Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Cinque Terre

“Le Cinque Terre,” meaning “The Five Lands,” is made up of five tiny towns perched on the rugged seaside cliffs of the Italian Riviera in Liguria. In each village, which date back all the way back to 643 A.D., you will find rainbow-colored houses, delicious food and wine, unforgettable views, and centuries-old vineyards.

THE TOWNS (from north to south):

Monterosso al Mare

The northernmost town, Monterosso offers a beachy feel with the largest sandy beach of Cinque Terre. If you’re visiting on a sunny summer day, you’ll see dozens of open Instagram-worthy orange and green umbrellas lining the shore. The seafront promenade has adorable restaurants and boutique hotels. Monterosso is honestly my least favorite of the five towns because it’s the most commercialized so there isn’t much to explore. And it isn’t on top of a literal cliff like the others are (not much can be done about that, sorry Monterosso).

Vernazza

This town is the most unique compared to the others. Vernazza has Cinque Terre’s only proper harbor with boats tied up Venetian-style. Both the hike between Monterosso and Vernazza and the 13th century tower have breathtaking views. If you’re staying overnight in Cinque Terre, I would recommend staying here because it’s not too big nor too small, plus it has a lively piazza filled with restaurants, bars, and gelaterie right on the harbor.

Corniglia

The smallest village, Corniglia is known as the “quiet” town. In order to reach it, you have to climb La Lardarina, a very long flight of steps, or you can ride the shuttle bus from the train station. This village is home to only 240 people and is filled with cute houses lining the main road. I stayed in an Airbnb in Corniglia on one of my trips to Cinque Terre. I wouldn’t recommend staying here because it’s the most difficult town to reach, and there aren’t as many restaurants and bars. However, if you’re looking for an extremely quiet getaway, then definitely stay in Corniglia.

Manarola

My favorite of the towns, Manarola dates back to 1338, making it the oldest of the five. Green hills filled with vineyards that produce the local wine, Sciacchetrà, (mentioned in ancient Roman writings) surround the village. Walk the path out toward the sea for a stunning view of the town. Every time I visit Cinque Terre, I take a new photo from this spot which always ends up being my phone background until the next time I return. There’s no beach in Manarola, but you can always find people cliff-jumping and sunbathing on the rocks.

Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore’s centerpiece is a steep hill lined with bright pastel-colored buildings. Walk up it to a quieter section of the village with sea views and the Church of San Giovanni Battista built in 1340. Then walk down the hill and you will be led to a harbor, perfect for pictures. The first time I visited Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore was the first town I went to, so I ended up spending so much time here getting lost (both physically and mentally) in the endless, yet magical alleys.

HOW TO GET AROUND:

In order to get from town to town, take the train which only takes five minutes or less between each village. If you’re down for a more adventurous route, hike the trail connecting the towns along the coast that takes about five hours to complete.

WHAT TO DO:

Each village offers unique restaurants, shops, bars, and beaches. Go swimming, tan, shop, rent a boat, try the local wine, eat fresh seafood and pesto, hike the trails, go cliff-jumping, take lots of pictures, and grab some gelato!