Cinque Terre is a picturesque region located on the Italian Riviera coastline, composed of five small seaside villages nestled into the rugged cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea. The five towns that make up the area are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The area is known for its stunning natural beauty, hiking trails, colorful houses, and delicious seafood cuisine. You can explore the villages by foot, as cars are not allowed in most of the historic centers, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Here is how to plan a trip to Cinque Terre and what to do there.
How to plan a trip to Cinque Terre
To plan a trip to Cinque Terre, there are a few things to consider:
When to go: The best time to visit Cinque Terre is during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are thinner. Summer is the peak tourist season, so expect large crowds and high prices.
How long to stay: The length of your stay in Cinque Terre depends on your travel style and what you want to see and do. Two to three days is enough to explore the five villages and some of the surrounding areas. For a more relaxed pace or to explore further afield, consider staying for five days or more.
Where to stay: Cinque Terre has a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. It’s recommended to stay in one of the five villages to fully experience the area’s charm and culture.
Getting around: The villages of Cinque Terre are best explored on foot or by train. Consider purchasing a Cinque Terre Card Train (Treno) for unlimited train travel between the villages, as well as other discounts and benefits.
Activities: There are plenty of things to see and do in Cinque Terre, including hiking the scenic trails between the villages, swimming and sunbathing at the beaches, and indulging in the local cuisine and wine. Don’t forget to take in the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the colorful houses perched on the rugged cliffs.
Best time to visit Cinque Terre
The best time to visit Cinque Terre is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. The temperatures are pleasant for hiking, swimming and exploring the towns. The summer months of July and August are the peak season, when the region is flooded with tourists, making it difficult to move around and find accommodation. The winter months of November to March can be rainy and windy, and some of the trails and attractions may be closed. However, the off-season offers a quieter experience with fewer crowds and lower prices. Ultimately, the best time to visit depends on your preferences and priorities, but if you’re looking to avoid crowds and still enjoy pleasant weather, the shoulder seasons are the way to go.
How to get to Cinque Terre from La Spezia
Getting to Cinque Terre from La Spezia is quite easy, as La Spezia serves as a major transportation hub for the region. You can take a train from La Spezia to any of the five Cinque Terre villages, with the journey taking anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the village. There are frequent trains running throughout the day, with a schedule that can be found on the Trenitalia website or at the train station. Alternatively, you can also take a ferry from La Spezia to the Cinque Terre villages during the summer months, which offers stunning views of the coastline. The ferry schedule can be found on the Consorzio Marittimo Turistico website or at the port in La Spezia. Finally, you can also reach the Cinque Terre by car, but keep in mind that the villages themselves are mostly car-free and parking can be difficult.
Cinque Terre Card Train (Treno) and Cinque Terre Card Trekking cards
The Cinque Terre Card Train (Treno) is a pass that allows visitors to access unlimited train rides between La Spezia and Levanto, as well as unlimited bus rides in the villages of Cinque Terre. The pass also includes access to the hiking trails in the national park, and free entry to the park’s museums. There are two types of cards available: the Cinque Terre Card Train, which includes train and bus travel, and the Cinque Terre Card Trekking, which includes train and bus travel as well as access to the hiking trails. The card can be purchased at train stations, tourist offices, and online, and is valid for one or two days depending on the chosen option. The Cinque Terre Card Train (Treno) is a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the area without worrying about purchasing individual tickets for each journey.
How to move between Cinque Terre villages
One of the best ways to move around Cinque Terre is by hiking between the villages. The hiking trail, known as the Sentiero Azzurro or the Blue Trail, runs along the coast and offers stunning views of the sea and the colorful houses perched on the cliffs. The trail connects all five villages and ranges in difficulty, with some sections being steep and rocky. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks. A Cinque Terre Card is required to access the trail and can be purchased at the entrance of the trail or online.
Another way to move between the villages is by train. The Cinque Terre Train runs frequently between the five villages and is a quick and convenient way to get around. The train stations are located in the center of each village, making it easy to explore the sights and attractions. It is recommended to purchase a Cinque Terre Train Card, which provides unlimited rides on the train between the villages, as well as access to the hiking trail and other discounts.
How much time to spend in Cinque Terre
The amount of time to spend in Cinque Terre can vary depending on your preferences and interests. For a short visit, two days in Cinque Terre would be enough to explore the highlights of each village. On the first day, start in Riomaggiore and explore the colorful houses and narrow streets before hiking the scenic trail to Manarola. Continue to Vernazza, where you can explore the historic castle and enjoy the stunning views of the Mediterranean. Spend the second day in Monterosso al Mare, with its beautiful beaches and lively atmosphere.
For those who have more time, spending five days in Cinque Terre would allow for a more leisurely and in-depth exploration of each village. In addition to the above itinerary, spend a day in Corniglia, the smallest and quietest village of the five, with its charming alleys and stunning views. Take a day trip to Portovenere, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore its medieval castle and stunning natural beauty. Finally, spend a day taking a boat tour of the coastline, where you can admire the villages from a different perspective and explore hidden coves and beaches.
If you have just one day in Cinque Terre, focus on visiting one or two villages in detail. Riomaggiore and Vernazza are two popular options, as they offer a good mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. In Riomaggiore, walk through the old town and take the scenic trail to Manarola. In Vernazza, climb the castle tower for stunning views of the village and the sea. Don’t forget to try the local seafood and wine, which are famous throughout the region.
Hotels in Cinque Terre
Here are five best hotels in Cinque Terre:
Porto Roca – Located in Monterosso al Mare, this hotel boasts stunning sea views, a pool, and spacious rooms with balconies. It is also known for its excellent restaurant and friendly staff.
Hotel Belvedere – Situated in the scenic village of Portovenere, this hotel offers panoramic sea views, elegant rooms, and a lovely garden terrace. It is also conveniently located near the ferry terminal for exploring Cinque Terre by boat.
Hotel Villa Steno – This charming hotel is set on a hillside in Monterosso al Mare and offers lovely sea views, a pool, and a lush garden. The rooms are cozy and well-equipped, and the staff is known for their warmth and hospitality.
Hotel Palme – Located in Riomaggiore, this hotel offers cozy and comfortable rooms with sea views, a terrace with stunning panoramic views, and a great location near the town center and train station.
Hotel Pasquale – Situated in Manarola, this family-run hotel offers cozy rooms with sea views, a lovely terrace for relaxing, and a great location near the train station and town center. The staff is also known for their friendliness and helpfulness.
How to plan a trip to Cinque Terre – Cinque Terre villages
Monterosso
Monterosso al Mare is the largest of the five village. It is divided into two parts – the old town and the new town. The old town is full of narrow, winding streets lined with colorful houses and small shops, while the new town has a more modern feel with wider streets and a beach promenade. Monterosso al Mare is famous for its beautiful beaches, particularly the long and sandy Fegina beach which is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water activities. You can also explore the charming old town and its historical buildings, such as the Church of San Giovanni Battista and the Capuchin Monastery. With its stunning scenery, quaint atmosphere, and delicious seafood, Monterosso al Mare is a must-visit destination in the Cinque Terre.
What to see and do in Monterosso
One of the most popular activities is relaxing on the town’s beautiful sandy beach, where visitors can soak up the sun and swim in the crystal-clear waters. The town is also known for its hiking trails, such as the beautiful coastal trail that offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Another popular attraction is the 14th-century Church of San Giovanni Battista, which features beautiful Gothic architecture and stunning stained glass windows. You can also explore the town’s historic center, which is filled with quaint shops, restaurants, and cafes. For those interested in the region’s history and culture, a visit to the Monterosso Castle and the Aurora Tower is a must.
Vernazza
Vernazza is a charming and picturesque fishing village located on the rugged coast of the Italian Riviera in the Cinque Terre region. Its colorful buildings, narrow alleyways, and charming harbor make it one of the most photogenic towns in the area. Visitors can take a stroll along the scenic promenade, relax on the small beach or enjoy a delicious seafood meal at one of the local restaurants. The town is also home to a medieval castle and a beautiful 14th-century church that are both worth visiting.
Corniglia
Corniglia is a charming village located in the Cinque Terre region of Italy. Unlike the other four villages, Corniglia is situated atop a hill and requires a bit of a climb to reach. However, the effort is well worth it as Corniglia offers some of the best views of the surrounding coastline. The village is known for its narrow streets, colorful houses, and quaint shops selling local products such as olive oil and wine. Visitors can also explore the ancient ruins of the Genoese castle or relax in one of the village’s cozy cafes.
Manarola
Manarola is a charming village in the Cinque Terre region of Italy. The village is known for its colorful houses and crystal clear waters that are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets of the village, take in the stunning views of the sea and the surrounding hills, and try some delicious local seafood at one of the many restaurants in the area.
Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore is another picturesque village in the Cinque Terre region. It is known for its steep cliffs and narrow alleys that lead to the colorful houses and stunning views of the sea. Visitors can take a relaxing walk through the village, sample some local wine and seafood, and visit the church of San Giovanni Battista, which offers stunning views of the coastline. The village also serves as a starting point for hiking trails that lead to other villages in the Cinque Terre region.
