Last updated on January 25th, 2023
Cinque Terre is a group of five UNESCO-protected towns on the Ligurian coast in Italy. These towns have not changed much over the years, making them a charming escape and a truly magical place to visit.
The five towns include Vernazza, Monterosso, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Each is as picturesque as the rest and a wonderfully romantic getaway from the busier cities nearby.
Cinque Terre is the perfect place to relax, eat delicious food, and enjoy the beauty of these preserved towns. This guide to the towns of Cinque Terre goes into everything you need to know to plan your trip to the five lands.
When to Visit Cinque Terre
Most places in Italy are best to visit between May and early September, with peak season being the months of July and August. During these months, the weather is at its warmest, and tourist attractions are in full swing. Of course, that means that the towns will be much busier and accommodations higher in price.
Visiting during the shoulder months of late April to early May and September and October are a good alternative if you want to explore the towns without feeling overwhelmed with tourists. Though the weather may be a little cooler, it is still warm enough to enjoy the outdoors and be near the water. Many towns in Italy run mainly on tourism. Because of this, many shops and tour companies do not open during the winter months.
Getting to Cinque Terre
Take the Train
The easiest way to get there is by train. However, since it is on the water, you can also get there by boat. If you are doing a tour of the countryside renting a car is another option to take you to the main towns.
If you are flying into Italy, the closest towns with airports are Pisa and Genoa. Both towns have stations that will take you directly to Cinque Terre.
There are train stations in all the major cities in Italy, such as Florence and Rome. Milan is also a major stop along the way.
Whatever stop you decide on getting off with greatly depends on what Cinque Terre village you want to start with.
If you are traveling from Milan, I would stop first at the town of Monterosso and work your way down the coast. If you are coming from Florence or Rome, I would stop first in Riomaggiore and work your way up the coast. Italiarail is a great resource for research timetables and fares.
Ride by Boat
If you want to travel by boat, you will have options to stop in La Spezia and Portovenere. Boats are another great way to get from village to village as well. You can buy boat tickets for the day to access four out of the five villages. Corniglia is up on a hill and therefore is not accessible by water.
Rent a Car
Many people like to rent a car to drive through the countryside and stop in different villages along the way. Since Cinque Terre is only about 2 hours from Tuscany by car, some people may choose to get there by this mode of transportation.
If you choose this type of transportation, your best bet is to park your car in La Spezia. This is a town very close to Cinque Terre. La Spezia has a parking garage at its train station. From there, the train ride is about 8 minutes to the villages.
Driving in Cinque Terre is not the easiest and a little frustrating. Many roads are restricted to traffic, and very small and difficult to get around. There is also limited parking around.
Day Trip to Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is a place where people come to relax. If you are short on time or don’t want to spend more than a day there, tour groups are a great option. Since Cinque Terre is within a couple of hour’s drive of some larger towns, places like Florence and Milan offer lots of day tours to the coast. You can easily visit Cinque Terre on your own as well. The main train stations have locations where you can lock up your luggage for the day.
The Five Towns
Each of the five times is unique and offers something special for both locals and visitors. Although some towns are bigger than others, they all have the same quiet charm that draws visitors from all over the world. Life here is much slower and simpler. It is no wonder that once you visit, you don’t want to leave.
Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso is the larger of the towns, and where you will find more accommodations and restaurants to choose from. This is also where you will find the best beaches for lounging and swimming. Unlike the other towns, Monterosso is the only one that has a sandy beach. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas here, and even kayaks and other pieces of equipment.
Manarola
The most popular of the five towns is Manarola. It is said to be the oldest of the five towns and the most beautiful. Manarola has a small harbor and colorful houses that face the sea. The most romantic part is the charming piazza lined with restaurants. This small fishing village is also known for its wine production.
Corniglia
Corniglia is located on a hill and does not have direct water access. Because of this, you get magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea. To access the town, you have to make a steep 382 step climb or take the train. Of the five towns, it is the most untouched and quiet with viewer tourists. Carniglia is also well known for its Vernaccia di Corniglia wine.
Vernazza
Vernazza is a colorful town with a charming little Piazza lined with restaurants and bars. It is one of the prettiest villages and the most coveted for photographers. It has a quaint harbor, charming homes, and narrow streets that can only be navigated by foot. Besides Manarola, Vernazza is the other most popular Cinque Terre village.
Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore is the southernmost of the five and has an impressive collection of hillside homes. There are several shops and restaurants here, and the beautiful Church of San Giovanni Battista. Up on the hillside, this medieval church is quite the sight.
Getting Around Cinque Terre
1. The easiest way to get around is by train: For me, the easiest way to get around Italy, in general, is by train. This included traveling from village to village in Cinque Terre. All five of the towns are connected by The Cinque Terre Express. You can get to other large towns from these stations as well if you want to extend your visit to Italy. The rides are quick and inexpensive and make traveling with luggage fairly easy. To save money, look into purchasing the Cinque Terre Card. This gives you unlimited train rides and access to hiking trails.
TRAVEL TIP: Make sure you validate your ticket in the green boxes on the station platform before boarding the train.
2. Each town has its own bus company: Buses can be a great option to get around within each town. No bus company connects all the towns, however. For that reason, buses are my least favorite option for traveling within this region.
3. Try traveling by boat: A more scenic way to travel is by boat. Some ferries will take you to each town, allowing you a beautiful view of the coast along the way. For some reason, this form of transportation is less used than the trains but just as good. An all-day ferry pass is 25€ or 5€ for a single trip.
4. Hike from town to town: The main reason people come to Cinque Terre is to explore the outdoors. The best way to explore each town is on foot. You can walk through the little alleyways and backroads. The towns are not that large and can easily be navigated. The towns of Cinque Terre are also connected by hiking trails along the coast. Although it will take a lot longer to get there, walking the trails is the perfect daytime activity and something many visitors do
5. Purchasing the Cinque Terre Card: There are two types of Cinque Terre Cards, one for trains and one for hiking. The Cinque Terre Train Card is the best option as it gives you unlimited access to transportation, hiking paths, and the national park. The card can be purchased at the train stations at any of the towns and is inexpensive. There are also 1,2, and 3-day options, as well as family tickets for 2 adults and 2 children. I highly recommend purchasing the pass.
Where to Stay in the Area
Cinque Terre is made up of smaller towns, and the best way to experience the region is by staying in a local Airbnb or Vrbo rental. However, there are some hotels to choose from. Monterosso al Mare is one of the larger towns and the perfect base for your trip.
Staying in the nearby town of La Spezia is also another choice and can even save you some money. Here are some different accommodations to help you get started.
Airbnb and Vrbo
- The towns of Cinque Terre are very old and therefore don’t have a large range of hotels. Vacation rentals are a great option if you want to stay in the town and have an authentic experience.
Monterosso Hotels
- Albergo Degli Amici: Guests can enjoy a charming rooftop garden with views of the Ligurian Sea. The hotel is perfectly situated within steps of Monterosso’s beach.
- Hotel Palme: is one of the larger hotels in Cinque Terre. It gets its name from the palm trees growing in the hotel’s garden. From here, you can walk to the beach and train station in less than 5 minutes.
- Locanda Il Maestrale: is a boutique hotel in the old town. The family-run hotel has high reviews and terrific customer service. The hotel has a charming garden overlooking the historic center, outdoor terrace, and is less than 300 feet from the beach.
Manarola Hotels
- La Torretta Lodge: is a luxury hotel located in a Medieval tower. With modern amenities, sea views, and complimentary breakfast and evening aperitif, this is one of the most romantic hotels in the area.
Vernazza Hotels
- La Polena: has some amazing views of the water and is centrally located in Vernazza, right on the harbor. You can easily hop on the train from here or explore the town. It is also a terrific option if you brought a car as they have a private parking lot.
- MaDa Charm Apartment: is a modern apartment with a terrace and sea views. Best of all, it is only 250 feet from Vernazza’s beach.
Corniglia Hotels
- Luxury Penthouse Sea Views: The 1-bedroom house has everything you could possibly need for your stay. It comes equipped with a full kitchen, washer/dryer, and other amenities. The best part of the apartment is the amazing views of Cinque Terre from its large rooftop terrace. Perfect for a romantic sunset dinner!
What more options? Click here for other Cinque Terre Accommodations
Hiking in Cinque Terre
The most popular activity in Cinque Terre is to hike. The paths along the coast offer some of the best views of the Ligurian Sea. There are 48 different trails you can explore, with the Blue Trail being the most popular.
No matter which trail you choose, make sure you bring plenty of water and wear the correct shoes. There are public water fountains in the town where you can fill your water bottles up for free. The temperatures get very hot during the summer days, and not all areas have shade.
You will also need the Cinque Terre Pass to access the Blue Trails, but many others are free to use. For updated information on the openings of the trails and maps, visit the Cinque Terre site. As of recently, they just came out with a phone app as well.
The Blue Trail
The Blue Trail connects all five villages and takes about 6 hours to complete. However, due to their location, these paths do experience damage and are often closed in certain areas, and sometimes it is unknown when repairs will be completed. The Blue Trail is broken up into four sections that meet together to connect all of the villages.
Riomaggiore to Manarola –“Lovers Lane”, of Via dell’Amore is the easiest and most beautiful section. It is completely paved and can be walked in about 30 minutes. This stretch takes over along the coast over rocks overhanging the sea. You either need the Cinque Terre Card or pay 7,50€ per day to access it.
Manarola to Corniglia – This stretch of trail is slightly harder than Via dell’Amore and takes about 2 hours to complete. The nicest part of the trails is from Volastra to Corniglia, so if you do not want to do the entire hike you can always start in Volastra instead of Manarola. The trail takes you through olive groves that are still used today. This section has magical views of the Mediterranean.
Corniglia to Vernazza – You will need the Cinque Terre Card for this section or pay 7,50€ per day. The hike is moderately difficult with lots of inclines and declines, but you will be rewarded with vineyard and meadow views along the way.
Vernazza to Monterosso – This is the hardest section of the Blue Trail and takes about 2 hours to complete and is one of the trails that charge a fee. This section of the path takes you through vineyards and orchards with panoramic views of the sea in some sections. There are lots of steep inclines and narrow dirt paths, making it less ideal for families with smaller children.
Other Things to Do
Visit a Vineyard
There are several vineyards located around Cinque Terre. Some can be reached by foot, while others you will need to take a quick train ride to as they are located closer to the town of La Spezia.
Some highly-reviewed wineries include the Buranco Winery Terra di Bargon, and Azienda Agricola Possa. If you want to stay in the villages, the Nessun Dorma Cantina is a wine bar that is a terrific option with a variety of wines to try.
Explore the Villages by Boat
Ferries are a great way to travel from one town to the other, but they are also great for sightseeing. The colorful hillside buildings are absolutely stunning to see by water. If you do not want to take a ferry ride, you could also join a boat tour or rent your own.
Take a Cooking Class
Learn how to make some of the region’s most beloved dishes. Here are some great cooking classes to try!
Catch the Sunset
There are many great places to catch the sunset in Cinque Terre. The town of Manarola is said to be the best place to go for uninterrupted views.
Try The Local Cuisine
Cinque Terre is full of delicious little restaurants and cafes. Seeing how you are in a fishing village, take advantage of all the fresh seafood. One thing you absolutely need to try is a seafood cone (fritto misto) filled with fried calamari and other fish.
The quality and freshness are unparalleled! The area is also known for the origination of pesto and Focaccia. Of course, gelato is always a must, especially in the summer.
Relax on the Beach
The only real beach is in Monterosso. There are small sand beaches here and some even have beach chairs and umbrellas to use. The rest of the town is situated on small harbors or large rocks.
Where to Eat in Cinque Terre
Nessun Dorma is a delicious Mediterranean restaurant whose dishes are only made with local products. Most of the foods are appetizers and foods to share. Order a few different dishes and some wine and enjoy! The restaurant has stunning views of the sea, and they also offer extensive wine tastings.
Lunch Box is great for a quick meal on the go. Their menu includes breakfast items, delicious sandwiches, and smoothies.
Ristorante Milky is an authentic Italian restaurant with fresh seafood and decadent desserts. It is one of the pricier places to eat, but the quality makes it worth the extra money for a traditional home-cooked meal.
L’Ancora della Tortuga sits on a cliff in Monterosso. The restaurant has both a tasting menu or a la carte menu where you can try Ligurian foods.
Tutti Fritti and Il Pescato Cucinato are two places to get fritto misto. This dish consists of fried seafood such as calamari and shrimp. The seafood is deep-fried and put in a paper cone with skewers to eat. Delicious and inexpensive street food to get on the go!
A Pie’ de Ma’ overlooks the sea and has the best views of the sunset. The menu here is not large, but everything is delicious.
Osteria A Cantina da Mananan is a tiny restaurant in Corniglia that has the best seafood. If you plan on climbing the 300+ steps to the village, you will work up an appetite. Make sure to bring cash for this restaurant because they do not take credit cards.
Gelateria Vernazza has the best gelato. Their gelato is so creamy and comes in a variety of flavors.
Cinque Terre Travel Tips
Bring Cash: The towns of Cinque Terre are not as modern as most people are used to, and many places do not accept credit cards. Make sure to have at least some cash on you just in case.
Wear Running Shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking around the towns, so make sure to wear something comfortable.
Pack a Sweater: Even in the summer, the nights can get a little chilly. Just in case, bring a light sweater with you.
Get an Early Start: Cinque Terre can get quite busy during the summer months. Try starting your day before 9 am for some quiet time to enjoy the city.
Carry a Water Bottle: Have a water bottle with you if you plan on hiking. It gets extremely hot in the summer, and you will want to stay hydrated. Don’t worry about running out; the towns have free water fountains available where you can fill up.
Conclusion
The peaceful fishing towns of Cinque Terre are a must-see on anyone’s travel itinerary. You can easily make a stop on the coast for a couple of days, or take a day trip to Cinque Terre from cities like Milan and Florence. No matter how long you plan to stay, make sure you take time to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Liguria region.
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Travel Planning Resources
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT
Skyscanner is one of the top search engines for finding and booking flights. They price check over 1,200 travel sites to help you find the best prices.
BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION
Booking.com is one of the best sites to book hotels and vacation rentals. They offer some of the cheapest rates and different payment options.
BOOK TRANSPORTATION
- Rental Car: RentalCars.com is my go-to site when booking rentals. They work with 900 companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs and budget.
- Trains: Rail Europe is the leading company in Europe for train travel in Europe. They help you easily book passage by looking at routes, timetables, and prices for 50 different train companies.
- Bus: Omio is an easy website to use for booking train and bus tickets. Similar to Skyscanner, the website looks at hundreds of transport companies to get you the best deals.
SCHEDULE YOUR TOURS
Get Your Guide is one of the top sites for tours, excursions, and activities. Viator is another terrific website for all types of experiences.
GET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
World Nomads is one of the top travel insurance companies. It will cover you if you must cancel your trip or if something unexpected happens.
Check out the resource page for additional travel planning resources.
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