The villages of the Cinque Terre have been shaped over the centuries, with brightly painted houses perched against the steep cliff faces, terraced vineyards carved into the hills that are supported by cleverly engineered stone walls, and an incredible coastline. Hiking trails and a local train network connect the villages of the Italian Riviera, but no cars are allowed which has helped preserve the unique appeal of this UNESCO World Heritage listed region. How will you explore this Italian region? Read on to learn all about the five Cinque Terre towns and what you can do there!
Overview:
- What are the 5 towns of Cinque Terre?
- Things to do in the Cinque Terre towns
What are the 5 towns of Cinque Terre?
1. Monterosso al Mare
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Monterosso al Mare is a stunning coastal town situated at the northernmost point of the Cinque Terre. It is the largest and busiest of the five Cinque Terre towns and is known for its long sandy beach, which is a rarity along this rocky coastline. What makes Monterosso al Mare unique is its blend of old-world charm and modern amenities, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and hotels to choose from.
The town is divided into two parts by a rocky outcrop, with the old town to the east and the new town to the west. The old town is a maze of narrow streets, arches, and hidden courtyards, while the new town boasts a more modern vibe with its trendy bars and restaurants. With its long stretch of golden sand studded with colourful umbrellas and sun lounges overlooking crystal-clear waters, it's the perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing. The resort-like atmosphere adds to the overall charm of the village and makes it an ideal destination for beach lovers seeking a little bit of luxury.
Beach aside, Monterosso al Mare is also a treasure trove of historical buildings. The Church of San Giovanni Battista is a stunning 13th-century church featuring a Gothic-Ligurian style and a beautiful rose window. The Convento dei Cappuccini, a 17th-century Capuchin monastery, is equally impressive with its frescoes and tranquil garden. These must-see attractions offer a glimpse into the village's rich past and are a must-visit for history and art enthusiasts.
2. Vernazza
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Welcome to Vernazza, the Cinque Terre town straight out of a fairytale. As you approach, your eyes are immediately drawn to the vibrant colours of the buildings lining the rugged coastline of the Ligurian Sea. The small size of the village only adds to its charm, with visitors eager to explore its narrow streets and alleyways bursting with local shops and crafts.
Make sure to visit the harbour, where fishing boats sway gently in the water and the aroma of fresh seafood fills the air. For those seeking adventure, the lush hillsides and vineyards surrounding the village offer opportunities for hiking and wine tasting.
Vernazza is a unique blend of natural beauty and human history, with centuries-old structures and traditions still visible in everyday life. Its stunning location nestled between the sea and the hills makes it one of the most enchanting and picturesque villages in all of Italy. Make sure to visit the Church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia, a 14th-century Ligurian-Gothic church built into the rocky coastline, overlooking the sea.
3. Corniglia
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Perched atop a dramatic cliff overlooking the Ligurian Sea, Corniglia is the smallest and most peaceful village of the 5 Cinque Terre towns. Unlike the other towns in the Cinque Terre region, Corniglia is not directly accessible by sea, but can be reached via a winding staircase of over 300 steps or by shuttle bus. Once you arrive, you'll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the surrounding countryside.
The village itself is a maze of narrow streets and colourful houses, with bars and restaurants tucked into cobbled streets. But what really sets Corniglia apart is its sense of serenity and peacefulness - it's the perfect place to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Italian coast. With its breathtaking scenery, unique location and authentic charm, Corniglia is truly a hidden gem of the Italian Riviera.
4. Manarola
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Welcome to Manarola, the second smallest and arguably the most picture perfect of the Cinque Terre towns. Colourful houses climb up the cliffs from the small harbour, where you can watch the local fishermen hauling in their daily catch from the shimmering turquoise sea.
As you explore this charming town, you'll find winding alleyways lined with local shops, cafes and restaurants, serving up delicious cuisine and wines produced in the region's vineyards. Don't miss out on the chance to walk a section of the famous "Via dell'Amore.” Carved into the cliffs between Manarola and Riomaggiore, this path offers stunning views of the sea and rugged coastline.
One of the unique features of Manarola is the enchanting nativity scene that is set up each year during the Christmas season, creating a magical atmosphere. The town also boasts a few historical sites, such as the 14th-century Ligurian Gothic-style Church of San Lorenzo that features a beautiful rose window and detached yellow bell tower.
5. Riomaggiore
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At the southernmost point of the Cinque Terre you’ll find Riomaggiore nestled in a small valley, its pastel hued houses tumbling down the hillside towards the quaint harbour. The lively main street winds through the heart of the village, lined with restaurants, bars, and shops. As you reach the end of the street, you'll be met with the dazzling sight of the turquoise waters where cheerful and brightly coloured fishing boats bob along the harbour.
What sets Riomaggiore apart from other Italian coastal towns is its natural harbour and breathtaking coastline. Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water, embark on a boat ride, or simply unwind and soak up the sun on the pebbly beach. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves on the hillside, this charming village is renowned for its fresh seafood and local wine. Explore the cobbled streets and tiny alleys to find the perfect spot to savour the delicious cuisine and sip on a glass of wine.
Riomaggiore has a few historical sites to visit, including the 14th-century Neo-Gothic style Church of San Giovanni Battista. You can also visit the 13th-century Castle of Riomaggiore whose location offers panoramic views over the coast.
Things to do in the Cinque Terre towns
Hike
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The hiking trails that link each town to one another offer a unique viewpoint of the villages. Meander your way through the cliffs’ terrain and be rewarded with incredible views of the Ligurian Sea, the vineyards and olive trees, and of course the brightly coloured buildings of each Cinque Terre town.
Take to the water
Photo by Michael Liao
Take to the water of the Ligurian Sea and see the villages from a different perspective. Witness the dramatic coastline of the region and enjoy cruising on the ocean as you pass by the villages.
Eat the local food
When it comes to Cinque Terre, one thing is for certain – exploring the villages by taste is non-negotiable. Taste your way through the villages and enjoy all the authentic cuisines that are on offer. From staple pizza and pasta options to fresh local catches of the day, when it comes to food, the restaurants in the Cinque Terre have you covered.
Explore the towns by train
All aboard! A train links all 5 villages together and is a convenient and quick way to get from one village to the next. Make sure you score a window seat as the train traverses the edge of the cliffs in what makes for some spectacular views.
Ready to explore the towns of Cinque Terre?
As Italy’s most photographed coastline, it's time to put this incredible destination on your bucket list, if it's not already! You can visit 3 of the Cinque Terre towns on our Italian Discovery small group tour. Book a small group tour online today or speak to our experienced Travel Specialists about our Europe tours.
Cinque Terre Towns FAQs
What is the most beautiful town in Cinque Terre?
All 5 towns of Cinque Terre - Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare - are beautiful and unique in their own way, making it difficult to pick just one as the most beautiful! Ultimately, we think it’s a matter of personal preference and depends on what you’re looking for.
How long does it take to walk the 5 villages of Cinque Terre?
Walking the entire Cinque Terre trail, which connects all 5 villages (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare) is approximately 12 kilometres long and can take between 5 to 7 hours, depending on your pace and the number of stops you make along the way. The trail is well-marked and offers breathtaking views of the coast and the Mediterranean Sea, so it's recommended to take your time and enjoy the scenery. It's also important to note that the trail includes some steep climbs and rocky terrain, so it's important to wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water and snacks.
What town should I start in Cinque Terre?
If you're planning to hike the Cinque Terre trail, you can start from either end of the trail, depending on your preferences and itinerary. The two most common starting points are Riomaggiore and Monterosso al Mare.
Riomaggiore is the southernmost town of the five and is the closest to La Spezia, making it a convenient starting point if you're arriving by train. From Riomaggiore, you can begin the hike and make your way north to the other towns.
Monterosso al Mare, on the other hand, is the northernmost town and is the largest and most developed of the five, making it a great place to start if you're looking for more amenities and accommodation options. From Monterosso al Mare, you can start the hike and make your way south to the other towns.
