Can you hike the Cinque Terre in one day?

The hiking trails offer one of the best ways to take in all of Cinque Terre’s beauty!

But how long does it take to walk the five villages?

And can you see all Cinque Terre in one day?

These are certainly some of the most frequently asked questions regarding this part of the Italian Riviera.

Let’s try to find out the answers!

How long it takes for you to hike through the Cinque Terre depends on at least 2 important factors. 

1. One has to do with your fitness. Hiking in Cinque Terre is not as easy as some people think. In fact, most trails involve steep climbs and descents with steps. This means that hikers should have fit legs and knees, and possibly not suffer from vertigo, to keep a steady rhythm. Many paths are exposed to the sun, and this might have an impact on the pace of the hike when it gets hot.
2. The second element has to do with the condition of the hiking trails. That’s because they are not always open! The Cinque Terre National Park may occasionally close some tracts based on weather and overcrowding. So, before you set out hiking, make sure to check the status of the paths on the official site.

Assuming that you are in good health condition and that all the hiking trails that connect the 5 villages are open, it should take you about 5 hours to go from Riomaggiore to Monterosso or viceversa.

But that’s just if you trek the whole time!

You will need more time if you want to stop in each village.

A Slow Travel approach is surely desirable in a fragile area like Cinque Terre.

If you stay longer, you can explore deeper. 

At BeautifuLiguria, we suggest that you take at least 2 days to hike along the Cinque Terre at a comfortable pace.

This allows you to experience La Dolce Vita and to capture the individual essence of each village.

It’s also easier for you to appreciate the history and heritage of the territory, from the heroic viticulture to the dry-stone walls, from the healthy cuisine to the authentic artisanship.

If you book a hiking experience with BeautifuLiguria, our insiders will choose the most suitable paths based on your conditions and the weather.

And the experience can be enriched based on your preferences!

If you love wine, why not discover a secret trail among the vineyards and taste some local labels in a panoramic winery?

If you are a foodie, you will surely enjoy our walking tour with a tasting of delicious local food!

Check our trips and experiences lovingly crafted by real locals. We love the territory where we live and have selected for you the best of the best.