Date of travel: August 09, 2025
Cinque Terre is where vibrant villages meet stunning landscapes and you experience Italy’s unique charm as you hike through picturesque trails and indulge in delicious seafood.
Cinque Terre, a string of five ancient fishing villages on Italy’s Ligurian coast, boasts crystal-clear seas, stunning architecture, and breath taking hiking trails. Perched dramatically on the Italian Riviera, these villages offer a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and wonderful landscapes, making them a beloved destination for both local and foreign tourists.
Cinque Terre National Park:
Cinque Terre National Park was established in 1999 to promote sustainable tourism and preserve the natural landscape, protecting the delicate relationship between humans and the environment. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s Italy’s smallest national park, spanning 15 square miles of rugged coastline and hillside terrain. The park encompasses the five villages of Cinque Terre – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso – as well as the nearby communes of Levanto and La Spezia.
Park Highlights:
– Scenic Hiking Trails: The park features 120 km of trails, including the famous Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) that connects the five villages, offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. Due to unstable terrains, landslides frequently case portions of the trails to be closed. The Sentiero Azzzuro section from Riomaggiore to Manarola, popularly known as “Via dell’Amore” or “Love Walk” was closed from 2019 till February 2025.
– Terraced Vineyards: The park’s hillsides are adorned with ancient terracing, showcasing the region’s rich agricultural heritage and producing some of Italy’s finest wines.
– Marine Life: The park’s crystal-clear waters are home to a diverse array of marine life, including dolphins, sperm whales, and colourful fish species.
– Cultural Significance: Cinque Terre National Park is not only a natural wonder but also a cultural treasure, with its villages showcasing a unique blend of history, architecture, and traditional ways of life.
Visiting the Park:
– Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Cinque Terre National Park is during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller.
Reaching the Park:
Cinque Terre is easily accessible by train, car, or plane. Here’s a breakdown of all options:
By Train:
– The most convenient way to reach Cinque Terre is by train, with frequent services from major Italian cities like Genoa, Pisa, Florence, Rome, and Milan.
– Trains run regularly from La Spezia Centrale to all five villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso.
– You can check train schedules and book tickets on the Trenitalia website or mobile app.
– Must consider purchasing a Cinque Terre Train Card for unlimited train travel between the villages.
By Car:
– While driving is an option, it is not recommended due to narrow roads and limited parking spaces.
– If you do drive, leave your car in La Spezia or Levanto and take the train to the villages.
– Parking fees apply, and prices vary depending on the location.
By Plane:
– The closest airports are Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport and Pisa Galileo Galilei International Airport, both about 100 km from Cinque Terre.
– From the airport, you can take a train or shuttle bus to La Spezia Centrale or Monterosso.
By Ferry:
– Ferries connect the villages from March to October, offering a scenic way to explore Cinque Terre.
– You can take a ferry from La Spezia, Levanto, or Portovenere to the villages, except Corniglia.
Travel Times and Costs:
– From Genoa: 1-2 hours by train, €7-10; 1 hour by car,
– From Pisa: 1 hour by train, €6-10; 50 minutes by car,
– From Florence: 2 hours by train, €12-18; 1.5 hours by car,
– From Rome: 3-4 hours by train, €40-50; 4 hours by car,
– From Milan: 3 hours by train, €20; 2 hours by car,
The Cinque Terre Card is a ticket that grants access to paid trails and unlimited travel on trains operating along the Levanto – Cinque Terre – La Spezia Centrale railway line. Advantage of the card is unlimited hop on hop off (single journey is 10 Euro), free usage of toilets and reduced museum fees.There are two main types of cards:
– Cinque Terre Trekking Card: Provides access to paid trails, including the scenic hiking trails between Monterosso and Corniglia, and free use of toilets at train stations.
– Cinque Terre Treno MS Card: Includes access to paid trails, unlimited train travel on the Cinque Terre Express trains, and reduced admission fees to civic museums in La Spezia.
Pricing:
– Adult (12-69 years old):
– 1-day Trekking Card: €7.50-€15
– 1-day Treno MS Card: €19.50-€32.50
– Child (4-11 years old):
– 1-day Trekking Card: €4.50-€9
– 1-day Treno MS Card: €12.50-€21
Where to Buy:
– Online: Through the Cinque Terre National Park website or Trenitalia website/app
– Train stations: La Spezia, Levanto, and all five Cinque Terre villages
– Tourist information points: Located in each village
Validity and Usage:
– The card is valid until midnight on the day of purchase.
– It’s non-transferable and requires validation with a valid ID.
– Children under 4 years old travel for free when accompanied by an adult card holder.
You can also opt for many guided tours available from all nearby major cities, however, mostly these are day trips.
Our Journey:
Our Cinque Terre day tour from Florence, booked through the Viator app, began with a 7 am pickup near Santa Maria Novella railway station. After a smooth 1.5-hour bus ride, we arrived in Levanto and boarded the Cinque Terre train.
Riomaggiore:
Our first stop was Riomaggiore, the southernmost village, where we enjoyed a hearty breakfast at a local café. The village’s picturesque harbour, colourful houses, and nearby Marina di Riomaggiore beach made for a stunning backdrop. We strolled along Via Colombo, the main street, lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, and admired the breath taking views of the Ligurian Sea. Riomaggiore is also connected to Manarola via the famous Via dell’Amore trail.
Manarola:
Next, we took the train to Manarola, a charming village with spectacular sea views, a tiny harbour filled with colourful boats, and picturesque stone bridges. We captured some amazing moments by walking past the harbour and along the rocky coastal path, perfect for sunbathing and cliff jumping.
Monterosso al Mare:
Next, we boarded the train to Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the Cinque Terre villages. This charming town boasts several beaches, both private and public, along with a scenic promenade lined with cafes, bars, and gelato shops. The extensive sandy beach stretches along most of the coastline, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. As the only flat village in Cinque Terre, Monterosso is divided into two parts – the old and new towns – connected by a short tunnel through the hill. We strolled along the beach and enjoyed lunch at a beachside restaurant, savouring the blissful sea breeze.
After lunch, we headed to the port to catch a ferry to Vernazza. The 15-minute ride offered stunning views of the coastline. Included in our tour price, the ferry ride cost €10 one-way for others. However, with a Cinque Terre Ferry pass (€40 in high season), you can enjoy unlimited rides between villages.
Vernazza:
In Vernazza, we explored the picturesque harbour surrounded by colourful Ligurian houses and a charming piazza lined with excellent restaurants and bars. As the only natural port in Cinque Terre, Vernazza is a true fishing village with no car traffic. We visited the small beach near Piazza Marconi, home to the elegant Church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia. Before leaving, we indulged in delicious gelato and homemade pastries at a shop near the harbour. Finally, we caught the train back to Levanto, where our bus was parked.
Corniglia:
The village we missed is Corniglia. Situated on a promontory overlooking the sea and surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, Corniglia is famous among nature lovers. For those who are looking for a quiet place to stay in Cinque Terre, Corniglia is the right village.
Which village we liked most?
Such pretty villages, spectacular views, wonderful atmosphere in Cinque Terre we experienced that it is very difficult to choose. We found Vernazza as the most picturesque and romantic, Monterosso is best for beaches, Manarola offers great photo opportunities, Corniglia is less crowded and perfect for a quieter experience, and Riomaggiore is lively with a vibrant atmosphere, ideal for younger travellers.
Local Cuisine:
Cinque Terre’s local cuisine is a true reflection of the region’s rich history, culture, and geography. Fresh seafood, aromatic herbs, and flavourful olive oil are the stars of the show here. Let’s dive into some must-try dishes and specialties:
Seafood Delights
– Frittura Mista: A mix of fried seafood like calamari, shrimp, and anchovies, served in a paper cone – perfect for snacking.
– Spaghetti alle Vongole: Clams are a classic Italian seafood dish, and Cinque Terre does it justice.
– Polpo con Patate: Octopus and potatoes, a hearty Ligurian specialty.
– Tegame alla Vernazza: A savoury mix of potatoes, green beans, and anchovies cooked in tomato sauce.
Pasta and Sauces
– Trofie al Pesto: Hand-rolled pasta twists smothered in vibrant Pesto alla Genovese, made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan.
– Pesto alla Genovese: This iconic sauce is DOP-protected (EU standard for food products) ensuring authenticity as well as quality and originated in Liguria.
Breads and Snacks
– Focaccia: Soft, fluffy, and infused with olive oil – a Ligurian staple. Try it with olives, pesto, or even dipped in cappuccino.
– Farinata di Ceci: A gluten-free chickpea flour pancake, crispy and delicious.
– Testaroli: Gluten-free pasta option, often served with pesto.
Sweets and Drinks
– Gelato: Creamy and seasonal flavors await at local gelaterias like Gelateria Vernazza.
– Sciacchetrà: A sweet dessert wine, perfect for sipping.
– Limoncino: Lemon liqueur, refreshing and citrusy.
Our journey through the iconic Cinque Terre left an indelible mark on our hearts, crafting memories that will forever linger in our minds. The breath taking landscapes, charming villages, and warm hospitality blended seamlessly to create an unforgettable tapestry of experiences. From the vibrant hues of Riomaggiore’s harbour to the tranquil beauty of Manarola’s coastal paths, every moment was infused with the magic of this Ligurian gem. Cinque Terre’s unique allure—a harmonious fusion of nature, culture, and flavour—has etched itself into our collective memory as a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
16 thoughts on “Trip to the Breath taking Beauty of Cinque Terre: Italy‘s five colourful villages”
Breathtaking, serene beauty, picturesque photos taken.
Thanks a lot Somnath for your lovely comments.
Very good pictures ,you have travelled to iconic place amazing
Thank you so much Pranita for your nice feedback.
Your blog and photos have really brought out the essence of the sleepy villages. The time you spent in Cinque Terre National Park is so well documented. Enjoyed thoroughly.
Thanks a lot Sir for your encouraging review and lovely feedback.
Beautifully narrated and superb pics. The villages are really picturesque and food is so tempting.
Thanks Sharmila for your nice comments and well thought out reviews.
Excellent description 👌
Five colourful villages of Italian Ligurian coast. Loved it.
Thanks Rakesh for your lovely comments and nice review.
Your description of Cinque Terre is absolutely captivating! You’ve woven a beautiful narrative that perfectly captures the essence of this iconic destination. The way you’ve highlighted the breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and warm hospitality is spot on. It’s clear that Cinque Terre has left a lasting impression on you, and your words convey the magic of this Ligurian gem.
Thank you so much Tapas for your excellent review and lovely analysis. Loved a lot.
Very informative & exhaustive explanation of the vibrant & colouful villages of Italian riviera. As always vivid depictions of charming villages, dramatic landscapes & vibrant coastlines … Good to see us in those pictures too😊😊
Thanks a lot Smriti for your excellent review. You all are always there with us. That is why the trips become more enchanting and vibrant. Memories become more colourful and pictures become more beautiful.
Beautiful notes for very beautiful places, not very commonly known.
Thanks a lot for your lovely review. Yes, Amalfi coast is more popular with Indians but Cinque Terre is very popular with locals and European tourists.