Imagine vibrant, colorful houses perched on rugged cliffs, overlooking the shimmering turquoise waves of the Mediterranean. It sounds like a scene from a fairy tale, doesn’t it? In Cinque Terre National Park, Italy, you can step right into this enchanting story.
Nestled along the Ligurian Riviera, Cinque Terre comprises five stunning villages, each seemingly carved into the dramatic rock formations. This entire region is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s easy to see why.
Every village has its unique charm, offering awe-inspiring views and that quintessential dolce vita atmosphere that defines the Italian coast. Whether you’re strolling through the narrow streets, savoring local cuisine, or simply soaking in the breathtaking landscapes, Cinque Terre promises an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is a beloved destination, attracting both tourists and locals, so you can expect it to be busy year-round. The villages are quaint, with narrow streets, adding to the charm but also the crowds.
If you enjoy summer holidays and swimming, the best time to visit is between May and September. However, be prepared for peak tourist season during these months, especially when Italians are on holiday.
For those who prefer hiking and don’t mind warmer weather, March to May or September and October are ideal times to explore Cinque Terre.
TIP: If you’re passionate about Italy like I am, be sure to check out an article on the most beautiful places in Italy.
How Many Days to Spend in Cinque Terre for the Best Experience
The number of days you spend in Cinque Terre will depend on your preferences, your planned activities, and how you choose to explore the villages. If you opt for the train, it’s possible to visit all five villages in a single day.
However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace, consider setting aside 3 to 4 days to fully experience and enjoy Cinque Terre.
Best Hotels in Cinque Terre
You don’t need to stay in Cinque Terre to explore it, but staying there offers a unique opportunity to experience the region more intimately than just a day trip. Despite what you might think, each village has plenty of accommodation options.
For a beachfront stay, consider La Polena Camere Vernazza in the village of Vernazza. In Manarola, you can enjoy stunning views at Manarola Sea View. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, look into La Spezia, the gateway to Cinque Terre, where you can stay at La Spezia by The First – Luxury Rooms & Suites.
How to Travel to Cinque Terre Efficiently
Cinque Terre is well-connected by rail, making the train the easiest way to get around. You can reach Cinque Terre from La Spezia, Levanto, or even the farther city of Genoa. I traveled from Genoa, and it was just an hour away on a clean, air-conditioned train.
If you’re anywhere in the Liguria region, getting to Cinque Terre is relatively simple, thanks to Italy’s efficient train network. (Though not perfect—I encountered a surprise train strike during my trip! 😄 But still better than Czech Railways.)
For train travel, I recommend using the Trenitalia app. It lets you find connections and purchase tickets on the go. (And fortunately, no strikes get scheduled through the app! 😄).
Best Ways to Travel Between Villages in Cinque Terre
Since the railway runs through all the villages in Cinque Terre, taking the train is a convenient way to travel between them. The train stops at each village, and you can purchase a Cinque Terre Card, which allows unlimited travel between the villages. The card’s price varies based on age, the number of days, and whether you want to include access to the hiking trails. You can purchase it online.
Each train ride between villages costs €5, so you’ll need to decide if the card is worth it for your trip. For instance, visiting three villages would cost €15, while a one-day pass costs €18.20.
For those who enjoy hiking, there are trails connecting the villages in Cinque Terre. However, these trails aren’t always open due to landslides, so be sure to check their availability beforehand. Keep in mind that there is a fee to access the coastal paths.
Another option is taking a boat tour, which drops you off at each village. While this is likely the most expensive option, the views from the sea are breathtaking and worth the extra cost.
14 Best Things to Do and See in Cinque Terre
As mentioned earlier, Cinque Terre is made up of five charming villages, each worth exploring. Whether you decide to visit all of them or just a select few, there’s so much more to discover. Here are my 14 top tips on what to see and do in Cinque Terre.
Monterosso al Mare
The first village I visited was Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five. It’s nestled in a bay on the eastern side of Punta Mesco cape and is divided into two distinct parts: the historic old town and the more modern area, separated by a rocky cliff.
Monterosso al Mare is essentially the hub of Cinque Terre, home to the expansive Fegina beach resort. The beach here is very accessible, making it ideal for families with children. Monterosso offers the best swimming conditions of all the villages, which is why it tends to attract large crowds and long queues.
In addition to its beach, Monterosso boasts beautiful landmarks, such as the Gothic Church of San Giovanni Battista, dating back to the late 13th century, and the 17th-century Capuchin Monastery of San Francesco.
TIP: Arrive early in the morning, before 9:00 AM, to enjoy the village before the crowds arrive.
Manarola
Manarola is likely the village you’ve seen in iconic photos of Italy. As the oldest of the five Cinque Terre villages, it captivates visitors with its stunning views of pastel-colored houses perched on cliffs overlooking the wide-open sea. The village is also home to the 14th-century Church of San Lorenzo.
Often ranked among the most beautiful villages in Europe and the world, Manarola draws visitors with its breathtaking vistas, charming town center, and the picturesque Piazza Castello.
Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore is another enchanting village, with picturesque houses cascading down the hillside above the harbor. The view is truly breathtaking.
Between the main part of Riomaggiore and the train station, you’ll find the small military fortress, Castello di Riomaggiore, as well as the main municipal church, San Giovanni Battista, which stands proudly in the square.
Swimming is also an option in Riomaggiore. The village’s only beach is located about 150 meters from the harbor. While it’s a beautiful spot with crystal-clear water, access can be a bit challenging, and the beach itself is rocky.
Vernazza
Vernazza, the third largest village in Cinque Terre, is often regarded as the most beautiful by many visitors. It boasts two main landmarks: the medieval Castello Doria and the Romanesque Church of San Margherita. You can explore the castle for a small fee of 1.5 euros.
Naturally, Vernazza offers some stunning viewpoints, with the best views found at the harbor or from the watchtower. It also has the only natural harbor in the entire Cinque Terre region.
Corniglia
The village of Corniglia sits 90 meters above sea level, so be prepared to climb a significant number of stairs from the train station to reach it. Corniglia is the smallest of the Cinque Terre villages, with only about 150 residents, making it the least visited.
Despite its size, Corniglia offers a beautiful natural beach, several charming squares, and the small Gothic Church of San Pietro. It’s also the only village in Cinque Terre without its own boat harbor or direct access to the sea.
Boating along the Cinque Terre
Seeing Cinque Terre from the water offers a completely unique perspective! Consider booking a boat tour along Cinque Terre National Park to explore each village from the sea. Various companies offer cruises departing from different towns, with prices starting at around 20 euros.
Best Beaches and Swimming Spots in Cinque Terre
The crystal-clear waters of Cinque Terre are perfect for swimming, and the area boasts several beautiful beaches. Some of the best beaches include:
- Fegina: A sandy beach in Monterosso al Mare, offering the best access to the sea, along with sunbeds, umbrellas, and nearby restaurants.
- Guvano: A natural beach in the rugged village of Corniglia, perfect for those seeking a more secluded experience.
- Vernazza: A beach in the village of Vernazza, featuring pebbles and rocks, ideal for those who appreciate a more rustic setting.
- Spiaggia di Riomaggiore: A pebble and stone beach in the village of Riomaggiore, offering a unique and picturesque spot for swimming.
Kayaking
Cinque Terre is home to stunning waterfalls and caves, best explored by kayak. You can rent a kayak for just 5 euros per hour to discover these hidden gems up close.
Sentiero Azzurro trail
As mentioned earlier, Cinque Terre is a hiker’s paradise, boasting an extensive network of trails for all skill levels. The most popular and well-known is the Sentiero Azzurro, or Blue Trail.
This 12-kilometer trail links all five villages and offers breathtaking views along the way.
Taste the local delicacies
Remember, you’re still in Italy, and Cinque Terre is no exception when it comes to local culinary delights. The Liguria region is known for its excellent fish, seafood, game, and hearty soups. One of the area’s signature dishes is basil pesto, made from fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Make your own pesto
Since we’ve touched on pesto, it’s worth noting that you can try your hand at making your own while in Cinque Terre.
Local chefs offer workshops where you’ll learn to craft authentic pesto, Italian style. You’ll also get to enjoy delicious wine and a great meal as part of the experience—and it’s definitely worth it!
You can find these classes on the GetYourGuide portal.
Wine tasting
The abundance of vineyards in Cinque Terre is something you can’t miss, so be sure to sample the local wines during your visit. Cinque Terre’s wines are among the finest in the Liguria region.
Portovenere
While Portovenere isn’t officially one of the five villages of Cinque Terre, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and well worth a visit if you have the time.
Portovenere charms visitors with its colorful houses, rocky cliffs, scenic promenade, and historic churches and castles. Notable landmarks include St. Peter’s Church, St. Lawrence Church, Doria Castle, the Porta del Borgo, and the Capitoline Tower.
The Bay of Poets
Just a few kilometers from Cinque Terre lies the Bay of Poets, a destination well worth exploring. This picturesque bay earned its name from the many artists and poets who frequented the area for inspiration. The bay also surrounds the charming town of Portovenere, adding to its allure.
Interesting facts about Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is a truly stunning destination and absolutely worth visiting. Here are a few fascinating facts about it:
- The villages are spread out over 12 kilometers of coastline.
- Originally, the villages were not connected by rail. It wasn’t until 1874 that the railway line between Genoa and La Spezia linked them together.
- The original inhabitants were primarily fishermen and wine growers.
- In 1997, Cinque Terre was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The name “Cinque Terre” translates to “Five Lands,” referring to the five villages.
- The colorful houses aren’t just for aesthetics—they were painted brightly to help fishermen easily spot their homes when returning from the sea.
Frequently asked questions:
What is Cinque Terre?
Cinque Terre is the name given to five picturesque fishing villages on Italy’s Ligurian coast. These villages are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.
How do I get to Cinque Terre?
The nearest airport is Pisa or Genoa, and from there you can continue by train or bus. The villages are also accessible by boat. You can also use trains or trails to travel between villages.
Is Cinque Terre suitable for families with children?
Yes, you can visit Cinque Terre with children. However, some of the trails are steeper, so make sure to adjust the hike for children. The beaches are ideal for relaxing and swimming.
