Last Updated on December 21, 2024
The Cinque Terre (pronounced “tsin-kwe ter-re”) is one of the most popular and touristy destinations in Italy. In reality, however, it is not one place but five: Cinque Terre means five lands or more accurately, five villages.
WHERE ARE THE CINQUE TERRE;
The 5 villages that make up the CINQUE TERRE — Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso — are located in Liguria.
HOW TO GET TO CINQUE TERRE;
The first and most important question! It’s not the easiest destination in Italy, but it’s not particularly complicated to reach. There are destinations that are even more “inconvenient”!
FROM ROME TO CINQUE TERRE
The CINQUE TERRE (tsin-kwe ter-re) are located about 435 kilometers away from Rome, in other words, they are not close, and no, it’s not possible to go on a day trip. Here are the options to get there from Rome:
CAR: Forget about it. You’ll miss all the magic! Cars cannot enter the villages, so you’ll have to leave your car in a parking lot, and you’ll end up driving through the mountains where you can barely see anything.
TRAIN: The best solution to get to the Cinque Terre. The best thing to do is to reach the La Spezia Centrale station. You can book tickets in advance on Trenitalia’s website. However, they weren’t particularly cheap. I took a train that left at 6 in the morning; it cost 30 euros, but it was one of the fast “Freccia Argento” trains, and in 3 hours, I was at the La Spezia station.
BUS: It’s about six to seven hours from Rome, and there are several companies. I went by train and returned by bus—7 full hours because train tickets on Sunday night when everyone is returning were unaffordable.
Once you arrive at the La Spezia station, you will take the Cinque Terre Express, a special train that stops at all 5 villages. Depending on your schedule, the 5 Terre Card might be beneficial for you. It costs 16 euros per day, and with it, you can use the train mentioned above unlimitedly to visit the villages, walk the trails, and use the toilets at the stations for free. I bought it for the first day, but on the second day, I decided to buy a regular ticket to travel from one village to another.
FROM FLORENCE TO CINQUE TERRE
If you’re traveling from Florence to Cinque Terre, the easiest way is by train, with a journey time of around 2.5 to 3 hours from Florence Santa Maria Novella to La Spezia Centrale. From there, you can hop on the Cinque Terre Express to explore the five villages. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can easily plan your own visit and take your time in each village. However, if you prefer a more relaxed and guided experience, I recommend a Cinque Terre day tour from Florence. This tour covers all five villages, includes a scenic hike, and offers the flexibility to enjoy free time, making it a perfect choice for those who want to make the most of their visit without the hassle of organizing everything themselves
DO THE CINQUE TERRE HAVE AN AIRORT?
No, there is no airport in the CINQUE TERRE. The closest airports are in Pisa (84 km) and Genoa (112 km). However, you can check for cheap flights to Milan or Bologna and then take the train from there.
ATTRACTIONS IN THE CINQUE TERRE
The best attraction is the villages themselves; they are incredibly picturesque and beautiful! Let’s go through them one by one. I stayed in the first one, Riomaggiore, and I think it’s the one I loved the most.
1. RIOMAGGIORE
The café A piè de Mà became my favorite! What better than having your coffee in the morning with this view?
A piè de Mà is located in Riomaggiore, offering stunning views of the coastline and the village. It’s a perfect spot to relax, enjoy a warm drink, and take in the picturesque surroundings of the Cinque Terre.
The village is literally built on the slopes of the mountains!
Riomaggiore is nestled into the rugged hills of the Cinque Terre, with narrow streets winding their way through colorful buildings that cling to the cliffs. The steep terrain offers breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea and creates a unique and charming atmosphere, making it one of the most picturesque villages in the region. The village’s structure and location add to its charm, with every corner offering new photo-worthy moments.
The little harbor! How picturesque!
Riomaggiore’s harbor is one of the most charming spots in the village. The small boats gently move in the clear water, surrounded by colorful buildings that make a perfect postcard scene. It’s a peaceful place to relax, enjoy the view, and watch the local fishermen at work. The harbor gives the village a calm, timeless feeling, making it an unforgettable spot in the Cinque Terre.
And yes, some people swim even in October!
Despite the cooler weather, the waters around the Cinque Terre remain warm enough for a refreshing swim in the fall.
In Riomaggiore, you’ll often see brave souls taking a dip in the crystal-clear sea, enjoying the relatively mild autumn temperatures and the peaceful atmosphere of the village. It’s a great way to experience the beauty of the coastline, even in the off-season.
2. MANAROLA
Also a beautiful village and very small!
Manarola is one of the most stunning villages in the Cinque Terre. With its colorful houses perched on the cliffs, it offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Although small, the village has a lot of charm, with narrow streets, quaint shops, and cozy cafes. The scenic walking paths around the village provide some of the best views of the coastline, making it a must-visit destination in the region. Manarola’s colorful houses and cliffside views are among the most photographed Cinque Terre attractions.
3. CORNIGLIA
The train drops you off a bit far from the village, and you’ll have to “climb” up to it. There are two options. One is the countless stairs that, at first, you’ll think, “Alright, let’s climb them, it will have a nice view.” But somewhere in the middle, you stop, take a photo, try to catch your breath, and think that on the way back, you’ll wait for the little bus with the other tourists.
I didn’t take many photos because, although it offers amazing views and the sea stretches as far as the eye can see, you can’t really see the village from any external perspective.
4. VERNAZZA
Quiet, small, and picturesque, just like Manarola. In the photo above, you can see the harbor, just to the right. Even though it may not be visible, there’s an amazing ice cream shop there. It’s famous for its cinnamon flavor, which I tried and approve!
Vernazza is known for its charming, vibrant streets and colorful buildings. It’s the only village in Cinque Terre with a natural harbor, which made it an important center for trade and defense in ancient times. The village is dominated by the 11th-century Doria Castle, which offers panoramic views of the coastline. Vernazza’s narrow streets and steep staircases are full of history, as it was once a fortified village that helped protect the area from pirate invasions.
Vernazza is also known for its lovely piazza, where you can enjoy a coffee or gelato while soaking in the lively atmosphere. The village is often considered the most romantic of the five, making it a perfect stop for couples or anyone seeking a peaceful, scenic escape.
4. MONTEROSSO
Monterosso is divided into two parts: the old town and the new town. As soon as you exit the train station, you’ll find yourself in the new part, where there are some hotels and the beach with umbrellas. The beach you see is the only sandy beach in the Cinque Terre; the other options are rocks, rocks, and more rocks.
I think this was the village I liked the least. It’s more “flat,” so it’s easier and more accessible than the others, but that means it attracts many tour groups.
Monterosso is also the largest village in the Cinque Terre and offers more amenities compared to the other villages. The old town, with its narrow streets and colorful buildings, still has a historic charm, while the new town is more modern and caters to tourists with shops, restaurants, and accommodations. The area is also famous for its lemon trees, and you can find delicious local lemon-based products, including lemon gelato and limoncino, a lemon liqueur.
HIKING IN THE CINQUE TERRE
Hiking is one of the most popular Cinque Terre attractions, with the famous Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) offering incredible coastal views. Unfortunately, due to the floods in 2011, several landslides occurred, and many sections of the trail are currently closed. When I visited, the sections Monterosso-Vernazza and Vernazza-Corniglia were open. With the Cinque Terre Card, you have free access to these trails, otherwise, the price is 7.5€. It’s definitely worth getting it! Experienced hikers often take the other trails, which are free (there are about 30 in the area!), but they are more challenging, with some routes lasting up to 9 hours of hiking.
Personally, I did the Monterosso-Vernazza section… and I wouldn’t do it again. I’m not an athletic person, I read that it was easy, and although they say it can be done comfortably in 2 hours, for me it took 2.5 hours.
And yes, you really do pay for the trail. Even if you think you won’t have to pay, when you reach the high point of the mountain during your hike, you’ll see that they check tickets! Yes, in the middle of nowhere, at a little hut, they check your tickets.
ACCOMODATION IN THE CINQUE TERRE
Where to stay in the Cinque Terre? Of course, in one of the villages to experience it and enjoy it fully. Accommodation prices in the Cinque Terre are not the lowest: always keep in mind that it’s one of the most popular destinations in the world. I stayed in an Airbnb apartment. Otherwise, take advantage of these offers from Booking
CITIES CLOSE TO CINQUE TERRE
If you’re planning a trip to the Cinque Terre, there are a few nearby cities that are definitely worth visiting as well.
The closest major city is La Spezia, just a short train ride away. It’s a charming port city with a lively atmosphere, and a great base to explore the Cinque Terre from. If you’re looking for something a bit bigger, Genoa is about 2 hours away, a historic city with an impressive old town and plenty of culture. For a more laid-back option, Pisa is another easy day trip, especially if you’re flying into its airport. And of course, if you have a bit more time, Florence and Milan are both accessible by train and offer a whole different vibe, with world-class art, shopping, and history. The beauty of the Cinque Terre is that you’re surrounded by so many amazing places to visit!
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