Exploring Cinque Terre
While the beauty of the Amalfi Coast is in the simple, monochromatic white palette of the buildings, Cinque Terre’s beauty comes through in its rich, bright hues. Each town has its own claim to fame, and no matter which order you visit them in, you’ll be convinced they’re getting more beautiful as you go. Cooking classes, hiking paths, fresh seafood and beaches, there is so much to see and do!
Approaching Riomaggiore by ferry
Outside the train station in La Spezia
Before Cinque Terre
Arriving in La Spezia
Odds are, you’ll be arriving by train in La Spezia. If you are staying in one of the Cinque Terre towns, there are a few ways to access them:
By train - the fastest option.
By ferry - the scenic option.
By taxi - the expensive (but convenient) option.
If you’re opting to take the train, there is a Cinque Terre Express line that connects all five of the towns. It is fast, efficient and convenient. If this is the route you’re leaning toward, consider the Cinque Terre Train Card, which gives you unlimited train rides for whatever days you pay for. More information on that can be found here.
The ferry is a beautiful way to see the towns, in all their glory, from the water. Views aside, the ferry will take longer to arrive, but sometimes stopping to smell the roses (or the sea air) is worth the time! Ferries can be caught down at the harbour, which is about a 30-minute walk from the train station.
Taxis are also an option, though I wouldn’t say they are necessarily worth it. The odds are they won’t be able to take you much closer to your accommodations than the trains (the reality of most cliffside Italian towns) and you’ll be paying substantially more per person.
Porto Venere
Porto Venere is the “bonus town” of Cinque Terre. It’s quieter, a little out of the way, and an absolutely gorgeous place to stay for slow mornings and stunning sunsets. When I was there in 2022, the accommodations in this town were significantly cheaper than any of the others.
Porto Venere can be reached by public bus or ferry. The buses run regularly and drop you off right in the main square, near the ferry dock.
What to Do:
Walk through Porta del Borgo to the main street Via Capellini. The road is lined with colourful buildings which house shops and restaurants.
Visit the medieval Church of San Pietro for sunset. The views and crumbling church create something magical.
Explore Doria Castle at sunrise. There is an entrance fee if you want to enter the castle itself, but the front terraces are free to access and have incredible views of the Bay of Poets.
Hike through the Nature Park*. There is a path that leads up to the cliffs along the sea which can be found behind Doria Castle.
Cinque Terre Trail
An incredibly scenic path, covering about 12 kilometres (7.5 mi), taking 5-7 hours from end to end. If a 12-kilometre hike is a little daunting, you can choose to hike only a section of the trail. If you do plan to access the hike, be sure to purchase an access pass before; without one, you can be fined. If you already plan to get the Cinque Terre Train Card, it includes the trail access. If you want to purchase just the access pass, it can be found on the same site, here.
Be sure to wear proper footwear, as sandals and similar unsafe options are forbidden, also resulting in fines.
Views from the Cinque Terre Trail
The Towns
Riomaggiore
This town really has it all: views, good food, and swimming. Riomaggiore was the inspiration for the town in the Disney movie Luca; bright colours, quiet harbour, cobblestone streets, unbelievably beautiful… ringing a bell? If you decide to take the ferry into any town, let it be this one as the views from the water are unparalleled!
Manarola
Often considered the most colourful of the towns, Manarola is a beautiful town to visit. When I was here with my mom, we signed up for the Nessum Dorma pesto-making class, which was one of my favourite experiences. The restaurant has views overlooking the town from its terrace, but it’s a small space, so I would recommend booking ahead. The pesto class is a fun way to enjoy some of their local food and wine while also getting an experience out of it!
Corniglia
This little town is often overlooked as it’s not located on the water, but it is beautiful nonetheless. Corniglia sits atop a hill, surrounded by the local vineyards. Visitors need to climb 400 steps from the train station to reach the town. While you’re here, check out the Church of Saint Peter and enjoy wandering the less crowded streets.
Vernazza
Referred to as the “most beautiful town in Italy,” Vernazza wraps itself around the coast. The most incredible view is from the path between Monterosso and Vernazza, gazing down at the town; just a 10-minute climb from the Vernazza harbour. If you only plan to hike one section of the trail I would suggest the stretch from Monterosso to Vernazza for this view alone.
Monterosso
The largest of the five villages, Monterosso, is the town with the only beach in Cinque Terre. Visit the Church of St John, wander Via Zuecca or walk along the beachfront promenade.
