The lower footpath that connects Corniglia to Manarola and then to Riomaggiore (the last part is called Lover’s path, Via dell’Amore) near to the coast, has been closed for years now and, although small sections are reopened each year, it will remain inaccessible for probably another 3 years.
More difficult, but beautiful and very scenic, is the higher path that passes through Volastra and takes you through the wonderful terraced vineyards. Here is the best place to observe the historical heritage of agriculture made up of small plains torn from the mountain.
The Cinque Terre villages and surrounding areas are a National Park and a UNESCO world heritage site because of those same dry stone walls you are looking at. The Park embraces almost 7000 km of these particular walls, that have been built stone by stone without mortar, by local farmers in order to make agriculture possible in this difficult cliff area.
In Corniglia reach the church called San Pietro. Behind the church you will find the beginning of the footpath no 587 (ex 7a) which starts with a steep climb. Please be careful not to miss the footpath no 586 (ex 6d) which will be on your right after about 20 minutes of climbing (about 350 m of altitude). From there on, the path is more flat and the famous vineyards of the Cinque Terre are very close by. Here you can see how this territory has been transformed by humans in the last thousand years. Follow the path until the little village of Volastra and enjoy a well-deserved rest in the shady piazza in front of the church. Two thousand years ago, this small village was called Vicus Oleaster which meant “the village of olive groves” Then you can walk down the footpath that crosses the ancient olive trees fields until you reach Manarola, footpath no 506 (ex 6).
Hiking time: about 2,30 hours Difficulty level: EE – experts. Length: 5,5 km. Difference in height: 410 m.