Cinque Terre

The location, appearance, and the way in which the villages are still authentic is the reason why they are on the list of World Heritage by UNESCO. These villages are known for the location, the atmosphere, the wine, and the seafood.

This coastal area is one of the most beautiful coasts in Italy. Continue to read for more information on the villages and how to visit them.

Cinque Terre is a 15-kilometer long rocky coastline in Italy. It consists of five villages that lie against the steep, high cliffs and are difficult to reach by car. But you can reach them on foot. Find my tips of the towns of Cinque Terre. With the must-see attractions.

The town of Monterosso is actually called Monterosso al Mare. As the name already gives away, the village is located by the sea. It is the largest village in Cinque Terre. The village actually consists of two parts that are separated by a cliff. Both sides are connected with a tunnel.

One part consists of many houses on the beach with rocks to the left and right. And the golden beach is not extremely large, but this area is not necessarily known for its beaches.

The village of Vernazza is best known for its secluded bay with a harbour and a church. It is one of the few places with a church on the beach. This part in particular is very nice to photograph.

Note the narrow passage in the rocks on the left. There you can walk to a beach with pebbles. Where you can have a good swim. The small, narrow streets are also nice. And where you can find good (and relatively cheap) restaurants as well as nice shops.

Corniglia is the only village that is not located by the sea. Partly for this reason, it is more quiet than in the other villages. This village is also known for its narrow streets. The area is ideal for exploring, although you will have to take some flights of stairs.

The village is also perfect to start with a relatively easy hike to one of the other villages on the coast as the path descends gradually. You can return by train.

The houses are built on the rocks at different heights, making Manarola one of the prettiest villages. And this village is an absolute must on your trip to Cinque Terre.

For photographers, the early morning, as well as the sunset (and just after), is ideal. You have several places where you can take perfect photos. Judge for yourself what you like best.

Riomaggiore is slightly different from the other villages. Massive buildings have been built on the rocks, making the houses remarkably close together. But they are traditional Italian houses, which gives it a unique atmosphere.

From the harbour, you can clearly see how everything is built on top of each other. If you get the chance, you should also view this town from the sea. It clearly shows how ingenious the Italians have built in a narrow gorge in the landscape.

Portovenere does not actually belong to Cinque Terre but is a very beautiful village just south of Riomaggiore. As it is so close by, a stop you should add to your visit to Cinque Terre. Also because it is (slightly) less touristy.

One of the best ways to discover this area is by nightfall. The soft light is ideal for photos, while the temperature is often very pleasant. And many day-trippers are gone, which improves the atmosphere. Find out for yourself.

Not everyone knows that the villages are part of the Cinque Terre National Park. In Italian, it is called Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre. This national park was established to protect the hinterland. 

You will be surprised how unprecedented green the area still is, despite the many tourists. The area offers countless different hiking routes you can explore. 

The hiking trail Sentiero Azzuro (aka the blue trail or Sentiero N ° 2) runs all the way from Riomaggiore to Monterosso. This path connects these villages; it is the best way to explore this unique area. Besides the villages, its surrounding is also very worthwhile. Think of forests, where you can walk in the shade, but also vineyards that are built on the steep terraces. This is rugged Italy …

Logically you can also hike parts of this path. For example from one village to another. And then back with the shuttle bus. Or by train, because most villages have a convenient and fast train connection.

Cinque Terre is known for the fact that hiking trails, or parts of them, are regularly closed. Particularly along the coast, it sometimes happens that boulders destroy the path. After which it can take months or even years for the path to reopen. Inquire locally for the latest information about the hiking trails. This is possible in every village at the local tourist office.

Via dell’Amore, also known als Lovers Lane, runs from Riomaggiore to Manarola. This romantic trail is 1.1 kilometers long. It was carved into the rock in the 1920s and the easiest to walk. But it’s closed to 2021 due to subsidence.

The Cinque Terre Card is an admission ticket for hiking the trails. And to cover the costs of the trails. You can buy this ticket for a day, but also for several.

Cinque Terre Card does not cover the trail from Portovenere, because this village does not officially belong to Cinque Terre. Walking is free. This path is very rewarding, although the start is very steep. But then you get wonderful views of the town, the church, the castle, and the Mediterranean Sea. You will also have a great view of the island in front of the coast, which is officially called Parc Naturel Régional de Porto Venere.

More information: www.parconazionale5terre.it

This unique part of Italy is most beautiful from the water. There are numerous ways to go by boat, including taxi services. As the driver tours you around, you can decide where and when to stop. For example, if you need to take a photo. This is ideal for photographers. One drawback: It’s very pricey. Negotiate the price in advance.

Another way is a special boat trip from the ports of La Spezia and Portovenere. You'll sail along the villages and you get plenty of opportunities to take pictures. Unfortunately, the boat does not sail in winter. Check the website for times.

Cinque Terre is very popular. Both for day-trippers and cruise passengers. Which makes it very busy in the villages between eleven and five. Also on the hiking trails, especially at the famous Sentiero Azzurro.

In high season (July and August) it is actually too busy. June and September are already quite busy. But, in the winter it is wonderful to visit, and a lot quieter.

The best way to see the beauty of this area is in the early morning. Also in the evening with the street lighting. Then most of the tourists are gone and peace returns. This is especially optimal for photos.

The villages are difficult to reach by car. But by car is the best way to see a lot. The road that connects all the villages is magically beautiful. One moment you drive close to the ocean, the next moment you are at a great height with unprecedented views of the rocks and villages.

There are special rules for traffic if you are not a resident. Fair is fair; it would become a madhouse, especially in summer. That is why you have special zones where you can park. Only residents and delivery staff have access to the town itself. At much more luxurious hotels in the villages you can drop off your luggage and it will be taken to the hotel.

When you have parked your car you have to walk down into the village. You can usually park along the road. It can be quite a bit. And you also have to go back; uphill. But for example, at Vernazza, it is very beautiful, with a river next to it and lush vegetation.

You can come by public transport and then walk from village to village. As many people do. The best and most convenient is the train. It stops in all villages. It rides an average of four times an hour during the day.

The train is perfect for arriving in this part of Italy. After which you can walk for a while and then return by train. The trains are faster than you think. A ride from village to village usually only takes 5 to 15 minutes.