What’s in this article
If you’ve dreamed of discovering the Cinque Terre, one of Italy’s coastal gems, listen up.
These are five charming fishing villages located on the Ligurian coastline that have really transformed from being a hidden paradise into one of world’s tourist destination, and with good reasons!
Suppose you can picture the bright houses leaning against the reef, their colours dancing like clear watercolours on blue water.
Imagine wandering along ancient stone paths, the smell of salt water and lemon grass still in the air.
Cinque Terre Italy is about slowing down to savour each minute you spend here.
Though it has become a popular destination, there are things only insiders know which will make your visit worth.
Therefore, let’s go through some insider tips first time travelers must learn before going to Cinque Terre.
How to Explore Cinque Terre Italy
Cinque Terre National Park is located on the northwestern coast of Italy south of Genoa, embracing the shore of Ligurian Riviera.
It was a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 despite its small size, it covers only 15 square miles [24 km], which makes it the smallest and oldest national park in the country.
We’re talking rock cliffs plummeting into crystal-clear turquoise water.
Rows of vineyards and olive groves spilled down the hillside.
All connected by a maze of scenic hiking trails.
It’s as if a slice of beach paradise has been transplanted to Italy’s coastline.
However “Cinque Terre” is not just one place.
These are five separate small villages clinging to the Ligurian cliffs.
You’ve got Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, strung along about 8 miles (13 km) of coastline from north to south.
Each as colorful as the next, they all have their own unique vibes too, buildings falling into a sea of vivid shades as if plucked straight from a storybook.
In one village you wander through peaceful cobblestone streets while in another you get a buzzing energetic harbour.
How to get to Cinque Terre, Italy
Visiting Cinque Terre is all part of the trip!
Slightly cut off from the modern world for centuries, these five small coastal villages cling to the rugged cliffs of Italian Riviera.
That’s a big part of their appeal.
Traditionally, the Cinque Terre was accessible only by boat or by steep trails between the towns.
These days, if you want to drive, there is a way, but let me be honest with you – parking is an absolute nightmare.
My advice? Avoid the hassle and take a train instead!
The beautiful little Cinque Terre Express runs between the villages every 20 minutes, taking you to La Spezia to the south and Levanto to the north.
You just jump in and go to whatever fancy village you want to go to that day.
A one-way ticket between the villages is only 5 euros, or you can get an unlimited day trip from around 15-18 euros depending on the season.
The nearest international airports are Pisa and Genoa.
You can then travel by train to La Spezia (from Pisa) or Levanto (from Genoa) to get to the Cinque Terre.
But here’s my pro tip: for the ultimate experience, book a boat ride at least once during your stay!
From March to November, boats leave from towns like La Spezia and Portovenere, offering views of colourful villages that jump from port to port from the bright blue waters.
You can also opt for a private boat tour so many options on Get Your Guide or Viator.
If you also want to explore alpine trails, the Explora 5 Terre is a high-altitude minibus that can take you to high-altitude villages as well.
Tickets start from 18.50 euros per day.
How long to stay in Cinque Terre Italy
When considering how long to spend in Cinque Terre, it really depends on how much time you have and what kind of experience you are looking for.
If you’re crunched on time, you can try taking a train or boat from one village to another for a quick taste, spending maybe an hour in each.
There are also options for day trips from cities like Florence or Pisa that include cars.
But in my opinion you would have sold yourself short if you were there for one day only.
You’d miss the best times of the day when the villages are not overcrowded by day-trippers.
From 10am to 4pm it’s crazy.
The evening is quieter and more serene.
Ideally, I’d recommend spending a couple of nights in Cinque Terre.
That gives you enough time to thoroughly explore each little village, go on two half-day trips, take a boat trip along the coast, and really soak it all in at different times of the day.
The vibe shifts so much from morning to night , so staying some days lets you experience the night vibes and decide which village is your favourite for sunset or dinner.
And if you can swing plenty of time, there are some longer walks to do, or venture into nearby towns like Portovenere, Levanto or La Spezia for a change of pace.
But believe me, those few days right in the Cinque Terre will be magical.
When’s the best time to visit Cinque Terre
One of the biggest draws of the Cinque Terre is its inviting year-round climate.
These five seaside gems enjoy a particularly mild Mediterranean vibe that keeps things pleasantly temperate no matter what the calendar says.
In the winter months, temps almost never dip below freezing, typically hovering around a comfortable 50°F/10°C on average.
And in summer? You’ll rarely see the mercury push past 85°F/30°C.
Total sweet spot!
That said, I’d argue the prime time to experience the Cinque Terre is that glorious spring-through-fall window from March to October.
As the warmer weather arrives, so do the ferries linking the villages by sea.
You can spend your days hopping between the colourful harbours on scenic boat rides, working up an appetite for the next pasta-fueled refuel.
The slightly cooler spring and fall temps are also ideal for exploring the famed hiking trails that connect all five towns, like the iconic Sentiero Azzurro coastal path.
Wandering from village to village while drinking in those dramatic Mediterranean views?
Absolutely priceless!
Just be aware that July and August bring the crowds and peak heat.
If you do visit in the winter months from November-March, keep in mind that many hotels, restaurants, and tourist services may be shut down or running on reduced schedules during the off-season.
It can be a little quieter, but the tradeoff may be less accessibility.
No matter when you go though, the weather is generally pretty dry across all seasons – a rarity for many coastal areas!
You may get the odd rain shower here and there, but nothing too extreme…with one crazy exception.
In 2011, a freak cloudburst totally overwhelmed Monterosso and Vernazza, causing major damage to the villages and even the beloved Sentiero Azzurro.
Just shows you can never say never with Mother Nature’s temper tantrums!
The bottom line?
There’s really no bad time for the Cinque Terre’s mild, sunny bliss.
But those sunny spring and fall sweet spots get my vote for pure perfection. Gorgeous weather, beautiful trails, lovely little towns – it’s the ultimate mash-up of Italian delights!
Where to stay in Cinque Terre
Okay, so you’re trying to figure out where to stay in the Cinque Terre, right?
Well, the biggest perk of staying right in one of the five little villages is that you can just soak up the atmosphere morning and night without having to commute in each day.
The downside is that this place is super popular, so accommodation ain’t cheap – even for pretty basic places.
You really gotta book early to grab something decent within your budget.
Hotel options are limited except in the larger villages of Monterosso and Riomaggiore, so you’re mostly looking at guesthouses and apartment rentals.
Now, the villages are all so close together that there’s no one that really stands out location-wise.
And since you can easily hop between them, it’s not worth moving around if you’re just there for a few days.
It really comes down to choosing the vibe that fits you best based on the accommodation available.
Hotels in Cinque Terre – Monterosso
Monterosso is probably the most convenient being the largest village and up north. But that also means it gets slammed, especially on weekends.
It’s split into an old town area and a resort-style beachfront, which is the only real beach in the Cinque Terre Italy.
They’ve got the biggest selection of places to stay including the best hotels.
Just be ready to pay up – it ain’t cheap!
Look for Cinque Terre Hotels in Monterosso
Cinque Terre Hotels – Riomaggiore
At the other end from Monterosso, you’ve got Riomaggiore – another relatively big village.
This one has a gorgeous setting with those brightly coloured houses clustered around the harbour.
Such a picturesque spot!
Riomaggiore has a decent selection of accommodation including a couple hotels. It’s also got plenty of restaurants and offers the best nightlife of the villages, though still pretty lowkey overall.
Just be ready for some serious hills!
Look for Hotels in Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre Italy
Hotels in Cinque Terre – Vernazza and Manarola
Now if you really want that quintessential Cinque Terre charm, I’d say check out the smaller villages of Vernazza and Manarola.
They’re just stunners – arguably the most beautiful of the five.
Manarola is surrounded by vineyards and is an awesome spot for sunset views. And Vernazza has this adorable little harbour with a tiny beach.
Neither has high-end hotels though, so you’re looking at guesthouses or apartment rentals.
Look for accommodation in Vernazza and Manarola.
Hotels in Cinque Terre – Corniglia
Then you’ve got little Corniglia right there in the middle.
It’s the smallest and hardest to access since it’s set up high with no direct sea access – you have to hike up a massive flight of steps from the train station.
That makes it the quietest village, especially at night.
But man, those views from up on the rocks are incredible!
I stayed there and loved the peaceful vibe.
If budget is more of a concern, you could also look at staying in the neighbouring towns of Levanto or La Spezia instead.
They’re right on the Cinque Terre train line, so still easy to get around.
But accommodations, food, everything is way cheaper since you’re just outside the actual five villages.
Plus they’ve got more of an authentic local feel without being totally overrun by tourists.
Could be a nice alternative!
Hiking in Cinque Terre
Walking the Cinque Terre trails is a dream come true!
You will walk along these scenic rocky trails, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant vineyards as far as the eye can see.
And the best part?
If you need a little break from all that glorious trekking, you can explore one of the lovely little village.
With the colorful houses that seem to tumble down hillsides in almost the most graceful manner.
You can grab an aperitivo and park yourself along the sparkling Ligurian Sea as the afternoon sun dances across the rugged coastline.
Perfection, am I right?
Now, I know what you’re thinking – with so many wonderful trails to choose from, planning the perfect Cinque Terre hike can feel a bit overwhelming at first.
Where do you even begin?
No sweat, my friend.
Once you have the lay of the land it’s actually really easy.
Il Sentiero Azzurro (The Blue Trekking Trail)
If you’re looking for one of the most iconic hikes in Italy’s famous Cinque Terre, the Blue Trekking route (the SVA) should definitely be on your list.
This incredible trail kicks things off right in the heart of charming Monterosso’s historic center and connects the postcard-perfect villages of Vernazza and Corniglia as it meanders through classic Ligurian coastal landscapes.
The scenery along the way is straight out of a storybook.
You’ll wander alongside cultivated terraces with ancient dry stone walls that have been lovingly tended for centuries.
The lush green Mediterranean scrubland provides a vibrant backdrop, but it’s the shimmering blue sea that really steals the show – this sparkling vista will be your trusty companion for the entire hike, serving up one jaw-dropping view after another.
And just wait until you start that descent towards Vernazza and catch your first glimpse of the storybook village…pure magic!
After exploring the charms of Vernazza, prepare for a seriously steep climb offering one last sweeping panorama of the village before continuing on towards Corniglia. This stretch takes you through fragrant olive groves and wooded areas until you reach the hamlet of Prevo and ultimately arrive at Corniglia itself, encircled by rolling green hills dotted with fruit trees.
Here are some must-know tips for tackling this bucket-list trail: you have to get a trail pass for like 7,50 euros to hike and no joke difficulty-wise with plenty of grueling uphill climbs and knee-challenging descents.
The full route clocks in around 7.7 km.
There is a difference in altitude of about 217 meters heading from Monterosso to Vernazza over an estimated 2-hour hike.
While the difference in altitude from Vernazza to Corniglia is about 269 metres and the trail is also covered in 2 hours.
Just follow the signs for 592-4 (SVA2) to start, then 592-3 (SVA2) for that second leg.
From Corniglia to Manarola through Via Volastra hiking trail
If you’re looking for one of the most stunning trails in the Cinque Terre region, the path from Corniglia to Manarola needs to be at the very top of your list.
This slightly more off-the-beaten-path route may not get as much hype as some others, but trust me – the views of these two picturesque towns are to-die-for!
The adventure kicks off near Corniglia’s church, where you can top up your water bottle at a handy fountain before starting the steep uphill climb along an old mule track.
Don’t be deterred by the initial effort required – it’s so worth it once you reach the highest point and can drink in that spectacular vista looking back over Corniglia from above.
From there, you’ll cross through a shady wood that provides some welcome respite from the Italian sun’s rays.
Emerging in the Porciana area, get ready for a real showstopper – vineyards impossibly perched on vertigo-inducing terraces that plunge down towards the sparkling sea below.
This is the area that produces the Cinque Terre’s prized wines, so appreciate those terraced vines!
Continuing a little farther brings you to the tiny hilltop village of Volastra, situated along the Via dei Santuari pilgrimage route.
By this point, you’ll definitely want to have your camera ready because the descent into Manarola is simply breathtaking.
Glimpse after glimpse of the village will have you stopping every few feet to commit the magic to memory.
A few quick tips before you hit this trail:
It’s free to hike, with a length of around 5.5 km and an elevation gain/loss in the 500-600 meter range.
Plan for about 3.5 hours of walking time and simply follow the signs for routes 587, 586, and finally 506 as you near Manarola.
Via Beccara trail between Manarola and Riomaggiore
In case you are searching for a special hiking in the Cinque Terre that offers unique moments and gives an opportunity to follow the footsteps of the history, try the Via Beccara path, which is just recently remade.
This ancient road at one time used to be the only overland route connecting the towns of Manarola and Riomaggiore.
And while the famous Via dell’Amore has sadly been closed since 2011 due to landslides, the Via Beccara provides an off-the-beaten-path alternative for exploring this section of the Cinque Terre – all while offering up totally unusual vantage points of gorgeous Manarola along the way.
To hop on the Via Beccara, make your way up to the higher reaches of Manarola near the church.
From there, you’ll take on a pretty steep stair climb before emerging at Costa del Corniolo – the perfect spot to catch your breath while soaking in some sublime sea views.
Feeling refreshed, continue on downhill, winding through the iconic Cinque Terre vineyards towards the enchanting village of Riomaggiore awaiting at the end of the trail.
Here are some quick need-to-knows about the Via Beccara:
It’s free to hike, with a length of around 1.4 km.
Despite being relatively short, don’t underestimate it – you’ll be dealing with an elevation change of roughly 200 meters and some serious inclines, so budget 1-1.5 hours to complete at a reasonable pace.
Just follow the signage for route 531 to stay on track.
Hiking trail to Montenero Sanctuary from Riomaggiore
If you’re in search of a somewhat relaxed trail in Cinque Terre that still gives you that colourful panoramic view, this is the trail for you – the climb up to the Montenero Sanctuary from Riomaggiore.
Sitting atop the village at higher altitudes, the sanctuary offers stunning views of both the famous coastline of Cinque Terre and the Portovenere archipelago.
On sunny days, you might even see the Island of Corsica shining on the very far horizon!
However, before you become fully immersed in those wonderful vistas, you may want to visit Riomaggiore’s colourful centre first.
Don’t skip the vibrant harbour and taking extensive walk through the historic lanes. It’s almost obligatory before departure.
From there, make your way up to the village’s higher reaches near the roundabout and National Park Info Point.
This is where you’ll pick up the ancient Via Grande mule track, following along the Rio Maggiore stream.
The path winds its way through classic Cinque Terre vineyards that gradually give way to Mediterranean scrubland as you gain elevation.
After about 50 minutes of steady but enjoyable uphill, you’ll arrive at the sanctuary itself.
Definitely take a break to explore the picturesque church and picnic area before making a beeline for the railing – this is where the real payoff is!
Gaze out over the rugged Ligurian coastline, watching the Cinque Terre villages spill down the cliffs to the sparkling sea.
Then pivot towards Portovenere and take in the view of its archipelago, including romantic Palmaria Island.
With scenery like this, it’s no surprise the Cinque Terre is world-famous. Just breathtaking!
Some quick tips:
This route is free and around 2 km each way, with an elevation gain of 460 meters. The hike up takes most people around 50 minutes at a moderate pace.
Wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen/hat, and don’t forget camera – you’ll definitely want to capture the vistas!
Scalinata Grande – Monesteroli hiking trail
And if you’re an adventure seeker always on the lookout for thrilling, off-the-beaten-path experiences, let me tell you about one of the most dramatic and vertigo-inducing trails in all of the Cinque Terre National Park – the epic Grande Scalinata (Great Staircase) leading down to the tiny village of Monesteroli.
We’re talking a mind-blowing 1,200 stone steps that seem to plummet straight towards the Ligurian Sea in parts, hugging the cliffs in a way that’ll get your heart racing if you have even a hint of a fear of heights.
Attempting the full descent is definitely not for the faint of heart or anyone with mobility issues.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t still get a taste of this legendary trail’s majesty!
There are several different routes that’ll get you to the junction for joining up with path #536 and to the Scalinata Grande itself.
You can start from Campiglia, Sant’Antonio, or Fossola di Tramonti – it’s up to you where you want to approach from.
No matter which way you go, I’d recommend hiking at least the first handful of steps until you can make out the vibrant red rooftops of Monesteroli in the distance.
Grab some pics, soak in the dizzying vantage point, and you can always turn back if you’re not feeling up for the full steep plunge.
A few quick tips: This route is free to hike but extremely challenging with plenty of precipitous drop-offs, so it’s probably not the best pick for those struggling with serious vertigo or terrain anxiety.
The steps are unrelenting and difficult, even if you’re just doing an out-and-back instead of the full village-to-village trek.
What to pack for Cinque Terre
When packing for Cinque Terre, I would recommend you pack light.
These beautiful seaside villages are built on cliffs; therefore, chances are that you will have to navigate through some steep inclines or stairs just to get to your accommodation.
Trust me, you won’t want to carry heavy luggage up and down endless stone steps under the scorching Italian sun.
Just try packing as little as possible!
There are a few essentials I can suggest: comfortable walking or trekking shoes, a light scarf or sun hat for protection, and a bottle of water that can be reused.
Each town has free public taps where you can refill your water as needed.
The famous trekking trails connecting these villages provide very little shading, so it is wise if you’re prepared for direct sun exposure.
Even if only Monterosso has an actual beach, all other towns offer beautiful spots where you can enjoy swimming after having explored all day long in hot weather.
Definitely pack your swimsuit and get ready to cool off Italian-style!
If you do forget any sun essentials like sunscreen or beach gear, not to worry; there are shops in each town selling those basics.
But fair warning: they tend to charge premium prices thanks to the heavy tourist traffic.
To save some euros, it’s best to stock up before arriving.
One last tip?
Although many locals have knowledge of the English language, it never hurts to bring along with you an Italian phrasebook too.
You can check out the “Learn Italian” section of the blog or listen to our podcast to learn basic Italian.
It always feels good when you greet people using words like “ciao” or “grazie.”
The Cinque Terre is a place to embrace an easy life warmed by the sun.
As long as you pack wisely for summer conditions, lots of walking, and some time off at the sea, your trip will be perfect.
Ciao and Happy travels!
