Overview
Overview
The Cinque Terre are five colourful fishing villages clinging to the cliffs of Liguria, linked by train, trails and boats, and UNESCO World Heritage since 1997.
The Cinque Terre — literally the "Five Lands" — are five villages perched on the steep coast of Liguria, in north-west Italy: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Their ochre, pink and turquoise façades tumble down to tiny harbours, between the sea and terraced vineyards.
The site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, together with Portovenere and the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto, as a cultural landscape: since the 12th century, locals have carved the mountain into thousands of dry-stone terraces to grow vines and olives.
The villages are protected by the Cinque Terre National Park, which manages the trails, shuttle buses and the well-known Cinque Terre Card. You get around without a car: the regional train links the five villages in under thirty minutes, and you fill in the gaps on foot or by boat in season.
Vernazza
You come out onto Vernazza's little square and the scene hits you all at once: a half-moon natural harbour, fishing boats hauled up on the quay and an amphitheatre of ochre and pink houses.
It's the most photographed village in the Cinque Terre, watched over by the Doria castle tower and the small Romanesque church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia, sitting almost at the water's edge.
You wander along the single street, Via Roma, climb the tower for the bird's-eye view over the harbour, and sit down facing the sea over a plate of anchovies.
More intimate than Monterosso and more open than Riomaggiore, Vernazza is the most pleasant starting point for the hike towards Corniglia.
The viewpoint from the start of the trail towards Monterosso offers the other classic shot of the village.
Manarola
Manarola is the image everyone has in mind when they think of the Cinque Terre: houses stacked in tiers plunging down to a tiny harbour cut into the rock.
The village is surrounded by terraced vineyards that produce the local white wine and Sciacchetrà, the sweet straw wine harvested on the cliffside.
You walk along the harbour, swim off the rocks, and take the panoramic trail above the village for sunset. Manarola is also the northern end of the Via dell'Amore, reopened in 2024.
Even more than its neighbours, it's the champion of twilight photos, when the façades light up above the dark water.
For the Via dell'Amore on the Manarola side, check the day's direction of travel and your booked time slot.
Riomaggiore
Coming from the south, Riomaggiore is the first village you discover, and its valley of tall, brightly coloured houses tumbling down to the harbour sets the tone straight away.
It's also the southern terminus of the Via dell'Amore, the coastal trail towards Manarola reopened in 2024 after twelve years of closure.
You head down Via Colombo, the main street lively with bars and grocers, to the small harbour where the boats are crammed together, then climb onto the rocks for the view over the façades.
Livelier and more "lived-in" than Corniglia, it's a handy base for anyone arriving or leaving via La Spezia.
At the end of the day, the terrace above the harbour is the best spot for sunset.
Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso greets you with a row of colourful parasols and a real sandy beach — a rarity in a Cinque Terre made of coves and rocks.
It's the largest of the five villages, split in two by a pedestrian tunnel: the Fegina beach and its new town on one side, the medieval old town on the other.
You rent a sunlounger and parasol, swim, then wander through the historic centre around the church of San Giovanni Battista with its black-and-white marble stripes.
It's the most comfortable choice for families and for anyone wanting to combine the villages with a beach day.
Monterosso is the northern end of the Sentiero Azzurro towards Vernazza: the finest section still open.
Cinque Terre National Park
Above the villages stretches a landscape shaped entirely by human hands: thousands of dry-stone terraces climbing the mountain, held up by kilometres of low walls.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 (with Portovenere and the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto), the park protects these vineyards and olive groves worked since the 12th century, as well as the network of trails linking the five villages.
It's the park that manages the paid trails, the shuttles and the Cinque Terre Card. You "visit" it by walking: the coastal Sentiero Azzurro, ridge paths and sanctuaries perched above the villages.
More than a backdrop, it's this nearly thousand-year-old agricultural work that makes the site unique — a cultural landscape, not just a natural one.
The ridge trails, which are free, offer superb views when the coastal paths are closed.
Corniglia
Corniglia has to be earned: it's the only one of the five villages perched on a headland, with no direct sea access, and that's exactly what makes it quieter and more authentic.
From the station, you climb up via the Lardarina stairway (about 377 steps) or a park shuttle bus.
At the top, you wander through narrow lanes to the Santa Maria terrace, where the view takes in the terraced vineyards and the whole coast.
Less spectacular at first glance than Vernazza or Manarola, it's the refuge of those who want to escape the crowds and savour the village pace.
Try an artisan ice cream made with local honey on the square before heading back down.
Exploring the Cinque Terre by boat
Seen from the water, the scene changes completely: in a single glance you grasp how the villages cling to the cliff, something the land never lets you see.
Seasonal ferries and excursions (roughly April to October) link most of the villages — except Corniglia, which has no sea access.
You hop on for a crossing from one village to another, combine it with a swim in a cove, or opt for a sunset cruise along the coast.
It's the perfect alternative when the trails are closed or the trains packed, and the finest way to photograph the colourful façades.
The late-afternoon trip offers the most beautiful light on the villages.
Hike an open section of the Sentiero Azzurro
Setting off from Monterosso or Vernazza, you start out on the famous blue trail: a coastal path winding between terraced vineyards, olive trees and sheer drops to the sea, with a fresh panorama at every bend. The Vernazza–Corniglia section, when it's open, is one of the most rewarding.
Moderate but with steep stairs: bring proper walking shoes (required and sometimes checked), water and an early start. Access is paid via the Cinque Terre Card, to buy at the station or online.
- 2 à 4 h par section
- À partir de 7,50 € / personne (Trekking Card 1 jour)
Walk the Via dell'Amore
You go through the turnstile at your booked time, and step onto the most legendary trail in the Cinque Terre, cut into the cliff between Riomaggiore and Manarola, reopened in 2024 after twelve years of works. The walk, short and easy, overlooks the turquoise sea and ends with the postcard view of Manarola.
Access is by timed-entry reservation, one-way, with capacity limited to about 200 people per slot: book ahead in high season and bring the card that includes this section.
- 30 à 45 min
- À partir de 10 € / personne (avec Trekking Card)
Taste Ligurian wines and cuisine
In a cantina in Manarola or a village enoteca, you taste the dry white wine of the Cinque Terre then Sciacchetrà, the sweet straw wine from the terraces, served with basil pesto, focaccia and marinated anchovies. Some estates offer the tasting facing the terraced vineyards.
Open to everyone, with no reservation needed for a simple tasting by the glass; do book, however, for a guided cellar visit, especially during the September grape harvest.
- 1 à 2 h
- 20 à 40 € / personne
Sail between the villages by ferry
You board in one village to cruise along the coast and reach the others by sea, photographing the colourful façades from an angle impossible from land. The ferry stops in most of the villages (except Corniglia) and lets you combine sailing with a swim in the coves.
A seasonal service (roughly April to October), weather-dependent: buy your ticket on the morning itself after checking the state of the sea, and go for the late-afternoon trip for the light.
- Demi-journée
- 20 à 45 € / personne selon le trajet
Kayak along the cliffs
From Monterosso or Riomaggiore, you rent a kayak to paddle at the foot of the marine park's cliffs, slip into the coves and watch the villages from water level. It's the most immersive activity for anyone wanting to get off the trails and away from the train.
No experience needed on a calm sea, but avoid it in wind or swell; bring sun protection and a waterproof bag for your camera.
- 2 à 3 h
- 15 à 30 € / personne (location)
Getting there
You reach the Cinque Terre by train via La Spezia Centrale (to the south) or Levanto (to the north), from Pisa or Genoa airports, then take the Cinque Terre Express that serves the five villages.
The Cinque Terre have no airport: you arrive by train, and that's just as well, because a car is a handicap here.
- Pisa Airport (PSA): the most convenient. Allow roughly 1 to 1.5 hours by train to La Spezia Centrale, the southern gateway to the Cinque Terre.
- Genoa Airport (GOA): about 1.5 to 2 hours by train via Levanto, the northern entry point.
- By train from France: via Nice, Ventimiglia and Genoa, then La Spezia or Levanto.
From La Spezia Centrale or Levanto, the Cinque Terre Express (a Trenitalia regional train) serves the five villages. Leave your car in a car park in La Spezia or Levanto: the village centres are pedestrian-only and parking there is rare and expensive.
Getting around
The simplest way is the Cinque Terre Express, which links La Spezia to Levanto and serves the five villages every 15 to 30 minutes in high season; you fill in the gaps with the trails and seasonal boats.
There are three ways to move between the villages, to combine depending on the weather and how energetic you feel:
- The train (Cinque Terre Express): run by Trenitalia between La Spezia Centrale and Levanto, it serves the five villages in under 30 minutes in total, with about 7 minutes between La Spezia and Riomaggiore. In high season a train runs roughly every 15 to 30 minutes depending on the timetable.
- The trails: the Sentiero Azzurro historically links the villages along the coast, but not every section is open (see "What to do"). Walking shoes are required and sometimes checked.
- The boat: from roughly April to October, ferries link most of the villages (except Corniglia, which has no direct sea access) and give you a fresh view from the water.
At Corniglia, perched at the top of a hill, a park shuttle bus replaces the 377 steps of the Lardarina from the station — it's included with the Cinque Terre Card.
What to do
Visit the five villages, hike an open section of the Sentiero Azzurro, walk the Via dell'Amore (reopened in 2024, by reservation), taste the local wine and explore the coast by boat.
In the Cinque Terre, the must-do is linking the villages on foot — but the state of the trails is the thing to check first, because several sections have been closed for years.
- Via dell'Amore (Manarola–Riomaggiore): reopened in 2024 after twelve years of closure. Access is by timed-entry reservation, one-way, via a dedicated timed ticket (from €10, bundled with a 1-day Trekking Card) — separate from the standard Trekking Card at €7.50.
- Corniglia–Manarola: closed since 2012 after a landslide, with reopening only estimated around 2028–2029. Don't count on it.
- Monterosso–Vernazza and Vernazza–Corniglia: in principle open, but subject to seasonal restrictions, one-way systems and occasional closures.
Beyond the walking: tasting the white wine of the Cinque Terre and Sciacchetrà, swimming at Monterosso, a boat trip or kayaking along the cliffs. Always check the state of the trails on the park website on the morning of your walk.
Food
The Ligurian cuisine of the Cinque Terre revolves around basil pesto, focaccia, marinated anchovies and seafood, washed down with the local white wine and Sciacchetrà, a sweet straw wine.
Liguria is the birthplace of pesto alla genovese: basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil and pecorino, served over trofie or trenette. Taste it here, where it was born.
- Ligurian focaccia, soft and oily, and its Recco-cheese variant, to grab on the go.
- Coastal anchovies (acciughe), often the ones from Monterosso, marinated in lemon or fried.
- Seafood and fish of the day in the harbour trattorias.
For wine, the dry white of the Cinque Terre goes with fish, and Sciacchetrà, a sweet straw wine from the Manarola terraces, is enjoyed with dessert. The "cone" of fritto misto to take away is the signature street snack of the lanes.
Itineraries
In one day, hop through the five villages by train; in two to three days, add one or two hiking sections, a beach at Monterosso and a boat trip.
Adapt to the time you have:
- 1 day (express): base in La Spezia, Cinque Terre Express, a stop in each village from south to north — Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso — with lunch and a swim in Monterosso.
- 2 days: day 1, the villages by train + Via dell'Amore (by reservation); day 2, an open section of the Sentiero Azzurro (Vernazza–Corniglia) then relaxing in Monterosso.
- 3 days: add a boat trip or kayaking, a wine tasting in Manarola, and a day trip to Portovenere, part of the same UNESCO site.
Climate & seasons
Climate & seasons
When to go : Italy ?
Monthly averages over the past 5 years (Open-Meteo).
Best months
- juin
- juillet
Avoid
- octobre
| jan | fév | mar | avr | mai | juin | juil | août | sept | oct | nov | déc | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our take | ||||||||||||
| Weather | ||||||||||||
| High | 12° | 14° | 16° | 18° | 22° | 27° | 29° | 30° | 25° | 21° | 16° | 13° |
| Rain (mm) | 178 | 131 | 135 | 126 | 154 | 61 | 59 | 122 | 183 | 258 | 169 | 141 |
| Beach | Beach juin | Beach juillet | ||||||||||
| City sightseeing | City sightseeing février | City sightseeing mars | City sightseeing avril | City sightseeing juin | City sightseeing juillet | City sightseeing décembre |
What to do by season (summer)
-
Beach
Warm air and water, little rain.
-
City sightseeing
Pedestrian-friendly most of the year.
When to go
The best windows are May–June and September–early October: mild temperatures, a sea still warm enough to swim in, and more bearable crowds than in high summer.
The Ligurian climate is Mediterranean: hot summers, mild winters. The season you pick mostly affects the crowds, which are the number-one issue in the Cinque Terre.
- May–June and September–early October: the ideal window. It's pleasant for walking, the sea is still swimmable in September, and the trails are less packed than in summer.
- July–August: peak season, intense heat and crowded villages. Trains and station platforms are mobbed in the middle of the day.
- November to March: very quiet and authentic, but many places to stay and restaurants close, and trails can be cut off after the rains.
Whatever the season, aim for early morning or late afternoon to photograph the villages without the crush, and book your accommodation well ahead from May to September.
Budget
Budget
Budget around €70/day as a backpacker (dorm, train, picnic), €140/day for comfort (double room, restaurants, Cinque Terre Card) and €280/day and up for a high-end stay.
The Cinque Terre are a fairly expensive destination for Italy, especially in summer. Rough figures per person per day, excluding long-distance transport:
- Budget (~€70 / ~£60 / ~$75): a night in a dorm or accommodation in La Spezia/Levanto, meals on the go (focaccia, fritto misto), getting around by train with single tickets.
- Comfort (~€140 / ~£120 / ~$150): a double room in a village, two restaurant meals, a Cinque Terre Card for the trails and the train.
- High-end (€280 and up): a hotel with a sea view, fish dinners, a private boat trip or guided excursions.
Costs to plan for: the Cinque Terre Card (from €7.50 for the Trekking Card, €19.50 for the Train Card per day) and accommodation, which climbs fast from June to September.
Where to stay
Where to stay
Monterosso al Mare suits families and beach-lovers, Vernazza and Manarola are the most picturesque (and priciest), Riomaggiore is handy for the La Spezia side, and Corniglia appeals to those after peace and quiet.
Staying in the villages themselves costs more but is worth it: you get to enjoy the lanes once the day-trippers have left. The right choice depends on your style.
- Monterosso al Mare: the largest village, the only one with real sandy beaches and the widest choice of hotels — ideal for families and a beach-focused stay.
- Vernazza and Manarola: the most photogenic, perfect for atmosphere, but the most in demand and the most expensive.
- Riomaggiore: the first village coming from La Spezia, handy for arrivals and departures.
- Corniglia: perched and quieter, for anyone wanting to escape the crowds (though you have to deal with the steps or the shuttle).
Outside the villages, La Spezia and Levanto offer cheaper accommodation well connected by the Cinque Terre Express — a good base if you're travelling on a tight budget.
Safety & formalities
Safety
The Cinque Terre are very safe; the main risks come from hiking (narrow trails, landslides after rain) and the summer heat.
Crime is low; just stay alert to pickpockets on trains and crowded stations in summer. The real issue is the mountain.
- Trails: narrow, with sheer drops and steep stairs. Walking shoes are required on the Sentiero Azzurro and sometimes checked.
- Landslides: common after heavy rain — they're the cause of long-term closures (Corniglia–Manarola since 2012). Check the state of the trails on the day itself.
- Heat and crowds: in summer, carry water and sun protection, and watch out for overcrowded station platforms.
Formalities
EU citizens (and Schengen-area travellers) only need a valid ID card or passport: Italy is in the Schengen area and the eurozone, with no visa or mandatory vaccine.
Italy is part of the Schengen area and the eurozone, which keeps things simple for EU and Schengen-area travellers.
- Documents: a valid national ID card or passport, for a stay of under three months. Non-EU travellers should check their own visa and entry rules before booking.
- Visa: none for EU citizens. Many non-EU nationals can enter visa-free for short stays, but check your nationality's requirements.
- Health: no mandatory vaccine. Consider the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), free for EU residents, which covers care on the spot; others should arrange travel insurance.
- Currency: the euro, no exchange needed from within the eurozone.
Check the latest conditions on your own government's travel advice, or on France Diplomatie, before you leave.
Tips & FAQ
Tips
Buy the right Cinque Terre Card for your plans, visit early in the morning, and check the state of the trails on the park website before each walk.
A few habits that change the trip:
- Choose the right card: the Trekking Card if you mostly walk, the Train Card if you plan to hop between villages by train (unlimited journeys included).
- Shift your timing: day-trippers arrive in mid-morning. Before 9am and after 5pm, the villages breathe again.
- Check the trails every morning on the park website: openings change with the weather and any works.
- Book early for accommodation and your Via dell'Amore time slot in high season.
FAQ
Two to three days are enough to discover the five villages, hike one or two sections and enjoy a beach or a boat trip.
How many days do you need to visit the Cinque Terre?
Two to three days let you discover the five villages without rushing, hike one or two sections and enjoy a beach or a boat trip. One day is still possible by focusing on the train, but the experience will be very condensed.
Which Cinque Terre Card should you choose?
The Trekking Card (from €7.50 a day, up to €15 on busy days) covers the paid trails, the shuttle buses and the park WiFi. The Train Card (from €19.50, up to €32.50 in high demand) adds unlimited journeys on the Cinque Terre Express between La Spezia and Levanto.
Which trails are open or closed in 2026?
The Corniglia–Manarola section has been closed since 2012 (landslide), with reopening estimated around 2028–2029. The Via dell'Amore (Manarola–Riomaggiore) has been reopened since 2024 by reservation. Monterosso–Vernazza and Vernazza–Corniglia are in principle open but subject to seasonal restrictions — check the park website before setting off.
Which village is best to stay in?
Monterosso al Mare for families and the beach, Vernazza and Manarola for the picturesque (pricier), Riomaggiore for arriving from La Spezia, and Corniglia for peace and quiet.
Can you come to the Cinque Terre by car?
It's strongly discouraged: the villages are largely pedestrian and parking is very limited and expensive. Leave the car in La Spezia or Levanto and take the Cinque Terre Express.
Do you need to book for the Via dell'Amore?
Yes, access is by reservation of a time slot of about 30 minutes, one-way from Riomaggiore towards Manarola. You need a dedicated timed Via dell'Amore ticket, from €10 bundled with a 1-day Trekking Card — the standard €7.50 Trekking Card does not cover this section.
How do you reach the Cinque Terre from Pisa or Genoa?
From Pisa, get to La Spezia Centrale by train (about 1 to 1.5 hours), then the Cinque Terre Express. From Genoa, allow about 1.5 to 2 hours by train via Levanto or La Spezia.
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