Described as ‘Just so Italian!’, Cinque Terre is a coastal area of Liguria, located in the northwest Italy. Effortlessly scattered across the Italian Riveria coastline, Cinque Terre comprises five centuries-old, seaside villages. Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso are connected by a myriad of long lived footpaths, including the infamous sentiero azzurro or ‘The Blue Path’.
In addition to these walking trails, there are train and boat connections linking the villages together, as the precarious mountain roads are much too narrow for the likes of a car. Rich in history, culture, and boasting breath-taking views, these fantastic five villages have been deemed some of Italy’s most iconic locations, making a trip to the Italian Riveria coastline something that should not be missed! In fact, the five villages, coastline, and surrounding hillsides form the Cinque Terre National Park, a site titled a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is due to the immense historical, agricultural, and scenic value that the area possesses.
Things to do in Riomaggiore
Situated only a few minutes by train from the city of La Spezia, Riomaggiore is the most southern village located on Cinque Terre and is considered one of the most relaxing and tranquil on the coast. The village is characterised by its cascade of vibrantly coloured houses clustered together amongst the hillside, their slate rooves overlooking a natural stone harbour, attaching the Riomaggiore to the Mediterranean Sea.
Via dell’Amore
Providing panoramic views of Riomaggiore, the hiking trail La via dell’Amore or ‘Lover’s Lane’ is one of the most important and visited tourist attractions on Cinque Terre. Just over one kilometre in length, this pedestrian path links the villages of Riomaggiore and Manarola together. Historically, the trail provided a private and effortless meeting place for young lovers residing in the below towns of Riomaggiore and Manarola, inspiring the name. La via dell’Amore forms one of the four existing sections of the abovementioned Sentiero Azzurro or ‘the Blue Path’, which is the most popular hiking trail in all of the Cinque Terre National Park. It is not one to be missed!
Castle of Riomaggiore
Located in the uppermost part of the historic centre, the square-based, thirteenth-century Castle of Riomaggiore overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, with a view described as ‘simply wonderful’. Built in 1260 by the Marquises of Turcotti, Lords of Ripalta, it reached completion in the late fifteenth-early sixteenth century by the Genoese. Today, the castle exists as a venue for events and ceremonies, as well as one of the most popular attractions for tourists, boasting an enchanting atmosphere and beautiful views of the coast.
Beaches
Not unlike the rest of the fantastic five coastal villages, Riomaggiore boasts breath-taking beaches including Fossola Beach and Riomaggiore Beach.
How to Reach Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore can be reached via:
Car: (Departing from La Spezia) State Route S.S no.370 Litoranea delle Cinque Terre. Exit at La Spezia on A12 Genoval Livorno or A15 Parma La Spezia. Follow directions to La Spezia. Once there, follow signs for Cinque Terre – Portovenere. The road will eventually divide into routes for both Riomaggiore and Manarola. Follow Riomaggiore.
Train: Departing from La Spezia or Levanto.
Footpath: Access from the Sentiero Azzurro.
Boat: Excursion boats running frequently during the summer from La Spezia and Levanto to the Cinque Terre villages.
Where to Stay in Riomaggiore
If wishing to make your visit to Riomaggiore longer than a day trip, your best option is to opt for one of the many available sea-view guesthouses or one of the recently renovated apartments residing beside the Riomaggiore harbour.
Things to do in Manarola
Sitting comfortably atop a seventy-metre-high rock, lies the picturesque village of Manarola. Known for its multitude of multicoloured houses facing the sea, the village features a harbour, boat ramp, and piazza with a range of seafood restaurants. The village is characterised by its bumpy terrain, with many ups, downs, and steep alleys leading toward the sea.
Church of San Lorenzo
Located amongst the village hills, the Parish Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary is oftentimes referred to as the Church of San Lorenzo. The church dates back to the fourteenth century, with the majority of the internal and external decorative elements created by local artists. The Church of San
Lorenzo is described as quaint and beautiful, existing as one of the major tourist attractions in Manarola.
Visit the Vineyards
Cinque Terre is famous for its wine, with many of the vines growing upon the area’s ancient terraces. Manarola is a village well-populated with vineyards, where you can taste some of the most flavoursome wine in all of Italy. Wine tasting tours are always readily available to book, so you can get the very most out of your vineyard visit.
Beaches
Of the most notable Manarola beaches are the Manarola Marina and Back Manarola Beach.
How to Reach Manarola
Car: (Departing from La Spezia) State Route S.S no.370 Litoranea delle Cinque Terre. Exit at La Spezia on A12 Genoval-Livorno or A15 Parma La Spezia. Follow directions to La Spezia. Once there, follow signs for Cinque Terre – Portovenere. The road will eventually divide into routes for both Riomaggiore and Manarola. Follow Manarola.
Train: Departing from La Spezia or Levanto.
Footpath: Access from the Sentiero Azzurro.
Boat: Excursion boats running frequently during the summer from La Spezia and Levanto to the Cinque Terre villages.
Where to Stay in Manarola
You have several options if you are wanting to stay in Manarola! There are many high-quality hotels and guesthouses, boasting beautiful sea views and peaceful atmospheres. You can also choose to rent an apartment.
Things to do in Corniglia
The village of Corniglia is located right in the middle of the fantastic five. It is the only village that is not built directly atop the sea. Rather, Corniglia resides on a cliff, one hundred metres above sea level, and is not accessible via boat. Rich in agricultural history, the ancient Roman village is surrounded by terraces and vineyards. Corniglia receives the fewest number of tourists per annum and is therefore arguably considered the ‘most genuine’ village on Cinque Terre.
Sentiero Azzurro
As aforementioned, Sentiero Azzurro or ‘the Blue Path’ is the most popular hiking trail in all of the Cinque Terre National Park. However, this cliffside hiking trail is no walk in the park! The Sentiero Azzurro tours through all of the fantastic five and are logically considered a rather intense hike. Despite the rather difficult physical nature, the trail offers stunning views of the coast that cannot be achieved from elsewhere. If you’re up for the challenge, keep a day free as it’s likely to take more than an afternoon to complete the Sentiero Azzurro.
Spiaggione of Corniglia
The Spiaggione of Corniglia translates to ‘big beach’. However, this is no traditional beach. Rather than sand, the land is coated in large, white stones, making for a difficult surface to sunbathe on! So why is Spiaggione of Corniglia one of the most notable tourist attractions? This unconventional beach boasts breathtaking views and is known for its beautiful sunsets. Arrive in the evening to take in stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea as the sun goes down!
Beaches
Central Corniglia Beach/Swimming Area and Guvano Beach are some of the best in Corniglia. However, make sure to note that Guvano Beach is known for being a popular spot amongst naturists!
How to Reach Corniglia
Train: Depart from La Spezia or Levanto, though a steep walk is still required once at the Corniglia train station.
Footpath: Access from the Sentiero Azzurro.
Boat: Excursion boats running frequently during the summer from La Spezia and Levanto to the Cinque Terre villages.
Where to Stay in Corniglia
Corniglia is very quaint and quiet, and therefore has no hotels! If you are wanting to stay you will need to locate a guesthouse, a B&B, or renovated apartment.
Things to do in Vernazza
By far the most photographed village on Cinque Terre is the village of Vernazza, wherein a natural pier famously forms the shape of an amphitheatre. Vernazza is considered one of the most beautiful villages, not only on Cinque Terre but within Italy as a whole. The tiny port of Vernazza is decorated with subtle pastels and steep olive groves, and the piazza is filled with stunning eateries. The village is vibrant and picturesque.
Vernazza Beach
Vernazza is home to a stunning, hidden treasure in the form of a tiny beach hidden amongst the natural harbour. Travel down the coves and discover an out of sight paradise. Feel free to have a swim in the crystal-clear waters, soak up the Italian sun, and truly relax. The natural harbour allows the seawater to remain calm and provides local fishing boats with a safe place to remain protected. It is truly a slice of heaven on earth!
Ruins of the Tower of Doria Castle
Standing atop of a rocky ridge, Doria Castle once existed as a lookout fortress, designed to protect the village of Vernazza from invading pirates. Nowadays, the ruins of the former fortress function as a popular tourist attraction, commanding visitors with incredible views of the Italian Riveria. To access these views, you need only climb the narrow staircase located by the harbour to the top of the ruins of the tower and bask in the breathtaking views of the Vernazza coastline.
Beaches
Another stunning beach located in Vernazza that is well worth a visit is Vernazza Port Beach, boasting beautiful views and crystal-clear waters.
How to Reach Vernazza
Train: Depart from La Spezia or Levanto.
Footpath: Access from the Sentiero Azzurro.
Boat: Excursion boats running frequently during the summer from La Spezia and Levanto to the Cinque Terre villa.
Where to Stay in Vernazza
Vernazza has some beautiful and romantic guesthouses in the centre, with amazing views of the main square and colourful harbour. There are also several small hotels, and also the option to rent an apartment.
Things to do in Monterosso
Located on hills adorned by vines, olives, and lemons, Monterosso is the largest village of the fantastic five. Not only does its size make Monterosso the most visited and hospitable village on Cinque Terre, but its breath-taking beaches, stunning reefs, and crystal-clear waters attract tourists from all over the world.
Statua del Gigante
Located at the end of Fegina beach, where the marina begins, lies the Statua del Gigante or ‘Statue of the Giant’. The Statua del Gigante is a sculpture of Neptune adoring the Villa Pastine, made of reinforced concrete and iron. Today, the sculpture has suffered serious damage. Neptune now exists without arms, a trident, and has only one leg. The Villa Pastine upon which he stands exists as only a tower. Despite this, the structure is still an incredible piece of architecture and one of the most visited tourist attractions in Monterosso and on Cinque Terre.
Monterosso Beach
Monterosso is home to one of the longest beaches on Cinque Terre. If you’re looking for a typical relaxing day at the beach, then Monterosso Beach is a tourist attraction for you. Complete with umbrellas, chairs, and spaces for towels, there is plenty of room for you to enjoy the ultimate Italian beach day!
Beaches
Other notable beaches to visit on Monterosso are Monterosso Al Mare/Il Gigante Beach and Monterosso Old Town Beach/Tragagia.
How to Reach Monterosso
Car: If travelling by car, from A12 Motorway exit off Carrodano –
Levanto follow signs towards Levanto and Monterosso. Turn left at the second roundabout towards Monterosso. At the top of the hill, drive through a short tunnel and keep to the right for the parking place in Monterosso – Fegina, or turn left for the Monterosso Old town.
Train: Depart from La Spezia or Levanto.
Footpath: Access from the Sentiero Azzurro.
Boat: Excursion boats run frequently during the summer from La Spezia and Levanto to the Cinque Terre villages.
Where to Stay in Monterosso
There are many options if wanting to stay in Monterosso including family-run hotels, guesthouses, farmhouses, and renovated apartments.
Accessing Cinque Terre by Plane:
Nearest Airports: Cristoforo Colombo International Airport in Genoa, Galileo Galilei international airport in Pisa, and Florence Airport.
Major International Airports: Milan Airport.
