Cinque Terre consists of five cozy little fishing villages on the west coast of Italy. The villages are located between Genoa and La Spezia, in what can be described as rugged terrain. All five villages are within walking distance of each other, although the trails between them are steep and winding. However, this is offset by scenic surroundings and spectacular views. Hiking along these trails is one of the things that attract large numbers of tourists each year. The villages are also connected by a small railway, making it very easy and quick to move between them.
Each small village is home to pastel-colored houses, built closely together. Like many others who visit Cinque Terre, I fell in love with these sweet and cozy houses. In every village, you’ll also find many small restaurants, cafés, and shops.
Many of the dining spots specialize in delicious fresh seafood, delivered by local fishermen. Here’s a brief guide for those who haven’t visited Cinque Terre before.
Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso al Mare is the northernmost of the five towns. It is also the largest and most visited. A large sandy beach and crystal-clear azure waters contribute to its popularity. The town is surrounded by steep cliffs where lemons, grapes, and olives are grown. Monterosso has both an old town and a newer part. The old town features several intact buildings dating back as far as the 1200s.
Vernazza
The next gem along the railway is Vernazza. Compared to Monterosso, Vernazza is tiny. It’s essentially just a short street surrounded by small houses and a tiny beach. There’s also a small stone pier where a few fishing boats are docked.
The village is incredibly charming, situated between steep cliffs where grapevines grow densely. Many consider Vernazza one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. The town was severely affected by floods and landslides in 2011, and much time and resources have been spent on rebuilding.
Corniglia
Corniglia stands out from the other coastal villages because it’s situated higher in the terrain. It’s actually about 100 meters above sea level. To get up from the train station, you need to climb the Lardarina staircase, which zigzags up the cliffs and consists of 377 steps. Corniglia has a slightly more rural feel than the rest of Cinque Terre.
Manarola
Manarola is the oldest village in Cinque Terre, built along a 70-meter-high cliff. A small street winds down to a tiny harbor. It’s common for the boats to be pulled up whenever the sea is a bit rough, so you often see small wooden boats lying in this street. Many people use the little harbor area to sunbathe or jump off the cliffs. Manarola is said to be the most romantic of the five villages, and some even claim it’s the most beautiful. To find out for sure, just pack your suitcase and decide for yourself which one you like the best!
Riomaggiore
The first stop when you arrive by train from La Spezia is Riomaggiore, the southernmost of the villages. It is also the second largest of the towns. Riomaggiore is only one kilometer from Manarola, and it is where the famous Via dell’Amore (The Path of Love) starts. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by a landslide in 2012 and has been closed for many years. Fortunately, there is an alternative route you can follow. Riomaggiore is home to the remains of an old castle from 1260, along with several old churches. The town is divided into three sections – the station area, the town center, and the fishing harbor. Due to the steep surroundings, these areas are connected by tunnels.
Update September 2024: Via dell’Amore is now open again.
Sentiero Azzurro – The Blue Trail
Sentiero Azzurro is a spectacular trail that links all five villages. It takes you through beautiful landscapes and steep terraces where grapes, lemons, and olives are cultivated. Along the way, you’ll be dazzled by breathtaking views.
The Blue Trail runs from the southern village of Riomaggiore to Monterosso al Mare in the north, consisting of four sections. Currently, the first two (from Riomaggiore to Manarola and onwards to Corniglia) are closed for repairs following landslides. However, there are alternative, more challenging routes with equally or even more stunning views.
Update September 2024: The short and easy path from Riomaggiore to Manarola (Via dell’Amore) is now open again, but the section from Manarola to Corniglia remains closed.
Important to be aware of:
- The hike runs through a national park, and there is an entry fee of approximately 90-180 NOK (8-15€), depending on the season. You can pay at booths located at the trail entrances, but it’s recommended to book online in advance. There’s also a combo ticket available that covers both train rides and park access, costing around 170 NOK (15€). Some trails are free during the off-season.
- The hike can be quite demanding, with several steep sections. It’s advisable to split the hike over two or three days, wear proper footwear, and bring plenty of water and snacks or fruit.
- Trails may close at short notice due to bad weather, so keep an eye on the weather forecast.
- The path is very popular, so expect crowds and occasional bottlenecks along the route.
Do you enjoy unique Italian small towns? Then you should also visit Tivoli!
Practical Info for Cinque Terre
How to Get to Cinque Terre?
The easiest and most practical way to travel to Cinque Terre is by train from one of the major cities, Genoa or Pisa. From Pisa, there are trains to La Spezia where you can transfer to the local train that stops in all five towns that make up Cinque Terre. From Genoa, there is a direct train to Monterosso al Mare.
There are direct flights from several European cities to Pisa.
Many areas are closed to cars, so check the regulations for your destination if you are renting a car.
Where is the Best Place to Stay in Cinque Terre?
All five small towns have their charm, so there is no definitive answer. We stayed in picturesque Vernazza, and we enjoyed it very much. If you prefer a larger selection of hotels and restaurants and enjoy relaxing on the beach, Monterosso al Mare is the best choice. In Riomaggiore, you’ll find a livelier nightlife and a wider range of activities. If you’re seeking peace and quiet, Corniglia seems to be the best village for that. Manarola is said to be the most romantic of the five and possibly has the most beautiful sunset.
That being said, since Cinque Terre is a popular destination, the prices are a bit high. If you want to stay somewhere more affordable, the nearby La Spezia might be better suited for you.
When is the Best Time to Visit Cinque Terre?
Cinque Terre is visited by several million travelers each year. Therefore, it’s worth avoiding the peak tourist season (June – August).
How Many Days Do I Need in Cinque Terre?
You need at least two to three days if you plan to walk the entire trail between the towns. Alternatively, you might want more time if you want to explore the towns more thoroughly.
How Much Does it Cost to Walk the Cinque Terre Trail Between the Towns?
It costs €8 (about $9) in the low season and €15 in the high season. Various combinations of train and hiking tickets are available. Check here for updated prices.
Is the Trail in Cinque Terre Still Closed?
Some of the easy trails are still closed, but there are alternative routes that are open. These are slightly more demanding and take longer. If you have difficulty with stairs, some sections might be challenging.
Update September 2024: The trail between Corniglia and Manarola is still closed, the rest is now open.
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