The Ultimate Cinque Terre Travel Guide

The Cinque Terre is one of the fanciest parts of the Italian riviera nowadays. This area contains five small villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. The sea, the rustic old Italian houses were as beautiful as we imagined especially Manarola and Riomaggiore. We have spent 3 full days at Cinque Terre villages in mid-June, what was enough to discover this beautiful area. Let see some recommendations about accommodation, restaurants, local transportation and sights!

Where to stay

I highly recommend staying at La Spezia, if you don't want to pay a lot for your accommodation in the Cinque Terre's villages. La Spezia is closer to the villages than it looks on the map. I suggest finding a good apartment or hotel, whatever you prefer near to the train station and catch the train to the villages.

La Spezia

How to get around

Train is a good choice to travel between the five Cinque Terre villages. It departs every 30 minutes between La Spezia and Levanto and stops in every village. You reach the villages within 7-20 minutes. This is the most convenient way to get around, as you don't have park your car all the time. Moreover, you don't have worry about who will drive, if you want to drink a cocktail, while you are admiring the beautiful landscape of Manarola.

Cinque Terre card

You should check the Cinque Terre card options, if I convinced you to choose train instead of car, especially if you would like to hike between the villages. There are two types: train card and trekking card. While train card includes unlimited train and bus rides as well as the access to the Blue Path (the iconic coastline path connecting the villages, which is a completely must hike, the trekking card, only includes the access to the Blue Path. Prior purchasing the card, you should also check the accessibility of the Blue Path since it is not fully open to the hikers all the time. In our case, only the Vernazza - Corniglia route was accessible and there were rumors about the opening of the Monterosso - Vernazza trekking path.

Hiking trail between Vernazza - Corniglia (3,2 km)

We have bought the train card in advanced including Blue Path access, train and bus rides, but since majority of the Blue Path was closed, it wasn't worth it from financial point of view. However you don't have to bother with buying train tickets all the time. You get more details at the Cinque Terre information points at every train stations along to the coastline, where you easily buy your card. The official website is also a good choice to buy your card in advance.

What to see

The Cinque Terre National Park was established in 1999. This is the smallest national park in Italy, but the most populated with its 4000 residents in five villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. This territory is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Let see the main details from each village!

Manarola

Manarola was built on a high rock, what is located above 70 meters above of the sea level. There is a small harbour with a boat ramp. If there is rough weather on the sea, they always pull out the boats from the sea. You won't find a typical beach with umbrellas or sunbeds, but you can swim around the harbour, which is quite popular. The water was so deep here, so be sure that you swim well. Manarola was our favourite, let me show you why:

Manarola

Vernazza

Vernazza is another picturesque village with its small pier and Italian charm. You can find many restaurants and bars around the small harbour. History in a nutshell: the village was founded about 1000 A.D and it was ruled by Genovians. We have approached the city through the Blue Path, which was a stunning hike as well.

Vernazza

Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore is the closest village to La Spezia. It takes only 5 minutes by train from La Spezia Centrale, and you will find yourselves in this amazing village. Riomaggiore's origin dates back to the 8th century, when the inhabitants started to look for more safer and better soil for their grapes and olive trees from the pirates. The village also has a cozy, Italian downtown/harbour with restaurants and bars. Once you are roasted enough in the Italian heat, it is recommended to visit its beach next to the harbour, since it's quite interesting with its rocky coast. The village was also as beautiful as we saw on photos before.

Riomaggiore

Monterosso

Monterosso is the farther village from La Spezia. It takes 20 minutes to reach the village by train, but this is the largest from all. There is a typical beach here, with sunbeds and umbrellas. However, you can put your own umbrella on the public beach area as well.

Beach in Monterosso

Monterosso is divided into two areas. The new part of the town is called Fergina, where you find the beach as well. The old medieval town of the village is the Aurora, which is full of restaurants, bars and old Mediterranean houses.

Monterosso's old town

Corniglia

Corniglia is located in the middle of the Cinque Terre, but the only one without direct access to the sea. This ancient Roman village, surrounded by vineyards, has long and rich agricultural traditions as well.

Corniglia

+1 Levanto

Levanto isn't part of the Cinque Terre villages, but it's worth to visit. This town is also good starter-point to visit Cinque Terre. Levanto has a good sandy beach, shops and restaurants.

Levanto

If you like hiking, I suggest going through the Levanto - Monterosso hiking paths (7 km). It took 2,5-3 hours to go along the trail. The trail has amazing views and there were many butterflies along the path. It was so unique experience for us. Be prepared with water and hiking boots before hitting the trail. It is not a place for flip-flops.

Levanto - Monterosso hiking trail

Where to eat

Nessun Dorma - Manarola

I highly recommend Nessun Dorma, as the view was amazing from this restaurant/bar. We were surprised but the prices weren't as high compared to the scenery. We payed 14 EUR for two cocktails, and we got snacks additionally for free.

Il Portocciolo - Manarola

One of the best pizza place during our 2-weeks stay in Italy! You can choose from a wide range of pizza, fish and sea fruit dishes. Try it, you won't regret it!

I think Cinque Terre can live up to its hype. There are many things, what you can do here: hiking along the coastline, swimming in the sea, eating delicious Italian dishes and scrolling around the medieval part of the villages. Manarola, Riomaggiore and Vernazza is the most picturesque towns. If you start your visit in these villages, you won't regret it! Cinque Terre is definitely worth a visit!