Beginner’s Guide to Cinque Terre: Exploring Italy’s Coastal Gem

Nestled along the rugged northwest coast of Italy is a picturesque part of Liguria made up of five charming fishing villages named the Cinque Terre meaning “Five Lands”. Dating all the way back to the 11th Century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site struggled through the trials and tribulations of time, surviving pirate attacks, economic decline and bombing in WWII. It has weathered all storms, and the world is grateful for it; it stands today as one of Italy’s most remarkable and treasured tourist destinations. Therefore, you’ll want to know exactly what to expect and how to visit this incredible landmark in style. Here is your beginner’s guide to visiting Cinque Terre – colorful houses, scenic coastline, and rich cultural heritage included.

1. What are the 5 towns of Cinque Terre?

Each town – or rather, village – in the Cinque Terre is delightfully unique, meaning you have 5 distinct destinations to visit all in one trip. Here’s a short breakdown of each one and what’s unique about them.

Riomaggiore

As the southernmost village, Riomaggiore is characterized by its steep terraces and vibrant harbor. You can explore its historic Castello di Riomaggiore, a 13th-century castle offering unbeatable panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea. This village is known especially for its romantic ambiance, particularly during sunset when the pastel-colored houses glow in the fading light. Head down to the rocks by its tiny harbor, sit side by side with your aperitvo and watch as the houses glow in the gold evening light, the waves gently break against the harbor, and the sky turns violet. It’s perfect for capturing postcard-worthy photos or setting off on a scenic boat tour.

Manarola

Manarola is one of the most photographed spots in the region, due to the perfect placement of the walkways to and from the village. It’s particularly famous for its wine production, specifically its sweet Sciacchetrà wine. It is also home to one of the best viewpoints in Cinque Terre, especially for the sunset. Take a stroll along the cliffside path to the Punta Bonfiglio viewpoint for breathtaking vistas, where you’ll find a lovely restaurant, Nessun Dorma, built in to the cliff. There aren’t many more beautiful places to have an aperitivo.

Corniglia

Uniquely situated atop a 100-meter-high promontory, Corniglia is the only village not directly adjacent to the sea. Accessible via a long staircase called Lardarina, it offers a tranquil atmosphere and stunning views of the coastline. Its secluded location means fewer crowds, making it the most peaceful and quiet village. Corniglia is also known for its charming, narrow alleyways and delightful local gelato, particularly flavors featuring locally grown honey, citrus, and even basil.

Vernazza

Featuring a natural harbor and narrow, winding streets, Vernazza is often considered the most picturesque of the five villages. The enclosed nature of the village certainly makes it feel all the more quaint and homely, plus there’s a small beach and a charming piazza to have dinner. Here you’ll find a beautiful relic from Cinque Terre’s long past: the Church of St. Margaret of Antioch, dating all the way back to the 14th century. The village’s small harbor is ideal for swimming, with the water is a gorgeous baby blue. You’ll find fresh seafood at the waterfront trattorias. This village is the best spot for a charming dinner by a piazza.

Monterosso al Mare

The largest of the five villages, Monterosso al Mare boasts a proper sandy beach for you to get your seaside fix, plus a charming old town bustling with shops, restaurants and gelaterias. Out of the five villages, this is the go-to destination for beach-lovers, complete with classic Italian umbrellas and sunbeds. It’s also known for its lemon groves, producing lemons famous around the world as well as delicious locally-made limoncino, a Ligurian variation of the Southern Italian drink and a must-try for visitors.

2. Why is Cinque Terre important?

The origins of the Cinque Terre date back to the 11th century, with Monterosso and Vernazza known as the earliest settlements. The first settlers were primarily inhabitants of the Val di Vara, a lush inland valley in Liguria known for its forests and fertile land. Seeking refuge from population pressures and the spread of disease, they moved to higher ground, constructing agricultural villages on the cliffs overlooking the sea nearly a thousand years ago. Over time, they transformed the steep, challenging terrain into terraced farmland, particularly for cultivating grapes and olives In fact, though Cinque Terre are known as ‘fishing villages’, they were always primarily inhabited by wine farmers, whose wine (like Vernaccia) was famous as far back as 1300.

 In the 16th century, to defend against regular pirate attacks from the sea, the villagers built fortifications and watchtowers, some of which still stand today. The villages’ rural location and difficult terrain meant they stayed relatively isolated, preserving their traditional way of life. This was until the construction of the railway in the 19th century, which connected the villages to larger cities and spurred economic growth and tourism.

4. When is the quietest time to go to Cinque Terre?

In recent years, Cinque Terre has become a very popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors annually. In fact, recent reports of 4 million visitors in 2023 within the space of 1 square kilometer ring our overtourism alarm bells. This article claims that the busiest months are June, August and September with 344k, 345k, and 338k visitors respectively. This writer can attest that from his visit in May 2022, he notes it was delightfully charming but also quite busy – especially towards the end of his trip which landed in the latter part of May. We would therefore recommend ‘shoulder season’ periods, such as April, early May, October and late September. These periods offer lovely weather and a more relaxed atmosphere than in summer.

5. Food in Cinque Terre

The cuisine of Cinque Terre reflects its coastal and agricultural heritage, as well as that of the wider Ligurian region. Seafood dishes, such as anchovies from Monterosso, are typical for this part of Italy. As is the pesto, named ‘Pesto alla Genovese’, which is found all over Liguria. It’s served typically with trofie or trenette pasta. Additionally, the region produces its own wines as mentioned, including the renowned sweet dessert wine of Sciacchetrà. A local tip is to try the farinata, found in many restaurants and delis throughout Cinque Terre and in wider Liguria. This is a sort of crumbly pancake made of chickpea flour, and is a local delicacy which is hard to find anywhere else in the world. You’ll be spoilt for choice in the many restaurants and trattorias, many of which have been set up to take advantage of the steep terraces to give you picture-perfect views over the gorgeous villages.

6. What can I do in Cinque Terre?

A visit to Cinque Terre offers a variety of activities:

• Hiking: The Sentiero Azzurro (“Blue Trail”) connects all five villages and offers breathtaking views of the coastline. Note that some sections may be closed due to maintenance, so it’s advisable to check current trail conditions before planning your hike.

• Via dell’Amore: This romantic footpath, meaning ‘road of love’, links Riomaggiore and Manarola. While it has been closed for repairs in recent years, sections may reopen, providing a scenic and leisurely walk along the cliffs.

• Swimming and sunbathing: The clear waters of the Ligurian Sea are perfect for swimming, and you’ll find several beaches and rocks upon which to lay your towel and catch some sun.

• Vineyard Tours and Wine Tasting: Explore the terraced vineyards and sample local wines, gaining insight into the region’s winemaking traditions.

7. Getting around

While cars are restricted within the villages, the area is well-connected by trains, ferries, and hiking trails:

• Train: The Cinque Terre Express runs frequently between the villages, making it the most convenient mode of transportation.

• Ferry: Boat services operate between the villages (except Corniglia) and offer a unique perspective of the coastline.

• Hiking: Well-marked trails connect the villages, providing opportunities to experience the natural beauty up close.

Purchasing the Cinque Terre Card grants access to hiking trails and unlimited train travel between the villages, offering both convenience and value.

8. Preparing for your visit

When planning a trip to Cinque Terre, consider the following:

• Footwear: Comfortable, sturdy shoes are essential, especially if you plan to hike the trails.

• Attire: Lightweight clothing is suitable for daytime, but bring layers for cooler evenings.

• Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are recommended, as shade can be limited on trails and beaches.

• Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial, particularly during hikes.

• Cash: While credit cards are accepted in many establishments, some smaller businesses may prefer cash.

9. Where can I stay when visiting Cinque Terre?

You can stay in all of the villages. Monterosso, being the largest, offers the most options and we’d recommend it as a base camp from which you can do day trips to all of the other villages. Though, you may prefer to stay in each village, which is perfectly possible – the train service between each village means transporting your bags should be no problem. If you’d prefer to stay close, but outside the Cinque Terre, here are some other options:

• Levanto: A charming coastal town with budget-friendly hotels and easy train access to Cinque Terre.
• La Spezia: A larger city with more amenities and frequent train connections.
• Portovenere: A beautiful town with fewer crowds and stunning views of the Gulf of Poets.

10. How do I get to Cinque Terre?

The closest airports are in Genoa, Pisa, and Milan. From there, you can take a train to La Spezia, which serves as the main gateway to Cinque Terre.

11. How far is Cinque Terre from Florence?

Cinque Terre is approximately 180 km (112 miles) from Florence. The train journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.

11. How many days should I spend in Cinque Terre?

It depends, of course, on how in-depth you want to explore each village. We’d recommend a minimum of one day per village, as you wouldn’t want to rush and squeeze in two unique places in one day. You may find you particularly fall in love with a village (probably will do for all of them), in which case you’ll want to spend 2-3 days soaking it all in.

12. How do you pronounce Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre is pronounced “CHEEN-kweh TEHR-reh,” with a slight emphasis on the first syllable of each word.

Cinque Terre is a destination that captivates visitors with its breathtaking scenery, rich history, and charming villages. Whether you’re hiking the rugged trails, savoring local cuisine, or simply soaking in the coastal beauty, this is the perfect place to experience the Italian Riviera in all its glory. With proper planning and an adventurous spirit, your journey through Cinque Terre will be nothing short of spectacular.

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