Distance
40 miles / 64km
Elevation Gain
2,560ft / 780m
Hiking Riomaggiore to Vernazza in Cinque Terre
Hiking Riomaggiore to Vernazza in Cinque Terre
One of Italy's most iconic coastal trails—vineyard terraces, ancient villages, and Mediterranean views at every turn
The hike from Riomaggiore to Vernazza is one of the most spectacular coastal trails in Italy, connecting three of Cinque Terre’s iconic villages through terraced vineyards and clifftop paths. This 6.6-mile (10.6 km) route climbs 1,900 feet through centuries-old agricultural landscapes, offering panoramic Mediterranean views and intimate glimpses into the region’s farming heritage. Best hiked in spring or fall when temperatures are cooler, this challenging trail rewards hikers with colorful villages, fresh lemonade stands, and some of the most photographed scenery on Italy’s Ligurian coast.
Location
St. Mary, Montana, USA
Surface
Paved Road
Difficulty
Level 3
Traffic
Level 2
Trail Overview
The Riomaggiore to Vernazza hike traverses the heart of Cinque Terre National Park, following ancient pathways built by generations of farmers who carved these steep hillsides into productive vineyards and olive groves. Unlike the easier (and often closed) Via dell’Amore coastal path, this route climbs high above the sea, winding through terraced landscapes that have defined this region for centuries.
The trail connects three villages—Riomaggiore, Manarola (via the hilltop hamlet of Volastra), Corniglia, and finally Vernazza—each offering distinct character and stunning coastal views. You’ll walk through working vineyards where local wine grapes still grow, pass rural stone homes that cling to impossibly steep terrain, and navigate narrow paths with dramatic drop-offs that reward careful footing with unforgettable panoramas.
This is Cinque Terre at its most authentic—challenging, beautiful, and deeply connected to the land and people who’ve shaped it.
Discover this ride on our Glacier National Park bike tour
Montana's Glacier National Park and Flathead Valley
What you need to know
RIDE DETAILS
This ride is 39 mile one way (East to West). Avid riders can do it as an out and back or you can plan to spend the night at Lake McDonald and have your luggage transfered. There is 2560 ft of climbing, 3878 ft descending for the one way route. 3.5% average grade ascending. Max Grade 8.5%, 5.6% average grade descending.
WEATHER
Summer and early September are all great times to ride this route .Check to see when the road opens after being cleared of snow typically sometime in mid-June.
FUEL
There is a small market with all the essentials at the St Mary Village otherwise your closest grocery is best found in the Flathead Valley. Make sure to pack extra water and food as if you are planning on a longer ride. There is no food or water available along the entire route.
While you’re in town
Make sure to check out Wild Goose Island viewpoint, Sunrift Gorge, Logan Pass Visitor Center and trails, Trail of the Cedars Nature Trail, Lake McDonald Lodge and boat tour on the lake during your stay in Glacier National park.
Check out Great Northern Cycle and Ski in Whitefish for your bike equiptment needs. Also don’t miss Many Glacier area and hikes, Waterton Lakes area and hikes. Boat tour on Waterton Lake (bring Passport), Whitefish shops and restaurants, Whitefish mountain summertime activities, white water rafting, fly fishing.
Whitefish and Kalispell have great restaurants and brewpubs of all sorts. Don’t miss the Great Northern Saloon in Whitefish for an authentic Wild West experience. You will also find good dining at all Park Lodges.
Ready for this ride?
Book early and save. We reward our guests with lower pricing and more dates to choose from the earlier you book. Rest assured, once you book, your price is guaranteed.
