Ultimate Travel Guide to Cinque Terre, Ital
Cinque Terre is one of the dreamiest destinations in Italy. With colorful cliffside villages, beach clubs, iconic hiking trails, and some of the best views on the Ligurian coast, this UNESCO World Heritage Site should definitely be on your Italy bucket list. If you're planning a visit, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip.
What is Cinque Terre?
Cinque Terre translates to “Five Lands” and refers to five picturesque seaside villages along Italy’s Riviera: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare. Each town has its own charm and is connected by train, trail, and boat.
Where to Base Yourself
If you're staying overnight, Riomaggiore is the best home base. It’s one of the livelier towns with plenty of restaurants, easy access to the train, and a gorgeous port area for sunsets and snacks. But no matter which town you decide to base in, ensure you’re near the train stop to avoid a crazy amount of stairs.
Breakdown of the Five Towns
Riomaggiore: Best spot to stay. Known for its cozy harbor, stacked houses, and sunset views.
Vernazza: Arguably the most picturesque town. Ideal for photos and romantic dinners with a view.
Monterosso al Mare: Home to the region’s best sandy beach and beach clubs. Great for swimming and sunbathing.
Manarola: The most colorful town, known for postcard-perfect views and vibrant buildings.
Corniglia: The only town not directly on the water. Skip it if you're short on time or want to avoid stairs.
How to Get Around Cinque Terre
The easiest and most efficient way to get between the towns is by train. Purchase the Cinque Terre Train Card, which gives you unlimited train travel between the five villages for a set number of days. Trains run frequently and each ride only takes a few minutes. Do NOT get caught without a ticket as you will be fined.
Top Things to Do in Cinque Terre
Take a boat tour with Route Cinque Terre: Seeing the villages from the water is a must. This private boat tour picks you up in Vernazza and lets you explore all five towns from the sea. You can even take a dip if you want. Book in advance, especially during summer.
Beach day at Stella Marina in Monterosso: Reserve your beach chairs online at Stella Marina. This beach club is famous for their oversized cocktail buckets and relaxed beach vibes.
Have a picnic in Riomaggiore's port: Pick up some focaccia, fresh seafood, or pizza and sit on the rocks by the harbor to enjoy a low-key, unforgettable lunch or sunset snack. Don’t worry, there’s stairs to get down here.
Hike to the Vernazza viewpoint: Start from Vernazza and hike about 15 minutes toward Monterosso for the iconic view of Vernazza’s colorful bay. Wear good shoes and bring water.
Best Places to Eat and Drink in Cinque Terre
Trogi Wine Shop (Riomaggiore): Grab a glass of wine with one of the best views in town. Seating is limited and first come, first serve.
Stella Marina (Monterosso al Mare): Known for viral Aperol Spritz cocktail buckets. You can also get frozen or limoncello cocktails.
La Torre (Vernazza): Climb up to this scenic restaurant for panoramic views and fresh pasta dishes. You can make reservations for a seaview, but the terrace with the best view is only first-come-first-serve.
Tutti Fritti (Riomaggiore): Quick, casual cones of fried seafood to go. Perfect for a snack by the sea.
Rio Bistro (Riomaggiore): For a splurge-worthy meal, this Michelin-starred spot delivers incredible cuisine with a view.
Poche Musse (Manarola): Some of the best gelato in the region. Don’t skip it.
Final Tips for Visiting Cinque Terre
Visit in shoulder season (May or September) to avoid summer crowds
Book accommodations early, especially if you're traveling in a group
Make dinner and beach club reservations ahead of time, particularly in Monterosso
Bring water shoes or sandals for rocky beaches
Wear comfortable walking shoes if you plan to hike
