If you are visiting Tuscany, consider a day trip or even an overnight stay in Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre (which translates to “Five Lands” in English) is a string of small, picturesque villages along the Ligurian Sea. The views are breathtaking and each city is well worth exploring. There’s a reason Cinque Terre is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I don’t think I’ve ever visited a more beautiful area.
When to go
Cinque Terre used to be an ‘under the radar’ destination, but that is no longer the case. To avoid crowds (and extreme heat), I would recommend visiting in May, September or October. If you are going in May, I would also recommend avoiding May Day.
How to get there
Traveling by train is the simplest way to get to Cinque Terre. From wherever you are staying (perhaps Florence or Lucca), take the train to La Spezia. When you arrive at the La Spezia train station, you’ll be able to buy tickets to the Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre (National Park). If you are considering driving to Cinque Terre, I do not recommend it. Parking is very difficult, if not impossible.
Exploring the five villages
I recommend taking the train from La Spezia straight to Monterosso al Mare and then working your way south through each of the villages.
- Monterosso al Mare is the northern most village. It has a beautiful beach, so if you want to spend some time on the beach, this is your place. The walk between Monterosso al Mare and Vernazza is the longest and most challenging hike and it is not for the faint of heart. It’s about a 45-minute to one-hour steep walk with irregular stone steps and vines crossing many areas. We work out every day and it was still a bit of a challenge. If you have any concerns, this is the walk to skip.
- Vernazza is, in my opinion, the most picturesque village. It’s known as a fishing village and as you walk toward the marina, you’ll see the locals wheeling their small fishing boats to and from the harbor. If you’re hiking from Monterosso al Mare, you’ll have several great picture options of the castle and marina area from above the village. Stop here for a nice lunch and glass of wine nearby the water and make sure to take time to peruse the Doria Castle (built in the 15th century) with its great views of the Ligurian Sea. If you’re planning an overnight stay, I recommend staying in Vernazza.
- Corniglia is the only village that is not directly on the sea. There is no ferry option from Vernazza for this reason and once you arrive from Vernazza, the climb up to the actual village is quite a workout. Like all of the five villages, it is beautiful and worthwhile; however, if you are going to skip one stop, I’d recommend skipping Corniglia.
- Manarola is yet another gorgeous village. Stop here for a drink or snack and enjoy the view and great people watching opportunities.
- Riomaggiore is the southern most village and the walk from Manarola is not to be missed. It’s called the Via dell’Amore (Love Walk) and it’s an easy and level walk with gorgeous views.
Traveling between each village
There are several options for traveling between each village, but you’ll have to remain flexible and choose from available options at the time of your visit. Depending on the weather and conditions, you can hike, take the local train or take the ferry.
- The ferry may not be available if the sea is too rough.
- The hiking trails between each village may be closed if there has been severe rain/runoff or fallen rocks/debris from the surrounding area.
- The train is always an option.
With all of the beautiful places to visit in Italy, Cinque Terre may not be on your bucket list – but if you have the time, you will not regret it!
Best,
Lisa
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