Green hills plunging into the sea and five charming little villages: this is the coastal landscape of the Cinque Terre, made up of the villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. The five villages follow one another along a hilly coast of terraced slopes covered in vineyards.
The coast of La Spezia offers a striking panorama of heights, villages perched on the hillsides, fields farmed on steep ground and hidden coves. For these and many other reasons UNESCO has declared the Cinque Terre, together with Porto Venere and the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto, a World Heritage Site.
The largest of the five towns is Monterosso, whose center stretches along the sea and climbs up the mountain. The sandy beaches to the east and west of the little harbor are among the main attractions of the Cinque Terre, but the narrow lanes winding between the old fishermen’s houses are also one of the biggest draws for visitors.
The scent of the sea mingling with that of the flowers, so plentiful in the local flora, makes a walk in the Cinque Terre magical and fascinating. Above all, the trails linking some of the villages are the real reason for a trip to the Cinque Terre, as they run along beautiful stretches of coast and offer enchanting views of the sea. Some of the villages, in fact, can only be reached by paths and steps climbing up the mountain, which give the landscape, one that has kept its identity over time, its incredible charm.
The famous terraces above the sea, visible from almost everywhere in the Cinque Terre, are the result of the careful work of Benedictine monks in the 11th century, later joined by that of the farmers: the need to farm the steep coastline, born of the lack of flat land, was met precisely by terracing.
This building method, helped by a favorable climate, allowed the vines to take root that produce, among others, the famous Sciacchetrà wine. The olive oil is also highly prized, made from olive groves first planted in the Middle Ages, which are likewise grown on terraced land.
A wonderful hike to see the Cinque Terre is without doubt the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail), a path 30 meters above sea level linking all five villages: the whole route, about 12 km long, is made up of trails, stepped and cobbled mule tracks, inland roads and a seafront stretch (the Via dell’Amore).
The total climb is 500 meters, which is why it’s worth looking at the individual stretches in detail: the Via dell’Amore has no climb at all and takes 20 to 30 minutes on foot. Stretch 2, from Manarola to Corniglia, climbs about 50 meters and takes 1 hour, for a total of 2 km.
Stretch 3, from Corniglia to Vernazza, climbs about 200 meters; it is 4 km long and takes at least 1 hour and 30 minutes on foot. Stretch 4, from Vernazza to Monterosso, is the longest: a 3 km route with a climb of about 200 meters and a walking time of two hours, recommended for experienced hikers.
Walking the whole Sentiero Azzurro takes at least 5 hours and 30 minutes, and much longer if you also want to make a few short detours into the villages. That’s why anyone planning to set out is advised to split the trip into several stages and spend at least a few days in the Cinque Terre.
Among the most important events held in the Cinque Terre is the Aria Festival, with street performers of international standing: since the dates of the festival vary (usually between December and January), you can check the website www.ariafestival.it. Another event not to be missed is the Manarola nativity scene, “the largest nativity scene in the world,” every year from December 8.
The coast of La Spezia offers a striking panorama of heights, villages perched on the hillsides, fields farmed on steep ground and hidden coves. For these and many other reasons UNESCO has declared the Cinque Terre, together with Porto Venere and the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto, a World Heritage Site.
The largest of the five towns is Monterosso, whose center stretches along the sea and climbs up the mountain. The sandy beaches to the east and west of the little harbor are among the main attractions of the Cinque Terre, but the narrow lanes winding between the old fishermen’s houses are also one of the biggest draws for visitors.
The scent of the sea mingling with that of the flowers, so plentiful in the local flora, makes a walk in the Cinque Terre magical and fascinating. Above all, the trails linking some of the villages are the real reason for a trip to the Cinque Terre, as they run along beautiful stretches of coast and offer enchanting views of the sea. Some of the villages, in fact, can only be reached by paths and steps climbing up the mountain, which give the landscape, one that has kept its identity over time, its incredible charm.
The famous terraces above the sea, visible from almost everywhere in the Cinque Terre, are the result of the careful work of Benedictine monks in the 11th century, later joined by that of the farmers: the need to farm the steep coastline, born of the lack of flat land, was met precisely by terracing.
This building method, helped by a favorable climate, allowed the vines to take root that produce, among others, the famous Sciacchetrà wine. The olive oil is also highly prized, made from olive groves first planted in the Middle Ages, which are likewise grown on terraced land.
A wonderful hike to see the Cinque Terre is without doubt the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail), a path 30 meters above sea level linking all five villages: the whole route, about 12 km long, is made up of trails, stepped and cobbled mule tracks, inland roads and a seafront stretch (the Via dell’Amore).
The total climb is 500 meters, which is why it’s worth looking at the individual stretches in detail: the Via dell’Amore has no climb at all and takes 20 to 30 minutes on foot. Stretch 2, from Manarola to Corniglia, climbs about 50 meters and takes 1 hour, for a total of 2 km.
Stretch 3, from Corniglia to Vernazza, climbs about 200 meters; it is 4 km long and takes at least 1 hour and 30 minutes on foot. Stretch 4, from Vernazza to Monterosso, is the longest: a 3 km route with a climb of about 200 meters and a walking time of two hours, recommended for experienced hikers.
Walking the whole Sentiero Azzurro takes at least 5 hours and 30 minutes, and much longer if you also want to make a few short detours into the villages. That’s why anyone planning to set out is advised to split the trip into several stages and spend at least a few days in the Cinque Terre.
Among the most important events held in the Cinque Terre is the Aria Festival, with street performers of international standing: since the dates of the festival vary (usually between December and January), you can check the website www.ariafestival.it. Another event not to be missed is the Manarola nativity scene, “the largest nativity scene in the world,” every year from December 8.
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Cinque Terre tours
What to see in Cinque Terre
What to see in Cinque Terre
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The largest and most populous village of the Cinque Terre, Monterosso al Mare, is fortunate to be located on a coast particularly favorable to the establishment of sailors and farmers because it is less harsh than that of the other four…
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The small village of Vernazza astonishes with its terraces overlooking the sea and with the cylindrical tower that stands on its imposing castle, which is also close to the marine waters . The Doria Castle, dating back to 1080, is one of…
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The small town of Corniglia, Vernazza village in the municipality , is located in the center of the Cinque Terre and is only accessible through the long staircase Lardarina or the road from the train station. One of the most beautiful…
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Colorful buildings close to the sea and postcard beauty: this is Manarola, a hamlet particularly rich of tower houses characterized by Genoese style overlooking the street Discovolo, the main street of the village. Furthermore from…
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The territory of Riomaggiore extends vertically in the hills, where the colorful houses are built on each other and alternate with small alleys and stairs. The Castle of Riomaggiore, one of the most beautiful monuments of the place, is…
1Monterosso
The largest and most populous village of the Cinque Terre, Monterosso al Mare, is fortunate to be located on a coast particularly favorable to the establishment of sailors and farmers because it is less harsh than that of the other four countries. In addition to the clear sea and the bright colors of the buildings of the harbor, in the eyes of the visitor stands out, first of all, the huge statue made of iron and concrete, called “Il gigante”, which rises above the long beach and holding the terrace " in oyster " looking for a villa singular completely built in and over the rock, the house belonged to Giovanni Pastine, a Ligurian who made his fortune in Argentina and, on his return, decided to build a villa by the majestic scenery. From the home of the Pastine, characters mentioned in the verses of Montale, there is a path that leads to Punta Mesco, the northern end of the National Park. The promenade that leads from Monterosso to Levanto is the one that involves this stretch, so charming and dotted with Mediterranean plants. On the slopes of Punta Mesco once stood the church of St. Anthony, of which, even today, is possible to see the ruins. In the center of Monterosso rises also the beautiful church of San Francesco, the complex consists of the church and convent of the Capuchins and is characterized by typical facade in alternating stripes of white and gray . The building dates back to 1600, has inside sculptures and paintings, among which the canvas of the Crucifixion attributed, by some critics, to the famous painter Anthony van Dyck. Very beautiful is the walk that you have to walk to get to the church: the ascent San Cristoforo is indeed a scenic trail from which you can admire the spectacle of the sea, even when the sun is setting .One of the symbols of the country is certainly the Aurora Tower, part of one of the defensive ramparts of the city during the Middle Ages, built for the sighting of enemy ships and pirates. The tower is now privately owned, so you can not get inside, but it remains one of the most fascinating buildings that you can see from the sea or from the beach. In Monterosso you can even get through the blue path, the picturesque promenade that hugs the Cinque Terre.
2Vernazza
The small village of Vernazza astonishes with its terraces overlooking the sea and with the cylindrical tower that stands on its imposing castle, which is also close to the marine waters . The Doria Castle, dating back to 1080, is one of the most important buildings of the place: it stands on the square base of Belforte and, despite several changes over time, it preserves the architectural features of the ancient defensive rampart. Worth a visit is the Church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia, built on the sea around the first decades of the twelfth century, according to some, of the eleventh according to others. The building has a structure with three naves and an octagonal tower that rests on the four pillars of the presbytery, even though the original medieval facade was destroyed, after the enlargement that the building sustained, you can still appreciate the black stone with which the church was built, and in its interior, the works of the seventeenth century and an ancient wooden crucifix.A charming way to visit Vernazza without renouncing the natural beauty of the landscape is surely to take the path that connects the village to the town of Corniglia. This road is part of the blue trail of the Natural Park Cinque Terre and it is practicable paying a daily ticket or if you are in possession of the Cinque Terre Card.
3Corniglia
The small town of Corniglia, Vernazza village in the municipality , is located in the center of the Cinque Terre and is only accessible through the long staircase Lardarina or the road from the train station. One of the most beautiful monuments of the village is the Church of San Pietro, a building dating back to 1334 built in typical Ligurian Gothic style: inside you can see the structure with three naves and the font of the twelfth century, on the facade stands a perforated rose window. Ciapara square is one of the places not to be missed in Corniglia, because is the point from which starts the alley that arrives at the town's main square, Largo Taragio. From here, finally, we reach the Oratory of Santa Caterina . Crossing the road behind the church, trudging you arrive in a small square from which it is possible to see the tower, the only ruin of the ancient Genoese fortifications that still stands: from there you can enjoy a beautiful view of the sea, being able to see even Manarola. Marina di Corniglia, small marina for the exclusive use of boats of the residents, it is accessible thanks to the staircase that connects the Largo Taragio. The beautiful beach of Guvano, dedicated to the nudists, on the other hand is located beneath the wall of the railway and is also accessible from the gallery of the disused railway station.
4Manarola
Colorful buildings close to the sea and postcard beauty: this is Manarola, a hamlet particularly rich of tower houses characterized by Genoese style overlooking the street Discovolo, the main street of the village.
Furthermore from Manarola starts the “La Via dell'Amore” (Way of Love), the most easy and best known of the blue path, which connects the village to the town of Riomaggiore. The walk is completely smooth, it also offers an exciting view of the sea. One of the historic buildings of Manarola is the Church of San Lorenzo, built in 1338 the basilica presents on the facade the typical pierced marble rosette and, internally, a triptych depicting the Madonna and Child, San Lorenzo e Santa Caterina.
Proceeding to Volastra, a hillside village of Manarola, you arrive to the Shrine of Nostra Signora della Salute: the building has a single nave and Romanesque features. Outside, the facade is characterized by a mullioned gothic window overlooking the arched portal in sandstone.
Furthermore from Manarola starts the “La Via dell'Amore” (Way of Love), the most easy and best known of the blue path, which connects the village to the town of Riomaggiore. The walk is completely smooth, it also offers an exciting view of the sea. One of the historic buildings of Manarola is the Church of San Lorenzo, built in 1338 the basilica presents on the facade the typical pierced marble rosette and, internally, a triptych depicting the Madonna and Child, San Lorenzo e Santa Caterina.
Proceeding to Volastra, a hillside village of Manarola, you arrive to the Shrine of Nostra Signora della Salute: the building has a single nave and Romanesque features. Outside, the facade is characterized by a mullioned gothic window overlooking the arched portal in sandstone.
5Riomaggiore
The territory of Riomaggiore extends vertically in the hills, where the colorful houses are built on each other and alternate with small alleys and stairs. The Castle of Riomaggiore, one of the most beautiful monuments of the place, is commonly called " Castellazzo Cerricò ": it is a fortification on the hill Cerricò (hence the name), characterized by a quadrangular boundary wall with two large circular towers. The castle is now the seat of the municipal administration , but in some of the rooms are also organized events and conventions. One of the most beautiful basilicas of Riomaggiore is the Church of San Giovanni Battista, a building dating back to 1340 rebuilt in the seventies of the nineteenth century due to a slump. The rose window in perforated white Carrara marble stands out on the facade, which contrasts with the Gothic church style. Inside, you will find great works of art well preserved. Even Guardiola Tower is worth a visit: the complex, once a fortification of the Royal Navy, is now a formidable natural park. In the area, also known as the Battery, was made a recovery of the spaces in order to prepare modern and functional study rooms: not only it is possible to see texts on plant and animal species of the area or take interest for the history that has affected Riomaggiore, but you can also stop at the dining room, overlooking the sea, for a pleasant break. You can access to the location of Torre Guardiola from the town of Riomaggiore following the path that starts from the marina. Alternatively you can take the road of Riomaggiore that climbing leads to the Resort . The path that rises to the battery from the marine is very interesting from a botanical point of view and is in fact littered with signs that indicate the type of flora present in the tract, covered in 20 minutes. The path , however, is quite steep in some parts, therefore we recommend to less experienced the path that reaches the battery from the main access. The center of Torre Guardiola is open daily from 10.00 to 16.30 in winter and from 10.00 to 18.00 in the summer, access is free. Anyone who wants to enjoy the view from the heights of Riomaggiore is invited to walk “La Via dell’Amore” (Way of Love), a path that goes up to Manarola, which is the easiest part of the long blue path. From here the view of the sea is really lovely, and if the weather permits, you can go through one of the steps of the path and take a dip in the blue sea of the Cinque Terre.
How to get to Cinque Terre from Livorno
By train
Regional trains run every 40–50 minutes and stop at all the villages of the Cinque Terre. Instead of single tickets, you can buy the Cinque Terre Card to get around from one village to the next with ease. InterCity trains from La Spezia Centrale generally stop at Riomaggiore and Monterosso: from these stations you can continue on a regional train.
Timetables and tickets
By car
You can reach the Cinque Terre by car, though it is not the best way to enjoy a relaxed trip. The roads are narrow and winding, parking is very scarce, and there are no gas stations. So it’s best to leave the car in Levanto or La Spezia.
If you still prefer to drive, for Riomaggiore and Manarola: from La Spezia take the SS 370 to Riomaggiore or continue to Manarola. For Monterosso: on the A 12 Genova-La Spezia, take the Brugnato - Borghetto exit and follow the road for Soviore, Pignone and Monterosso. For Vernazza and Corniglia: driving there is not recommended, as the road is particularly narrow and full of bends.
If you still prefer to drive, for Riomaggiore and Manarola: from La Spezia take the SS 370 to Riomaggiore or continue to Manarola. For Monterosso: on the A 12 Genova-La Spezia, take the Brugnato - Borghetto exit and follow the road for Soviore, Pignone and Monterosso. For Vernazza and Corniglia: driving there is not recommended, as the road is particularly narrow and full of bends.
By boat
Getting around by sea between the villages of the Cinque Terre is one of the most scenic ways to travel. In summer, ferries leave from La Spezia, Portovenere and all the villages of the Cinque Terre. You can also board in many other seaside towns, such as Forte dei Marmi, Viareggio, etc.
Where to eat in Cinque Terre
La Cantina del Pescatore
Picturesque atmosphere in a colorful alley of Cinque Terre, coffee shop, bar, cafe, wine bar, excellent local cuisine in front of one of the churches of Monterosso. On the menu: anchovy (a traditional dish of the place), sandwiches, crostini with pesto, Ligurian focaccia, high quality wines.
Via V. Emanuele 19, Monterosso al Mare (SP) · (+39) 0187 817589
Pizzeria Ristorante L'Arrembaggio
Welcoming and spacious place, close to the center, pizza and traditional Italian cuisine. On the menu: spaghetti allo scoglio, pizza with fresh ingredients and typical dishes.
Via Vittorio Emanuele 4, Monterosso al Mare (SP) · (+39) 0187 819190
Ristorante Belforte
The location is spectacular as the restaurant has a terrace overlooking the sea. You can enjoy fresh fish dishes, fresh seafood, curry rice, great pasta and homemade desserts. The winery offers a good selection of wines.
Via Guidoni 42, Vernazza (SP) · (+39) 0187 812222
Osteria a Cantina de Mananan
Small local, with just a few tables, quaint and intimate. Local cuisine: seafood appetizer of the house, consisting of anchovies and blue fish, homemade pasta, Ligurian rabbit, desserts enriched with homemade honey or with a phenomenal lemon sauce.
Via Fieschi 117, Corniglia (SP) · (+39) 018 7821166
Trattoria Dal Billy
It is possible to have lunch on the roof terrace with the typical atmosphere of the premises overlooking the sea, the welcome and service are impeccable. The restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine made of starters (eleven different small samples), handmade pasta with lobster, fresh fish, octopus salad, marinara mussels, lasagne with scampi, cooked cream with berries.
Via Aldo Rollandi 122, Manarola (SP) · (+39) 0187 920628
Trattoria Via Dell’Amore
It is located right at the beginning of the famous Via dell'Amore (Way of Love), opposite the railway station in Monterosso. Local cuisine: seafood appetizer with five courses, pens and swordfish and zucchini, fried anchovies, swordfish carpaccio, creme brulee, very good house white wine.
Piazza Rio Finale 8, Riomaggiore (SP) · (+39) 018 7920860
Friggitoria Il Pescato Cucinato
Typical fryer place. You can sit on the benches overlooking the sea. The dishes are cheap and the fresh fries include red mullet, hake, squid, anchovies, cod and vegetables in batter. Everything is served in a paper bag.
Via Colombo 199, Riomaggiore (SP) · (+39) 339 2624815
Tips
The trails of the Cinque Terre, such as the Sentiero Azzurro (except for the fairly even stretch of the Via dell’Amore), are often steep and rugged. So comfortable clothing, hiking boots and a supply of water are recommended. In summer, a hat and sunscreen are also advisable, as you can’t always stop or walk in the shade.
You can buy the Cinque Terre Card at the visitor centers of the Cinque Terre National Park or at the station. The card includes shuttle rides, free entry to the area’s museums and a discount on tickets to the civic museums of La Spezia. The card costs 6 euros for one day and 9.70 euros for two days.
The Cinque Terre Train Card, which gives unlimited use of the train service on the Levanto–La Spezia line, costs 12 euros for one day and 23 euros for two days. If you arrive by car, leave it in La Spezia and continue by train.
You can buy the Cinque Terre Card at the visitor centers of the Cinque Terre National Park or at the station. The card includes shuttle rides, free entry to the area’s museums and a discount on tickets to the civic museums of La Spezia. The card costs 6 euros for one day and 9.70 euros for two days.
The Cinque Terre Train Card, which gives unlimited use of the train service on the Levanto–La Spezia line, costs 12 euros for one day and 23 euros for two days. If you arrive by car, leave it in La Spezia and continue by train.
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