Cinque Terre is a stunning coastal region in Italy, famous for its five picturesque villages—Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare—perched along steep cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea. The villages are connected by scenic hiking trails, offering breathtaking views of the coastline, terraced vineyards, and colorful buildings. Known for its natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and rich history, Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination for travelers seeking charm, outdoor adventure, and authentic Italian culture.
THE 5 VILLAGES OF CINQUE TERRE
Riomaggiore
The first village you’ll reach coming from La Spezia is Riomaggiore, just an 8-minute train ride away. The view from the little harbor is truly beautiful. One of the most famous and obviously romantic activities here is walking along Via dell’Amore (The Way of Love), which leads to Manarola. It is also the shortest hiking trail in Cinque Terre, taking around 30 minutes to complete.
Manarola
Manarola was one of our favorites and seemed like the most “fun” village for us. We really enjoyed our time at the “beach,” which was made up of rocks perfect for jumping off. Watching kids compete to see who could jump from the highest rock was a lot of fun. We also loved the beautiful viewpoint of Manarola, which is easily accessible by a simple path, so you don’t have to worry about any difficult trekking.
Corniglia
Corniglia is the smallest of the five villages. Some say it’s the least interesting, while others find it the most authentic. You can form your own opinion when you visit. After the train ride to Corniglia, there is a bus that takes you to the town center (included in the train card price), or if you prefer to skip the bus, you can walk up the 370 steps uphill. One of the most beautiful sights in Corniglia is Saint Mary’s Terrace, where you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the sea and vineyards.
Vernazza
The most beautiful viewpoint of the town is definitely in Vernazza (with Manarola being a close second). To reach this viewpoint, you need to enter the trekking path (heading towards Monterosso al Mare), which usually costs 7.50 euros, but if you have the unlimited train card, it is included in the price. Alternatively, you can go early in the morning or late in the evening when the checkpoint is closed. It’s not far from the town center, so the hike is short—about 15 minutes.
Monterosso al Mare
This is the last and largest village of Cinque Terre. In Monterosso al Mare, you won’t find the perfect view of the village, but you will find an amazing beach! Monterosso is the only one of the five villages that offers a long sandy beach with beautiful crystal-clear turquoise water. You can choose between a private beach, where you can rent an umbrella and sunbeds (2 sunbeds + umbrella cost around 20-30 euros depending on the month), or a free beach. At the end of the beach, there is also parking available (2.5 euros/hour or 25 euros/day).
HIKING
Hiking in Cinque Terre is a breathtaking experience, offering stunning views of the Italian Riviera’s rugged coastline, colorful villages, and terraced vineyards. Cinque Terre boasts an extensive network of trails that connect its five picturesque villages. The most popular route is the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail), an 11-kilometer path along the coastline that provides panoramic sea views, though some sections may require an entrance fee. For those seeking a more challenging trek, higher trails such as the Sentiero dei Santuari offer a quieter and more immersive experience in nature.
Hiking in Cinque Terre allows you to explore the region’s unique charm at your own pace, uncovering hidden beaches, historic landmarks, and vibrant local culture along the way.
We don’t recommend hiking during the hot summer months due to the heat, so the best time to visit is between April-May or October-November, when the weather is more comfortable.
Check if the trail is open before you go! Restoration work is frequently carried out on parts of the trails, leading to temporary closures. For example, during our visit, the trail between Vernazza and Monterosso was closed due to a recent rockslide.
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT
Portovenere
Only a 35-minute car ride from La Spezia brings you to the beautiful medieval town of Portovenere, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This charming destination was the perfect addition to our Cinque Terre trip, offering a quieter and less crowded atmosphere compared to the villages of Cinque Terre. The views from San Pietro’s Church and Doria’s Castle are breathtaking, especially at sunset. Don’t miss Lord Byron’s Grotto, named after the famous English poet who spent time here in the 19th century, drawing inspiration for his romantic poems.
Portofino
Portofino, a picturesque fishing village just 1 hour and 30 minutes from La Spezia, is a true symbol of elegance and luxury. Famous for its colorful waterfront houses, upscale boutiques, and charming marina filled with yachts, it’s a favorite destination for both celebrities and travelers. Highlights include the stunning Castello Brown, offering panoramic views of the coastline, and the Church of San Giorgio, perched on a hill overlooking the village. Whether you’re wandering its narrow cobblestone streets or savoring fresh seafood at a seaside café, Portofino radiates timeless charm and beauty.
RESTAURANTS & BARS
Cinque Terre is renowned for its delicious local cuisine, heavily influenced by the sea and surrounding mountains. Fresh seafood, anchovies, and pesto are key staples, with dishes like trofie al pesto (a local pasta dish) and seafood risotto being must-tries.
For a true taste of the region, head to family-owned trattorias and seafood restaurants along the coast. Ristorante Miky in Monterosso and Trattoria dal Billy in Manarola are popular choices for authentic meals. Nessun Dorma in Manarola, with its incredible sea views and delicious antipasti attracts visitors from all around the world! Rio Bistrot in Riomaggiore and L’Ancona della Tortuga in Monterosso offer fantastic seafood options and charming settings. For a more casual bite, Fornaio di Monterosso serves delicious focaccia topped with pesto or stracchino (a creamy cheese) and farinata (similar to focaccia but made with chickpea flour), while Il Pescato Cucinato is perfect for fresh seafood takeaways.
Don’t miss out on local wines, particularly Sciacchetrà, a sweet wine made in the area. After dinner, enjoy a drink at bars like Bar Il Giardino in Vernazza, offering a great selection of cocktails and a perfect view.
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ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation options in La Spezia and Cinque Terre cater to various budgets and preferences, but it’s important to note that the villages of Cinque Terre have limited options due to their small size and preserved charm. In the villages, you’ll mostly find quaint guesthouses and some small B&Bs, with prices often higher during peak season. For a wider range of choices, including luxury hotels and more affordable options, La Spezia is an excellent base, offering convenient access to the Cinque Terre villages via train. Staying in La Spezia gives you more flexibility in terms of accommodation and parking, while still being just a short distance away from the stunning coast.
HOTELS IN LA SPEZIA
Luxury Hotels in La Spezia:
- The Poet Hotel – A stylish 4-star hotel located just a 5-minute walk from the train station. It features modern, elegant rooms and a relaxing lounge area.
- Hotel Firenze e Continentale – A historic luxury hotel with classic charm and modern comforts, situated only a 3-minute walk from the train station.
Budget Hotels in La Spezia:
- Hotel Mary – A cozy boutique hotel located just steps from the train station. It offers simple, well-kept rooms and personalized service.
- Albergo delle Spezie – A charming boutique hotel with an intimate atmosphere, located just a short 5-minute walk from the train station. It offers modern rooms with a cozy, stylish touch.
- Hotel Birillo – A budget-friendly option only a 10-minute walk from the train station. It offers clean, comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere.
HOTELS IN CINQUE TERRE
Luxury Hotels in Cinque Terre:
- Hotel Porto Roca (Monterosso al Mare) – A stunning 4-star hotel perched on a cliffside, offering panoramic views of the sea and the village. It features an elegant atmosphere, a pool, and top-tier service.
- La Torretta Lodge (Manarola)
A beautifully designed boutique hotel with stunning sea views and modern amenities. It’s a perfect mix of contemporary design and rustic charm.
Boutique Hotels in Cinque Terre:
- Hotel Souvenir (Riomaggiore)
A great budget option in Riomaggiore, located close to the train station, with simple but comfortable rooms. - Hotel Margherita (Monterosso al Mare)
A lovely boutique hotel in Monterosso with a welcoming atmosphere, and close proximity to the beach and train station.
Budget Hotel in Cinque Terre:
- Hotel 5 Terre – (Monterosso al Mare) – A budget hotel located in Monterosso
TRANSPORTATION
If you are coming to Cinque Terre from outside of Italy, the closest airports to Cinque Terre are:
- Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei Airport): Located about 80 km (50 miles) from Cinque Terre, Pisa Airport is the most convenient option, offering frequent train connections to La Spezia, the gateway to Cinque Terre.
- Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport: Approximately 110 km (68 miles) away, Genoa Airport is another viable choice with train services linking Genoa to La Spezia and the Cinque Terre villages.
- Florence Airport (Peretola): Located about 150 km (93 miles) from Cinque Terre, Florence Airport is suitable for travelers combining a visit to Tuscany with their Cinque Terre trip, though it requires a longer train journey.
- Milan Malpensa and Milan Linate Airports: While further away (around 230-250 km or 143-155 miles), Milan’s airports can also be used, especially for international travelers, with train connections available to La Spezia via Milan.
Each airport offers train or bus connections, making it easy to reach the stunning Cinque Terre region.
If you are traveling by car, the best option is to stay in La Spezia, where parking is convenient and plentiful. From there, you can easily explore the Cinque Terre villages using the train, which is the most practical and efficient mode of transportation in the region.
The most popular choice is the Cinque Terre Express, a train that runs between La Spezia – Sestri Levante and links all five villages, running frequently and taking only a few minutes between stops. For unlimited train travel, you can purchase the Cinque Terre Card, which also includes access to hiking trails and public buses.
Alternatively, ferries operate seasonally, providing scenic routes along the coastline with stunning views of the villages. You can buy a one-day roundtrip ticket valid for Levanto – Cinque Terre – Portovenere – La Spezia which costs 41 euros for adults and 15 euros for children aged 6–11 years. This ticket allows you to take unlimited ferries and hop on and off where you like.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Cinque Terre is during spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October), when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller compared to the peak summer months. These seasons are perfect for hiking, exploring the villages, and enjoying the breathtaking coastal views without the intense heat or congestion. Summer can be quite crowded and hot, while winter offers a quieter experience but with limited services and cooler temperatures. For a balance of pleasant weather and fewer tourists, spring and autumn are ideal.
CURRENCY
Italy uses the Euro (€) as its official currency.
1 USD = 0,98 EUR
1 GBP = 1,19 EUR
We recommend you to carry cash with you everywhere, as you won’t always be able to pay with card.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We recommend to book a travel insurance for every trip as you never know what could happen. It’s not easy to deal with any kind of problems when you are abroad, so it’s definitely worth it to be covered and travel with peace of mind.
We use IATI travel insurance and you can book yours through our link and receive 5% discount.
BOOK HERE IF YOU ARE FROM THE EU
BOOK HERE IF YOU ARE FROM OUTSIDE THE EU (REST OF THE WORLD)
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We hope this blog post was helpful to you and you are gonna have a great time while exploring Cinque Terre. For more pictures and videos check out our IG story highlight (5 Terre) and our reels/feed posts. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to comment bellow or contact us via email or even better via Instagram @borntotraveldiaries. Thank you for your time and stay tuned for our next diary page 🙂.
