Cinque Terre Italy: Everything to Know Before Your First Trip

The Cinque Terre in Italy is an absolute bucket list place for your Italy itinerary.

Five colorful villages are perfectly placed among the rocky cliffs of Liguria along the Mediterranean Sea. It’s one of those breathtaking places that’s hard to believe even exists! And as we know, beauty and popularity go hand in hand, and the Cinque Terre is no exception. It’s one of the most visited places in Italy.

I’ve been fortunate to visit the Cinque Terre multiple times and I wanted to share my top Cinque Terre tips so that your visit is everything you hope it will be. I’ve listed everything you need to know to plan and manage an amazing trip to this part of the gorgeous Italian Riviera.

Let’s head to the Cinque Terre in northern Italy together!

Cinque Terre, Italy: Everything to Know Before Your First Trip

The stunning Cinque Terre National Park, which includes the five villages, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places to visit in northern Italy.

But saying it can get crowded is an understatement! It’s really important to have a plan here and to know exactly how to have an unforgettable visit for all the right reasons instead of the other way around.

Here’s all you need to know before visiting the Cinque Terre.

1. Know Each of the Cinque Terre Villages.

Seems obvious but it’s actually the first step to planning and having a successful Cinque Terre trip.

Each village has its own things that set it apart from the others. This may make you want to stay longer in one of the villages or skip one altogether. So, I’ve listed each town below along with some important things to know.

Monterosso al Mare

Monterosso al Mare is the northernmost Cinque Terre village. It’s also the biggest of the five and has all the amenities you’d need to visit and stay. The town is split into two areas. The more modern part of town runs along the coast. The old medieval village is where you’ll find the signature cluster of colorful houses and narrow streets. The areas are divided by a tunnel.

Another thing that sets Monterosso apart is its beachfront. Of all the Cinque Terre villages, Monterosso has the biggest beach with sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. If your goal is to relax on a Cinque Terre beach, Monterosso is where you want to be.

Within the old town, the most unique sight is the Oratorio della Confraternita dei Neri, a 17th-century chapel with a black and white striped facade and inside decorated with the bones of the dead.

From Monterosso, you can hike the “blue trail” (Sentiero Verde Azzurro) to Vernazza.

Vernazza

Vernazza is the most popular of the Cinque Terre villages. Its brightly colored buildings together with the small, curved harbor are postcard-perfect. The best place to take in the gorgeous scene is from the hiking trails above as you approach Vernazza from Monterosso or Corniglia.

Vernazza is a popular spot to eat. There are more restaurants here than in other Cinque Terre villages. You should make reservations for any place you’d like to eat in the Cinque Terre but especially in Vernazza.

Although it’s not as big as the beachfront in Monterosso, Vernazza has a couple of small squares of pebbly, sandy beach. The main area is part of the harbor and is free to visit. There are no chairs or amenities so bring your own towel if you want to sunbathe or dry off after a swim.

Lastly, because Vernazza sits between Monterosso and Corniglia with open hiking trails in both directions, it could make sense to stay here depending on your plans.

Corniglia

Corniglia is set on a cliff overlooking the sea. It’s the only village in the Cinque Terre without direct sea access. That also means the train station is located below the town. You’ll have to walk up several flights of a metal staircase to get to Cornigila or take the shuttle bus from the station.

The shuttle bus is small (compared to a big bus) and can only take so many people at a time. If you don’t have a Cinque Terre Pass, there’s a small fee to ride the shuttle.

Because of Corniglia’s location, it’s a bit less busy than the other villages in the Cinque Terre. It’s a great village to wander and has some of the prettiest little streets!

Also, if you want a quieter place to stay and a more local feel for dinner in the evening, Cornigila is a great choice.

ProTip: Alberto Gelateria in Corniglia is my favorite gelateria in the Cinque Terre! Don’t miss the chance to have a cone or a cup of your favorite flavors!

Manarola

When it comes to being drop-dead gorgeous, Manarola easily competes for the most beautiful place in the Cinque Terre. When you’re standing within the village, this might not be immediately obvious. But head to the cliffs opposite the colorful buildings for the views and you’ll be instantly captured by Manarola’s dramatic beauty!

From these cliffs, you can see one of the prettiest sunset views in all of Italy while having the perfect (Instagram-worthy) aperitivo. I’ve included more details on this below.

Manarola doesn’t have a beachfront but you can go towards the water to see the village’s harbor and boat ramp where it’s possible to sit on the rocks to get some sun or stick your feet in the water.

When I’m in the Cinque Terre, I also like to visit the tiny village churches. The villages are so pretty and the Mediterranean so tempting that it’s easy to forget that a village like Manarola is nearly 1000 years old. So, while you’re there, visit the Chiesa di San Lorenzo at the top of the village to be reminded.

Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore is the southernmost village and the one you’ll pass first on the train coming from La Spezia.

It’s home to the famous Via dell’Amore, the gorgeous walking path that connects Riomaggiore to Manarola. Several years back, the trail was closed because of landslides and the subsequent work that was needed to repair it. The walkway did reopen briefly in the summer of 2024 with some new rules to manage the flow and number of people. (I’ve included more information on this below so check it out to know before your visit.)

But, if you have the chance to walk the Via dell’Amore, it’s one of the best things to do in the Cinque Terre.

Riomaggiore also has a medieval castle where you can get sweeping sea views. It’s also fun to walk along the pathways and staircases beside the harbor, if only to do a bit of exploring but also to sit and etch the beautiful scene around you into your memory. This is one of my favorite spots to sit by the sea in the Cinque Terre so I hope you enjoy it, too!

2. Plan the Timing of Your Cinque Terre Trip Wisely.

Timing is everything when visiting Cinque Terre!

Summer is the peak season and, as the area has surged in popularity, the villages have become overtouristed and very expensive during these months. The Cinque Terre villages are small and it’s really difficult to walk and find places to stay and eat when the crush of summer visitors arrive.

The same goes for the trains that run between La Spezia and the five villages. During the summer, the platforms are full of people who all try to squeeze onto the train when it arrives.

Summer temperatures can also be really hot, even by the sea. So, if you want to hike between the villages and along other trails in Cinque Terre National Park, the heat could force you to change your plans.

Winter, on the other hand, is super quiet in the Cinque Terre. Some hiking trails close because of the weather, and many shops and restaurants close for the season. Boats and other tours and activities are also highly limited, if not suspended for the season.

After having visited the Cinque Terre multiple times in different seasons, I strongly suggest visiting in the spring or fall if you can.

For a little scheduling flexibility, you’ll get:

• Fewer people visiting
• Comfortable hiking weather
• Better prices on hotels
• Tours, activities, and restaurants with availability
• A more enjoyable overall experience

The trade-off is you might not visit on optimal beach days but, for me, this is a small sacrifice to make in exchange for all the positives that come with the shoulder seasons. If there’s one piece of advice I could impress upon you in this guide, it would be this.

3. Spend More Than a Day in the Cinque Terre.

It’s a lot to see all 5 villages in a day.

It’s technically possible but you need to move quickly, particularly if you plan to hike even a small section of the trails above or sit by the water. Never mind if you want to linger over lunch or do an excursion like a boat ride.

I’d recommend staying in the Cinque Terre for 2-3 days depending on your Italy itinerary.

You’ll be able to go at your own pace through the Cinque Terre villages. If you want to hike or spend a little time by the sea, you can do this without feeling like you’re missing out on seeing the towns. It’s also possible to visit nearby Portovenere which is part of the Cinque Terre UNESCO area and is often called the “6th” village.

Plus, once the day-tripping crowds thin later in the day, you can enjoy a quieter, local vibe by the Mediterranean Sea to enjoy the sunset views or tuck yourself away for a relaxed dinner. In the morning, you can watch the sunrise or sit by the sea before the crowds return.

4. Get a Cinque Terre Card in Advance.

When planning your trip to these beautiful – and very popular – seaside Italian villages, get your Cinque Terre Card in advance. Otherwise, you could find yourself standing in a very long line at the train station in La Spezia and wasting time you could have spent in one of the villages.

There are two Cinque Terre cards to choose from depending on your plans.

• Trekking Card: This is for you if you plan to hike the trails of Cinque Terre National Park and NOT use the trains to get from village to village or explore the natural areas of the terraced cliffside.
• Train Card: This card includes both trail access and unlimited train travel between villages, Levanto, and La Spezia. It’s the most popular choice because you can hike when you want but use the trains as much as you’d like.

You can buy the card you need for 1, 2, or 3 days depending on how long you stay in the Cinque Terre.

Keep in mind, the Sentiero Verde Azzurro, also known as the Blue Trail, is still closed between some of the villages. This is the most popular trail and one of the easiest ones in the park. If you can’t manage a longer hike higher up in the hills then you should purchase the Cinque Terre Train Card so you can travel by train or mix in some hiking where the Blue Trail is open.

For each of my visits to the Cinque Terre, I’ve always purchased the train card in advance. I’ve hiked several trails in the park and recommend you do so too, if you can. But I also couldn’t have managed without the trains either.

5. Don’t Drive to or in the Cinque Terre.

The thought of driving in the Cinque Terre sends shivers down my spine….and I have no problem driving in Italy, generally speaking.

First, it’s important to understand, the Cinque Terre villages are tiny and most areas don’t even allow cars. In the cases where cars are permitted, they are usually included in ZTLs, traffic limitation zones, where you can’t enter unless you live there. Not to mention, parking would be virtually non-existent.

The train is the ABSOLUTE BEST way to get to and travel around the Cinque Terre. If you’ve rented a car for your Italy trip, the best choice is to base yourself in La Spezia at a hotel that includes parking. (That last part is very important! Parking in La Spezia also comes with its challenges, too.)

From places like La Spezia and Portovenere, you can also use boats to travel to the Cinque Terre villages, except for Corniglia. Just keep in mind, boat schedules are seasonal so if you’re visiting in the off-season, the train will be the best choice.

6. Use the Train to Travel in the Cinque Terre.

In case you’re skimming this guide, I wanted to say it boldly.

The train from La Spezia and between the villages couldn’t be easier. All of them have their own train stations and the time between villages is about 2-4 minutes. Seriously, it’s that easy and will make your entire experience so much more enjoyable.

As you start your day, take a photo of the train schedule so you know exactly when the train will arrive to avoid just missing one or waiting on the platform when you actually had enough time to take that last photo or grab a gelato!

ProTip: If you’re coming to the Cinque Terre from other places in Italy like Milan, Genoa, Bologna, or Florence, there are direct trains and those with stops that go to La Spezia. Check the length of the journey because sometimes the trains with a connection are faster than the direct trains.

7. There is no Cinque Terre Airport.

If you’d like to start your Italy trip in the Cinque Terre, the best option is to fly to Genoa or Pisa. Florence and Milan are also options.

From any of these points, you can take the train to get to the Cinque Terre.

8. Choose Your Cinque Terre Hotel Wisely (And Book Early).

Carefully consider what matters most to you when planning where to stay in the Cinque Terre.

Let’s start with the last bit, particularly if you want to visit in June, July, or August. Each village has only so many hotels and guesthouses. Once they’re booked, they’re booked. So, choose where you want to stay and book it as early as you can.

The next thing to think about is logistics. With basically no access by car, except for a few rare exceptions, you’ll have to carry your bags onto the train and through the village to reach your hotel.

Some accommodations in the Cinque Terre do offer help from the train station but not all of them. So, if yours doesn’t or you don’t want to pay for this added service, be sure you can move with your bags and, potentially, carry or walk with them uphill or on stairs.

Packing light is beyond important here! Or else you run the risk of arriving at your hotel sweaty and disheveled.

After that, your choices are more about your budget and preferences.

If you want to be close to the beach, Monterosso is the village for you. Corniglia and the areas of Riomaggiore away from the harbor are generally quieter and more authentic whereas Vernazza (especially) and Manarola are much busier.

If you have a rental car and absolutely want to stay in one of the Cinque Terre villages, Monterosso is going to be your best bet.

Here are some hotels to look at in the Cinque Terre:

9. Consider a Hotel in La Spezia.

I’ve seen articles that try to bash the idea of staying in La Spezia. As someone who lives and travels in northern Italy including the Cinque Terre (multiple times) for months each year, let me be really clear.

The Cinque Terre villages and their seaside location are infinitely romantic and alluring. Staying in one of them will certainly check off a few things on your Italy bucket list. If it works out to stay there, go for it. It’s a gorgeous experience.

But La Spezia hotels can be cheaper. It’s an easier base if you’re road-tripping through northern Italy and you have a car. And someone staying in La Spezia has to buy a Cinque Terre card just as someone staying the one of the villages does. A Cinque Terre card is required for anyone who plans to hike (even a little bit) and take the trains between the villages multiple times a day.

La Spezia also makes it easier to get to the Cinque Terre and other nearby Italian Riviera towns like Portovenere and Lerici. Plus, La Spezia is less than 10 minutes by train from Riomaggiore.

The bottom line is your trip to the Cinque Terre won’t be less than you imagined if it makes more sense for you to stay in La Spezia.

One thing to note, though, if you’re driving to La Spezia, be sure to confirm parking availability with your hotel. Some may list parking as an amenity but only have spaces on a first-come-first-served basis.

In particular, take a look at The Poet Hotel in La Spezia.

It’s in a great location with an easy walk to the train station for Cinque Terre trains and the harbor. The hotel has paid parking and an invaluable valet service. La Spezia may have more parking than the Cinque Terre villages but you’ll still want to get out of your car as quickly as possible here.

The hotel is also pet-friendly if you’re traveling with your fur baby.

10. Start Your Day in the Cinque Terre Early.

First, if you’re visiting the Cinque Terre during the peak summer season, getting to the villages early means you’ll be just slightly ahead of the crowds.

The advantages of this simple move cannot be overstated!

The train, villages, and hiking trails will all be less busy if you get a head start. Remember, we are talking narrow hiking trails and tiny villages in one of Italy’s most popular destinations. Enough said.

On top of this, arriving early gives you a better chance of securing a lounge chair on the beach in Monterosso. If there’s a restaurant where you want to eat lunch, you can check with them in the morning about making a reservation instead of showing up at lunch and having to wait.

11. Head to Monterosso First.

Monterosso is a great start to a day in the Cinque Terre.

The village is the biggest of the five. You’ll find cafes for breakfast, a gorgeous coastal promenade and beach, and the quintessential colorful village that likely was one of the things that inspired your visit.

If you have your heart set on some beach time, the morning is your best chance of getting a lounge chair and umbrella.

Also from Monterosso, you can hike to Vernazza, the next village to the south. If you do just one hike, make it this one between Monterosso and Vernazza. The views looking back at Monterosso are fantastic, to say nothing of the gorgeous views of the Ligurian coastline and pretty Vernazza as you approach!

It’s also the farthest from La Spezia, too, so throughout the day you’ll work your way back towards the area’s central train station.

12. Enjoy a Day on the Beach.

Up and down the Ligurian coastline, the Italian Riviera has some of the most stunning beaches in Italy. The Cinque Terre is no exception but it’s also not as “beachy” as you might imagine. Of all the Cinque Terre villages, Monterosso al Mare is the best option if you want a true beach experience.

As you get off the train, it’s impossible to not walk directly towards the sea. It’s a spectacular scene of golden sand and the gentle waves of the crystal clear Mediterranean Sea.

In Monterosso, you can rent an umbrella and lounger from the full-amenity beach club. They’ve got showers, bathrooms, and food and drink service. Plus, you’re just a few minutes from the village and train station. So you can grab some time on the beach and easily switch gears to walk through the village or head to another by train or hiking trail.

Besides Monterosso, you’ll find smaller beachfront areas and boat-accessible coves in all the other villages in the Cinque Terre except Corniglia. These are public spaces for anyone who’d like to sit along the water but have no amenities like chairs or changing rooms.

13. Hike along the Cinque Terre Trails.

Don’t lose sight of the fact that the five postcard-perfect villages are part of a National Park. Hiking in the Cinque Terre is one of the best things to do there!

Imagine breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea in one direction and terraced vineyards along the coastal cliffs in the other. Between all of this, you get birds-eye looks at the beautiful Cinque Terre villages.

The Sentiero Verde Azzurro (indicated as SVA on the park’s signs and website and known as the Blue Trail) is the most popular trail in the National Park. It connects the five villages. The hardest part is getting up to the mostly flat path along the cliff.

Not all sections of this hike are open. With any hike in the National Park, check the trail conditions to know if something has closed or reopened.

This page on the official website shows the latest information. (Scroll down to “Walking Itineraries.” You’ll see the sections of the “SVA” trail and their status.)

In particular, the section of the trail from Manarola to Riomaggiore, known as the Via dell’Amore, briefly reopened in the summer of 2024. Some new rules were also put into effect, which included making a reservation for an entry time, paying a fee, and only walking in the direction from Riomaggiore back to Manarola.

This section of the walk is stunning but just be sure to check the latest info when it reopens if you want to do it. The website above will have specific up-to-date info.

Also remember, this is just one trail in a National Park of many. There are trails higher up that take you through different areas of the park. These trails are less crowded, too.

No matter which hike you choose to do, bring water. Once you leave the villages, there aren’t a lot of places to refill your water bottle.

14. Pack a Refillable Water Bottle.

This goes for whether you’re hiking or not.

The villages have refilling stations with clean, cold water which is perfect if you’re passing through from a hiking trail. These refilling stations also save you money!

But also, the Cinque Terre wasn’t built to handle the crush of people who arrive in the summer. One small thing we can all do is reduce the amount of garbage these villages have to get rid of.

15. Pack Light and Dress Comfortably.

Start with comfortable shoes and sun protection.

You’re in a seaside location and, even on the hiking trails along the cliffs, there’s not a ton of shade. If you’re hiking at all, you need sneakers or some type of shoe with grip that can handle rocky, uneven trails.

Aside from this, I always have a hat for added sun coverage and a day bag for all my “stuff.”

A word about clothes – Yes, these are seaside villages but it’s considered inappropriate to walk around in a bathing suit unless you’re on the beach. For hot days, dress in light, airy clothing that you could also wear anywhere on your trip to Italy.

16. Don’t Walk Onto Private Property.

The signs you see, mostly up on the hiking trails, that say, “No Trespassing” or even worse, “This is not a bathroom” were put there for a reason.

Millions of us visit the Cinque Terre each year. The least we can do is be respectful of the people who live there and their property.

17. Try Trofie al Pesto. (And All the Other Local Bites, Too!)

Liguria is known for its pesto. You can’t come here and not try it. That’s like going to Naples and not having pizza!

One of the kinds of pasta you’ll see in Liguria and the Cinque Terre is trofie, a short twisty pasta.

Wash it down with a glass of Vermentino wine, local to the Cinque Terre, and you have a lunch made in heaven.

ProTip: Besides trofie, you might also see pesto served with another pasta called mandilli. These thin sheets of pasta are perfect vehicles for getting more pesto into your mouth!

Liguria and the Cinque Terre is also known for its seafood. Try the takeaway paper cones of fried seafood. Order a seafood pasta. Or try the pizza with anchovies. (I know what you’re thinking but just try it!)

You’ll also find delicious focaccia and farinata, a kind of pancake or crepe that is made from chickpea flour. All are local to the region so give them a try when you’re here. It’s one of the golden rules of eating in Italy.

18. End the Day in Manarola.

Most people start in Monterosso and visit the villages in order, except for Manarola. It gets saved for last because it has one of the most beautiful sunset views in all of Italy.

From the cliffs of Manarola looking back at the village, you can capture gorgeous photos of the village and the sea as the late-in-the-day glow reflects off of them. If you’re wondering, this is the iconic postcard-perfect shot that you always see of the Cinque Terre. Be ready to fill up your camera roll!

If you’re lucky, try to get a table at Nessun Dorma for an aperitivo or dinner so you can watch the sunset as you drink and eat. It’s a popular spot so getting a seat can be tough. You can try by downloading their app or taking a numbered ticket from the bar. After that, you wait until your number is called. Their website has all the details.

19. Take a Boat to See the Cinque Terre from the Water.

After you’ve been in the villages and, hopefully, on the hiking trails above them, too, you should plan to see it all from the sea. You’ll get some of the prettiest views of your entire visit!

If you can, go for later in the day or for sunset. The light is perfect and it’s a beautiful way to end the day in the Cinque Terre.

Another idea is to join a kayak tour so you can see the views and also visit some hidden coves that are only accessible by small boat.

20. You Can Visit the Cinque Terre Independently Unless…

…you’re coming for the day from a further away place like Milan or Florence.

These cities are technically close enough for a day trip, but just far enough that you’ll want to make the most of every minute and not run into any transportation issues.

Take a look at these Cinque Terre tours.

• Florence to Cinque Terre Day Trip
• Cinque Terre Day Tour from Milan

Otherwise, if you’re already staying in the Cinque Terre, La Spezia, or Levanto, you don’t need a tour unless you want to do something special, like a food tour, wine tasting, or sunset boat experience.

Italy’s Cinque Terre Awaits!

The Cinque Terre is famous for a reason. The villages are straight from a fairytale. The turquoise sea is so clear it’s hard to believe it’s real. And the Ligurian cliffs lined with vineyards, hiking trails, and tucked-away houses and aperitivo spots are stunningly dramatic.

Altogether, it’s one of those pinch-me-now Italy destinations that I am sure you’ll love!

And I’m positive that these travel-tested Cinque Terre tips that I’ve learned through my own time spent there will help you plan and have an amazing visit.

Let me know if you have questions about the gorgeous Cinque Terre in northern Italy.

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