44.13° N · 9.68° E
Five villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore) wedged into a coast of vine terraces, linked by train and footpaths. A World Heritage Site since 1997 and a national park.
What to do
Each plan says how long it takes, who it's for and whether you can book.
7.8 km coastal path between Monterosso, Vernazza and Corniglia, in two stretches with steps; with the Cinque Terre Card from €10 a day.
Walk · 30 min · Reservation compulsory · One direction only
Unlimited regional train between Levanto, the five villages and La Spezia with the Treno Card, which includes trails and minibuses; from €17.30 a day.
Itineraries
Days and weekends already planned out, with how to get between each stop and who to book with.
Plan the trip
Each choice narrows the next: the season shapes how best to travel, and how you travel decides where you stay and where you eat.
When to go
April, May, June, September and October, with mild heat and dry trails. In summer there are many people and heat on the shadeless paths. In autumn and winter, rain alerts close trails.
How you travel
Choose how you're travelling and we'll tell you where to stay, how to get around, where to eat and which services you'll need. We only show the ways of travelling that make sense here.
The Cinque Terre is one of the few places where a car is a nuisance. All five villages have a station on the La Spezia – Levanto line, a few minutes apart, and between them there are seasonal boats and trails. Sleep in one of the villages to start walking before the groups arrive.
The Cinque Terre can be done without a car from the airport. There are direct flights from Madrid and other Spanish cities to Pisa, and from Barcelona to Genoa. From both airports you reach the city's station and from there take a regional train to La Spezia or Levanto, the two gateways of the line that stops at the five villages. Do not hire a car: the villages are pedestrianised and there is almost nowhere to park.
Who you're with
A trip with a toddler is not the same as one with a teenager. Pick yours to see what works and what to bear in mind.
With children the Cinque Terre work on trains of a few minutes and a boat, not long walks. The villages have slopes and stairs, but are covered at their own pace, with a beach or harbour at the end.
Where to stay
We show you what suits the way you travel.Change how you travel
Why we like it: Four-star hotel in Monterosso, on the rocks at the end of the village, with an infinity pool facing the sea, its own beach in summer and direct access to the Sentiero Azzurro.
Why we like it: Guesthouse with rooms and suites inside an old tower in the centre of Manarola, with terraces over the sea and the vineyards, about ten minutes' walk from the station.
Why we like it: Family albergo in Vernazza's old town, with balcony rooms over the gulf, a garden on the cliff and breakfast on a terrace above the sea; reception in the trattoria on the square.
Where to eat
From set lunch menus to Michelin stars. We mark the price level and what to order at each place.
What to order: a bruschetta with tomato or a board of cured meats and cheeses, with a glass of Cinque Terre white or a limoncino spritz
What to order: the anchovies in their three versions (stuffed, salted and with lemon) and the tegame alla vernazzana, the village's stew of anchovies and potatoes
What to order: the tagliolini al nero di seppia with prawns or the tagliatelle all'aragosta, which the house recommends, and for dessert the pan-sautéed strawberries with ice cream
Tips
It includes the train, the Sentiero Azzurro and the Via dell'Amore. Separately it costs more.
With a weather alert the park advises against the trails. Check the park's website every morning.
The village is up high. From the station the Lardarina staircase climbs, 377 steps.
Narrow access roads, minimal and expensive parking. Leave the car in La Spezia or Levanto and go in by train.
Fly to Pisa or Genoa and continue by train to La Spezia or Levanto, the two gateways to the line. From there regional trains stop at Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. A car is no use: the villages are pedestrian and there's almost no parking.
By train, on foot and by boat. The train takes a few minutes between villages and the Cinque Terre Treno Card gives you unlimited trips, the paid trails and each village's minibuses. The line 02 boat links four of them and Portovenere, but doesn't stop at Corniglia and doesn't sail in a rough sea. To walk along the coast you need the Cinque Terre Card.
The Via dell'Amore runs on reserved time slots. The rest isn't booked, but on busy days the card goes up in price and trains are full. Sleep in one of the villages or in Levanto and set out early: by mid-morning the groups arrive.
For eating, the Trattoria Gianni Franzi, on the harbour square in Vernazza, serves the same Ligurian cooking as ever: anchovies, stuffed mussels and trofie with pesto. For a special dinner, the Ristorante Belforte, in Vernazza's tower, above the sea. For an aperitif, Nessun Dorma, on the terrace opposite Manarola, which in the morning runs a pesto workshop.
For sleeping, the Hotel Porto Roca, in Monterosso, with a pool and the Sentiero Azzurro at the door; La Torretta Lodge, in a tower in Manarola; and the Albergo Gianni Franzi, in Vernazza's old town.
Questions
Two nights: one day for the Sentiero Azzurro between Monterosso and Corniglia, and another for Manarola, Riomaggiore, the Via dell'Amore and the boat.
For the Sentiero Azzurro between Monterosso, Vernazza and Corniglia and for the Via dell'Amore, yes: you need the Cinque Terre Card, from €10 a day. Other trails in the park are free.
No. Corniglia – Manarola remains closed. Higher up you can go via Volastra, on the vineyard path.
Yes, with the train and boat as a base. The Via dell'Amore is short and easy; the Sentiero Azzurro is better with children who already walk confidently.
In any of the five villages, to set out early, or in Levanto or La Spezia, with more choice and a few minutes away by train.
Geocaliahttps://www.geocalia.com/en/italy/liguria/cinque-terre
