Cinque Terre Travel Guide

Stretched along the rugged Italian Riviera coastline, you’ll find five beautifully coloured villages which seem to rise out of the Mediterranean making up the famous Cinque Terre, meaning ‘Five Lands’. Despite only spanning six miles of the Ligurian Coast, there is an incredible amount of beauty packed into the Cinque Terre. Perched atop hilltops, the medieval towns of Manarola, Vernazza, Riomaggiore, Monterosso al Mare and Corniglia feature vibrant, colourful houses, surrounded by terraced agricultural land and remarkably clear water sprinkled with fishing boats bobbing in the harbours. 

Often referred to as the ‘famous five’, the Cinque Terre villages and surrounding landscapes were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997, but its history spans over a millennium. Rooted in antiquity, the Cinque Terre villages date from the early medieval period and today still retain much of this fetching architecture. Perhaps one of the most unique historical features of the Cinque Terre is the complicated system of terraced land full of olive groves, lemon trees and vineyards that have been layered, chiselled and shaped for two millennia.  

Once an undiscovered Eden, Cinque Terre is now one of the most popular destinations in Italy. The boost in tourism is largely due to American travel writer, Rick Steves, who visited Cinque Terre many years ago when it was merely a cluster of sleepy fishing villages. After including it in his Italian guide, Cinque Terre tourism skyrocketed to over 2.4 million visitors a year. Despite this fame, it remains one of the most beautiful coastal regions in the world to explore on foot by way of its many hiking trails with traverse the landscape.

Now it is no longer the secret paradise it once was, choosing the best time to visit Cinque Terre is very important. The high season spans from Easter weekend to October with the busiest months being May and August. Cramming thousands of visitors into five villages that are inhabited by only approximately 4,000 locals means the high season can get very crowded. 

The Cinque Terre low season brings cooler temperatures and lots of rainy days. If you’ve travelled to Cinque Terre to make the most of its hiking trails, the abundance of rain can cause closures of certain routes which could lead to disappointment. 

The best time to visit the Cinque Terre is on either end of the high season (April, September and October). If travelling as a family with children who are in school, this may not be possible. In addition, like each region in Italy, Cinque Terre has its fair share of wine, food and religious festivals to take part in which occur year-round.Planning your Cinque Terre trip with Designer Journeys’s Local Designers will enable plans and reservations to be made well in advance to ensure you don’t miss out on any special experiences.

The five enchanting villages of the Cinque Terre boast a vast range of activities for every traveller. From lazy beach days to an active mountainous hike, each day will be rewarded with delicious cuisine that reaps the rewards of the Cinque Terre land. There is so much to see and do in this short six-mile stretch of coastline and these are the best experiences you can have in the Cinque Terre. 

Wine Tasting in the Medieval Village of Manarola

One of the most scenic villages on the Cinque Terre and even in the whole of Italy, Manarola is blessed with more grapevines than any of the other famous five. Known for its sweet Sciacchetrà wine, Manarola is a village sprinkled with medieval relics huddled down the sides of a rocky outcrop. The tall colourful houses spread throughout the village lead down narrow lanes to the small harbour, which is also one of the most beautiful on the Cinque Terre. 

On a trip like this 11-Day Cinque Terre to Rome adventure, you’ll be lead to a wine estate in Manarola where you’ll meet a local winemaker who will demonstrate the process of producing Manarola wine. You will discover the great variety of grapes grown in the Cinque Terre region which are used to create flavourful, decadent wines to please your palate. Don’t worry, you will also be sampling several!

Hike the Pilgrimage Path from Vernazza to Riomaggiore

The whole of the Cinque Terre region is crisscrossed with mountainous trails that lead from village to village. A Cinque Terre trip wouldn’t be complete without hiking one of these trails; there are trails suitable for every age and ability. 

The Pilgrimage Path from Vernazza to Riomaggiore is particularly special. This hike leads you from the picturesque ancient village of Vernazza up to the sanctuary of Madonna di Reggio where your hard work will be rewarded with stunning views of the rugged Cinque Terre coastline and the ocean. The trail will then lead you past the sanctuary of Madonna di Soviore and finish in Monterosso, the largest village of the Cinque Terre. On this 11-Day Cinque Terre to Rome trip, you can enjoy this moderate level hike over 4-5 hours and reap the reward of Monterosso’s beautiful beach at the end. 

Alternatively, Make the Whole Trip About Hiking the Cinque Terre

You are spoilt for choice when it comes to exploring the Cinque Terre on foot. This 7-Day Cinque Terre Hiking Adventure sees you taking on multiple hikes across the region. Beginning in Manarola, you’ll hike one of the most beautiful trails of the Cinque Terre, the panoramic trail from Corniglia via Volastra to Manarola. The trail leads you through terraced vineyards over 3-5 hours rewarding you with one of the best views of Corniglia, the only Cinque Terre village that sits back from the coast on a 100-metre-high cliff. The trail delivers you back to Manarola where you’ll enjoy a tasting of the world-class wines produced here. 

Over the next few days, you’ll hike the Pilgrimage Path from Vernazza to Riomaggiore and from Riomaggiore to Portovenere, which offers incomparable panoramas over the steep coast of the southern part of the Cinque Terre coastline. 

Enjoy the Taste of the Cinque Terre

Whether it’s waterfront dining in the peaceful harbour of Manarola or at one of the restaurants that spill out onto the cobblestone streets in Vernazza, the Cinque Terre villages offer an abundance of options to taste the exquisite yields of this region. On this Cinque Terre trip, you’ll spend your days hiking between the beautifully coloured villages and stopping for lunch and dinner to feast on freshly caught seafood or a big plate of pasta with pesto sauce - both specialities of the region. Wash it down with a cool glass of local wine white and you’ll have yourself the perfect evening on the Cinque Terre. 

Visit the Medieval Castles of the Cinque Terre

Standing tall over the bay, Castello di Vernazza was built to protect the amphitheatre-shape Cinque Terre village from invaders. The castle itself sits on a rocky peninsula which juts out into the sea and is estimated to have been constructed in the 11th century. Today, it is an iconic sight of Vernazza and well worth the visit to admire its 60-metre high round tower and its wall which drop dramatically off into steep cliffs. 

The best part about visiting Castello di Vernazza? From the castle, you are rewarded with a stunning view of Vernazza, the most photographed of the Cinque Terre villages, as well as the other four villages. 

Make the Most of the Beautiful Cinque Terre Beaches

The picture-perfect coast of the Cinque Terre is renowned for its terraced vineyards and towns built on steep cliffs and rocky outcrops, but its beaches are also some of the most beautiful in Italy. Fringed by beautiful coral reefs and crystal clear waters, relaxing on the many Cinque Terre beaches should be on your list. On this 11-day Cinque Terre trip, you’ll have plenty of time to soak up the stunning sandy beaches of Monterosso and the rocky yet peaceful Guvano Beach on the trail between Vernazza and Corniglia.

Hiking trails and rocky paths crisscross the landscape, connecting each of the Cinque Terre villages with the next. For seasoned hikers, the Cinque Terre a paradise. For the less active or footsore, travelling the Cinque Terre by train is just as worthy of your time.

In order to protect this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the use of cars is highly discouraged as a means to travel between the Cinque Terre villages. Instead of hiring a car, you can instead hop on and off the quaint railway that passes through coastal tunnels from one village to the next like on this 11-Day Cinque Terre to Rome trip. Alternatively, you can fully commit to the cause and spend your days hiking from one Cinque Terre village to the next like you would on this 7-Day Cinque Terre Hiking Adventure. More recently, the addition of a new minibus link called Explora5Terre links the five Cinque Terre villages. 

Don’t forget that there are boats that also link the Cinque Terre villages to each other as well as to the secluded islands that lie offshore of the rugged Ligurian coast. The majestic islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto just off the Cinque Terre shoreline are home to a uniquely rich history and are surrounded by beautiful waters for diving and snorkelling. 

In terms of reaching the Cinque Terre, Levanto, the starting point for this dramatic coastline, is well connected to Florence, Pisa, Rome and the other major cities in Italy. With this in mind, you can begin your trip in the northern reaches of Italy and finish it on the Cinque Terre like this 8-Day Turin, Lake Garda, Venice & Rome trip. When arriving, if you plan to head straight from the airport to the Cinque Terre, the closest airports are Genoa and Pisa. If arriving between Easter and September, you can also arrive by sea using the ferries run from Genoa, Portofino and Porto Venere.

First things first, remember to pack light! You’ll most likely be walking from the train station to your accommodation which may be located up steep hills and steps if you choose to stay in one of the Cinque Terre villages. When packing, bear in mind that most accommodation on the Cinque Terre doesn't have elevators. Make sure you have comfortable footwear and can carry whatever luggage you choose to bring.

Due to their small capacity, staying in one of the Cinque Terre villages (Manarola, Vernazza, Riomaggiore, Monterosso al Mare and Corniglia) is often expensive and oversubscribed. If you wish to visit the Cinque Terre in the high season, it is worth booking your accommodation up to three months in advance. 

The five Cinque Terre villages are all located very close to one another, so it is best to choose one town as a base then visit the others by train, bus or on foot. Monterosso is the largest and flattest of the Cinque Terre villages so best for those with mobility issues or the older generation. Divided into the new and old town, Monterosso is complete with an array of accommodation suiting many budgets and it has the best beach on the Cinque Terre. Vernazza is the most picturesque of the Cinque Terre villages; however, this means it’s also the most crowded. If you want to stay in Vernazza, book well in advance and be prepared for crowds in the summer months. 

Corniglia, the smallest of the Cinque Terre villages, is the only village set back from the coast. Due to its less accessible location, Corniglia is the most peaceful of the villages and also boasts the best view of the other Cinque Terre villages. To stay here, however, you’ll have to be prepared to tackle the 350 steep steps from the train station when you arrive and each time you choose to travel by train. Manarola with its colourful cascading houses and beautiful marina and Riomaggiore with its lively nightlife are two of the best places to stay on the Cinque Terre. 

If travelling as a family or travelling on a budget, it may be wise to stay outside of the Cinque Terre. La Spezia is just seven minutes from the closest Cinque Terre village (Riomaggiore) by train. La Spezia has much more going for it after dark too, so it is an excellent choice for honeymooners, groups of friends or younger couples. Alternatively, Levanto is what Sorrento is to the Amalfi Coast; it is not technically one of the Cinque Terre villages but it is the perfect place from which to explore them. Levanto also boasts many beautiful bicycle trails and a number of sandy beaches and is the ideal place to base yourself on a Cinque Terre family trip.

A region that is renowned for its terraced vineyards and quaint fishing towns, it's no wonder that Cinque Terre is one of the places in Italy where you absolutely must indulge in fresh seafood and fine wines. 

Every Cinque Terre village boasts many seafood restaurants grilling up their catch of the day, some of the best found along the Manarola marina. If you’re passing through Riomaggiore, make sure to hop off the train or the trail for a cone of delicious fried seafood which has become a foodie’s must-have on the Cinque Terre. 

Many of the restaurants in the Cinque Terre villages utilise the village’s unique construction to reward diners with breathtaking views as they devour authentic Italian dishes. Speaking of being rewarded after a climb, if you make it up the 350 steps to Corniglia, make sure to try the town’s gelato which is some of the best on the Cinque Terre, if not in Italy! If you’re feeling adventurous, try the basil flavour sprinkled with olive oil. 

Whilst each of the Cinque Terre villages serves fresh seafood, Monterosso is particularly well known for its anchovies. Each night on the horizon, you’ll see the fishing boats with their spotlights catching these fish. You may even be able to spot these boats as you’re feasting on a plate of them like a local seasoned with oil, oregano and a hint of garlic.

Two other delicacies you must try when visiting the Cinque Terre are Pansotti and Farinata. Pansotti is a type of ravioli stuffed with soft cheese and wild greens and served with a walnut sauce. Whilst Pansotti is a great lunch or dinner option, Farinata is the perfect afternoon snack. Made from chickpea flour, water and oil, this snack is baked in a wood-burning oven and served with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. You’ll find these at most focaccia and pizza stands in the Cinque Terre villages. 

Like on this 7-Day Cinque Terre Hiking Adventure, wine tasting is part and parcel of a trip to Cinque Terre. Vineyards cling to almost every cliff on this stretch of coastline but one of the most unique wines produced here is called Sciacchetra. Best served with a wedge of cheese or a dessert, Sciacchetra is a sweet dessert wine that you must try whilst in the Cinque Terre. 

So you want to travel to the Cinque Terre in Italy? Great! But how much is it going to cost?

The cost of your Cinque Terre trip comes down to several different variables, including:

• Length of trip
• Season or month you travel in
• Accommodation class
• How many places you visit/stay
• Number of activities or tours you take part in
• Expenditure on shopping and dining

Whether you’re travelling as a family with young children, as an older couple, with friends or even on your honeymoon, making sure your Cinque Terre trip is perfect whilst staying within your budget can cause a little bit of a headache. Luckily, with Designer Journeys, it doesn’t have to be. 

You can choose to design your Cinque Terre trip with an in-destination Local Designer who has been approved by Designer Journeys to offer unique, tailor-made trips through our website. When designing your trip, the Local Designer will take into account your budget, choice of activities, class of accommodation, trip duration and so much more. Using this information, they can create a trip that is perfect for you and every member of your party. Whether you’d like a fully-guided trip with a local there every step of the way or just the occasional guided activity, the choice is yours. 

With Designer Journeys, you can relax in the knowledge that every detail of your Cinque Terre trip has been taken care of for a price that suits you.

The cost of a tailor-made Cinque Terre trip starts at roughly $1,200 per person for a 7-day trip. As an example, this 7-Day Cinque Terre Hiking Adventure includes:

• 3-star hotels
• An assortment of 8 activities and day tours
• Transport by train

This is an example of a budget-friendly Cinque Terre trip which could be made even cheaper by opting to stay just beyond the Cinque Terre. If you’re looking for a more luxury Cinque Terre trip, the Local Designer can upgrade the class of accommodation and include more guided activities. This 11-Day Cinque Terre to Rome trip is the perfect example of a luxury Cinque Terre trip and includes:

• 4-star hotels
• An assortment of 22 guided activities and day tours
• Transport by train

With Designer Journeys, you can design your perfect Cinque Terre trip by browsing our range of fully-customisable Italy trips and tailoring any one of them to your preferences with an expert Local Designer. Or better yet, select what you want out of a trip using the 'Design your Own Trip' function and let a Local Designer design your perfect Cinque Terre trip.

Italians love nothing more than to party. The Cinque Terre locals are no exception. Each month in the Cinque Terre, festivals sprout up to celebrate various patron saints and produce of the region. During these festivals, the locals (and of course, whoever else wants to join) will come together in the Cinque Terre villages to eat, drink, dance and let off fireworks to celebrate. Make sure you don’t miss out on one of these festivals by designing your Cinque Terre trip with a Local Designer in Italy who knows precisely when and where these festivals will be occurring. 

Monterosso Anchovy Festival

Just as the name suggests, this festival is dedicated to celebrating Monterosso’s prime catch - anchovies! The Anchovy Festival occurs every September in Monterosso, the largest of the Cinque Terre villages, and celebrates the tradition of turning the gifts of the sea into culinary delights. 

Monterosso Lemon Feast

Monterosso strikes gold with another produce-related festival - this one is all about lemons. The lemon trees are essential to all Cinque Terre residents, not just because of the fruit but because of the shade the lemons trees provide. Every year in June, locals take part by searching for the biggest lemon in town or decorating their shop window with lemons. 

There are many other festivals which occur in the Cinque Terre such as the Holy Week Festival before Easter and the various other festivals dedicated to patron saints. Each town celebrates a different patron saint. 

Say goodbye to the stress of planning your trip and making sure it meets your budget whilst including everything you’d like it too. With the help of one of Designer Journeys’s in-destination Local Designers, you can tailor your Cinque Terre trip to suit the needs of everyone in your party with a wide range of locally-inspired and culturally-rich activities that few travellers have the chance to take part in.

Get inspired by our range of Italy trips or any of our other 53 countries in the Designer Journeys destination gallery, or design your own trip from scratch by connecting with a Local Designer who can take care of it all.