Blue-Green Trail: Riomaggiore - Monterosso

A route divided into four sections

The coastal Blue-Green Trail is identified as REL 592 and consists of four separate segments. It crosses Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare, alternating sea-view promenades, steps, mule tracks, cultivated terraces and Mediterranean scrub. Check the opening status and access rules for each section before planning the hike.

592-1: Riomaggiore - Manarola, Via dell'Amore

The first section is the Via dell'Amore: 1.112 km, approximately 25 minutes and tourist difficulty. The promenade runs above the sea and links Riomaggiore to Manarola. Tourist access is regulated: entry is in Riomaggiore, exit in Manarola and the path is normally one-way, with booking and limited availability according to the Park rules.

592-2: Manarola - Corniglia

The second section is 2.184 km long, requires approximately 1 hour 15 minutes and is classified as hiking difficulty. The coastal route follows the Birolli promenade, passes the Madonna del Luogo votive shrine and continues towards Corniglia railway station. The official Park page may report closures caused by landslides: always check the updated status before departure.

592-3: Corniglia - Vernazza

The Corniglia - Vernazza section is 4.137 km long, requires approximately 1 hour 30 minutes and is classified for experienced hikers, with 269 metres of elevation gain. From Corniglia station the route reaches the Lardarina stairway, with 33 flights and 377 steps, then continues along Via Serra. It crosses olive terraces, passes Rio della Groppa and Fosso del Canaletto, reaches Prevo and descends towards Vernazza through the Macereto coastline.

592-4: Vernazza - Monterosso

The final section is 3.668 km long, requires approximately 2 hours and is classified for experienced hikers, with 217 metres of elevation gain. From Vernazza the trail climbs through narrow lanes and steps, crosses Rio Riolo and reaches the panoramic Costa Mesorano area. It then continues among ups and downs, Mediterranean scrub, water channels, historic lemon groves and terraced vineyards to Monterosso al Mare. During peak periods the Park may introduce restrictions or one-way systems.

Landscape and services

The official Park pages report holm-oak woodland, tall scrub, cultivated land, cliff vegetation and tree-spurge scrub along the SVA system. The villages provide equipped areas, shops and water points. A Cinque Terre Card is required for some sections; the Via dell'Amore follows dedicated access rules.

The Blue-Green Trail must not automatically be considered continuously accessible: always check the updated status of each section on the official Cinque Terre National Park website. The Via dell'Amore has regulated access. Some segments may be closed because of landslides or maintenance; during peak periods one-way systems or restrictions may also be introduced. Wear hiking footwear with good grip, hike only in favourable weather and plan alternatives or train transfers between villages where necessary.