Cinque Terre Area – Travel Guide
The Cinque Terre, a stunning coastal area in Italy`s Liguria region, is renowned for its five colorful cliffside villages—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—set against dramatic Mediterranean scenery. Visitors can explore the narrow streets, beautiful beaches, and picturesque harbors of each village, connected by scenic hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the rugged coastline. The region is a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated for its unique blend of natural beauty, traditional architecture, and vibrant local culture. Fresh seafood, local wines, and charming cafes add to the appeal of the Cinque Terre.
All about Cinque Terre Area
Getting around Cinque Terre Area
By Train
Best way of visiting the Cinque Terre Villages is by train and foot. See information passes Cinque Terre – Cards and Passes
By Car
We do not recommend using a car to visit the Cinque Terre. Roads are winding, twisted with steep uphills and downhills, there are only a few areas for parking, because centers of the towns are closed to private traffic and there are no gas stations on the roads between the Cinque Terre villages It is just much simpler to visit this area by train, hiking or boat.
On Foot
Once in the villages of Cinque Terre, the best way to experience the Cinque Terre is by foot! During the walk along the mountainside you go through the Mediterranean bush, between the sky and sea! The Cinque Terre is traversed by many ways. The main path goes along the shore and connects all the five villages in about five hours walk. There are also some difficult paths for expert hikers.
By Boat
In spring and summer there are daily connections by boat from La Spezia, Portovenere, Portofino and Lerici, with last stop in Monterosso (generally from April 1st until the first week of November). Prices range according to the route you choose, from 3 euro to 25 euro for unlimited one-day pass.
Info: www.navigazionegolfodeipoeti.it
By Bus
Usage of the Bus service is included in the Cinque Terre CARD (but it doesn`t cost much if you don`t have the card). It may help you to save your time in each town and to get to interested places easier.
Riomaggiore: offers a connection from the center of the town up to the graveyard at the top of the village. Some routes also offer a link with Colle del Telegrafo and Biassa.
Manarola: offers a connection from the center of the town to the car parking persisting to the village of Volastra.
Corniglia: offers a connection from the center of the village to the railway station.
Vernazza: connect the nearby areas of the Sanctuary “Madonna Nostra Signora di Reggio” and the village of San Bernardino.
Monterosso: operates inside the village as well as offering a connection to the Sanctuary `Nostra Signora di Soviore.`
Cinque Terre Area FAQ
Top Attractions
Monterosso al Mare
Is a town and comune in the province of La Spezia, part of the region of Liguria, Northern Italy.
Vernazza
Is one of the 5 centuries-old villages that make up the Cinque Terre, on northwest Italy`s rugged Ligurian coast.
Monterosso Public Beach
Compact sandy beach with lounger rentals, backed by a shady walkway, souvenir shops and terrace bars.
Manarola
It is the second-smallest of the famous Cinque Terre towns frequented by tourists, with a population of 353.
Unique Experiences
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Cinque Terre Cooking Lesson in La Spezia: Learn the secrets of the Italian kitchen. Led by an expert chef, begin at the local market to select fresh seafood and vegetables for your dishes. Then, bring your ingredients to the kitchen of a nearby osteria.
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Cinque Terre Half Day Kayak Trip: Departing from Monterosso, paddle alongside an expert guide, passing hidden coves, rugged cliffs and the bright, pastel hues of the five villages. Pause to stretch out on the beach or cool off with a swim before continuing on your journey.
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Cinque Terre hiking tour from La Spezia: Explore Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Riomaggiore with a combination of hikes and train rides. Stroll through the colorful villages and enjoy plenty of free time to relax over the course of the day.
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Private Boat Tour Along the Cinque Terre: As a skipper navigates the boat, you`ll sit back and admire sights of the Cinque Terres fishing villages on a 2-hour route from Riomaggiore. Sip on wine, enjoy olives and focaccia, and watch the sun slip into the sea.
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Trekking in the Vineyard in Vernazza with Tastings: Discover the wine that my family produces: the Eroico, cultivated for generations in one of the most beautiful vineyards of the Cinque Terre. We will make a short trek on a little beaten but very scenic path.
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What to expect while traveling
