Cinque Terre Hike and What to Do in these Beautiful Coastal Villages - Italy
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Cinque Terre: The Five Villages & More
A Cinque Terre Tour is an excellent addition to an Italy visit. Cinque Terre is a coastal National Park in the northwest region of Liguria. The name Cinque Terre means “Five Lands” and the coastline, steep hillsides, and five picturesque villages make up the area that is the National Park and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The historic villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare are connected by several walking paths. The paths cover a varying degree of difficulty and provide stunning views of the coastline and the terraced vineyards and olive groves that have been built into the steep hillsides over the centuries. A Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence is an experience not to be missed.
Train to Cinque Terre
Access to the region is still quite limited by car, so it’s best to take the train to Cinque Terre. You'll need to connect at the station in La Spezia, which is about 170km from Florence, and the trip takes about two and a half hours. Tickets cost fifteen to twenty Euros and some trains may require a transfer at Pisa. We actually enjoyed the stop in Pisa as it gave us the opportunity to see the Leaning Tower!
Cinque Terre Train via La Spezia
While the five towns of Cinque Terre are on the Genoa-Pisa line, most long-distance trains don’t stop, so you’ll need to get off in La Spezia and transfer to the Cinque Terre Train, also called the Cinque Terre Express. This is the regional train that travels between La Spezia and Levanto and stops at each of the 5 villages. Tickets cost about 4 Euros, or you can get a combo hike & train ticket as well (more info below).
Photo by Tamara Malaniy on Unsplash
Cinque Terre Accommodation
There are a lot of day tours available, but if you really want to do justice to this beautiful piece of the Italian Riviera, you are probably going to want to take a few days. In that case you’re going to need to know where to stay in Cinque Terre.
When it comes to Cinque Terre accommodation, La Spezia or one of the other nearby towns is a less expensive option, and access is just minutes away by train, or a bit longer by boat. It’s also a great option if you enjoy sailing as one of the best sailing tours of Cinque Terre leaves from La Spezia!
If you’re staying more than one day, you can break up your trip and get a better feel for the atmosphere by staying in one of the five villages. Each has its own unique feel, so check you the descriptions in the sections below to see which vibe appeals to you. This option is popular, so it can be pricey. In addition to the cost, the availability might be limited, especially in the smaller villages.
Whether you’re staying in the villages or a nearby town, it’s a good idea to book your accommodations well in advance, since even the less ideal spots tend to go quickly. It’s also important to remember that these towns are built into the steep hillsides, so pack accordingly. You will likely be carrying your bags, since the many stairs and cobblestones are not friendly to wheeled luggage.
Cinque Terre Walk
The Cinque Terre Walk is one of the main attractions of this beautiful region. In order to access the main Cinque Terre Trail, you do have to buy a ticket. There are a couple of options when it comes to tickets – the Cirque Terre Trekking Card, which costs 7.50 Euros per day, gives you access to the trail between Monterossa and Vernazza as well as the trail between Vernazza and Corniglia, and the Cinque Terre Train Card, which costs 16 Euros a day, gives you access to the trails and also unlimited access to the regional trains between the towns.
We opted for the Train Card as we also wanted the ability to travel back to other towns and forward to to the others. As time is limited, we used the train once from La Spezia all the way to Monterossa, then hiked to Vernazza, and then used the train again to visit the next 3 villages.
It’s a good idea to go for the train access option, as sections of the main trail along the coast are occasionally closed due to damage from landslides and may not have a fixed date for reopening. There are inland trails that connect the villages that are free of charge, but they are more challenging and only recommended for seriously fit and experienced hikers.
You can reserve your tickets online in advance, and given the popularity of this destination that is probably the smart thing to do.
Main Hiking Route of Cinque Terre
The Main Hiking Route of Cinque Terre is called the Blue Path or Sentiero Azzurro. This trail connects all five of the villages. Starting from Riomaggiore at the southern end, the hike gets progressively more challenging, and so less experienced hikers may want to take a break and go by train or boat at some point further along.
As mentioned above, portions of this trail are usually closed, and being rebuilt, after occasional landslide damage.
You can check the current conditions of the trails on the Cinque Terre website. While some of the routes are closed, notably Sentiero Azzurro and Via dell’Amore between Riomaggiore and Manarola, there are alternate routes for the more advanced hiker. Alternatively, many people choose to join the family friendly private trekking tour through the open trails to make sure they are on the right path and to learn more about the areas that they are walking through.
The Five Villages of Cinque Terre
Riomaggiore
When heading north from La Spezia, the first village you encounter is Riomaggiore. Along with Monterosso at the other end of the trail, Riomaggiore is one of the larger towns and therefore has more accommodation choices. It is pretty hilly, though, so be prepared for some exercise while exploring here. In addition to the incredible vistas from the Castello di Riomaggiore, the town is known for its food and nightlife, with frequent live music and a wide selection of bars and restaurants.
You can also take a sunset wine tour from Riomaggiore, if you’re planning to stay nearby.
Photo by Ivan Franco Bottoni on Unsplash
Manarola
Next we come to Manarola. Surrounded by vineyards, and thus a few Winery Tours, as well as many colorful houses leading down to the rocky marina, this village is extremely photogenic.
Smaller guesthouses and B&Bs provide a cozy atmosphere for guest staying over here. Manarola has some of the best views and easier hiking paths, and with fewer shops and pubs it’s a quieter option than neighboring Riomaggiore.
Photo by Ansgar Scheffold on Unsplash
Corniglia
Corniglia is the third village along the Cinque Terre path. The more than 360 steps up from the train station present travelers with a challenge right at the beginning of their stay. Being smallest and hardest to access means that it’s also the quietest, so if you’re looking for something off the beaten path, Corniglia is the spot for you.
Perhaps because this oldest settlement is the only one of the five villages not located on the water, or maybe due to its more difficult access, the accommodation prices tend to be better. It’s a great place to stop off if you’re active and also looking for a quieter and perhaps more authentic experience.
Vernazza
The village of Vernazza is perhaps the most famous of the five, and so is the most popular and crowded. The small beaches are gorgeous and there’s a good selection of bars and restaurants.
A port since medieval times, the ancient city walls provide an easy walk with fantastic views. Due to its popularity, Vernazza is often more expensive and booked well in advance, so if you want to watch the sunset over the picture-perfect harbor, planning ahead is the way to go.
Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso al Mare is the northernmost Cinque Terre town. The beaches and luxury hotels give this town, the largest of the five, the feeling of a Riviera resort town. The area has fewer hills and the climbs are much less strenuous, so Monterosso is a good choice if you are traveling with children or people who have difficulty climbing and hiking. It is also more accessible by car than the other villages and there’s a wider range of accommodation options, as well as shops and restaurants.
Grab a short coastal kayaking trip to help you see some of the hidden secrets along the coastline here - up to Vernazza and back - or take a longer kayaking trip from Monterosso to Guvano beach in Corniglia to explore the caves and grottos along the coast. Either way, kayaking the coast is definitely a must-do experience if you’re spending more than a day in Cinque Terre - but do make sure to bring plenty of water!
Alternatively, you can book a 5-6 hour boat tour from Monterosso al Mare to see all of the Cinque Terre villages, as well as Porto Venere, if you prefer to have a more relaxed holiday.
Food to Try in Cinque Terre
Pesto and focaccia are the first things that come to mind when looking for food to try in Cinque Terre, as both are specialties of the Liguria region.
Located on the coast, the seafood is amazing in Cinque Terre, particularly fresh anchovies. Monterosso is most noted for the tasty dish, quite different from the tinned variety you may be familiar with. If you like your seafood fried, Riomaggiore has developed an excellent reputation in recent years.
The terraced olive groves are more than just decoration, and the olive oil of the region is justifiably famous for being fragrant and delicious – a great accompaniment to that focaccia! The lemon groves around Monterossa add to the flavor profile, and provide the region with some delicious limoncello. You could even try out a few Italian classics by booking a private Pasta & Tiramisu Class while in Cinque Terre!
Pro Tip: If you make the strenuous hike up to Corniglia, you can get some of the best gelato in the region and enjoy it while looking out over the rest of Cinque Terre. It's a gorgeous view!
Cinque Terre Beaches
When it comes to Cinque Terre Beaches, Monterossa can’t be beat for size and smoothness.
The other coastal villages are much more rugged, with smaller and rockier beaches. Vernazza’s sunbathing happens on rocks surrounding the harbor, rather than on a beach at all.
Cinque Terre Itinerary
When you are planning your Cinque Terre Itinerary, you have several possible options. One of the most popular options, especially if your time is limited, is to book a private guided tour from nearby Florence.
Getting around by train is the fastest way, and so for a 1-day itinerary, a combination of train travel and hiking will net you the best views and time to see the essentials. A longer 2- or 3-day itinerary allows time to add in a different perspective with a boat ride along the coastline of the five villages and more involved hikes.
Photo by Slim Emcee on Unsplash
Portofino Holiday
If you are looking for a similar experience – in perhaps a more concentrated way – then you might consider a Portofino Holiday. Located just a bit farther north, the tiny resort town provides many of the experiences of Cinque Terre in one spot. There is access to hiking, picturesque views, shopping, celebrity watching, kayaking, and scuba diving. Portofino makes a great addition or alternative to your Cinque Terre itinerary.
Photo by Dan Russon on Unsplash
Must See Places
It is hard to say that any one of the villages is better than the next, so we would recommend seeing them all - even if you only have one day to do it.
One Day in Cinque Terre:
Pick one of the many ways to see the 5 villages:
Take a boat ride along the coastline of the five villages
A private guided day-tour from Florence
Hike the Cinque Terre coastline trails between all of the villages
Or opt for a sailing trip along the coast.
All of these options will give you an amazing single-day experience of Cinque Terre that you'll remember forever!
FAQ’s
What is the best time of year to hike Cinque Terre?
When planning this adventure, the timing is crucial for an enjoyable experience. Late spring to early fall, specifically May or September, is considered the best time to visit. These months strike a balance between pleasant weather and moderate tourist traffic, providing ideal hiking conditions without the overcrowding seen in peak summer months¹.
Are guided tours available for the Sentiero Azzurro?
For those interested in a deeper exploration of the Sentiero Azzurro, guided tours are available. These tours not only navigate the trails but also enrich the journey with historical insights and local stories, enhancing the overall experience. The tours cater to various interests and fitness levels, ensuring that everyone can appreciate the beauty of Cinque Terre.
How difficult are the trails and are they are suitable for children?
Regarding trail difficulty, the Cinque Terre offers a range of paths suitable for different ages and abilities. Some trails are easy and well-paved, making them accessible for families with children. However, other parts can be more challenging with steep climbs and uneven terrain. It's important to check the specific trail conditions and difficulty ratings before setting out, especially when hiking with children, to ensure a safe and enjoyable hike for all family members⁷⁸.
(1) The Best Time to Visit the Cinque Terre - TripSavvy. https://www.tripsavvy.com/the-best-time-to-visit-the-cinque-terre-4844469.
(4) Visiting Cinque Terre with kids: all you need to know (2023/24 update). https://mamalovesitaly.com/visiting-cinque-terre-with-kids/.
(6) Sentiero Azzurro. https://www.cinqueterre.it/sentieri/il-sentiero-azzurro/.
(7) Sentiero Azzurro Hike In Cinque Terre - ULTIMATE Guide! - Greta's Travels. https://gretastravels.com/cinque-terre-in-a-day/.
(8) The Sentiero Azzurro » Cinque Terre Consorzio Turistico. https://www.cinqueterre.it/en/sentieri/the-sentiero-azzurro/.
(9) Cinque Terre Tours with Local Private Tour Guides - ToursByLocals. https://www.toursbylocals.com/Cinque-Terre-Tours.
(10) Best Kid Friendly Trails in Cinque Terre National Park. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/italy/liguria--3/cinque-terre-national-park/kids.
(11) The trail: Corniglia - San Bernardino - Vernazza. https://www.cinqueterrehike.com/en/trail-corniglia-san-bernardino-vernazza.
(12) Cinque Terre Hike - Expert Guide With Detailed FAQ - Mountain IQ. https://www.mountainiq.com/guides/hikes-in-europe/cinque-terre-hiking/.
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