The Hiker's Handbook
Just a few simple rules to enjoy the rich trail network of Cinque Terre Park in complete safety
(Manarola - Sede del Parco, 11 Jun 24) Evocative and extraordinary: such is Cinque Terre Park. And the best way to get to know it is by walking on its numerous cliff-side tracks, on trails running by small villages and across mountains that decline - abruptly, sometimes - towards the sea rocks and the transparent water.
Here are some precautions for a safe hike.
1. Choose your trail according to your physical conditions and technical skills.
2. Read up on the characteristics of the route, by studying the topographical map (i.e., distances, differences in height, sources, fountains, etc.).
Download the map at the link
3. Ask for information on the trail's actual accessibility:
- At the Park info points at the Cinque Terre railway station, including La Spezia and Levanto.
- SKIP the QUEUE, buy the Cinque Terre Card online
- By downloading the free app "Guide to the Cinque Terre paths" at the link.
And by referring to:
4. Make sure your clothes and equipment are suitable for the hike's length and difficulty. If you use trekking poles, remember to put rubbers on the tips so as not to wear out the cobbled and natural grounds.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
OPEN FOOTWEAR AND/OR SMOOTH SOLES, I.E. NOT ANTI-SLIP (SUCH AS VIBRAM TYPE) ARE FORBIDDEN. TRANSGRESSORS WILL BE PUNISHED ACCORDING TO PARAGRAPH 2, ARTICLE 30 OF THE ITALIAN LAW NO. 394/91 AND SUBSQUENT AMENDMENTS AND ADDITIONS
"On the trails it is compulsory to wear closed, waterproof and ankle covering shoes, with an anti-slip sole."
5. Do not forget to include in your rucksack the equipment for any emergency, together with a small first aid kit.
6. Don't go on a hike by yourself, and anyway inform a trusted person about your planned itinerary.
7. Find out about the weather forecast by consulting our weather page or on the website www.meteomont.org.
8. If you have doubts, go back. It is sometimes better to quit a hike rather than running the risks of bad weather. Please remember that it is however prohibited to walk on the trails in case of adverse weather conditions, as you may endanger yourself and others.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
IN CASE OF YELLOW WEATHER WARNING, THE PARK, THROUGH ITS COMMUNICATION CHANNELS, ADVISES AGAINST ACCESSING THE PATH NETWORK AND RESERVES ITS RIGHT TO STOP THE SALE OF THE CINQUE TERRE TREKKING CARD, ACCORDING TO WEATHER CONDITIONS (BOTH AT THE WELCOME CENTERS AND ONLINE)
IN CASE OF ORANGE/RED WEATHER WARNING, THE PARK INFORMS THAT ACCESS TO THE WHOLE PATH NETWORK IS FORBIDDEN AND STOP THE SALE OF ALL SERVICE CARDS (BOTH AT THE WELCOME CENTERS AND ONLINE)
9. Take your garbage back with you and prefer canteen to plastic bottles.
10. Respect plants and animals. Respect local culture and traditions.
11. Do not leave the marked path.
12. In case of emergency, call 112 (first aid service).
13. Dogs must be kept always on a leash. They are not allowed to roam freely around the Park, as they may come across wildlife, which, even if not directly attacked by the animal, may suffer great stress or create safety problems, especially on the narrow and steeply sloping paths.
IMPORTANT NOTE. Before undertake a hike, visit the page with all information on the Park's path network updated in real time: by going to the link "CINQUE TERRE HIKING GUIDE", you will find all the thematic routes, the vertical, coastal and ridge paths, with its data sheets (i.e., accessibility, difficulty level, travel times, points of interest).
