The 5 Towns of Cinque Terre: The Ultimate Guide
Nestled high above the picturesque Italian Riviera coastline, the enchanting 5 towns of Cinque Terre Towns are packed with undeniable charm. Comprised of five small villages, this gem in the Northwest of Italy is a photographer’s dream and a favourite among travellers worldwide. If you’re looking for the Best towns of cinque Terre, then you’ve come to the right place.
Italy is a country brimming with so many epic experiences, incredible views a whole variety of experiences. From majestic mountains to vineyards, from authentic cobbled streets to rugged coastlines. The country has it all. Plus, let’s not forget the exquisite wine and delectable cuisine that reign supreme.
However, if you had to choose just one region to visit in Italy, then we highly recommend visiting the 5 Cinque Terre towns. Cinque Terre is a gorgeous set of towns and is a must-see destination on any Italian itinerary.
What are the 5 towns of Cinque Terre
First things first, what are the 5 towns of Cinque Terre? The five towns that make up the Cinque Terre are Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso.
Cinque Terre Towns – The best towns of Cinque Terre
Pronounced “chin-kwe ter-re” with a rolled “r” sound, these five stunning villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso – are utterly picturesque. Once medieval fortified settlements, safeguarded by castles against the threat of Saracen raiders, they have evolved into a popular destination for tourists.
Today, Cinque Terre is a vibrant tapestry of pastel hues, as coastal village clusters gracefully cascade towards the crashing waves. Cinque Terre, packed full of the best towns of Cinque Terre are UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its rugged hiking trails, a scenic train journey that rivals Switzerland’s panoramas, and the azure embrace of the Ligurian Sea.
As you explore the best towns of Cinque Terre, the air is filled with thick Italian accents, the intoxicating aroma of the Mediterranean Sea, and an endless array of gelato that tempt your taste buds.
It’s no wonder that Cinque Terre has rightfully claimed its place as one of the best destinations in Italy.
If you’re wondering whether you should explore all five villages of the charming Cinque Terre Towns, then the answer is YES! Whilst they are quite similar, each has a unique feel about them making each of the towns in Cinque Terre unique and charming in its own way.
Read on to decide on your own if you want to visit all five towns and which is the best towns of Cinque Terre.
Haven’t got much time? Here’s our quick roundup of each of the best towns of Cinque Terre:
Monterosso – The largest town only one of the 5 to have a beach, spend the day here relaxing. If you’re wondering where has the best beaches Cinque Terre, the Monterosso is it.
Vernazza – Home to the most incredible viewpoint follow the trail up towards Monterosso and you’ll see it. Spend some time enjoying the incredible view over the town.
Corniglia – The least touristy of the 5 Cinque Terre towns and the only one without direct access to the sea, spend some time here away from the crowds.
Manarola – Enjoy a drink at Nessun Dorma, the most famous restaurant with an incredible view over the town
Riomaggiore – The most famous out of all the towns and perhaps the most picturesque. Enjoy a glass of wine and watch the sunset here for a magical evening.
Vernazza, Cinque Terre
Vernazza is the most picturesque village in Cinque Terre (in our opinion) with its pastel coloured houses, rocky beaches and beautiful little bars selling the best aperitivos and crisp glasses of wine from one of the many vineyards which are dotted about.
Unsurprisingly, it also attracts the largest number of visitors, eager to take in the views and the charming town. As you wander through the village, you’ll discover a beautiful harbour area adorned with inviting terraces and tranquil spaces.
What to do in Vernazza
Vernazza is one of the towns that has one of the beaches of Cinque Terre. There are two possible beaches in Vernazza. The first and easiest to get to is near the harbor, with a small sandy beach and another one (a bit larger) which can be reached from the main square of the city.
Take a moment to unwind on one of the small beaches or venture up to the ancient castle tower, which offers a historical experience and breathtaking views from its summit. For those seeking a more adventurous path, the hiking trail leads to a incredible viewpoint, where you’ll be met with a panoramic view of Vernazza’s bustling, colourful harbour below.
We opted to stay in Vernazza when we visited and found it a great place to see all of the other Cinque Terre towns from.
There are plenty of hikes to do to and from Vernazza if you choose to stay here whilst visiting Cinque Terre. The Monterosso to Vernazza hike is one that you can’t miss. The views over thew aqua marine waters below are stunning. The hike itself is challenging but as long as you have a decent level of fitness, it shouldn’t be a problem. Keep in mind that you aren’t allowed to wear sandals or flip flops on the hike (although, Reanna did). But, it does say that you can be fined if you do.
Manarola, Cinque Terre
Nestled among Italy’s Cinque Terre Towns, the quaint village of Manarola boasts its own unique allure, reminiscent of its counterpart, Vernazza.
In Manarola you can find gorgeous rolling vineyards. Not quite as touristy as its neighbour Riomaggiore, what sets Manarola apart is the gorgeous hiking trails. Manarola, Cinque Terre also boast views from one of the most incredible restaurants. Don’t miss the views from Nessun Dorma Terrace, for an incredible view when you’re visiting Manarola.
When the sun is going down in Manarola, there’s only one place to be – at its famous hilltop viewpoint. To reach the viewpoint, simply follow the narrow fenced stone walkway (Google Maps) from the harbour around the rocks for a few minutes, and then go up the stairs on your right to arrive at the best spot (Google Maps).
Riomaggiore, the largest of the 5 Cinque Terre Towns
Riomaggiore is one of the larger villages that are part of the best towns of Cinque Terre.
Packed full of a labyrinth of hidden streets. Riomaggiore is perfect to wander around losing yourself in its charming alleys. If you’re planning on visiting Riomaggiore then wear good shoes as this village is built against steep rocks, which requires a little hike to reach the top. Despite the incline, the walk is well worth it as you’re greeted with the highlight of Riomaggiore; the mesmerising view over the picturesque harbour.
We recommend visiting around golden hour/ sunset for the best views. If you would prefer to watch the sunset right by the harbour then hike down and enjoy a glass of wine as you watch the sunset in the distance over the water. Be prepared for a truly magical evening.
Monterosso, Cinque Terre
Monterosso is a little different to the other 5 Cinque Terre towns as it is one of the towns that is home to the beaches of Cinque Terre.
What it lacks in charm its beautiful sprawling beach more than makes up for. Monterosso certainly has the best beaches Cinque Terre. Adorned with sunbeds and iconic orange umbrellas. Monterosso is the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the sun’s warm embrace. If you’re looking for the beaches of Cinque Terre, Monterosso is the spot to visit. Hiking between Monterosso to Vernazza is also a trail that shouldn’t be missed. Read all about the Blue Trail below.
The town is also a great spot to witness the mesmerising sunset, painting the sky with hues of gold and red.
Corniglia
Tucked away amidst the incredible Cinque Terre Towns, you’ll find Corniglia, a village with its own laid-back charm.
Unlike its seaside siblings, Corniglia doesn’t have direct beach access. It is the only Cinque Terre town to not have the train stop directly in the town centre. But that doesn’t stop it from exuding its own Italian charm.
Once you arrive, take a leisurely saunter along its narrow streets. You’ll stumble upon delightful nooks and crannies that embody the spirit of Corniglia. It may not have sandy shores or bustling harbours. What it lacks in traditional coastal vibes, it more than makes up for with its peaceful atmosphere and awe-inspiring panoramas.
Bonus town – Portovenere
Whilst Portovenere is technically not part of Cinque Terre National Park, we still highly recommend visiting here.
Portovenere is the perfect day trip from La Spezia, just around the corner from Cinque Terre. A beautiful little town that you can enjoy a scenic boat journey to. Packed full of the narrow, colourful shopping street that leads towards the old church: Chiesa di San Pietro and traditional Italian restaurants each with a more beautiful view than the last.
Where to stay in Cinque Terre?
Hotels and AirBnB inside Cinque Terre National Park can get booked up extremely far in advance plus, they can be very expensive. Hotels are mostly available in Riomaggiore and Monterosso but expect to pay way over your typical budget per night. We opted to stay in an Airbnb in Vernazza which suited our budget and location.
A more affordable choice is to stay in La Spezia, where hotels start at 35 EUR a night. Alternatively, for the most budget-friendly option, there are plenty of hostels in the area. It’s then easy to hop on the train and explore the Cinque Terre towns from La Spezia.
How to travel between the 5 Cinque Terre Towns
First off don’t hire a car! There are no roads between the towns making it impossible to drive between them. Instead, there are two options to travel between the towns train or hiking.
The walks and hikes are a great way to see parts of this region that you’d likely have missed on the train. However, the train is quick (it only takes a few minutes to travel between each town). If you are limited on time getting the train between the villages is a much easier way to see more of Cinque Terre in a short period of time.
How long is the blue trail between the Cinque Terre towns?
The Cinque Terre Trail is an 11 km trail (called the Blue Trail) connecting Riomaggiore to Monterosso al Mare. It is a great way to see views from high above the towns. But, be warned, it can be a little tough if you’re not used to hiking.
To access the Cinque Terre trails you must buy a Cinque Terre Trekking Card. The Cinque Terre Trekking Card can be purchased at every train station or the Tourist Information Points in Cinque Terre, Levanto and La Spezia. The Cinque Terre Trekking Card gives you access to all footpaths. It costs 7.50 Euro (adult – 1 day) or 14.50 Euro (adult – 2 days). Take note that the trails from Monterosso to Vernazza and from Vernazza to Corniglia are the only ones that require the Trekking Card. All other trails are free. The blue trail is the most popular between the Cinque Terre towns.
Distances and difficulty levels on the Blue Trail:
Riomaggiore to Manarola: 1.5 km, easy, 30 minutes, also called “Lover’s Lane” or Via dell’Amore
Manarola to Corniglia: 3 km, easy, 1 hour
Corniglia to Vernazza: 4 km, moderate, 1.5 hours
Vernazza to Monterosso: 3.5 km, moderate, 1.5 hours
If hiking isn’t your thing or if you fancy a bit more of a relaxed time in Cinque Terre then getting the train between the towns is ideal. A single one-way ride, between any of the towns, costs €4 per person. If you’re only hopping on it for one stop then this can very quickly add up. However, if you know you’re going to be using the train a lot in a short space of time, then it’s worth investing the in Cinque Terre Treno card. This includes unlimited train travel within the network for a fixed period.
Cinque Terre is an incredible place to visit in Italy and can be paired wonderfully with a trip to Florence, the Dolomites or, due to the ease of trains in Italy, really any spot
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