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Cinque Terre is a string of five fishing villages on the rugged Ligurian coast of northwest Italy, set between the sea and steep hillsides terraced over centuries for vines and olives. The villages, linked by trails, rail and boat, are protected within a national park and are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that also includes nearby Portovenere.
Monterosso al Mare, the northernmost, has the area's largest sandy beach and a more resort-like feel. Vernazza wraps around a small harbor guarded by a medieval tower, and Corniglia, the only village not directly on the water, sits high on a promontory reached by a long stairway. Manarola's colorful houses are stacked above a rocky cove, a classic view at sunset, while Riomaggiore climbs a narrow ravine down to its tiny marina. The Sentiero Azzurro, or Blue Trail, connects the villages along the coast, and the famous Via dell'Amore between Riomaggiore and Manarola has reopened after a lengthy closure. Trail sections can close for maintenance or landslides, so checking status before hiking is wise.
The area suits walkers and travelers who enjoy simple seaside pleasures, though summer crowds can be heavy in the narrow lanes. Regional trains between La Spezia and Levanto connect all five villages quickly. Portovenere, south of La Spezia, makes a good boat excursion. Spring and fall are more comfortable for hiking.
WiserMap travel guideCinque Terre Italy Five Villages Trails and PestoA village-by-village guide to Cinque Terre: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, plus trails, Via dell'Amore, trains, ferries and pesto.Read the guide
The largest and most northerly of the five villages, with the longest sandy beaches and a split old and new town joined by a short tunnel. Lemon groves, the medieval church of San Giovanni Battista and the waterfront fill the old town. It is the easiest base for a beach day.
A tiny harbor village with pastel houses around a small square, a sheltered cove and the waterfront church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia. Climb toward the castle or walk a short way up the trail to Monterosso for the classic view. It is busiest at midday when the ferries arrive.
A village of colorful houses stacked above a rocky harbor, famous for its sunset view from the path toward Punta Bonfiglio. Swimmers use the harbor rocks in summer, and vineyards climb the hills behind. Go early morning or at sunset to avoid crowds on the narrow lanes.
The southernmost village, with tall houses lining a steep main street down to a tiny harbor full of fishing boats. Small bars and focaccia shops line the lanes, and a pebble beach lies just past the harbor. It is the start of the Via dell'Amore toward Manarola.
The only village not on the sea, set on a headland about 100 meters up. From the station you climb the Lardarina staircase of over 370 steps or take a shuttle bus. The Santa Maria terrace at the end of the village gives wide views along the whole coast.
The famous cliffside walkway between Riomaggiore and Manarola, carved into the rock above the sea. It reopened after years of repairs and is short and flat enough for most visitors. Access needs a Cinque Terre Card and may require a timed booking in busy months.
The Blue Path linking all five villages along the coast, about 12 kilometers in total. The Monterosso to Vernazza and Vernazza to Corniglia stretches are steep but give the best views. A paid Cinque Terre Card is needed, and some sections close after heavy rain.
A hilltop sanctuary church above Riomaggiore with a terrace looking over the whole coast as far as Portovenere. A steep stepped path climbs up through terraces from the village, taking about an hour. Bring water, since there are few places to buy it along the way.
The long sandy beach in the newer part of Monterosso, right by the train station. Much of it is lined with paid beach clubs renting umbrellas and loungers, with free public sections in between. Arrive early in July and August to find a free spot.
A huge concrete statue of Neptune carved into the rocks at the western end of Fegina beach in 1910. It once held up a terrace of a seaside villa and lost its arms in wartime and storms. It is a short walk from the station and makes a good photo stop.
The ruins of a medieval watchtower and fortress on the rocks above Vernazza harbor, built to guard against pirates. A small fee lets you climb the round tower for views over the rooftops and the sea. Stairs are steep and narrow, so wear proper shoes.
A UNESCO-listed harbor town just south of the Cinque Terre, with a row of colorful tower houses, the striped church of San Pietro on a rocky point and Byron's Grotto. Ferries from the five villages stop here in season. Climb to the Doria castle for views of Palmaria island.
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