Everything About Cinque Terre
The beautiful coastal scenery and colorful houses of Cinque Terre (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare) have been attracting tourists for decades, but recently Cinque Terre tourism has taken on a life of its own.
It is not surprising given the web of hiking trails, picturesque villages, tantalizing Ligurian seafood, terraced vineyards, and sparkling waters of the Mediterranean.
La Spezia Guide has an entire blog section dedicated to Cinque Terre. If you need help planning your Cinque Terre trip, look at our posts for everything you need to know about Cinque Terre.
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A Little About Us
Hi! We are Justin and Lu and we have the privilege of calling Cinque Terre our backyard. We love hiking, and being Australian, the local coastal scenery makes us feel at home.
La Spezia Guide is our way of embracing this little corner of Italy. This is where we share everything we enjoy and love about this unique and special place.
Buon Viaggio!
Cinque Terre Italy: The Five Lands
Cinque Terre
Located on the Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre National Park is just a stone’s throw from La Spezia and the Gulf of Poets. This is a designated UNESCO area and a staggeringly beautiful part of the world.
Each Cinque Terre town (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare) are ancient fishing villages that were famous for their pilgrimage trail but have more recently become a Bucket List destination. And why not? This group of villages with their colorful houses, cascading down into the Mediterranean Sea takes your breath away.
Riomaggiore
La Spezia to Riomaggiore is only a 10-minute train ride. Riomaggiore has iconic colorful houses and a rugged harbour making it look both treacherous and beautiful. We recommend an afternoon aperitivo to soak in the atmosphere, and an evening dinner at one of the acclaimed restaurants as a great way to enjoy this favorite Cinque Terre town.
Manarola
This is the second village along the train line from La Spezia. Manarola is arguably the most photographed of the villages. The tiny harbor is alive with colorful boats that entice tourists to jump from the cliffs and cool off into crystal clear waters. A perfect day here includes sunbathing on the rocks and admiring the village from the popular ‘Nessun Dorma’ viewpoint.
Corniglia
Often overlooked, this is the smallest village and the only one not situated directly on the water. Corniglia is flanked by the other Cinque Terre villages and has some stunning views over the sea. If you have good knees, then a day in Corniglia includes exploring the town’s tangle of stairs and indulging in Alberto Gelateria’s signature basil gelato.
Vernazza
This is likely the most popular of the five villages with a harbour that opens out onto a small beach and piazza surrounded by typical colorful houses. Here you can enjoy some artisan shopping and spectacular Ligurian seafood. We also recommend a stroll through Vernazza town and an afternoon aperitivo in the piazza.
Monterosso al Mare
The largest of the Cinque Terre villages, with both an old and new town, is Monterosso al Mare. This is at the far end of the La Spezia to Cinque Terre train line. It’s also the only town that is easily accessible by car with parking near the beach. Here you can stroll on the long promenade, dine overlooking the sea, and access the trails leading out of the Cinque Terre National Park to Levanto. If you prefer sandy beaches, flat terrain, and a choice of hotels, then Monterosso is the best of the Cinque Terre villages for you.
Cinque Terre - Find & Book Accommodation, Restaurants & Things to Do
Cinque Terre – Tourist Tips
Cinque Terre Pass: There are two types of Cinque Terre Pass. The Cinque Terre Multiservice Card is a daily use card (for use of the trains and hiking trails) and the Cinque Terre Trekking Card (hiking trails only).
The alternative is to visit individual towns (and not hike the trails) and buy single or return train tickets. Pricing is adjusted each year and season.
Cinque Terre Accommodation: There are many options for hotels, B&Bs (guest houses), and apartments, but for high season you need to book ahead!
Comfortable mid-range accommodation starts at around 150 euros in low season and for the same room in high season, you can expect to pay at least 200 euros per night.
If you think you’ve found a great deal on accommodation, then carefully check the location of your accommodation. Cinque Terre is hilly and if you’re carrying heavy luggage, the stairs and steep hills are no joke!
Eating & Drinking: Cinque Terre is a foodie heaven. There are some exceptional restaurants. The local produce is fresh, and you have access to some of the best Ligurian seafood. Book ahead!
Hiking & Cycling: The best way to experience Cinque Terre is along the trails. Using a map or the PN5T app, you can identify your trail number and follow the red and white markings painted on walls, posts, and trees. Some trails are also suitable for bikes and you can even rent a bike (bike share using Weelo) inside the park.
Explore The Cinque Terre Villages
Traveling to and around Cinque Terre is reasonably easy. The train linking each of the 5 villages between La Spezia and Levanto is the best way to travel. It is quick and runs early until late. The only problem is the long queues at the station. It’s advisable to buy train tickets in advance to save time!
You can also take a ferry from Levanto, La Spezia, and Porto Venere to Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, and Monterosso.
Driving is an option but most of the towns only have limited parking in the hills. So, you have to walk a distance into town AND pay for parking.
More details are covered in our travel and ‘getting to and around’ articles.
Cinque Terre – Beyond the Villages
The five lands that make up the Cinque Terre National Park sit on precarious hills against the backdrop of the Ligurian Mountains and the foreground of the Mediterranean Sea.
The history of the area is entwined with agriculture and fishing. Today ancient vineyards have become modern-day attractions for food and wine tasting and the fishing harbors are now busy with tourist boats.
Many groups of tourists still choose to hustle around the five villages. Still, there is no end of things to do in Cinque Terre and so much to explore in the hills, on the sea, and in towns and beaches nearby at Porto Venere, Levanto, Bonassola, and Framura.
We recommend a minimum of 6 days to get the best of La Spezia, Cinque Terre, and the Gulf of Poets. With so much to do and see, a quick trip to the area will only leave you wanting more. Our Insider Guide blog is a great resource to help plan your trip to make the most of each day!
