Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/towns-of-cinque-terre/

The Magic of the 5 towns of Cinque Terre You Must Visit in Italy

I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of visiting the captivating Cinque Terre region three times on my trips to Italy, and each time I’m struck by just how magical and special this place truly is. The five towns – Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore – are unlike anywhere else in the world, let alone Italy. Perched precariously on the rugged cliffs overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, these pastel-colored villages seem frozen in time, a throwback to a simpler era.

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The Cinque Terre’s unique landscape and centuries-old way of life have earned it a coveted spot as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This designation protects not only the picturesque towns themselves, but also the surrounding hillsides, where generations of local farmers have painstakingly carved out terraces for growing grapes, olives and lemons. It’s this harmony between man and nature that makes the Cinque Terre so special.

While you can technically visit all five Cinque Terre villages in one busy day trip, I highly recommend spending at least 2-3 days here to really soak in the ambiance and beauty of each town. Even better if you can stay overnight right in one of the villages. Trust me, watching the sun set over the Mediterranean with a glass of local white wine in hand is an experience you’ll remember.

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Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/towns-of-cinque-terre/

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The Magic of the 5 towns of Cinque Terre You Must Visit in Italy

But before we dive into each of the five towns, here are some quick highlights if you don’t have time to read the full article:

  • Monterosso al Mare has the best beaches and is the largest of the villages
  • Vernazza is considered the most picturesque, with its natural harbor and medieval castle
  • Corniglia is the quietest and least crowded, perched high on a cliff
  • Manarola has the most iconic view over its tiny marina and is known for its wine
  • Riomaggiore is the easternmost and has great sunset views from the castle and harbor

Now, without further ado, let’s explore the magic of the Cinque Terre!

Towns of cinque terre italy History

Historically, the Cinque Terre villages were quite isolated, only accessible by sea or by mule path. This allowed them to develop their own distinct culture and traditions over the centuries. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that the railway line connected the towns to the outside world. But even today, the Cinque Terre retains an air of being blissfully cut off from the modern rat race.

While the colorful cliffside homes and sweeping sea vistas are undoubtedly the star of the show here, the Cinque Terre also boasts some lovely beaches and swimming spots. Just don’t expect wide swaths of soft sand – the coastline here is rocky and rugged, with pebbly coves and stone jetties for sunbathing. The largest sandy stretch is in Monterosso al Mare, but each village has its own charms when it comes to taking a dip in the crystal-clear water.

Colorful Houses in Manarola, Cinque Terre, Liguria, Italy

5 Terres In Italy

As for the towns themselves, it’s hard to pick a favorite as each has its own personality. Monterosso is the biggest and busiest, with the most restaurants, hotels and beach options. Vernazza is arguably the most postcard-perfect, its natural harbor filled with bobbing fishing boats. Corniglia is the smallest and most peaceful, perched high above the sea. Manarola has an almost otherworldly beauty, its jumble of pastel houses seeming to tumble right into the azure water. And Riomaggiore has a lively, locals’ vibe to its narrow lanes and waterfront piazza.

No matter which village you choose as your base (and I recommend staying at least a few nights to really soak it all in!), you’ll be treated to fabulous fresh seafood, fragrant local pesto, crisp white wines, and an intoxicatingly relaxed way of life. Hiking the cliffside trails between the towns is a must – the views will leave you breathless in more ways than one. But don’t overdo it…the Cinque Terre is a place to slow down, to savor, to fully immerse yourself in the timeless magic and beauty of the Italian Riviera.

Trust me, after experiencing the charms of the Cinque Terre, you’ll understand why it’s not just a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but a bucket list destination for travelers from across the globe. The world may have changed a lot over the centuries, but in the Cinque Terre, la dolce vita remains.

Hotels in 5 towns in Cinque Terre

VillageHotelPrice Range
MonterossoHotel Porto Roca$$$
VernazzaLa Mala$$
CornigliaAffittacamere Le Terrazze$$
ManarolaDa Paulin$$
RiomaggioreCinqueterre Residence$$
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Helpful Tips:

  • The Cinque Terre Train Card includes unlimited train rides between the villages and access to the hiking trails. Buy it at the Levanto or La Spezia train stations.
  • Trails are sometimes closed due to weather or maintenance, so always check conditions before setting out. The most famous Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro) requires a small fee.
  • Most villages are pedestrian-only, so be prepared to walk, climb steps, and carry your own bags. Pack light and wear sturdy shoes!
  • In high season, the towns can get packed with day-trippers, especially during the middle of the day. Avoid the crowds by hitting the trails early or exploring in the evening.
  • Accommodations here tend to be small, family-run affairs with limited amenities. But what they lack in luxury, they more than make up for in charm, location and hospitality.
Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/towns-of-cinque-terre/

5 towns of cinque terre in order

The five towns of the Cinque Terre, listed in order from north to south, are:

  1. Monterosso al Mare – The largest of the five villages, known for its beach, lemon trees, and the old castle overlooking the town.
  2. Vernazza – Considered by many to be the most picturesque of the towns, with its natural harbor, colorful buildings, and Doria Castle.
  3. Corniglia – The smallest and quietest town, located on a hilltop and surrounded by vineyards. It is the only village not directly adjacent to the sea.
  4. Manarola – A picturesque town with a tiny harbor and a waterfront promenade. It is known for its wine production and the nearby Punta Bonfiglio, a popular spot to watch the sunset.
  5. Riomaggiore – The southernmost town, known for its historic character, vibrant main street (Via Colombo), and the castle of Riomaggiore with its panoramic views.

The towns are connected by the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) hiking path and the Cinque Terre railway line, which runs from La Spezia to Levanto, making it easy to visit all five villages during your stay in the Cinque Terre.

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Monterosso al Mare: villages of cinque terre

Monterosso is split into two parts – the historic center and the more modern Fegina quarter. It’s the biggest of the five villages and the only one with proper beaches, so it tends to draw more visitors, especially in summer.

bet beaches in cinque terre monterrosa

Don’t miss:

  • Climbing up to the ruins of the old castle for panoramic views
  • Sampling local specialties like pesto, focaccia, and anchovies
  • Sunbathing or swimming at Fegina beach, the largest sandy stretch in the Cinque Terre

Where to stay in Monterosso al Mare hotels

HotelPrice Range
Agriturismo Buranco$$
Hotel Porto Roca$$$

Helpful tip: Fill up your water bottle at the public fountain in the old town square to avoid constantly buying plastic bottles. The tap water is safe to drink.

Vernazza

Many consider Vernazza the most charming of the Cinque Terre towns. Its cluster of pastel buildings surround a petite harbor, with the medieval Belforte castle looming above. The main cobblestone street leads down to the seaside piazza, lined with cafes and restaurants.

Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/towns-of-cinque-terre/

Don’t miss:

  • Climbing the Belforte Tower for the best views over the village and sea
  • Taking a dip off the rocks near the harbor
  • Enjoying an aperitivo at one of the waterfront bars

Where to stay in Varnezza Hotels

I’ve stayed in Vernezza on my list trip and it’s a nice base since it’s not as hilly as the other towns. Here are great places to stay in Varnezza:

HotelPrice Range
La Mala$$
Santa Marta Rooms$

Helpful tip: Get an early start for the famous Vernazza to Monterosso hike to beat the crowds and heat. It takes about 2 hours and has incredible coastal views.

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Corniglia

Corniglia is the “quiet village,” the only one not directly on the sea but perched on a high rocky promontory surrounded by vineyards. Its more remote location keeps some of the tourist hordes away. Be prepared to climb the 382 steps up from the train station called the Lardarina.

Don’t miss:

  • Admiring the views from the Belvedere di Santa Maria terrace
  • Wandering the narrow lanes and sampling the local wine
  • Relaxing in the tranquil early evening atmosphere

Where to stay in Corniglia hotels

HotelPrice RangeBooking Link
Affittacamere Le Terrazze$$Book here

Helpful tip: Corniglia is one of the best spots to really feel immersed in local village life. Take your time exploring the small alleys and enjoy a slow meal on a restaurant terrace.

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Manarola

Manarola is a tumble of vibrant buildings cascading down to a tiny harbor – probably the Cinque Terre’s most iconic sight. Surrounding the village are steep hillsides of grapevines producing the famed Sciacchetrà dessert wine.

Don’t miss:

  • Watching the sunset from Punta Bonfiglio
  • Visiting the Church of San Lorenzo with its Gothic-style rose window
  • Strolling through the Calle district’s narrow carrugi (alleys)

Where to stay in Manarola Hotels:

HotelPrice RangeBooking Link
Ca’ de Baran$$$Book here
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Helpful tip: Nessun Dorma is a great cliffside bar for aperitivo with a view, but go early to snag a coveted outdoor table.

Riomaggiore

The easternmost of the five, Riomaggiore has a lively vibe, especially along its main street Via Colombo. Brightly painted buildings seem to be stacked haphazardly climbing up from the tiny harbor and rocky beach.

Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/towns-of-cinque-terre/
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Don’t miss:

  • Hiking up to the Castle of Riomaggiore for the panoramic viewpoint
  • Grabbing a cone of fried seafood and watching village life go by
  • Taking a sunset stroll along the waterfront

Where to Stay in Riomaggiore Hotels:

HotelPrice RangeBooking Link
Cinqueterre Residence$$Book here
Affittacamere Patrizia$Book here

Helpful tip: The famous Via dell’Amore (Lover’s Lane) hiking path connecting Riomaggiore to Manarola is currently closed for repairs, but you can still access the first tunnel for gorgeous sea views.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. When is the best time of year to visit Cinque Terre?
  • Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are ideal, when weather is good but crowds are smaller than summer. Winter can be cold and some businesses closed, but also very peaceful.
  1. How do I travel between the villages?
  • The 19th-century railway line connects all five and is the easiest way, with trains running every 15-30 minutes. Hiking paths, boats, and a bus also link the villages. Driving is not recommended as most villages are pedestrian-only.
  1. Do I need a car?
  • A car is not necessary and parking is very limited. It’s best to park in Monterosso or La Spezia and use the train.
  1. How difficult is the hiking?
  • The famous coastal trail (#2) has some steep sections but is doable for most with good shoes. There are also many easier alternative trails. Always check conditions and closures before setting out.
  1. Can I swim in the sea?
  • Yes, the water is usually calm and clear! Monterosso has the only proper beaches, but there are rocky outcrops, stone jetties, and boat ramps to access the water in each village. Just watch for rough seas and don’t dive in.

My biggest advice is to slow down and savor your time here – don’t try to rush through all five villages in a day. Linger over a Sciacchetrà aperitivo as the sun dips into the sea, meander ancient hiking trails through terraced vineyards, let yourself get a little lost in the narrow maze of pastel alleyways.

This is a place to fully immerse yourself in the magic of the Italian coastline. The Cinque Terre will leave you spellbound, and likely already plotting your return. I know I can never stay away from these incredible villages for too long!

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