The Cinque Terre are not very easy villages to visit for those of a certain age, especially for those with mobility problems, even if not serious. The steep descents, the stairways, the immediately deep sea make some precautions necessary.

How to arrive
All in all, unless you have serious motor problems, to get to the Cinque Terre the train is always the best option, maybe avoiding the busiest months like July and August, when especially in the morning and evening they get crowded and delays can be frequent with consequent waiting times in the Cinque Terre stations.
In some cases there are lifts in the various stations (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza), but it is always good to call one of the reception centers of the Cinque Terre to ensure their working. There are no lifts in Corniglia and Monterosso. In La Spezia Centrale they normally work, while in Levanto there are none.
In Riomaggiore then there are two lifts in the village, currently working, one near the church of San Giovanni, the other near the train station.
The Cinque Terre card train is discounted for people over 70. The card also includes the shuttle from Corniglia station to the village, about one km away. In the other villages, train stations are very very close.

Or the most comfortable way for elderly people is the car. Although it has its cons, namely the possibility of parking in the Cinque Terre. It must also be taken into account that in Monterosso the Fegina car park is practically on the beach, in Manarola and Riomaggiore at the beginning of the villages, while in Corniglia and above all Vernazza further away.

Finally, a very nice option is by boat, from La Spezia, Portovenere, or Lerici.
However, it must be borne in mind that in Riomaggiore the boarding point is a bit uncomfortable, with the access closed between the cliff and the sea.

Visiting
The simplest village to visit is Monterosso, largely flat, both in the Fegina area and in the historic center. Only the hill that divides the two parts, where the convent is located, is difficult to reach.
Corniglia is also easier to visit, after taking the shuttle from the train station, with the main street leading from the church of San Pietro to Largo Taragio and then to the terrace of Santa Maria.
Riomaggiore, Manarola and Vernazza are characterized by a main road that goes down quite steep, and by many stairways here and there. If you have motor problems they are not recommended. The same for the trekking trails, the only one would be the Via dell'Amore (Walk of Love).

Beaches
As before, the most suitable beaches for seniors are in Monterosso, larger, easily accessible and with bathing establishments.
Vernazza could be an option in the small beach in front of the church of Santa Margherita.
Riomaggiore and Corniglia are to be excluded due to the presence of large stones and the difficulty in entering the water; Manarola has only the marina area available.

Useful numbers
Cinque Terre useful numbers

All frequently asked questions about Cinque Terre