Cinque Terre (Italy) Travel Guide

Facing the charming Italian Riviera, the Cinque Terre (Five Lands) is a gorgeous cluster of five different port towns, fairly close to one another and guarded by the impressive hills of Liguria’s vineyards.

Featuring tiny fishing harbors, cobblestoned alleys winding up the hill, and enchanting pastel-colored tiny houses, the five little settlements make an excellent place to visit in Italy.

Whether you’re planning to hike along the coast to explore them or you’d rather jump on the Cinque Terre Train to visit, this guide will tell you everything about the best things to do in Cinque Terre, how to get there, and when to visit.

 

Where are the Cinque Terre

Located in the coastal region of Liguria, the Cinque Terre are nestled in the Cinque Terre National Park, very close to the neighboring region of Tuscany. The Cinque Terre is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

General Details About Cinque Terre

Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, the five villages that make up the Cinque Terre, are unique coastal towns in the northeastern region of Liguria, Italy, facing the Ligurian Sea.

The area has been inhabited since before Roman times, as it has always held a tactical and strategic position in the Mediterranean for commercial and defensive purposes.

This small Italian area has been long known for its stunning gastronomy, featuring some of the most delicious staples of Italian cuisine, including pesto alla Genovese, the Trofie pasta variety, focaccia, and—of course—incredibly fresh seafood.

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Getting to the Cinque Terre and Moving Around

You can get to the Liguria region by car from any other Italian region, or you can also land at the international airport of Genova (about 110 kilometers from La Spezia) or the international airport of Pisa (about 85 kilometers from La Spezia).

Probably the most convenient way to get to the Cinque Terre is by train, either to La Spezia or Levanto.

Alternatively, it is also possible to drive to any of these two towns, but it will be necessary to leave your car there and then continue either on foot or by train.

Driving is not the best way to visit, as most of these towns are completely closed to traffic and some of the existing roads are simply too dangerous.

Stick to the train, walk, or check the boat service.

 

Cinque Terre by Train or Boat

There is a regional train that you can board at the La Spezia station, which stops in every village of the Cinque Terre.

It is a frequent service (every 30 minutes).

Also, from La Spezia, there is a boat service that reaches the Cinque Terre.

If you’re choosing to visit the area by train, I suggest you purchase a one- or multi-day pass (Cinque Terre Treno Multi Service Card), which needs to be validated at the station before the first trip.

Note: In 2024 the Cinque Terre Card introduced variable pricing, depending on the season: low, medium, and high. Get more info about the exact dates and pricing from the official Cinque Terre website.

Bear in mind that due to its position, the terrain, and heavy rains, some portions of the path are often closed to the public due to landslides, so keeping a train pass is always a good move, even if you are planning to hike.

Finally, another alternative is to get there by boat. The “Cinque Terre Gulf of The Poets” boat company offers 15 different ships that sail along the Ligurian coastline.

You can catch the boat in the ports of La Spezia, Lerici, and Portovenere, with more departure points during the summer. Prices of tickets vary according to the route, and there are also daily passes available.

Best Time to Visit the Cinque Terre

The ideal time to visit Cinque Terre is at the end of spring (May and June) and very early autumn (September and the beginning of October).

You can also visit in summer but it is important to keep in mind that not only the hot temperature will make hiking a bit more difficult, but also that July and, especially, August are the months when Italians will go on vacation. This usually translates into very high prices and crowds virtually everywhere.

Winter and late autumn months are not the ideal time to visit; most hiking trails tend to be closed due to heavy rains, often causing landslides, and cold weather.

 

How Much Time Do you Need in Cinque Terre?

Although some travelers attempt to visit the five villages in one day, the ideal itinerary can take from 2 to 4 days, depending on how much time you want to spend in each village.

If this is your first hiking experience (there is always some hiking involved, even if you plan to visit the villages by train), the journey can be long and sometimes challenging.

LEARN MORE: 14-Day Italy Itinerary

Traveling Solo in Cinque Terre

Visiting five different villages in a very short time with a party of friends or family can be too challenging; not everyone will agree on where to spend more time or when it is the right time to get back on the hiking trail.

In fact, some people will need more time to rest, while others will endure the path without getting tired easily. Everyone has a different threshold!

For these reasons, maybe Cinque Terre is nothing but a perfect destination for solo travel.

You can easily decide your own pace and even quickly change your mind about where to stop, where to go, and where to head back if you want to!

LEARN MORE: Hiking in Italy (10 Best Trails)

Cinque Terre Card for Hiking and Express Train

To hike the Blue Path (592 path), you need to buy the Cinque Terre Trekking Card: Access to Blue Path and local shuttle buses (1-day pass: €7.50, 2-day pass: €14.50). This card does not include train travel between the towns.

In 2024, the 3-day Cinque Terre Treno Multi Service Card costs from 46.50 to 78.50 euros (depending on the season) and allows unlimited travel on Cinque Terre Express trains in addition to access to the hiking trails. The 2-day card is 34 to 59 euros, and the 1-day pass is 19.50 to 32.50 euros.

Note: In 2024, the Cinque Terre Card introduced variable pricing, depending on the season: low, medium, and high. Get more info about the exact dates and pricing from the official Cinque Terre website.

The Cinque Terre Treno Multi Service Card includes access to trains that run between Levanto and La Spezia as well as access to the walking trails of the Blue Path, in case you’re also interested in hiking from one village to the next.

Best Places to Stay in Cinque Terre

You can choose to stay in any of the five different villages or even in the cities of La Spezia or Levanto.

You will find accommodations for every budget and travel style in most of them.

If you’re visiting on a weekend or plan to spend only two or three days in the area, staying in the village of Corniglia, the village right in the middle of the path, is a good idea. Take a break at the end of the first day and then continue on your trail the day after.

On the other hand, you can also check Vernazza as your base to explore the Cinque Terre; it is the village with the easiest access, and it offers a wider choice of places to stay. 

Many travelers choose to stay in Monterosso al Mare as it is probably the area with the flattest terrain, so there won’t be many flights of stairs or steep climbs to move around.

Affittacamere il Timone, for instance, is a nice place located in Corniglia. The gorgeous and super picturesque accommodation is fairly close to the beach, and it has a beautiful terrace with views. Check for availability at Affittacamere il Timone now.

Camere Nicolina, in Vernazza, is a great value-for-money place for solo travelers. It is located a short walk from Vernazza’s train station, but also close to the beach. Book your hotel room at Camere Nicolina now.

Zia Letizia Bed and Wine is an original guesthouse to stay in Monterosso. The place features a fantastic terrace with views of the skyline of the little town and a snack bar, and it’s only a few minutes from the beach. Read reviews and check the latest prices for Zia Letizia Bed and Wine

The Five Villages of the Cinque Terre

Monterosso al Mare

Locally known as simply Monterosso, this is the biggest village in Cinque Terre with the largest beach, which is also very close to the train station.

There is a picturesque old town to explore. The Blue Path starts right in this village.

Vernazza

Often described as the most enchanting town of them all, Vernazza is a small settlement featuring a very tiny beach that mixes fine sand and large pebbles.

There are many seafront delicious restaurants and plenty of accommodation available.

Corniglia

It is probably the most controversial village, as it is not right by the sea, so it is hard to access.

Although there is a small beach and the train will leave you on the coast, to reach the village it is necessary to hike the over 380 steps that take you over a hundred meters above sea level to the heart of the village.

The way up can also be done with a small bus (access is also available with the Cinque Terre Card).

Corniglia is located right in the middle of the Cinque Terre; it is the smallest and highest of the five settlements, and it offers the most stunning sea views of them.

Manarola

Although there is no beach in this village, this is probably the most picturesque town in Cinque Terre.

It features a unique array of urban Genoese houses with small windows and colorful colors.

Here is where the Path of Love (Via dell’Amore) begins. This famous section of the Cinque Terre is scheduled to reopen on July 27, 2924, after being closed for twelve years to complete renovations and make improvements to the trail.

Riomaggiore

Also home to a small beach, Riomaggiore is the last (or the first, depending on where you start) village of the five.

The little town is divided into northern and southern sections connected via an underpass.

LEARN MORE: 35 Famous Landmarks in Italy

 

Things to Do in Cinque Terre

Whether hiking or by train, no matter how you decide to visit the 10-kilometer coast that makes the Cinque Terre, these are some of the things you cannot miss in this legendary Italian destination.

Monterosso al Mare

Saint John’s Church

One of the most distinctive landmarks in Monterosso is the beautiful church of San Giovanni Battista (Saint John the Baptist), and it is a place you have to see.

The building was built in 1244 and has a unique Ligurian Gothic two-color facade in black and white marble.

The Castle

The medieval castle of Monterosso is located inside the cemetery on Saint Christopher’s Hill.

The fortification was part of the village’s defensive system, which also included the premises of Sant Anthony Monastery, a watch post, and over 10 different towers, only three of which are still visible.

The Giant of Neptune

Another wonderful place to check out in Monterosso is the well-known Giant of Neptune, just next to the small harbor.

The huge statue measures about 14 meters, and it represents the Roman god Neptune bearing an imposing shell on his shoulder.

It is curious now to know that part of the shell used to be a dance stage back in its days of glory.

The statue was heavily damaged during WWII, and it has been partially restored in recent times.

 

Vernazza

The Castle

Until the arrival of the train in the area, the only way to get to any of these five villages was by boat.

During the Middle Ages, this characteristic made the place safe, from one point of view (access by land), but also very vulnerable to pirate attacks and sea raids.

For this reason, five different castles were built to protect the settlements. Each of the villages grew and strived under the protection of these fortresses.

Although many of the fortified castles have succumbed to the test of time, the ruins are visible and can be visited.

Probably the best ruins to visit are the eleventh-century fortifications of Belforte, known as the Doria Castle of Vernazza. Its main towers are easy to spot on the path that takes you to Corniglia.

The entrance ticket is €1.50 and the fee is not included in the Cinque Terre Card.

The Port of Vernazza

Also in Vernazza, you should take some time to walk along the roads that take you from the station to the port.

The harbor of Vernazza, which is the only natural harbor in Cinque Terre, is a magnificent place to spend some time.

You can either visit the small pebbled beach or have a delicious snack in one of the many places to eat right by the sea.

The Franciscan Monastery

Vernazza hosts a beautiful monastery known as the Monastery of the Reformed Franciscan Friars Minor.

It dates back to the seventeenth century, and it stands on the site where a former religious building once stood. Some ancient walls and an ancient and very interesting square tower can be seen on the site.

The Farmer’s Market

There is a weekly public market you can visit in Vernazza, which is the perfect place to purchase fresh groceries for a picnic or even some gastronomic souvenirs to take back home.

Keep it in mind if you happen to visit Vernazza on a Tuesday morning.

 

Corniglia

Saint Peter’s Church

Another Ligurian Gothic church is this magnificent and charming religious building, dating from 1334.

The ancient church is one of the most important in town, and it features imposing naves as well as an old marble facade with a gorgeous rose window.

Genovese Fortifications

Corniglia also boasted a defensive castle back in the Middle Ages.

Today, it is only possible to admire the ruins of the fortification as well as an odd polygon tower from the 1500s.

Everything is now part of the city cemetery and projects towards the sea.

Guvano Beach

One of the most popular attractions in Corniglia is not up in the village but down on the coast.

Guvano is a beautiful nudist beach located between Vernazza and Corniglia, about 300 meters from the Corniglia train station.

When it rains, the way to the beach gets closed for safety reasons.

Manarola

The Groppo

Known as Groppo, this incredible cluster of small houses is worth a visit.

It is located above the town, and it is home to a fantastic winery where you can taste not just delicious Sciacchetra DOC wines but also some sample products from the area.

To access and visit the Cinque Terre, it is necessary to have the Cinque Terre Card.

Via dell’Amore

Also known as the Path of Love, this is a path connecting Manarola to Riomaggiore.

The seaside trail is famous for its beautiful vistas. This section of the Cinque Terre is scheduled to reopen on July 27, 2924, after being closed for twelve years in order to complete renovations and make improvements to the trail.

Nessun Dorma

A well-known place to visit in Manarola is Nessun Dorma, deemed to be the best bar in the region.

You can have a glass of wine, a cocktail, or a snack as well as take amazing pictures of the whole village.

In case you were wondering, the place is so popular that booking a table will be necessary to visit. But the good news is that the bar has an app that you can download beforehand and reserve your table while still discovering another village.

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Riomaggiore

Castle of Riomaggiore

The construction of the castle of Riomaggiore started back in 1260 but was completed many years later, when Riomaggiore was part of the Genoa Republic.

The fortress is located in a strategic position and features two imposing round towers, while the rest of the defensive walls are still visible.

Riomaggiore Fishing Quarter

In the town of Riomaggiore, it is possible to visit both the farming quarter up in the mountains, as well as the picturesque fishing quarter right next to the harbor.

Not far from the area, there are two small pebbled beaches that are quite popular among visitors.

Saint John’s Basilica

The Basilica of Riomaggiore, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, is another site that you can visit when in town.

It was built back in 1343, and it features two outstanding Gothic portals as well as many Romanesque decorations on the facade.

The church houses an original mechanical organ from the mid-1800s.

 

Things Not to Miss in Cinque Terre

The Local Wine

Overwhelmed by the beauty of the area, it is often easy to forget that the Cinque Terre is mainly a wine region.

These villages are five agricultural settlements nestled in the important Genoa vineyard, situated on terraced plantations on the steep hills that face the Ligurian Sea.

The main wine produced in the area (and only in this Italian area) is known as Sciacchetrà wine, a white variety with sweet tastes and strong aromas often paired with locally made biscuits.

Another wine from Cinque Terre is the exclusive dry white Cinque Terre DOC.

You will taste the best wine in the area in the village of Corniglia, which boasts an incredibly long wine-making tradition dating back to the Roman era.

The Local Food

Italian food is not something you would want to overlook when visiting the country, especially the Ligurian delicacies.

Products in the region offer every tasteful trait of Mediterranean produce; therefore, the local grapes, olives, herbs, and lemons have strong and delicious tastes and aromas.

Besides, due to their location, these five villages also have a fishing tradition, making them true experts when it comes to fish and seafood in general.

If you enjoy fish, then don’t miss the popular seafood cone, with a good variety of deep-fried fish, a fantastic snack that you can buy in any of the villages.

Staple things you can also try are the local focaccia (a kind of flatbread that’s incredibly tasty), pasta with Pesto Alla Genovese, and the local olives.

Booking a Liguria food tour is the best way to learn about and approach the local flavors. Or try a cooking class!

 

The Carruggi

Carruggio is the name that locals give to a characteristic narrow alley in the villages of the Cinque Terre.

These little towns often feature only one main road, while the only way to move around and reach the houses built on a higher level is by using these narrow, winding passages, the carruggi.

A Sunset Boat Tour

Although you may have already visited all the villages, either on foot or by train, there is something magical and unique about checking them out from the sea.

Sunset is the best time to do so, just before the sun deep dives into the sea and lightens up the whole area with wonderful orange shades that give a completely different look to the landscape.

There are several cruises available for you to pick from.

Final Thoughts

Now you have all the information you need to plan a trip to the Cinque Terre and explore the magic of these five stunning villages on the coast of Italy. Bookmark this Cinque Terre guide to refer back to when you book your vacation to Cinque Terre.

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