There’s no shortage of charming villages and magnificent scenery along the Italian Riviera, but the Cinque Terre region and its five fishing villages stand out among it all. Nestled at the eastern end of the Italian Riviera, they sit among some of the world’s most breathtaking coastal scenery. Colorful homes cling to the cliffs while a railway line and hiking trails help transport people from village to village. There are no cars here as they’ve been banned for years. While that doesn’t mean there won’t be any noise, thanks to the countless tourists who’ve discovered these hamlets, one can still enjoy a feeling of authenticity with few roads and plenty of spots to escape the masses. For centuries, the walking trails were the only way to travel between the villages, and hiking is still one of the best ways to explore, with the sea and views of coastal forests and terraced vineyards in constant company.
There is a wide range of hotels and accommodation options throughout Cinque Terre, but your first consideration should be which village to stay in. Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Manarola, Vernazza, and Monterosso are all sure to wow, but there’s likely to be one or two that are better for your particular stay. Monterosso is ideal for first-time visitors and the best for beachgoers with the only sandy beach in the region and the greatest selection of accommodation nearby. Vernazza is incredibly photogenic, with many finding it the most aesthetically pleasing, although it’s also the busiest and the most expensive. Riomaggiore is the largest with many hotels to choose from and the best nightlife, with some restaurants and bars open until 1 a.m. Corniglia offers a more tranquil stay away from the big crowds and a great base for hikers. Manarola is especially popular with photographers and those seeking a romantic stay with stunning views.
There is plenty of things to do in Cinque Terre, but for the first-time visitor, there are some absolute musts.
Hiking is arguably the best way to take in the many spectacular views in the Cinque Terre region. You’ll find many trails with the Blue Trail one of the most popular, linking all the villages on a relatively easy 7.5-mile hike that takes five to six hours to complete. While the trails are open year-round, you’ll need to head out early to beat the heat in the summer. Hiking is best enjoyed in the spring or early fall.
If you don’t want to hike you can explore the villages by train using the Cinque Terre Express. Most are just a few minutes apart by train making it easy to discover the many viewpoints, beaches, historical attractions, shops, restaurants, and more. Purchasing the Cinque Terre Treno card will get you unlimited train travel within the network for a certain period of time. You can easily choose a village to base yourself, and then plan a loose itinerary using the train.
If you’re here during the warmer months, it’s really a must to spend some time on the beaches. Monterossa is home to the region’s only sandy beach but there are plenty of rocky stretches that are enjoyable as they’re framed by strikingly clear blue-green waters that will be warm enough for swimming around late May through at least mid-October. If you’re here during the summer you’ll need to arrive early to get a spot, especially if you want one for free.
The locals like to leap off the cliffs into the Ligurian Sea with much of the region nestled into rocky coves. You’ll often see them doing it after a hard day’s work. If you’re the adventurous type, you might ask a local where the safest, best place is, or follow their lead, keeping in mind that you’re doing so at your own risk. The cliffs east of the main Monterosso beach are a popular spot as are the cliffs near Vernazza’s harbor.
Like many places in Italy, Cinque Terre has a long, centuries-old tradition of vine growing. It’s renowned for its wine with countless vineyard terraces that can be seen above the colorful villages. From any one of the villages, you can join a vineyard tour that will bring you to the best wineries to learn about the region’s winemaking production, take a walk through the vines, and enjoy a tasting. Most are complemented with light local bites like cheeses and bruschetta or antipasto.
There are many historic landmarks throughout Cinque Terre, including Doria Castle which sits atop a steep, rocky outcrop near the village of Vernazza. The original part of the fortress has roots that date back to the 11th century. There are historic churches in every village, including the early 14th century Church of St. Pietro in Corniglia that sits at the edge of the sea providing gorgeous views and a sandstone façade featuring a 1351 Carrara white marble window.
As one of the most unique and beautiful regions in the Mediterranean, Cinque Terre can be visited year-round but the very best time to visit is typically around mid-April through early May or mid-September through mid-October. The weather will be pleasant, around the mid-60s to mid-70s and the crowds are much more manageable than what you’ll find in the summer. These periods are ideal for sightseeing and hiking. Countless visitors come during the warmest season of the year and will be filling the beaches. If you want to enjoy water warm enough for swimming and be able to easily find a good spot for sunbathing, your best bet is late May/early June or late September through mid-October. The off-season runs from November through March. The weather is relatively mild, but it can be wet and chilly. The upside is there will be few other visitors and one can enjoy a more budget-friendly visit.
Check out our guide on when to visit Cinque Terre
COPYRIGHT © 2023 TOUR ITALY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
