As the name suggests – “Cinque Terre” means “Five Lands”. Nestled along the rugged Ligurian coastline of Italy, Cinque Terre is a collection of five enchanting, picturesque villages that together form a kaleidoscopic masterpiece. Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare – each possess a unique character, harmoniously blending pastel-colored houses, dramatic cliffs, and the azure embrace of the Ligurian Sea.
From colorful cliffside homes to crystal-clear turquoise waters, Cinque Terre is a paradise for nature lovers, vacations at leisure, and adventure seekers alike.
Embark on a journey with us through this UNESCO World Heritage site.
“Cinque Terre is not just a destination; it’s a living canvas.”
Whether you’re hiking the scenic trails, indulging in the simple pleasure of pesto-drenched pasta, or simply soaking in the sunset over the Mediterranean, Cinque Terre invites you to paint your own memories on this canvas.
Famous for – Seafood, wine and colorful clifftop houses
Language – The majority speak Italian. However, Cinque Terre has its own fascinating linguistic heritage. Locals chat away in their distinct dialect – a mix of Italian and Ligurian influences that has evolved over centuries. Let your ears drink it in, and don’t be shy to try a few words yourself.
Currency – Euro (like most EU countries)
Baby-friendly – You can definitely take your babies and children. However, a stroller is a no-go if you want to explore the villages. Preferable to carry a carrier.
Best time to visit –
Here’s the deal with timing your Cinque Terre escapade – aim for the sweet spot between April and October.
- Shoulder Season – If you want pleasant weather, and fewer crowds, aim for April, May, September, or October. However, it might get a bit chilly near the shore.
- Peak Season – If you want a lively atmosphere, the summer months of July and August are peak tourist season. Accommodations should be sorted sooner in this busiest season.
Duration of Stay recommended –This rugged stretch of Italian coastline may look small on the map, but don’t let its size fool you. There’s plenty to see and do here. To fully experience all the magic, we recommend staying at least 3-4 days. This allows enough time to explore the villages, hike, and relax at the beaches tucked away in each cove. With a longer stay, you can also take day trips to nearby destinations like Portovenere, catch a boat tour, and soak in the charm!
Money Transaction – Most of the restaurants and places do accept cards, however, it will be a good idea to grab out some cash. Also, there were very few ATMs around. The last thing you want is to miss out on a glass of local wine or a heaping plate of trofie al pesto because you’re tapped out.
Reaching Cinque Terre is possible by various means, and the most common way is by train.
- By Train
You can reach the villages by train from different major cities like Genoa, Pisa, and Florence. However, we recommend you take a train to La Spezia Centrale, which is the major train station near Cinque Terre. The Cinque Terre Express then connects La Spezia to all 5 villages. The journey from La Spezia to Monterosso al Mare (the northernmost village) takes about 20 minutes. - By Car
While the villages themselves are not accessible by car, you can drive to nearby towns like La Spezia and park your vehicle. From there, you can use trains or boats to reach Cinque Terre. - By Plane
The closest major airports are Pisa International Airport (PSA) and Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA). From these airports, you can take trains to La Spezia and then to Cinque Terre.
The train is hands down the best way to get around Cinque Terre. Hop aboard a train to zip through gorgeous hills and tunnels connecting the villages.
A one-way ticket will run you, 5€ for adults and 2.5€ for children. But if you’re planning on bouncing around a bunch in one day, spring for the Cinque Terre Card. It’ll score you unlimited train rides and access to the trails.
And get this – you actually need the card just to hike some of the trails. I know, crazy right?
There are two card options –
– Hiking only
– Hiking + Trains.
Grab them at the train stations or online to skip the lines. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.
Ready to wander through its five picturesque seaside villages?
We’ll start our journey in Riomaggiore, the southernmost village, and make our way up the coastline to Monterosso al Mare in the north. Each village exudes its own unique charm and beauty.
Inside each village, the streets are like a maze, but the good kind – the kind that leads you to unexpected gelato shops and little family-run trattorias serving up pesto that will ruin all other pesto for you.
Put your walking shoes on, as we take in the colorful houses, vineyards, dramatic cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, and winding cobblestone streets.
Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore, the first village along the famous Cinque Terre Express from La Spezia, welcomes you with its charming fishing harbor and colorful houses tumbling down to the sea. Don't miss the sunset views while sipping a glass of local wine along the waterfront. Take a romantic walk on the Via dell'Amore, hugging the cliffs high above the waves crashing below. In town, peek inside the historic Genoese Gothic style Church of San Giovanni Battista and climb up to the ruins of Castello di Riomaggiore for panoramas of the village. For a beach experience, head over to Spiaggia del Paese and enjoy the into the crystal clear waters.
Manarola
Manarola, what a stunner of a village! This was the very first village we visited, and it really set the bar high. Wandering the colorful streets dotted with bougainvillea-draped buildings was a feast for the eyes. The village has many elevated vantage points, to capture the best views of the Ligurian Sea. Don't miss the Church of San Lorenzo, with its one-of-a-kind black and white striped facade. When the sun starts setting, the whole village has a warm glow. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance and perhaps join locals at the waterfront for a relaxing evening. Manarola's charm lies not only in its views but in the genuine warmth of its people.
Corniglia
Corniglia, is the only village tucked up on a hill, away from the shore and doesn’t have a harbour. So, reaching it requires some effort - we're talking a climb up 375 stairs from the train station. Phew! Rather than take that route, we explored the area's hiking trails to reach the village. To take in the full splendor of the Cinque Terre shoreline, head up to the Santa Maria Belvedere terrace (Belvedere Affittacamere). The vantage point there offers an unbeatable panorama for soaking up the scenery. It's a sight you won't want to miss while visiting the region!
Vernazza
Vernazza, another gem in the Cinque Terre crown, is famous for stunning and awe-inspiring views. Get ready to snap some seriously Instagrammable photos! 😍 Don't forget to visit the iconic Doria Castle - perched high on the hill, it offers sweeping panoramas of the village and glittering Ligurian Sea. For a different perspective, consider hopping on a boat tour to soak up Vernazza's beauty from the sea. Though Vernazza was devastated by floods in 2011, this charming village has made an incredible recovery. Today, its resilient spirit shines through. Visitors can witness Vernazza's strength and character first-hand. Along with the beauty, its resilient spirit shines through. Visitors can witness Vernazza's strength and character first-hand.
Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso Al Mare, the biggest of the Cinque Terre villages. With its golden beaches, scenic hillsides, and a mix of old-world charm and modern comforts, this village welcomes you with open arms. The historic heart of Monterosso is the “Old Town” (Centro Storico), with its narrow medieval lanes, colorful buildings, and landmarks like the Church of San Giovanni Battista and the Aurora Tower. Wander these charming streets to soak up the authentic vibe and architecture. Compared to this, the New Town up north, especially Fegina, has a more modern energy. Visiting both the old and new town gives you the full Monterosso experience: historical charm meets contemporary buzz. Relax and stroll the lively seaside promenade and take a dive into the sea.
The villages of Cinque Terre beckon you to explore their
magical blend of past and present.
A Complete Hiking Guide covering the Trail is soon to be published.
Stay Tuned!
Trying to figure out where to stay, eh? I get it – with the colorful houses hugging steep cliffs and terraced vineyards cascading down to the sea, every village looks postcard-perfect.
Cinque Terre caters to different types of tourists.
Fancy waking up to sun-dappled vineyards right outside your window? Consider a farmstay agriturismo. Prefer listening to the sea gently lapping at night? Book a room with a balcony overlooking the harbor. Solo travelers on a budget should check out the friendly, sociable dorms or hostels are a choice, while families can stretch out in a spacious apartment steps from the beach.
But let me give you the inside scoop to help you pick the best home base.
When looking for accommodations, Vernazza stands out as an excellent home base. It has a great selection of rooms, apartments, and hotels to fit various budgets and styles.
Whether you want a quaint room in a historic building with old-world charm or a luxury hotel perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, you’ll find it in Vernazza. The friendly locals, delicious food, and lively atmosphere make it easy to see why many travelers say this is their favorite of the five towns. However, due to Vernazza’s popularity, the prices are pretty steep. Hence, we also recommend considering Riomaggiore and Monterosso as your home base.
In Riomaggiore, you have a lot of variety to choose from – charming B&Bs, small family-run hotels offering classic Italian hospitality, budget hostels, or for a more contemporary vibe consider one of the sleek boutique hotels that blends modern design with village charm.
Along with the other options mentioned above, Monterosso offers swanky seaside resorts with views of the Mediterranean. Book a room at one of the cliffside hotels, or apartment rentals lining the beach, or for a more cozier, community vibe, bed down in a family-run pensione in the historic city center.
La Spezia, can also be a great option for stay. You can commute by car within the city, park at one of the parking places and hop on the train to Cinque Terre.
Manarola is best for a day-trip, and Corniglia, given it’s reachability, is less popular for a home base!
Indulge in local cuisine starring local ingredients like fragnant basil, ripe tomatoes, seafood, and olive oil at the waterfront restaurants, savoring these must-try local dishes. It helps when you know the local names of the dishes.
- Pesto Genovese – Relish the authentic Ligurian pesto, made with fresh basil, pine nuts for a delightful added crunch, Parmesan, garlic, and high-quality olive oil. For a quintessential Cinque Terre experience, enjoy it cloaked over trofie pasta.
- Focaccia – Cinque Terre’s famous focaccia is the ideal snack. Fluffy and aromatic, it can be plain or studded with juicy tomatoes, briny olives, or earthy rosemary. Grab a slice from a local bakery to savor the complex flavors of this Ligurian flatbread.
- Frittura di Calamari e Gamberi – The jewel-like calamari and sweet shrimp are plucked fresh from the Ligurian Sea and fried to golden perfection. Let the clean, briny flavors shine through with each tender bite.
- Farinata – This chickpea flour pancake is a beloved street food, with a pleasing contrast of a crisp exterior and a soft, almost creamy interior. Accented by the fruitiness of local olive oil, farinata makes an addictive anytime snack.
- Acciughe Marinate – Simple marinated anchovies, a local delicacy. Cured in vinegar, salt, and herbs, these local anchovies create a flavorful and tangy dish.
- Fritto Misto – A medley of fried seafood is the ultimate indulgence. From calamari to shrimp, this is sure to satisfy. This fried mix is available at tiny, cute shops in the village or out at the waterfront in paper cones. We found Riomaggiore’s fritto misto unparalleled.
- Gelato – When the summer sun scorches or your palate yearns for something sweet, gelato soothes. Creamy, velvety, and intensely flavored with seasonal fruit flavours or rich chocolate, each spoonful melts decadently on your tongue. The perfect finish to a mouthwatering culinary adventure.
Pair these dishes with a glass of local Ligurian wine, and you’ll have a true taste of Cinque Terre’s gastronomic delights. Buon appetito!
- Explore the 5 villages.
- Do not miss to hike the Blue Trail.Trust me, even if you aren’t a hiker, you’ll be awestruck by the views.
- Sign up for a cooking class to master the art of pesto making. This is the birthplace of pesto after all!
- Watch the sunset paint the cliffs of Riomaggiore pink or reflect on the shimmering water in Manarola – pure magic!
- Have your camera ready to capture Instagram-worthy shots at soon-to-be-revealed spots. Guide publishing soon. Stay tuned!
- And be sure to treat yourself to the freshest seafood and creamiest gelato – you’re on vacation, so live a little!
- Take a boat tour to admire the villages from the sea. Or tour the vineyards and taste the delightful local wines.
- To truly experience all the wonders of Cinque Terre, plan on spending a minimum of at least two full days here.
- Avoid the peak tourist crowds if you can by visiting in the shoulder season.
Take your time, immerse yourself in the culture and let Cinque Terre work its charm on you. By the time you leave, you’ll feel like you know these five villages like old friends.