How to See the Colorful 5 Cinque Terre Towns in Liguria, Italy

Italy

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Also known as the Italian Riviera, the Cinque Terre is one of the most picture-perfect destinations in Italy!

The area consists of five charming little towns positioned along a dramatic coastline. Vineyards, olive groves, and steep hills separate these stunning villages!

Riomaggiore-Cinque-Terre

Each of the five towns of Cinque Terre has a unique personality and appeal, and choosing your favorite one can be tricky!

Here is our guide to these pastel-colored towns and what to expect from each.

5 Cinque Terre Towns in Liguria, Italy

These five Cinque Terre Towns are some of the most colorful in Italy. Check out our guide to help you see the best of these gorgeous towns.

1. Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore Cinque Terre

Riomaggiore is the easternmost of the Cinque Terre towns and is often the first town of departure.

Riomaggiore is set in a narrow valley leading to a beautiful natural harbor.

At the harbor end, you will find colorful fishing boats, people swimming from the rocks, and the magnificent Ligurian houses typical of these towns.

5 Cinque Terre Towns Guide

As you walk further through the town (the Cinque Terre has minimal car access), you will find terraced gardens and quiet spaces.

Riomaggiore can get pretty busy, with a bustling main street full of bars and cafes.

However, this town is still small, making it a well-balanced place for those wanting a peaceful but fun escape.


2. Manarola

Manorola Cinque Terre Italy

Manarola is the next town in line and is thought to be the oldest. It is possibly the most romantic Cinque Terre town, with quiet, winding streets and stunning views.

The little old harbor in Manarola is a popular place for swimmers, with some exciting rock jumping available! As you wander up the quaint town, you will notice all the surrounding vineyards.

Traveling to the Cinque Terre

Manarola produces a world-famous sweet wine called Sciacchetra, best sampled at a charming wine bar in the town.

Manarola has amazing seafood restaurants, viewpoints, and is the starting point of the famous “Lovers Lane”.

Manarola is the ideal town to base yourself during the cooler months (for warmer months, we would recommend Monterosso due to the beach they have).

Manarola is a small town with a big personality!


3. Corniglia

Corniglia in Italy

Corniglia is the only town in Cinque Terre that was not built directly on the sea. Instead, it stands 100m above sea level on a dramatic cliff.

Due to its position, reaching Corniglia requires a fair amount of stairs!

Many people hopping off the train start hiking up – however, as a tip, if you wait around the train station area, there is a little bus that runs up and down to take tourists who want to avoid the hike.

It is a small bus, so I’m sure it would be a wait to get on it in high season, but for our trip (we were there in June), we could simply hop on and hop off—easy!

Corniglia Cinque Terre Villages

Corniglia has a unique atmosphere due to its quiet streets and green surroundings.

The town has some fantastic little cafes and a specialty wine—Vernaccia di Corniglia. Of course, the coastal views from Corniglia’s raised position are breathtaking.

Coastal views from Corniglia Italy

Although the town is not built on the sea, there is a beach here. Descend the steep rocky cliff to the hidden away Guvano Beach.


4. Vernazza

Vernazza Cinque Terre Towns

When people think of the Cinque Terre, Vernazza is usually the image that comes to mind. This famous town is the picture-perfect representation of this area.

Vernazza is best recognized by its natural harbor, with an impressive church built right alongside the water’s edge.

Vernazza Cinque Terre Italy

This church is iconic as it is the only one in the Cinque Terre constructed next to the ocean.

Vernazza has many charming alleyways between cafes, friendly B&Bs, and essential gelato shops!

Vernazza Italy

For amazing views, walk up to the top of the town’s old fort.

The piazza in this town is a fun place to enjoy one of the quality restaurants or bars.

Vernazza balances between being a busy attraction and a quiet fishing village.


5. Monterosso 

Monterosso al Mare Cinque Terre Italy

Monterosso is the largest and most popular town. It is also the only town built on flat land with full car access.

Monterosso is best known as the beach town of the Cinque Terre. Its long, sandy beach offers visitors a dream seaside holiday destination!

This town still has the Cinque Terre appeal of colorful houses, surrounding vineyards and olive groves, and seaside charm.

However, it is bigger, busier, and more developed than the other towns.

Monterosso-al-Mare

If you are looking for a town with more to offer and a magnificent beach, Monterosso is the best choice.

This is a popular destination for traveling with a family.


Traveling to the Cinque Terre

Now that you know about the different towns, you only need to get there!

Here is some commonly requested info on visiting the Cinque Terre.

1. How to get to the Cinque Terre

How to get to Cinque Terre

Traveling by train is the most popular option. A train line runs between all five towns of Cinque Terre, departing from La Spezia.

There is also the option of renting a car and driving here.

However, if you have a car, it is essential to note that parking in the towns is minimal and will add up in cost pretty quickly.

You will also need to park outside of the town as only locals are allowed inside.

You could also visit Cinque Terre from Milan. However, it is a 3-hour train journey, so I don’t recommend doing it as a day trip.

But it is one of the most beautiful places to visit from Milan if you wanted to see both destinations in one trip.

2. How to get around in Cinque Terre

The most popular way to travel between the five towns in Cinque Terre is to hike along the well-managed paths.

The Cinque Terre is famous for its stunning hiking trails connecting the five towns.

Hiking in Cinque Terre

If hiking isn’t your thing, an efficient train service runs through each town.

This is an easy and fast way to get around. There is also a bus service that runs between the towns. This bus is free to use if you have your Cinque Terre card.

Another fun way to travel between the towns is by boat.

Boat in Cinque Terre

This may not be the quickest or most affordable option, but the views and overall experience of a boat cruise along this coastline are unforgettable!


Where is the Cinque Terre?

People often ask, “Is Cinque Terre in Tuscany?” The answer is no, as these towns are close by and part of the Liguria region.

This region covers a small portion of the north-western coast of Italy.


Final Thoughts on the Cinque Terre Towns

With all the iconic beauty and charm in these Italian towns, your trip here will be something to remember!

It may seem difficult choosing which town to stay in, but you really can’t be disappointed with any of these magical places.

The Cinque Terre towns in Italy are completely unlike anywhere else in the world.

We hope that you get to see and experience each town to understand just what makes the Cinque Terre so special!

5 Cinque Terre towns in Liguria, Italy
Photo of author

Jolene Ejmont

Originally from South Africa, now living in Australia, Jolene is a wife and a mother to three beautiful daughters. Together with her family, she is embarking on a journey towards changing her current stress-filled life to one focusing on her dreams and her passion for travel. She wants to share her stories in the hope to inspire you to chase your own dreams!

6 thoughts on “How to See the Colorful 5 Cinque Terre Towns in Liguria, Italy”

  1. Wow! The Italian Riviera really looks very lovely! I would love to go and visit it! My favorite place was Monterosso seems to be a very beautiful place and very peaceful, do you have the opportunity to go to the beach? Because it looks very impressive!

  2. Hi! do you recommend 5 nights in Cinque Terre/Monterosso as a base or should we split up 3 nights and 2 in Lucca? With 3 kids between 4-10 years wasn’t sure which would be easiest and more enjoyable!

    • Hi and sorry for a much delayed response. Yes, we would recommend to stay 5 nights in Cinque Terre. Much more enjoyable to spend more time relaxing here and take in the sights.

  3. Hi Jolene,
    We will arrival Milan on 6 apr 2023 the next day is Easter Friday. I have 12 days in Northern Italy. What is your opinion to start. cinque Terre village or Venice. not sure can do a loop ie Pisa, Lucca, Florence, Siena, Venice, Verona, and then Milan.
    My children are similar age to your 1st and 2.

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