Cinque Terre: Italy at its most picturesque
6 February, 2020 | Update: 27/01/2023
Welcome to ‘Cinque Terre’, the most picturesque villages on the Italian coast with coloured houses situated high above the azure blue sea. But where is Cinque Terre actually, and what is the best way to visit this stunning piece of Italy? I will gladly tell you more about the five villages, about hiking in Cinque Terra and the surrounding area with the lively city of Genoa and the charming village of Portofino.
Cinque Terre (translated literally: five areas) consists of the villages Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. These villages lie on the Italian coast in the Liguria region, between the port cities Genoa and La Spezia. The villages are right on the sea or partially built on sheer cliffs. Vineyards and olive groves on the steep slopes encircle the villages. The villages are connected by amazing hiking trails. Allow me to briefly introduce the villages of Cinque Terre to you.
- Monterosso al Mare
- Vernazza
- Corniglia
- Manarola
- Riomaggiore
- Taking the train to Cinque Terre
- Taking the boat to Cinque Terre
- Hiking through Cinque Terre
- Entry and Cinque Terre Card
- Best time to visit Cinque Terre
- Campsites close to Cinque Terre
- See more of Liguria
- Genoa, Italy’s largest port
Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso al Mare is the most northern village of Cinque Terre. It has a harbour, beach and pleasant boulevard.
Tip: Monterosso al Mare: Monterosso al Mare is the only village of the Cinque Terra where you can lie on the beach. Hire a sun lounger with a parasol for the ultimate Italian beach day. From Monterosso, you can also go on a lovely SUP, kayak or boat trip along the stunning coast of Cinque Terre.
Vernazza
Vernazza has a unique medieval watchtower. The inviting village is right next to the beach.
Tip: Vernazza: Vernazza has an exceptional medieval castle, the Castello dei Doria. You get fantastic views from this castle.
Corniglia
Corniglia is the only village without a harbour. It is located on a rock 100 metres above sea level. To get there, you have to go up almost four hundred steps! But once you get up there, the view is absolutely breath-taking!
Tip: Corniglia: If you like hiking, then Corniglia is one of the best places to start. From this village there is a whole network of paths through the mountainous surroundings.
Manarola
Manarola is the oldest village of Cinque Terre. The inhabitants lived there long before the vineyards, fisheries and agriculture were cultivated.
Tip: Manarola: From Manarola, you can go on a lovely hike to Corniglia via the village of Volastra. This takes about 2 1/2 hours and takes you past Cinque Terra’s characteristic terraced vineyards.
Riomaggiore
Riogmaggiore is the most southern and largest village of Cinque Terre. It has many good fish restaurants.
Tip: Riomaggiore: Walk through the charming streets up to the Castle of Riomaggiore and soak in the beautiful views. If you like hiking, the famous La via dell’Amore or The Way of Love between Riomaggiore and Manarola is highly recommended. This trail has been carved into the rock walls between the two villages. The path is due to reopen in 2024.
Taking the train to Cinque Terre
You can drive to the border of some of the villages, but the small villages themselves are strictly pedestrians only. Visiting Cinque Terre by car is definitely not recommended. It is much more comfortable to go with the train! There are plenty of trains that come from La Spezia in the south or Sestri Levante to the north of Cinque Terre. The advantage to coming by train is that you get off in the centre of the villages! However, at Corniglia you do have take a short bus ride (or hefty climb) to the centre. The train will take you from La Spezia to Riomaggiore in ten minutes and to Monterosso within half an hour! More information and the timetable can be found (in English as well) on the website of Trenitalia.
A boat trip to Cinque Terre will give you awesome views of the beautiful landscape of the Ligurian coast.
Taking the boat to Cinque Terre
A very enjoyable and relaxing way of seeing the beauty of the villages is taking a boat trip. There are many boat trips between April and October for exploring the Ligurian coast and Cinque Terre. You could get on the boat at La Spezia or Portofino. The boat takes longer, but you see more of the coastline than if you take the fast train. The train is ideal for fast transportation, but it does go through many tunnels. You can dream away on the boat and enjoy a drink as the landscape drifts by. You can also visit each of the islands by water, for example by water taxi, sailing boat or canoe.
Hiking through Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre is a fantastic area for hiking. There are several routes between the villages and through the beautiful countryside behind the villages. A good hike is one of the best ways to fully discover the landscape and the view. It takes on average two to three hours to hike between two villages.
The hikes are not always easy because there are parts that involve a steep climb. But you are rewarded time and again with an amazing view of the clear Mediterranean Sea. Along the way, there are the hills with terraced gardens, olive groves and lemon orchards, separated by small walls. You pass cloisters, churches and each main street ends in a harbour. Would you like to go hiking in Cinque Terre? Do take along a good pair of shoes. The Italian government has banned casual shoes from the hiking trails for a reason.
A number of the trails require an entrance fee. This is necessary to maintain the trails, since some of them are susceptible to high water or falling rocks. The famous Via dell’Amore, the Way of Love, is a trail that runs between Riomaggiore and Manarole. Unfortunately, due to rockslides, this path has been closed for several years. The route is being repaired and is expected to reopen in the summer of 2024.
Hiking trail through Cinque Terre.
Entry and Cinque Terre Card
Admission is asked for a visit to Cinque Terre. If you are planning to visit all of the villages, the ‘Cinque Terre Card‘ is a good option. The ‘Cinque Terre Trekking Card’ gives you access to all footpaths and buses in the national park. It costs €7.50 for one adult for a one-day card. You do not have to buy the card to visit the villages or go for a hike. However, there are two footpaths where there is an entrance fee of €7.50.
The ‘Cinque Terre Train Card’ also allows you unlimited travel by train between La Spezia and Levanto. This card is € 18,20 for one adult for one day. If you do not want to hike but only visit one or more villages by train, check the Trenitalia website to see if it is cheaper simply to purchase a normal train ticket.
Best time to visit Cinque Terre
I will not beat about the bush: Cinque Terre is busy! The villages are part of the most photographed places in Italy and every year countless tourists flock from all over the world as well as Italy to see this beautiful sight. Would you prefer to avoid the rush? Visit during the low season and during the week, not in the weekend. This way you avoid the Italian summer holiday and the intense heat in August.
Campsites close to Cinque Terre
For most holidaymakers, Cinque Terre is a destination for a day trip, a hiking holiday or a short city trip. Would you like to combine Cinque Terre with a camping or glamping holiday in Italy? There are plenty of possibilities for this. Are you staying at a campsite in Tuscany? Be sure to leave early for a great day trip to Cinque Terre.
- Leaving from Campsite Torre Pedente in Pisa, it is about 77 kilometres to La Spezia.
- Italia Family Camping Village Viareggio, which is right by the beach, is close to Pisa.
- Campsite Barco Reale in the Tuscan hills is about 130 kilometres from La Spezia.
- Cinque Terre is also easily accessible from Campsite Arizona in Parma as a day trip. This campsite is about 150 kilometres from Levanto. You can also take the train from Levanto or La Spezia to Cinque Terre. You’ll be there in no time!
See more of Liguria
The eastern part of Liguria runs from Genoa to La Spezia. The coastal strip of this area is called the Italian Riviera. Here you will find small, charming fishing villages, spectacular cliffs and vineyards and olive groves. There is much more to see and experience here besides Cinque Terre. Once outside the bustle of Cinque Terre, the Ligurian coast is excellent for a wonderful roadtrip. Be sure to visit Genoa and Portofino!
Piazza de Ferrari in Genoa.
Genoa, Italy’s largest port
The city of Columbus the explorer is well worth a visit. Many historical buildings, such as the cathedral and a few palaces, show just how important this rich port was. Wander around in the largest medieval city centre of Europe and experience the typical Italian atmosphere of a busy port. Don’t forget to taste the local specialties – the focaccia and pesto. Or find the best ice-cream parlour or café. A No. 1 destination!
Strolling along the harbour in Portofino.
Watching the jet setters in Portofino
The attractive city of Portofino with its yacht harbour is an exclusive place for the Italian jet set, such as Berlusconi and Armani. Stars from around the world come here for a chic holiday. Who knows? You may run into one of the Kardashians if you go for a walk. The prices are high and the parking places limited. It might be better to get on a boat a little further down the road and sail to Portofino. It will give you a great view of the coast! Or wander to the castle in San Giorgio and look at Portofino and the sea from above.
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