Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a group of five villages on the Italian Riviera coastline. The area is known for its steep cliffs, clear coves, and traditional way of life. You can walk on trails that have existed for hundreds of years, connecting the villages. In the towns, you'll find restaurants serving fresh seafood and local wines. The limited car access helps maintain the area's distinct character, allowing you to experience a slice of Italian coastal life.

The Five Villages of Cinque Terre

Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore make up Cinque Terre. Each village has its own character. Monterosso has the area's only sandy beach. Vernazza's small harbor is lined with brightly painted houses. Corniglia sits on top of a cliff, giving you wide views of the sea. Manarola's hillside vineyards produce Sciacchetrà wine. Riomaggiore's main street slopes steeply down to a rocky swimming cove.

Hiking the Sentiero Azzurro

The Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro) connects all five villages along 12 kilometers of coastal paths. Many hikers choose the section between Monterosso and Vernazza, which takes about two hours. As you walk, you'll pass through olive groves, vineyards, and areas with Mediterranean plants, always with the sea in view. You need a Cinque Terre Card to access the trails, which also allows unlimited train travel between villages.

Local Cuisine and Wine

Cinque Terre's food reflects its location by the sea and its farming traditions. Try trofie pasta with pesto, a regional specialty. You'll often find local anchovies fried or marinated. Farinata, a savory chickpea pancake, is a common snack. The area produces white wines from grapes grown on steep terraced hillsides. Sweet Sciacchetrà wine goes well with local cheeses.

Getting Around Cinque Terre

Trains are the main way to travel between villages. The Cinque Terre Express runs frequently, stopping at all five towns. When the weather is good, boats provide another way to travel, though they don't stop at Corniglia. The villages limit car access, so it's best to park in La Spezia or Levanto and take the train. Within each village, you'll mostly walk.

When to Visit

April-May and September-October have comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists. Summer is warm and good for swimming, but very crowded. From November to March, some restaurants and hotels close, but you can have a less crowded visit if you don't mind cooler temperatures and possible rain.

Swimming and Beaches

While Monterosso has the largest beach, each village has places to swim. In Vernazza, you can jump into the water from rocks in the harbor. Manarola has a deep swimming hole where some people cliff jump. Riomaggiore's rocky cove is good for snorkeling. Bring water shoes, as many beaches have pebbles or rocks.

Helpful Information

Book your accommodation early, especially for summer. Be ready to climb many stairs in the villages and on trails. Wear sturdy shoes, carry a refillable water bottle, and use sun protection. Learning a few Italian phrases can help you talk with locals. Consider staying in La Spezia or Levanto for more lodging choices and lower prices.