Guide to Cinque Terre, Italy
Tips on Going to Cinque Terre, Italy: Where to Stay, What to Do
A simple guide to the Cinque Terre in Italy, including activities for hiking and leisure, accommodations and the best time to go.
The Cinque Terre is 18 kilometres of rocky coastline in Northern Italy. The name Cinque Terre directly translates to five lands as the area is made up of five fishing villages built on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. Each village has its own stunning character and is easily accessible by train. The area offers dramatic views of tangled pastel coloured homes, olive groves, terraced hills and the azure Mediterranean Sea.
What to Do
Cinque Terre is a UNESCO heritage park and hikers can hike from one village to the next. The entire hike through all five villages takes roughly 5 hours with minimal stops and is vigorous at parts.The most rugged section is from Monterosso to Vernazza where the route is mostly uphill. However, the view of Vernazza from up top makes the trip well worth it.The easiest section to walk is between Riomaggiore and Manorola. The section is a paved walkway offering stunning views of the sea and is called the Via dell’Amore or “The Path of Love.”
For those who don’t want to hike, the train stops at each village. As Corniglia is situated on a hilltop, the walk up to the village is a steep 370 steps. A shuttle bus is also offered to the village for those who don’t want to do the uphill climb.
Alternatively in the summer, you can take a boat ride which stops at each village except Corniglia as it is situated on a hilltop. The boat ride offers a different view of the village from the sea.
The Cinque Terre Card
To easily explore the Cinque Terre, you will need to get the Cinque Terre Card, this ticket includes train travel, hiking and the shuttle bus at Corniglia. Money from the ticket is used to preserve the park trails. The card includes a map of the walking trails of the area and can be purchased at any train station in the Cinque Terre.
When to Go
The best time to visit the Cinque Terre is the month of May or September when the weather is good and the area is not overrun with tourists. The months of June, July and August can get very busy and temperatures can reach 30 C. From November to March, much of the villages shut down as residents move back to the cities.
Where to Stay
It is best to stay in Monteresso, the largest of the five villages and the only village with a sandy beach. Being the largest, Monteresso also has multiple accommodation options from boutique hotels to rented villas, and a wide variety of restaurants. The Cinque Terre tourist office is located in Monteresso near the train station and can help arrange accommodations for you.
Highlights of the Area
- Sit in the harbour at Vernazza, whether to have lunch, a gelato or a coffee, the harbour is a relaxing place with a good vibe and a view of the crystal blue Mediterranean Sea.
- Visit the 12th Century, baroque style church of San Lorenzo in Manarola.
- Sneak away to the secret clothing optional Guvano beach near Corniglia.
- Try scuba diving off the coast of Riomaggiore.
