THE CINQUE TERRE
Last updated, March 2024
The Cinque Terre, or “The Five Lands,” is one of the most visually stunning, and culturally unique, regions in Italy. Sitting in the South-East of The Italian Riviera, The Cinque Terre boasts protection of its environment, ancestry, and culture.
While, most travelers make the Cinque Terre a day trip on their itinerary. The best way to experience this little chain of towns, is by spending at least a few nights. We recommend 3-4. The charming people of the Cinque Terre welcome hoards of tourists year after year, eager to share their culture, with those open to embrace it!
We have spent a combined 2 weeks in the Cinque Terre over the years; and can’t wait to share our favorite parts of these towns, that keep us coming back, time and time again.
“The Five Towns”
CINQUE TERRE HIGHLIGHTS
Monterosso al Mare
The largest of the five towns, and the only one with a beach club.
Vernazza
Shopping, food, gelato, great place to stay.
Corniglia
The only town not locatedat sea level, itis located up on the cliff side. Must train or hike to get there. Lots of good restaurants and views.
Manarola
Restaurants, views, favorite swimming hole
Riomaggiore
Fishing town, wander, boutiques, cafes
THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO THE CINQUE TERRE
Usually, in Italy, we recommend traveling in the shoulder season to avoid crowds and save money. However, here, we recommend traveling when the weather is best. From late May through early September. With May and early September being the sweet spots.
Most travelers choose not to stay in The Cinque Terre. So, when the trains leave for the night, and before they arrive in the morning. you and a handful of other lucky travelers will get to enjoy a more authentic, quieter version of the towns.
GETTING TO THE CINQUE TERRE
Since, only residents can drive a car in the Cinque Terre. The best way to get there, is by train. The trains have been well equipped to handle travelers for decades. So, there’s no need to worry about your luggage not fitting.
Trains are available to and from all nearby cities, including Milan, Genoa, Pisa, and Florence. While train connections can be made from just about anywhere in Italy, the train from Rome takes 3.5 hours to get to La Spezia, the gateway to The Cinque Terre.
In most places in Italy, the trains run like clocks. However,the later in the day it is in the Cinque Terre, the less reliable the trains become. Just make sure you check the numbers and get on the right train. If the last train of the night doesn’t come, just wait, it might take over an hour.
GETTING AROUND THE CINQUE TERRE
We like to choose one a day, to make the most of our passes. Train one day, hike and train the next, ferry the next, and so on. The Cinque Terre Trejo MS Card combines the train pass with some of the hiking trails for 32.50€. For any of the passes, we recommend buying them at the kiosks located at each of the train stations in The Cinque Terre.
HIKING
Hike from one town to another along the seaside cliffs of the Cinque Terre. You will need to buy a Cinque Terre Trekking Card for 7.50€ a day, and wear hike-appropriate shoes. Tennis shoes are fine, sandals are not allowed. For more information on the Cinque Terre Hiking Trails.
TRAINS
Get the train pass at the train station and take the train from town to town! While the other routes may be more scenic, taking the train is certainly quickest if you’re short on time. A train pass for access between towns costs 10€ for adults (during the tourist season). For more on Cinque Terre trains, check out their site, here.
FERRIES
Great, less expensive, way to get a gorgeous view of these sprawling towns from the water. Also a great way to get to the nearby towns of La Spezia or Portofino. Be wary, at peak times during the day, lines can get long. Cinque Terre ferry passes range from 28-41€. Looking for The Cinque Terre Ferry timetables? Click here.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE CINQUE TERRE
Monterosso or Vernazza. Mind the elevation of your stay. If you’re bringing heavy bags, you won’t want to be lugging them up hundreds of stairs.
We recommend boutique hotels and locally owned apartments. There is a 1€ City tax to spend the night in the Cinque Terre that will be added to your bill. This is normal and many cities in Europe have this expense. It is usually sled for in cash or coin (euros).
MONTEROSSO
A more Bougie stay: Boutique hotel or apartment rental
VERNAZZA
Bougie on a Budget: La Torre Rooms and Apartment
CINQUE TERRE BEACHES AND SWIMMING
MONTEROSSO
The only two large beaches to sunbathe on in the Cinque Terre. Can pay for a beach chair an umbrella, or bring your own towel. We got massages on the beach.
MANAROLA
After hiking around for a few hours and getting thoroughly sweaty, just coming into view of the Manarola waters will have you eager to take a dip. Manarola has our favorite swimming hole, the water is so salty in the Cinque Terre, you just float!
VERNAZZA
Vernazza has a small, rocky-sandy beach, and breakwater rocks you can lounge and swim from. There are some cute boutiques to shop in and we found the pesto to be exceedingly delicious.
THE CINQUE TERRE: BITES
FOODS THE CINQUE TERRE IS KNOWN FOR
Focaccia
Gelato
Pesto – It was hit or miss. We found the best places were in Vernazza
Seafood
Wine
OUR FAVORITE
CINQUE TERRE RESTAURANTS
La Torre Vernazza
Marina Piccola Manarola
Riomaggiore Calamari Cones
Monterroso Fine Dining, apps, grocery etc
AUTHENTIC ITALIAN PESTO MAKING EXPERIENCE
Vernazza, authentic Italian Pesto making experience with Michele.
TRAVEL ADVICE
Bug spray
Cool at night in shoulder season
DAY TRIPS
GENOA
Check out the proud center of the Italian Riviera, and Italy’s 6th largest city!
LA SPEZIA
The easiest day trip, a seaside city a short, 23 minute, train ride away from The Cinque Terre. Or take the ferry for a view of the seaside from The Gulf of Genoa
PISA AND LUCCA
Our recommendation if you want to see the leaning tower, but get out of the city feel. Is to pop over to Pisa. Then to Lucca for a bike ride around the walls of the city
PORTOFINO
An hour and a half away, Portofino is our Cinque Terre day trip recommendation for the contrasting, bougie, side of The Italian Riviera. If you want to save money, pack a lunch!
HIDDEN GEM
Punta Pineda Swimming Hole
BEST SOUVENIRS
Olive Wood Homeware
Linen Clothing
Cinque Terre T-shirt
Beach Towels
Wine