Destinations
Five romantic and colourful villages perched on cliffs, in the most remote part of the Italian Riviera. Millions of people visit the Cinque Terre – The Five Lands – every year.
Gita Simonsen
Colourful buildings, narrow streets, beaches, cosy shops and delicious restaurants can be found in each of these small towns. The destination is suitable to both those who want an active trip, as well as those who enjoy themselves best in fashionable restaurants with a good glass of Chianti in hand.
Riomaggiore is the southernmost town of the five and is not far from La Spezia train station. The village consists of beautiful buildings in pastel colours, narrow cobblestone streets, olive trees and bathing areas. Although it does not have a long beach, it has cliffs and cosy private spots where you can swim and sunbathe. Riomaggiore offers bird watching, a botanical garden, churches and castles from the 1200s, and delicious Italian restaurants with lovely views of the sea.
Colorful
Colourful buildings, narrow streets, beaches, cosy shops and delicious restaurants can be found in each of these small towns.
Manarola is the town with the most vineyards, widely known for its Sciacchetrà, a special fortified wine produced from the grapes that grow in the steep hills of the Cinque Terre, especially in Manarola. These vineyards are said to be so demanding to operate that the winemakers behind the Sciacchetrà wine are highly respected in the wine community. The wine is relatively rare, so make sure to enjoy a glass or two when you visit the area.
Corniglia is a somewhat quieter town than its four siblings, and is surrounded by hills, cliffs and rows of vines. Just outside Corniglia is the only point where you can photograph all five villages together — the perfect Insta spot. Narrow streets lead up to this large and winding terrace that gives you magical views of all the cities. To get to Corniglia, you either have to climb 337 cobblestone stairs or take the shuttle bus up.
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Corniglia
Corniglia is a somewhat quieter town than its four siblings, and is surrounded by hills, cliffs and rows of vines.
The small fishing village of Vernazza is perhaps the most characteristic of the Cinque Terre and is classified as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. And that particular competition is fierce... Here, you will find cute little cafes, sea views from all sides, and delicious premium olive oil. Vernazza was founded as far back as 3,000 years ago, and its historic medieval fortress Belforte was built in the mid-1500s as protection against pirates.
Monterosso is the largest of the five towns, and the only one with a long sandy beach. The beach attracts both locals and tourists from early spring to late autumn. Monterosso is famous for its lemon trees and anchovies. In Monterosso, you will find coral reefs and crystal clear waters. Although it may not be the most beautiful of the towns, it must be said that it is the most popular city for visitors.
Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore is the southernmost town of the five and is not far from La Spezia train station.
Many people go to the Cinque Terre to walk in the unique landscape. The hiking trails are adapted to different levels, but not every route is open since the forces of nature have ravaged the area. After the major flood in 2011, some routes are temporarily or permanently closed. Always check with the Cinque Terre National Park Office to see what's open.
Between May and September, you can sign up for guided tours. The tours are organised into three categories - easy, medium, and difficult. The easy routes take about 20 minutes between each stretch. The medium ones are between 1.5 to 2 hours, while the most difficult route is much more demanding than the other two. Altp Via Delle Cinque Terre is about 35 km long and takes between 9-12 hours to walk. Along the way you will find cosy bars and restaurants, and a lovely view.
Always remember to wear good shoes and bring enough water for your walk. If you are taking the longest hike, it is recommended to go in spring or autumn rather than summer.
If you would rather take a train between the villages, this is also easily done. The Cinque Terre Expressen is a great way to get from village to village. The Cinque Terre Express runs every 20 minutes from mid-March to November 1. Note that cars are not permitted in the villages.
Grand Hotel Portovenere is a 5-star hotel located between the Cinque Terre and eastern Ligurin but is not within the area defined as the Cinque Terre itself. However, the hotel is located right by the marina which takes you to all the nice bays, such as Spezia Bay and the Cinque Terre, which is about nine kilometres away.
This historic building was once home to the Saint Francis Monastery. Since then, the building has undergone a thorough refurbishment. The hotel has beautiful rooms with sea views and a restaurant, the Palmaria. The restaurant has a lovely terrace, serving Italian Riviera cuisine, but also beloved dishes from the rest of Italy. This is also where breakfast is served.
Cinque terre
The Cinque Terre is a very popular tourist destination, where the high season is in the summer months of June, July, and August.
The Cinque Terre is a very popular tourist destination, where the high season is in the summer months of June, July , and August. It is therefore recommended to travel in spring or autumn to avoid the biggest crowds. The temperature is also much more pleasant during these seasons, as it can get really hot in the summer.
The easiest way to get to the Cinque Terre is by train. From Genoa, you can take the local train towards La Spezia and disembark at your destination. From La Spezia, take the local train, the Cinque Terre Express, in the direction of Levanto. This train stops in all five villages.
It is possible to get to the Cinque Terre by car, although this is not recommended. The Cinque Terre itself is closed to vehicular traffic, but Riomaggiore and Manarola both have small car parks just outside the villages and minibuses to take you and your luggage down. Your car must remain parked throughout your stay - note that the car parks fill up quickly. It is also not recommended to drive if you are not an experienced driver, as the roads in this area are demanding.
The closest airports are Cristoforo Colombo International Airport in Genoa, Galileo Galilei International Airport in Pisa, and Florence Airport. Milan Airport is further away but is the biggest international airport, and a good starting point if you are exploring northern Italy.
Enjoy your trip to Cinque Terre and Italy
Gita Simonsen
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This historic building also houses the delicious Senses Restaurant & Lounge Bar, the tranquil Montemartini SPA by Caschera, and spacious event halls full of natural light.
