Guys, today I’m taking you to one of the most spectacular places in Italy—Cinque Terre! A slice of paradise on the Ligurian coast, with five fairytale villages by the sea: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
But listen up! You can’t just wing a trip to Cinque Terre—there are rules, hiking trails to know, tickets to buy… In short, you need to be prepared! So, pay attention because I’m about to explain everything in a simple and clear way.
The Five Villages: Each One More Beautiful Than the Last!
Monterosso al Mare – The Largest, with the Best Beaches
If you love the sea, Monterosso is your spot. It’s the only village with sandy beaches, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. There’s also a lovely seaside promenade, plus plenty of restaurants and bars.Want some peace and quiet? Hike up to the Convent of the Capuchin Friars—a serene retreat with stunning views!
Vernazza – Often Called the Most Beautiful Village
And here, my friends, it’s next level! Vernazza is a masterpiece, with its picturesque harbor and the Doria Castle, which offers breathtaking panoramic views.
And the piazza? It’s the heart of the village, always lively! Wander through the narrow alleys and discover hidden terraces and incredible views.
Corniglia – No Direct Sea Access, but Unbelievable Views
Corniglia is the only village not directly on the sea—it sits 100 meters (328 feet) above sea level on a cliff.
To reach it, you have to climb 365 steps (one for each day of the year—how cool is that?). But it’s worth it because the views from up there are out of this world!
This is also where you’ll find the region’s famous vineyards. I highly recommend a wine tasting—it’s a must-do experience!
Manarola – The Classic Cinque Terre Postcard
If you’ve seen a picture of Cinque Terre, it was probably Manarola. Colorful houses clinging to the cliffs, a magical atmosphere, especially at sunset.
Don’t miss an aperitivo at the famous Nessun Dorma—great drinks, amazing bruschetta, and a killer view! And if you visit in December or January, Manarola’s giant illuminated nativity scene is a true spectacle.
Riomaggiore – The Most Authentic of the Five
The last village (or the first, depending on your route) is Riomaggiore. Here, the houses look like they’re built into the rock, and the harbor is perfect for a romantic walk.
What to eat? Fried seafood from Il Pescato Cucinato or fresh pasta from Primo Piatto. Trust me, you’ll love it!
How to Get Around Cinque Terre
🚗 Forget about driving! The roads are narrow, parking is scarce, and the villages are mostly pedestrian-only. The best ways to get around are by train, boat, or on foot.
🚆 By train: The Cinque Terre Express runs every 15 minutes between villages. If you want unlimited rides, get the Cinque Terre Train Card. Important: Always validate your ticket before boarding!
⛵ By boat: The most scenic way to see Cinque Terre is from the sea! Boats run from La Spezia, Portovenere, Lerici, and Levanto and stop at four villages (Corniglia has no port).
🥾 On foot: The hiking trails are a dream! The most famous is the Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro), but there’s also the High Trail (Alta Via) for serious hikers and the Sanctuary Trail to explore historic churches and monasteries.
Cinque Terre Card: Which One Do You Need?
To access hiking trails and public transport, you’ll need a Cinque Terre National Park pass:
✅ Cinque Terre Trekking Card: Gives access to hiking trails and local buses.
✅ Cinque Terre Train Card: Includes all hiking trails plus unlimited train rides between Levanto, La Spezia, and all five villages.
Buy it online to skip the ticket lines!
Hey, do you want to experience Italy in a way that’s truly yours? No standard packages, no forced stops: we’ll create a trip just for you! From hidden villages to artistic cities, let your curiosity guide you… and us! Come discover your custom itinerary here in Pro Italian Roots!
