Cinque Terre has been on my bucket list for several years, and I finally made it there in 2022. If you enjoy stunning coastal views, picturesque villages, and scenic hiking trails, Cinque Terre is the perfect place. The local cuisine, particularly the fresh seafood, making it a foodie’s paradise is another reason why Cinque Terre is a must-visit destination. Read on to find out how we spent our 3 days and how we made the most of our time.
Where is Cinque Terre?
Cinque Terre, located along the rugged Ligurian coastline of northwestern Italy, is a string of five beautifully preserved fishing villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Each village is perched on cliffs that plunge into the Mediterranean Sea, offering dramatic views of the coastline, colorful homes, and terraced vineyards.
How to get to Cinque Terre?
There are several ways to get to Cinque Terre, depending on your starting point:
By Train:
From Pisa: We took a direct train to La Spezia, then transferred to a regional train to Riomaggiore, where we’d be staying. The regional train runs frequently, every 20 minutes, and stops at each of the five Cinque Terre Villages – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
By Car:
While driving to Cinque Terre is possible, it is not recommended due to limited parking and the narrow, steep roads. The best option is to park in La Spezia or Levanto and take a regional train into the villages.
By Ferry:
During the warmer months (usually from April to October), you can take a ferry from nearby towns like La Spezia, Portovenere, or Levanto. The ferry travels along the coast, offering stunning views of the villages from the sea.
By Plane:
- Pisa International Airport (around 80 km from Cinque Terre)
- Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (around 120 km away)
- From either airport, take a train or rent a car to reach Cinque Terre.
Once in Cinque Terre, trains, ferries, and hiking trails are the best ways to get between the villages.
What to do?
If you’re planning to hit the trails in Cinque Terre, make sure to purchase a Cinque Terre card beforehand. With the Cinque Terre card, you’ll enjoy seamless travel and hiking experiences throughout the national park and local area.
Here, I’ve curated some of the cool spots and things to do in Cinque Terre:
1️⃣ Riomaggiore – Start your trip in Riomaggiore, the smallest of the five Cinque Terre towns, but it’s packed with charm and character.
- Explore the narrow streets, harbor and castle
- If you love seafood, grab some fried seafood in a cone from Miva Riomagglore (It’s delicious!)
- Lunch or dinner at Dau Cila
2️⃣ Corniglia – is the only town without access from the sea. The tiny village is connected to its train station by a footpath known as Lardarina (377 stairs).
- Climb the 377 steps to Corniglia and walk around tiny streets of this tiny village
- Explore local stores and recharge with a drink at a quaint local cafe
3️⃣ Manarola – is one of the most charming and romantic of the Cinque Terre villages. The tiny harbor features a boat ramp, picturesque multi-coloured houses facing the sea, a tiny piazza with seafood restaurants.
- Enjoy wine & bruschetta at Nessun Dorma
- Walk along the Manarola Scenic Viewpoint to capture stunning photos of the village.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, take a swim in the small harbor
4️⃣ Vernazza – is classified as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
photo
- Stroll around Piazza Marconi and the small harbor where fishing boats bob in the water.
- Hike up to a stunning view of Vernazza
5️⃣ Monterosso al Mare – is the largest of the five coastal villages and the “beachiest” town among the five.
- Hang out at the beach
- Go shopping for souvenirs
- Treat yourself to a gelato
When is the best time to visit Cinque Terre?
The best time to visit Cinque Terre depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and activities.
We visited in early September, and the weather was perfect with fewer crowds.
Where to stay?
When choosing where to stay in Cinque Terre, it depends on your preferences—whether you want a lively atmosphere, a quieter retreat, or easy access to hiking trails. Here are some of the best places to stay in each of the five villages:
1. Monterosso
Best for beach lovers and families: Monterosso is the largest and flattest village, with sandy beaches and a variety of accommodations, from luxury hotels to guesthouses. It’s a great base for those who want more amenities and easy access to the sea.
Accommodation options:
Hotel Porto Roca (luxury, cliffside views). Book a room here
Hotel Palme (mid-range, steps to Fegina Beach ) Book a room here
2. Vernazza
Best for picturesque charm and photographY: Vernazza is arguably the most photogenic village, with colorful houses surrounding a small harbor. It’s ideal for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the iconic Cinque Terre scenery.
Accommodation options:
La Mala (luxury, panoramic sea views)
Gianni Franzi Rooms (mid-range, close to the harbor)
3. Corniglia
Best for tranquility and hiking: Corniglia is the smallest and quietest village, perched high on a cliff with stunning views. It’s less crowded because it doesn’t have direct access to the sea, making it perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat and access to hiking trails.
Accommodation options:
Corte del Gallo (mid-range, peaceful garden setting)
Affittacamere Arbasia De Ma (budget, great views)
4. Manarola
Best for romance and scenic views: Manarola is known for its stunning sunsets and charming harbor. It’s ideal for couples and travelers who want a quieter atmosphere with incredible views.
Accommodation options:
La Torretta Lodge (luxury, panoramic views and modern rooms)
Ca’ D’Andrean (mid-range, comfortable and central)
5. Riomaggiore
Best for nightlife and convenience: As the southernmost village and the closest to La Spezia, Riomaggiore has a lively atmosphere with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s a great spot for those who want more nightlife and easy access to transportation.
Accommodation options:
Crêuza de Mä (luxury, amazing sea views and private terraces) Book a room here
Hotel Villa Argentina (mid-range, comfortable and centrally located) Book a room here
Nearby Alternatives:
La Spezia: If you prefer staying outside of Cinque Terre, La Spezia is a convenient base with more affordable accommodation and frequent train connections to the villages.
Levanto: A quieter town just north of Monterosso, perfect for those seeking more space and budget-friendly options while still being close to Cinque Terre.
Each village offers its own unique charm, so your choice depends on what type of experience you’re seeking during your visit.
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