting for the right path leads to the village of Volastra, via Poggio Le Croci. On the other hand, choosing the leftward route keeps you on track towards Corniglia, guided by a level pathway.

The final segment of the journey traces the course of an artificial beach formed during the construction of the erstwhile railway, spanning approximately a kilometer. Prior to arriving at the Corniglia train station, your path takes you through Valle Asciutta. Crossing the canal, the trajectory continues alongside Corniglia’s beach, culminating at the station. To reach the village itself, ascending the Lardarina staircase consisting of 377 steps, elevating you to 90 meters above sea level, is a necessity. The total elevation gain along the trail sums up to 120 meters.

High Trail: The first segment of the journey leads up to Volastra, followed by a path from Volastra to the junction with path near Case Pianca, and ultimately a path from Case Pianca to Corniglia. This route entails an estimated duration of approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. Considered of moderate difficulty, the trail spans around 5.5 kilometers. Commencing from Manarola, ascend Via Discovolo towards the town’s exit. Proceed along a mule track to reach Pie di Fiesse, near the coastal road, briefly following the paved road in the direction of Groppo. Subsequently, ascend towards Volastra by taking the ancient municipal staircase on the left.From Volastra, the route traces along the provincial road of the Sanctuaries towards the northwest, winding through vineyards and dry stone walls, passing by Case Porciana. Upon traversing this diminutive hamlet, the path delves into a maritime pine forest, leading to the intersection with path 587 Corniglia-Cigoletta beneath Case Pianca.nFrom this point, the path descends towards Corniglia, leading through a pine forest and subsequently past terraced plots of vineyards and olive trees, many of which lie abandoned. Continue along a steep staircase and certain uneven sections until reaching the church of San Lorenzo.

Blue Route: Starting from the church of San Pietro, follow Via Serra as it leads you out of the town via a narrow paved road. Cross the paved road and continue your descent, crossing over the Rio Groppo. From there, you will ascend once again, ascending through tall dry stone walls that enclose terraced strips of land adorned with olive trees. The ascent along the paved road persists, taking you to a bridge spanning the Fosso del Canaletto. The path transforms into a stone mule track, incorporating stairs in certain sections. At this juncture, a panoramic viewpoint materializes, revealing Corniglia below and the valley featuring the Guvano beach.

Persist with the climb until you arrive at the village of Prevo, situated at an elevation of 280 meters. Continue onward on a gentle incline, winding through olive groves until you encounter a stairway that descends towards the precipitous coast of Macereto. As you make your way downwards, Vernazza unveils its stunning magnificence, and you will remain on the descending trajectory until you reach Via Roma and the heart of the town square.

Blue Route: Embarking on the blue path connecting Vernazza and Monterosso, your journey begins from the charming port of Vernazza. Ascend Via Roma and swiftly veer left into a narrow alley, which soon transforms into a staircase. This path leads you to the Santa Margherita church. As you continue your ascent, the staircase transitions into an earthen trail, persistently guiding you uphill. Take care and stay observant as you cross a diminutive bridge spanning the Rio Riolo. Your upward journey leads you along a steep mule track, ultimately arriving at the panoramic expanse surrounded by olive trees at Costa Mesorano.

The course now takes you through a series of ascents and descents, guiding you amidst the Mediterranean vegetation, occasional pockets of precious wetlands, terraced vineyards, and the commencement of lemon groves. Eventually, you embark on a descent by way of a staircase lined with stone walls, eventually arriving at the breath-taking cliff of Punta Corone. From this vantage point, you can take in views of Monterosso and the hill of San Cristoforo.

Among the five picturesque towns of Cinque Terre, Monterosso al Mare stands out with its resort-like ambiance. While it retains its enchanting historic core, the village differentiates itself with a more contemporary extension that stretches northward along the coastline. This modern facet, coupled with its distinction as the region’s prime beach destination, grants Monterosso a distinctive allure for travelers exploring the Cinque Terre. This village caters to a diverse audience, attracting Italian holidaymakers who relish the lido experience and drawing in international tourists as well.