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Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre (Five Lands) is a UNESCO World Heritage site located on Italy’s northwest coast. It consists of five villages, from North to South: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. These sleepy hilltop fishing villages have retained their traditional feel, with colourful narrow streets, terraced vineyards, and breathtaking seaside views.

You can visit all five villages in a day, but to really soak up the Cinque Terre experience, I’d suggest staying for at least two full days. This gives you time to wander through the picturesque streets at your own pace, explore the stunning hiking trails, take a boat tour along the coast, savour the local dishes, and enjoy those unforgettable Mediterranean sunsets.

Things to Do

Monterosso al Mare

If you’re craving a bit of beach time, Monterosso al Mare is the place to be. This village has the region’s best sandy beaches, perfect for a day of sunbathing and swimming. During the high season, you can rent a sunbed and umbrella, we paid €35 for the whole day but prices may vary. Take some time to explore the charming old town, and be sure to see the Giant: a huge statue of Neptune that overlooks the coastline.

Vernazza

Vernazza is one of the most charming and popular of the five villages, and it’s easy to understand why. The small harbour, filled with fishing boats, and the surrounding pastel-coloured houses create a postcard-perfect scene. For stunning views of the village and the sea, hike up to the trail or visit Doria Castle. Alternatively, relax on a terrace by the harbour or take a dip at the small beach.

Corniglia

Corniglia offers a different vibe from the other villages. It is located high on a cliff and away from the sea, it is the only village where the train doesn’t stop directly in the centre. You can either climb the Lardarina staircase (just over 380 steps) or take a shuttle bus from the train station. The effort is rewarded with Corniglia’s serene atmosphere, quaint charm, and stunning coastal views.

Manarola

Surrounded by vineyards with its vibrant houses cascading down the hillside towards the sea, Manarola is a feast for the eyes. Spend an afternoon wandering around the village, and make sure to sample some of the local Sciacchetrà wine. For the best views, head to the Manarola Overlook Viewpoint or enjoy the scenery while dining at Nessun Dorma.

Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore is one of the bigger villages, and its charm lies in the stunning view of the harbour. Its typical colourful houses stacked up against the steep cliffs creates a dramatic backdrop. Wander through the narrow streets and make your way to the small harbour to watch the fishermen at work. In the evening, treat yourself to a memorable meal at one of the village’s many excellent restaurants (we enjoyed a delicious pasta at La Cantina del Macellaio).

Sunset boat tour

Wrap up your day with a sunset boat tour with Cinque Terre dal Mare. Admire the five villages from the water, enjoy some focaccia and wine, take a dip while the sun is setting, and soak in the relaxed atmosphere.

Fish in a cone

Try fish and chips served in a cone from Il Pescato Cucinato or Tutti Fritti. Grab your snack and head to the rocks to enjoy this tasty treat while watching the sunset.

Pizza on the rocks

Prefer pizza? Pick up a takeaway from Pizzeria Kepris and enjoy it on the rocks instead!

Lerici

While Cinque Terre is undoubtedly captivating, the surrounding area offers additional gems worth exploring. One of these gems is Lerici, a charming coastal town, offering a peaceful escape from the busier Cinque Terre villages. Stroll along the picturesque promenade, explore the medieval Castello di Lerici, or enjoy a coffee at one of the waterfront cafes.

For a serene beach day, head to La Caletta Beach, a secluded spot around a 10-minute walk from Lerici. Known for its crystal-clear waters and rocky shoreline, La Caletta is perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and relaxing away from the crowds.

Cinque Terre Map

Make sure to save this map to explore the highlights of Cinque Terre more easily!

How to Visit Cinque Terre

The nearest airports to Cinque Terre are in Pisa and Genoa, both of which are well connected to major European cities. From either airport, the easiest way to reach Cinque Terre is by train. Pisa’s airport is particularly convenient, with a direct train line to La Spezia, the gateway to Cinque Terre.

Getting Around Cinque Terre

By train

The most convenient and efficient way to explore Cinque Terre is by train. The Cinque Terre Express runs every 15-30 minutes between all five villages, making it easy to hop from one to another. If you plan to visit multiple villages in a day, the Cinque Terre Card is a great option. Priced between €19.50 and €32.50, the card offers unlimited train travel and access to hiking trails within the national park. For the most up-to-date schedules and ticket prices, be sure to check Trenitalia before your trip.

By foot

For those who love an active adventure, hiking is a fantastic way to explore Cinque Terre. The Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) is the most popular route, connecting all five villages along the coast. The trails offer some of the most stunning views in the region, with each segment varying in difficulty and duration. While some sections of the trails are free, others require a pass, which is included in the Cinque Terre Card.

Wear sturdy shoes (flip-flops are not allowed), bring plenty of water, and check trail conditions before setting out, as some paths may be closed due to weather or maintenance.

By boat

Seeing Cinque Terre from the water provides a unique and breathtaking perspective of the villages. Boat tours run regularly from mid-April to October, connecting the villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Tickets can be purchased at the docks or online, and prices vary depending on the length of the trip and the number of stops. A day pass is available for those who wish to hop on and off at different villages.

Note: the ferry does not stop in Corniglia, as it is the only village without direct sea access. However, this village can be reached easily by train or on foot.

By car

It is not recommended to drive around and to the villages of Cinque Terre, as the area is hard to reach and parking is limited and expensive.

If you’re travelling by car, the best option is to park in La Spezia. From there, it’s just a 10-minute train ride to Riomaggiore, the first of the Cinque Terre villages. La Spezia has several secure parking options, including garages and lots near the train station.

Where to Stay in Cinque Terre

Accommodation in Cinque Terre tends to book up well in advance and can be quite pricey. Most options are found in Riomaggiore and Monterosso. We particularly enjoyed our stay in Riomaggiore, which was ideal for exploring the villages at our own pace.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider staying in La Spezia. Located just a short distance from the villages, it offers more affordable lodging while still providing easy access to the stunning Cinque Terre villages.

I edited all images with the Vibes Preset – or check it out on it on Etsy.