Hiking the Corniglia-Vernazza Trail with Kids in Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre, which translates to "Five Lands", is a collection of 5 small towns with colorful houses perched on steep cliffs along the Italian coast. These towns are connected by a trail called the Blue Path, which is regarded as one of the most beautiful in all of Italy!
Below, we describe a section of the Blue Path between the towns of Corniglia and Vernazza.
The Corniglia to Vernazza Trail: One of the Most Popular and Easiest Hiking Trails in Cinque Terre
This trail is perfect for starting your hiking adventure in this region. The Corniglia to Vernazza trail is not just a leisurely walk, but a rugged adventure! However, the trail is well-prepared and safe, so it doesn't require any technical skills or expertise. The main challenge of the trail is the uphill climb, but if you enjoy hiking and beautiful views, you will surely be amazed!
- Wear trekking shoes for the trail.
- It's best to hike the trail in the morning from Corniglia to Vernazza to avoid walking under the sun.
- A significant portion of the trail is exposed to the sun, so bring water, sunscreen, a headscarf (it can get windy), and on hot days, plan your trip to spend the sunny noon in one of the towns.
- Dogs are allowed on the trail, there is no fee for dogs, but they must be kept on a leash (it's best to visit outside of the peak season, as the trails can be crowded during summer holidays).
- People with a fear of heights may feel uncomfortable.
Hiking the Corniglia to Vernazza Trail with Kids
The trail does not have rocky ascents or chains. It is simply a rocky path, and we climb the elevation by stepping on stone stairs. Almost the entire trail is secured with railings, and even in places without railings, the path is wide enough to feel safe. Therefore, you can comfortably take older preschoolers on the trail if they are physically fit and capable of handling the significant elevation difference. You can assess the height you need to climb from the photos (remember, we start from sea level). Of course, the views are incredible, and it's worth the effort!
We recommend this trail for children who can exercise caution and not run off or wander away.
Corniglia: Train Station and Stairs
If you arrived in Corniglia by train (which is the fastest, most frequent, and easiest mode of transportation between the towns of Cinque Terre), remember that the train station is located below the town (right by the sea). To reach the town itself, you need to climb 382 steps or take a bus, which departs five minutes after the train arrives (the bus is free with the Cinque Terre Card). The trail to Vernazza starts from the town of Corniglia.
Corniglia: Town Description
The stairs actually have a advantage - Corniglia is less visited by tourists compared to other towns, making it much quieter and more intimate. While exploring its narrow streets, we discovered several scenic viewpoints.
Corniglia to Vernazza Trail Description
Trails in Cinque Terre usually have a similar characteristic - we ascend from the starting town to a cliff and then descend to the destination town. So, even though the distances between towns are not large, traversing them can be quite challenging! Prepare yourself for a long and tiring uphill climb, followed by a descent to sea level. But it's all worth it for the views!
The beginning of the trail takes us through charming alleyways amidst stone walls and olive groves. Here, we experience the idyllic atmosphere of an Italian countryside village.
However, it's not all easy - we will climb many uneven stone steps. There are quite a few steps along the trail!
The middle section of the trail feels like a "balcony with a view of the sea". We walk almost on flat terrain with an open view of the sea - oh, what more could we ask for?! Especially in January, when Poland is freezing with snow, we cherished every ray of sunshine!
Although most of the trail has secure railings, there are some sections without them. When hiking with children, we need to be more cautious in those areas. We did not encounter very narrow or difficult passages right next to the cliffs that would make us feel uncomfortable. The trail is safe if you walk calmly. However, if you have a child who tends to run off, wander away, or not respond to calls, we strongly advise against taking them on this trail.
Agave
On the trail, we were intrigued by the characteristic, towering flower stalks. As we read, these are the flower stalks of the agave plant, which belongs to the asparagus family. Agave plants thrive in sunny environments and naturally grow in desert areas of North and South America. Their large, thick leaves are equipped with sharp spines.
Descent to Vernazza
Soon after a bend, Vernazza emerges before us. The descent to Vernazza is truly enchanting - from above, you can see the town perched on the cliff with its distinctive tower.
Vernazza
Vernazza is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and characteristic towns in Cinque Terre - and it looks even more stunning when viewed from above! Jutting out into the sea, the rock features a distinctive tower-fortress called Castello Doria, which served as a lookout point in the past. The tower is a remnant of the castle that once had defensive functions.
Vernazza Beaches
Vernazza used to have two beaches. The larger one was located on the other side of the cliff, accessible through a rocky tunnel - but the sea has flooded that beach. Currently, there is a very small beach right by the waterfront in Vernazza.
Publish Date: 2020-01-22
Last Updated: 2023-02-18
More in the Region Włochy (Italy)
Total Length 60 km
