If you’ve been following my blog post on the current status of the Sentiero Azzurro, you already know that the portion of the coastal trail between Corniglia and Vernazza has been “unofficially” open since March of this calendar year.  Today the Cinque Terre National Park has announced that this portion of the coastal trail (also known in previous years as trail 2) has officially reopened to the public.

What does this mean to hikers in our area?

• The main difference is that you will no longer be able to hike that portion of the coastal trail for free (you’ll be required to have the hiking pass, which is €7.50 per day, or the Cinque Terre Card, which is €12 per day).
• You’ll notice more hikers on this trail as prior to today only those “in the know” knew it was still possible to hike.  With the official reopening, the tourist information offices will now be promoting this portion of the coastal trail to visitors to our area (whereas before, for liability reasons, they couldn’t).
• By officially opening this portion of the trail, the Cinque Terre National Park and the Comune di Vernazza will have a certain level of liability regarding the trail (while unofficially open those hiking were doing so at their own risk).