Cinque Terre
Five vibrant, cliffside villages on the Italian Riviera, connected by scenic trails and trains. A UNESCO World Heritage site.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds.
Cinque Terre
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Five vibrant, cliffside villages on the Italian Riviera, connected by scenic trails and trains. A UNESCO World Heritage site.
"Cinque Terre is a dream destination with breathtaking views and charming villages."
Get the Cinque Terre Card
:admission_tickets: Essential for train travel & trails. Worth the cost for unlimited rides!
Wear Comfortable Shoes
:athletic_shoe: Lots of stairs & steep paths. Your feet will thank you!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vernazza's Harbor
Vernazza
Iconic colorful houses cascading down to a picturesque harbor. A quintessential Cinque Terre view.
Manarola Sunset Viewpoint
Manarola
The most photographed spot, offering breathtaking views of Manarola as the sun dips below the horizon.
Riomaggiore's Pastel Charm
Riomaggiore
Explore the charming main street and admire the vibrant, pastel-colored houses clinging to the cliffs.
Via dell'Amore (Lover's Lane)
Riomaggiore to Manarola
A scenic coastal path, though often partially closed, offering romantic views. Check its status before visiting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Train Travel is Key
+1Pack Light & Smart
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Get the Cinque Terre Card
:admission_tickets: Essential for train travel & trails. Worth the cost for unlimited rides!
Wear Comfortable Shoes
:athletic_shoe: Lots of stairs & steep paths. Your feet will thank you!
Try Local Pesto
:foodie: Vernazza is famous for its pesto. Don't miss it!
Book Accommodation Early
:housewithgarden: Popular spot, especially for Airbnbs. Book well in advance!
Tips
from all over the internet
Get the Cinque Terre Card
:admission_tickets: Essential for train travel & trails. Worth the cost for unlimited rides!
Wear Comfortable Shoes
:athletic_shoe: Lots of stairs & steep paths. Your feet will thank you!
Try Local Pesto
:foodie: Vernazza is famous for its pesto. Don't miss it!
Book Accommodation Early
:housewithgarden: Popular spot, especially for Airbnbs. Book well in advance!
Embrace Slow Travel
:slow_travel: Don't rush! Savor each village's unique charm.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking beauty and unique charm of the Cinque Terre villages, highlighting the picturesque scenery and vibrant atmosphere. Many appreciate the convenience of the train system for exploring. However, some find the crowds overwhelming during peak season and note that certain hiking trails can be closed.
"Sandra is fantastic!!! She created a great two hour walking tour of Genoa for my teenage daughters and I which we all really enjoyed. Her knowledge of the city and its history is vast. I highly recommend her if you’re interested in really getting to know Genoa!"
Ross Piro
"Tremendous tour of about 4 hours. We let Sandra direct what we did. We had minimal requests other than that we see the Porta Soprana. The plan worked out great. The highlight was probably the visit to the Museo di Sant’Agostino though lunch at a focaccia restaurant was a near second. The panera, a coffee parfait in a cone, was also great. But really the whole tour was fun. Would do again in a second."
Raymond Bertino
"Do not even think about visiting Genoa's historic centre, the old town, also known as the Castello hill, without Sandra as your guide!
Built in a very tight space, over many centuries, with so many different periods of construction in such an economically vital centre of Mediterranean trade, the old town of Genoa is impossible to navigate without Sandra beside you, disentangling the different strands.
I have studied History, so I am a natural customer for Sandra.
To Sandra's credit, my Swedish wife, who is much more of a musician than an historian, was totally engaged by our 4 hour tour with Sandra; listened attentively; asked many questions which were answered clearly; and was every bit as fascinated as I was by the old town as presented by Sandra.
I have enjoyed many walking guided tours of European cities. Sandra's guided tour of the old town of Genoa is in a league of its own."
Stephen Weil
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach Cinque Terre from Genoa is by train. Take a regional train from Genoa Piazza Principe or Genova Brignole station towards La Spezia Centrale. From La Spezia, you can then catch the local Cinque Terre Express train that stops at all five villages. The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Driving to Cinque Terre is not recommended as the villages are largely car-free and parking is extremely limited and expensive. It's best to park in La Spezia or Levanto and take the train.
The most efficient way to travel between the villages is by the Cinque Terre Express train, which runs frequently. You can also hike between some villages on scenic trails, or take ferries during the warmer months for beautiful coastal views.
From Florence, you'll typically take a train to La Spezia Centrale, which usually involves a change in Pisa. The total journey time is around 2.5 to 3 hours.
Yes, ferries operate between the Cinque Terre villages during the spring and summer months, offering a scenic way to travel and see the coastline from the water.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, it's highly recommended to purchase the Cinque Terre Card. It provides unlimited access to the local trains connecting the villages and access to the paid hiking trails.
The cost of the Cinque Terre Card can vary, but it's typically around 7 euros for a one-day pass. It's a good investment if you plan to use the train frequently or hike the trails.
Yes, you can purchase the Cinque Terre Card online in advance or at train stations in the Cinque Terre villages and nearby towns like La Spezia and Levanto.
No, there are no individual entrance fees for the villages themselves. The Cinque Terre Card covers access to the national park and its trails, as well as train travel.
The hiking trails are generally open during daylight hours, but it's always best to check the official Cinque Terre National Park website for the most up-to-date information on trail status and opening times, as they can change due to weather or maintenance.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
While a day trip is possible, 2-3 days are ideal to truly explore and enjoy all five villages without feeling rushed. This allows time for hiking, swimming, and savoring the local atmosphere.
The five villages are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Each has its own unique charm and character.
This depends on your preference! Monterosso has the largest beach and more amenities. Vernazza and Manarola are incredibly picturesque. Riomaggiore is vibrant, and Corniglia is quieter and offers stunning views from its hilltop perch.
Some trails are relatively easy, while others are more challenging and require good fitness. The famous Via dell'Amore is usually an easy, paved path, but check its status as it's often closed.
Using the Cinque Terre Express train is the most convenient. You can also hike between villages or take a ferry for a different perspective. Many visitors combine train travel with short walks.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Cinque Terre is renowned for its fresh seafood, pesto (especially in Vernazza), focaccia, and local Ligurian wines. Don't miss trying a 'cono fritto' (fried seafood cone).
Vernazza is particularly famous for its pesto. Many trattorias and restaurants throughout the villages offer delicious pesto dishes.
Yes, each village offers a variety of dining options, from casual focaccerias and seafood stands to more formal restaurants. Vernazza and Manarola tend to have a high concentration of popular eateries.
A 'cono fritto' is a paper cone filled with freshly fried seafood, such as anchovies, calamari, and shrimp. It's a popular and delicious street food snack.
While seafood is prevalent, you can find vegetarian options like pesto pasta, focaccia with various toppings, and vegetable-based dishes. Many restaurants are accommodating to dietary needs.
📸 📸 Photography
Manarola's viewpoint for sunsets is iconic. Vernazza's harbor and Riomaggiore's colorful streets are also must-photograph locations. Look for elevated viewpoints in each village for panoramic shots.
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most beautiful light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the vibrant colors of the villages still make for great shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the dramatic coastal landscapes and village panoramas. A zoom lens can be useful for details. Don't forget a polarizing filter for vibrant skies and seas.
Drone usage is generally restricted within the Cinque Terre National Park to protect the environment and residents. Always check local regulations before flying.
Explore the less-crowded alleys, hike to higher vantage points, and try to capture the local life. Early mornings or late evenings can offer more solitude for unique shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Consider staying in one village and using the train for day trips to others. The boat tours offer a fun way to see the coastline without strenuous walking. Look for accommodations with more space, as rooms can be compact.
Enjoying gelato and focaccia will surely be a hit with the kids!🚶 Budget Travelers
+1 Focus on free activities like hiking (with the card), swimming, and exploring the villages on foot. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the dramatic coastal scenery and colorful villages. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Five Villages
+1Corniglia is the only village not directly on the water, perched atop a cliff, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Reaching it involves climbing many steps from the train station. Manarola is famous for its stunning sunset views and the romantic Via dell'Amore (though often closed). Riomaggiore, the southernmost village, boasts vibrant pastel houses and a lively atmosphere.
+2Each village is connected by train, hiking trails, and seasonal ferries, allowing for easy exploration. Visitors often spend 2-3 days to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and charm of each unique town.
+2Hiking the Sentiero Azzurro
However, it's crucial to note that sections of the Sentiero Azzurro are frequently closed due to landslides or maintenance. The Via dell'Amore (Lover's Lane) between Riomaggiore and Manarola, once a beloved easy walk, has been closed for many years with partial re-openings. Always check the official Cinque Terre National Park website for the latest trail conditions and closures before planning your hikes.
+1For those seeking more challenging hikes, there are higher trails that offer equally stunning, albeit less crowded, vistas of the coastline and vineyards. Purchasing the Cinque Terre Card is often required for access to the paid sections of the Blue Trail.
+1Getting Around Cinque Terre
+1Ferries are another scenic option, especially during the warmer months. They offer a unique perspective of the villages from the sea and connect most of the towns, though they may not run in inclement weather. Hiking is also a popular way to experience the landscape, with various trails ranging in difficulty.
Driving is strongly discouraged due to narrow, winding roads and extremely limited parking within the villages. Most visitors park their cars in La Spezia or Levanto and utilize the train system for their entire stay.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit