Cinque Terre, a cluster of five picturesque fishing villages on the Italian Riviera, offers visitors stunning scenery from crystal-clear blue waters and rugged coastlines to vividly coloured villages. The villages—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—are linked by a spectacular scenic trail, preserving an unspoiled Italian treasure.
Visiting Cinque Terre in 2024
Chloe Dobinson, who visited the Italian gem in 2024 for a week, explored each village on day trips. She took the train from La Spezia, a 30-minute ride each way. Staying in the villages can be expensive, so she recommends staying outside, in spots like Genoa or Pisa, and taking a direct train in.
What to Know About Cinque Terre
Tucked away in the dramatic Italian hillside at the eastern end of the Italian Riviera, the untouched villages of Cinque Terre were long prized for their remoteness. Pronounced chinkwe ter-re with a rolled 'r', Cinque Terre translates as "five lands" and traces its origins to the early medieval era. While still posing accessibility challenges, it is widely regarded as the most romantic stretch of the entire Riviera.
How to Get to Cinque Terre
There are three principal ways to reach Cinque Terre: by car, train, plane, or boat. By car, visitors must tackle winding, narrow cliff-edge roads; it's worth leaving the vehicle in the secure car park at La Spezia's train station. The train is the most convenient way, with a railway line connecting all five villages to Pisa, Rome, and Genoa. Travellers from Florence change in Pisa; those from Milan change at Genoa. The nearest airports are in Pisa and Genoa. A cost-effective option is the Cinque Terre Card, covering train travel between La Spezia and Levanto and hiking fees. By plane, both airports offer straightforward rail connections to La Spezia. Between Easter and September, ferries operate from Genoa, Portofino, and Porto Venere; visitors can even hire a yacht for a memorable arrival.
Best Time to Visit Cinque Terre
Italy's peak holiday season in August, especially around the 15th, can see prices triple. The ideal time to explore is September to October, with cooler temperatures and quieter trails. For swimming, mid-May to mid-September offers pleasant weather and ferry services. Hiking trails are accessible from mid-March to mid-October. In winter (November to February), temperatures drop and many attractions close. Cinque Terre also hosts the world's largest Presepe (nativity scene).
Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore, the southernmost village, is a short train ride from La Spezia. It's a favourite first stop and one of the area's most romantic destinations, where the Via dell'Amore (Lover's Lane) begins. This stunning coastal path winds to Manarola in a 20-minute walk. Things to do include walking the Via dell'Amore (when open), exploring narrow streets and colourful houses, visiting the marina, Castello di Riomaggiore for panoramic views, the Church of San Giovanni Battista (built 1340, Gothic architecture), and the picturesque harbour.
Manarola
Perched on a rocky outcrop 70 metres above sea level, Manarola is among the most enchanting villages. Its vineyards produce the local wine Sciacchetrà. Notable sights include The Church of San Lorenzo, a Gothic Ligurian-style edifice from 1338. Activities include hiking to Punta Bonfiglio for stunning views, strolling colourful streets, swimming at the marina, visiting the Manarola Scenic Viewpoint, the Church of San Lorenzo (14th-century with rose window), and the harbour with fishing boats and dramatic cliffs.
Corniglia
Corniglia sits on a promontory 100 metres above the water, encircled by vineyards, and is the only village without direct sea access. It is linked to its train station by a footpath of 377 stairs (Lardarina). This peaceful village offers the only spot to capture all five villages in one photograph. Visitors can explore the 18th-century Largo Taragio square and Oratory Santa Caterina. Things to do include wandering cobbled streets, visiting terraced vineyards, relaxing at Guvano Beach, and seeing the Church of San Pietro (14th-century Gothic-Ligurian), Belvedere di Santa Maria viewpoint, and Piazza Taragio.
Vernazza
Vernazza is widely regarded as one of the most stunning villages in Italy, with soft pastel shades framing the tiny harbour and a lively piazza with restaurants and bars. The village has steeply terraced olive groves producing some of the finest olive oil in the country. Notable sights include the Church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia and the Tower of the Doria Castle. Activities include enjoying the harbour, visiting Doria Castle for panoramic views, hiking the Blue Trail to Monterosso, visiting the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Reggio, Belforte Tower, and the small sandy beach near the harbour.
Monterosso
The largest of the five villages, Monterosso sits on hillsides with lemon trees, vines, and olive groves. It offers pristine beaches, unspoiled reefs, and crystal-clear waters. Not to be missed is Il Gigante, a concrete statue of Neptune near Fegina beach. Things to do include taking a boat tour, visiting the Convent of the Capuchin Friars, the Church of San Giovanni Battista with its black-and-white striped facade, exploring the Old Town, Aurora Tower, and relaxing on Fegina Beach, one of the largest sandy beaches in the region.
