Cinque Terre is one of the most recognizable coastal regions in Italy, known for its dramatic landscapes and extremely steep cliff-side villages. In recent years the area has seen a sharp rise in popularity among travelers, and it’s easy to see why so here’s our introduction to Cinque Terre.

We recently launched our tour “Italian Riviera – Liguria and Cinque Terre“. It was so successful that we will offer it again in 2026. If you travel with us on this tour run by locals to the best off-the-beaten-path places and experiences, you will agree that everyone should have Cinque Terre at the top of their travel list.

Getting to Know Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre is an area in the region of Liguria in northwest Italy made up of five small coastal villages; Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Built into steep cliffs, and surrounded by terraced hillsides and the Mediterranean Sea, each village of multi-colored houses has its own unique personality, but together they create a landscape that’s both historic and visually impressive.

This part of the Italian Riviera is designated the Cinque Terre National Park and Marine Protected Area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cinque Terre is famous for its terraced vineyards where Cinque Terre DOC white wine and olive groves are cultivated and for the hiking trails that connect the villages (and vineyards). The steep, green hillsides provide spectacular views over the sparkling blue Mediterranean Sea.

The car-free villages are connected by hiking trails, a regional train line, and ferries, making it easy to visit them. For many travelers, the appeal lies in moving between them and being able to experience the contrast between the five Cinque Terre towns.

We think you’ll fall in love with Cinque Terre no matter what, but our Italian Riviera tour takes you beyond the usual tourist hot spots to get to know a side of this incredible area you would normally miss. The itinerary of this tour has been put together by a friend of our team who has been living in Vernazza for more than 30 years, who is dedicated to making this trip a super special one.

History of Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre, which translates to “Five Lands” in Italian, is a captivating and intriguing region made up of five towns which were mostly isolated for centuries. Evidence of settlement in the current towns dates back to at least the early Medieval period. In the region of Liguria, archeological findings have shown evidence of humans in pre-historic times through to the time of the ancient Romans. However, the towns as we know them today began to take shape around the 11th century.

Originally, the landscape dictated the development of these villages. The original inhabitants of Cinque Terre lived high up in the hillsides because pirate attacks prevented them from settling on the sea. When the ships of the maritime Republic of Genoa guaranteed safety and repelled pirates, the people started building at sea level. With no roads connecting the villages, residents traveled by boats or walked on narrow trails carved into the cliffs.

Terraced farming was a necessity to grow grapes, lemon trees, olive groves, and produce. Fishing was essential for providing both food and trade. The construction of the railway in the 19th century brought increased access, but the area remained relatively remote until more recent decades.

In 1999 Cinque Terre became a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognised for its cultural and environmental significance. With that recognition it became a popular tourist destination, which is now a major part of the region’s economy, but Cinque Terre continues to impressively balance preservation with visitor interest.

The Five Towns of Cinque Terre

Each of the five towns of Cinque Terre, Italy, share a common history and geography, but no two are the same. Each town is guaranteed to have amazing sea views, impressive terraced hillsides and coastal hiking trails but each one has something that makes it different from the other towns:

Monterosso al Mare

Monterosso al Mare is the largest town, and it’s more accessible than the others. It has a more resort-like feel, with a sandy beach, a seafront promenade, and a range of accommodation options.

Monterosso al Mare is split into an old town and a new town, making it the perfect place to understand the way Cinque Terre has developed.

Vernazza

Often considered the most scenic of the five villages, Vernazza is known for its natural small harbor, and narrow medieval lanes. It has a lively energy, especially around its cafés, restaurants, and waterfront, and is a popular spot for arriving by boat or enjoying the hiking trails. Vernazza is a top spot in Cinque Terre for enjoying local wines and great food.

This is where we will enjoy an outdoor lunch of local specialties like gnocchi al pesto, mussels, anchovies, and more, accompanied by local wines.

Corniglia

Unlike the other villages in Cinque Terre, Corniglia sits high above sea level on a clifftop, without direct beach access. There’s a rocky cove called Guvano Beach on the coast between Corniglia and Manarola but it is only accessible by boat.

Corniglia is a quieter village that feels more like a mountain village, with sweeping views over the Cinque Terre coastline. This town is ideal for those looking for a more relaxed pace and fewer crowds but travelers need to be prepared for the many stairs to arrive into the village when the shuttle bus isn’t available.

Manarola

Manarola is colourful and famous for its dramatic cliff-side setting. It has the largest number of wine producers in the Cinque Terre. A short walking trail around the town offers stunning views of the Cinque Terre, particularly at sunset. There’s no beach here, but you can swim from the rocks when the sea is calm.

This is where we will spend an afternoon on our Italian Riviera tour, for wine tasting and a guided hike along the gorgeous vineyard trail.

Riomaggiore

The southernmost of the five towns, Riomaggiore is easily accessible by train from the city of La Spezia, which makes it the perfect start or end point for visiting the Cinque Terre. It’s built vertically into the hillside, with steep streets and a small harbor. This is also the starting point for the Via dell’Amore trail, a 900 meter paved coastal path that was recently reopened after extensive renovations.

We will walk on the Via dell’Amore on our tour for its exceptional views of the sea and to experience the marvel of engineering that cut this path through the rock of the cliff to connect Riomaggiore and Manarola.

Of course, the Cinque Terre towns aren’t the only places worth visiting on the Ligurian Coast. There are many other beautiful towns along this coastline that are waiting to be discovered such as Levanto, Bonassola and Framura and the city of Genoa which we’ve made sure to include in our Liguria and Cinque Terre tour.

How to Get to Cinque Terre, Italy

Reaching the Cinque Terre is relatively straightforward, especially by train. While the area feels remote, it’s well connected to Italy’s major cities and transport networks. The closest major city of La Spezia is well connected to the rest of Italy, and is a great place to use as a hub for accessing the Cinque Terre villages. This is one of the reasons why we’ve chosen to use it as our starting point for our Italian Riviera tour.

The closest airports to Cinque Terre are Pisa International Airport and Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport. You can catch a train to La Spezia from both airports within around 1.5-2 hours.

Catching the train is the fastest and most convenient way to reach and travel within the Cinque Terre. From cities like Florence, Milan, Pisa, or Rome you can take trains for La Spezia Centrale station. From here, you can then catch the Cinque Terre Express, a local train line that runs frequently and stops at all five Cinque Terre towns.

All the towns have their own train station, and the Cinque Terre Express runs approximately every 20 minutes in high season, with one train per hour in the evenings. The travel time between villages is approximately 5 minutes.

Note: Corniglia station is located below the village. You’ll need to climb a staircase of 300+ stairs or take the shuttle bus up to the town itself.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre is busiest from May to September. Each season offers a slightly different experience, and the best time to visit depends on what you’re hoping to get out of your trip.

In spring, particularly from April to early June, the weather is mild and the landscape is green and blooming. It’s a great time for hiking the trails, as temperatures are comfortable and the villages are lively without feeling overcrowded. This is our favorite time to visit, and have timed our new tour for late spring to be able to make the most of the season.

Summer, from late June to August, brings long days, warm sea temperatures, and a holiday atmosphere. Be warned, this is also the time for the largest crowds and highest accommodation prices. Trains and walking paths can get congested, and it’s wise to book well in advance if you’re visiting in this period.

As summer ends, early fall brings a more relaxed pace. September and October still offer warm days and swimmable seas, along with the bonus of wine harvest season in the terraced vineyards.

By November, the region starts to quiet down. Fewer visitors come during winter, and temperatures are cooler. The downside of visiting during this time is the out of season closures, especially with smaller businesses and restaurants. However, if you’re looking for solitude and don’t mind the lack of beach time or boat service, the winter months are a pleasant and peaceful time to take your trip.

If your goal is hiking and enjoying the landscape, aim for late spring or early autumn, and avoiding weekends can also make a big difference in how crowded things feel.

Things to Do in Cinque Terre

Hiking

Cinque Terre is famous for its hiking routes. The Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) links the five towns and offers walkers coastal scenery, breathtaking views, and plenty of steep climbs. Portions of the trail may be closed for maintenance (such as Manarola to Corniglia), so check the National Park website before heading out. Other trails lead inland for quieter, less-traveled routes.

Swim in the sea

The Ligurian Sea is typically calm and clear. Monterosso has a sandy beach with pebbles, while the other towns have swimming spots off piers or rocky areas or in the harbor or coves. Make sure to bring water shoes as these make it much easier to get in and out when it’s more rocky, and be careful of the waves, if the sea is rough.

Enjoy a boat ride

Ferries run between the towns (except Corniglia) and offer a different perspective of the Ligurian Coast. You can also book small boat tours or sunset cruises from any of the Cinque Terre villages except Corniglia.

We believe that the best way to soak in the views of Cinque Terre is from the water, so we’ve made sure that on the second day of our Italian Riviera tour, we spend the entire day on a traditional wooden goletta so that you can relax, enjoy, and maybe even swim off the boat.

Visit local churches

Each Cinque Terre village has its own parish church, many dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. These churches are still in use, and can be a peaceful way to escape the crowds as well as see some beautiful art.

Enjoy the Cinque Terre cuisine

The hills around the Cinque Terre are planted with grape vines, producing the local white wine called “Cinque Terre DOC” that is made of a blend of 3 different grape varietals (Bosco, Albarola, and Vermentino).

Local menus are dominated by fresh seafood, look out for anchovies, octopus salad, and more. Liguria is also where the famous pesto sauce was invented so try trofie or trenette with pesto.

On our tour, we learn how to make pesto the traditional method with a mortar and pestle…and then enjoy our very own handmade pesto.

Staying Safe in Cinque Terre

Some trails involve steep drop-offs, loose rocks, and narrow paths. Make sure you stay on the designated paths and follow the official signage at all times. Most of the villages are also made up of narrow streets, so it’s important to wear proper footwear at all times.

The weather can turn quickly and storms can catch you off guard. Check the weather forecast before heading out on the trails, as bad weather can cause train delays and trails to close. During high season, the sun and heat can be particularly intense, so be sure to always carry plenty of water and take regular breaks. In the summer, you will want to hike in the early mornings or very late afternoons when it is cooler and the hiking trails are not crowded.

The water is extremely inviting, but swimming off the rocks can be risky, especially when the sea is rough or waves are high. The rocky entries can become slippery, and strong currents can make it difficult to get in or out of the water safely. Always pay attention to the local safety signs, and if you see a red flag raised, it means conditions are unsafe and there is no lifeguard present, so do not enter the water. It’s best to wait until the sea is calm before considering a swim.

Our Best Cinque Terre Travel Tips

Here are our top tips for visiting the Cinque Terre:

• Whenever you decide to visit, arrive early for sightseeing or hiking. Before 10AM is best, and going early helps avoid the worst of the crowds. Many visitors come for a day trip, so spending at least two nights lets you enjoy the towns in the early mornings and evenings when it’s quieter.
• We recommend purchasing the Cinque Terre Card. You can buy it at any train station or online and it includes access to hiking trails (Trekking Card) and access to hiking trails + unlimited train travel on the Cinque Terre Express (Train Card).
• You’ll be walking a lot, often uphill, so pack light. Luggage with wheels can work if you pack light or use a trusty backpack to navigate the stairs and cobblestones.

Our top travel tip is to trust in local knowledge. We put together our Italian Riviera tour to show you the real depth of the Cinque Terre and the surrounding towns along the Ligurian Coast. This tour conveniently avoids crowds and gives you experiences that you could never find or plan on your own. Our tour will connect you with the landscape, the history, and the people of Cinque Terre in a way you’ll remember forever. Plus, all the logistics will be taken care of, giving you more time and head-space to actually enjoy your trip.

Visiting Cinque Terre

So, do we recommend visiting Cinque Terre? Absolutely. Which is our favorite Cinque Terre town? We love them all in different ways so there is no reason why you shouldn’t visit them all.

It’s impossible to express just how special the Cinque Terre is, you really do need to see it for yourself. If this introduction to Cinque Terre has inspired you to add it to your travel list, you can find out more about our exciting Italian Riviera tour here.

All images in this blog are courtesy of Ruth Manfredi who will be your local guide in Liguria.