Cinque Terre is both stunning and picturesque region on the Italian Riviera, known for its 5 beautiful villages which cling to the rugged coastline. Each villages is unique in character and they are all worth a visit. You could spend several days exploring the area in depth, but it’s also easy to see everything in just one day.
Getting to Cinque Terre
Although limited parking is available at each village the train is by far the best way to reach and tour the area between the end of March and the beginning of November. Roads are small, busy and unable to cope with the large crowds. The Cinque Terre express runs between La Spezia and Levanto, stopping at each village.
Tickets are available at any of these stations. If you intend visiting more than two of the villages as we did then it is worth buying the Cinque Terre Train Card. This costs 18.20 Euros per adult. This card also gives you access to the hiking trails (which you would otherwise pay 7.50 euros for), as well as free access to the toilets!
We parked in La Spezia, where there is plenty of space. Arrive early in the day and it is easy to park at the station car park. Avoid queues at the station and buy your Cinque Terre ticket here. It is easily downloaded onto your phone for use.
Alternatively, you can enter Cinque Terre from the Levanto end of the line. It is also a great daytrip by train from Florence or Pisa; get the train to La Spezia and then the Cinque Terre express to the villages
If you arrive in La Spezia on a Cruise ship then it is worth visiting the beautiful villages Cinque Terre on your own. Get a taxi from the port to the station and then using the train to visit the 5 villages. It is much cheaper and more enjoyable at your own pace!
Monterosso
Travelling from La Spezia we made our way to Monterosso. This was the furthest of the villages from this direction and took about 20 minutes to reach. This is the largest of the 5 villages and if you are looking to spend time on the beach then this is the best place to visit. The beaches are sandy and the bars and sun beds are aplenty. It is also possible to swim from the rocks at the other villages.
In Monterosso there are a number of historical and cultural attractions, such as the Church of San Francesco, Grotta dell’Amore and the 14 metre high Il Gigante statue representing Neptune. There are a number of small museums to visit such as Museo della Cioccolata, the Museo del Mare, and the Museo delle Cinque Terre.
We visited first thing in the morning. At this time it is very quiet, so enjoy a coffee on the seafront. If you are looking for night life then Monterosso is known as a vibrant and lively town!
Hikes
There are a number of hikes from Monterosso, but note that to walk on a hiking trail you must have appropriate footwear such has hiking shoes or trainers with good grips. Flipflops pumps and sandals(Other than walking sandals) are not allowed and there are hefty fines if you disobey the rules. Trails are often steep and long, so consider carefully before setting out in the summer sun!
It is also possible to travel between the villages by boat or if you prefer a boat trip along the coastline. These are both available from Monterosso but it is much cheaper to travel by train!
If you are around on the third Saturday in May then Monterosso holds a lemon festival.
Vernazza
This is one of the most picturesque of the 5 villages due to its small natural harbour. It is surrounded by colourful houses lining the waterfront and stretching up the cliff. The village is characterised by narrow streets, steep staircases and medieval buildings. Following these narrow streets and stairs takes you to Doria castle which over looks the town. From here there are panoramic views and stunning photograph opportunities. The castle itself consists of the remains of walls and towers, providing a glimpse into the region’s medieval history, when it served to protect the village from pirates and other dangers.
There is a small charge for entering the castle. Make sure you have cash to pay as cards are not accepted. It is a popular spot due to its vistas of both the village and the coastline. Get there early to enjoy it at its best!
The village has several souvenir and craft shops to browse and many opportunities for coffee or a snack. Be sure to walk out around the harbour for views and photographs looking into the village.
Vernazza is also a starting point for some of the popular hiking trails that connect the Cinque Terre villages. The Sentiero Azzurro, or Blue Trail, is one of the most well-known trails.
Corniglia
A few minutes by train and you find yourself in Corniglia, which unlike the other 5 villages, it is perched on top of the cliff. On arrival at the station there are two choices for reaching the village. The first is to climb over 300 steps to get there and the second is to use the free shuttle bus. As the roads a winding, the bus is small, crowded and fills up quickly. It took a little over 5 minutes to reach the top. On reaching the village we enjoyed stunning views of the surrounding coastline and landscape.
The village itself is beautiful and we wandered around the small shops reaching the far end for more views. As with all the villages, there are plenty of lunch opportunities, both sit down meals and snacks. We opted for stuffed focaccia which was delicious. This was a popular option in many of the villages as well. Lemons are also popular in the area, so we enjoyed their juice with frozen yogurt and local honey.
Manarola
Along with the other villages Manarola, has stunning coastal views, colourful buildings, and is a quintessential Cinque Terre seaside village. It is a pleasure to stroll through with its small shops and eateries. As is the case in all the villages a cooling lemon Granita is a popular purchase on a hot summers day.
Manarola’s harbour is particularly picturesque appearance. Filled with small fishing boats, it has a traditional and authentic feel that reflects the village’s history as a fishing community. There is direct access from the rocks into the sea and this was a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming.
Walk out around the harbour for stunning views and photographs across the harbour to beautiful views of the village perched on top of the cliff. Follow the path up the slight incline to look down in the stunning harbour. Continue along this path and you will find yourself back in the village.
Riomaggiore
This is the southern most of the villages and out final stop before returning to La Spezia. It is again just a few minutes by train. It can also be accessed via the ‘Love Tunnel’. The Love Tunnel is a picturesque cliffside flat pathway which takes 20-30 minutes to walk. It celebrates the bond between the communities of Riomaggiore and Manarola. Check the footwear rules for walking in Cinque Terre if you intend to follow this path.
Riomaggiore is one of the largest of the visitors as well as being one of the most popular, however it still maintains its charm. It has a long street which climbs upwards lined both sides by colourful small shops, cafes and restaurants. There is opportunity to buy takeaway such as stuffed foccacia as well as another local favourite ‘fritto misto’ either with or without chips.
Cinque Terre is a beautiful region and our day visit gave us a good taste for the area. It is full of colourful houses and stunning views, which made the summer heat and the busy villages all worth while.
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