Delighting photographers and painters alike, Cinque Terre’s painted houses and car-free villages are a must-see when visiting Italy. Dating back to the early medieval period, Cinque Terre’s villages were once fortified settlements, now UNESCO heritage-listed and the surrounding area is designated a national park.
Cinque Terre’s fishing villages are an iconic highlight of the Italian Riviera. Located northwest of Italy, in a coastal region within Liguria, in the west of La Spezia Province, and south of Genoa, the easiest way to visit is via a day trip from La Spezia.
Roads are free from vehicles within Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre (the national park), express trains connect the villages, and it’s also possible to see the region from an ocean-faring boat. The best views are found on land rather than from the water.
How to explore Cinque Terre in one day
Combining the trains with hiking will provide a rich and complete experience in a single day. Around 120km of hiking trails connect villages, nature, vineyards and coastline, allowing exploration by foot.
It’s possible to quickly see all five towns on a day trip, using the express train that leaves every 20 minutes from each village.
Here’s how:
- Take the 20-minute train from La Spezia to Monterosso al Mare
- Hike 2.9km to Vernazza
- Hike 3.2km to Corniglia or take an 11-minute train to Riomaggiore (lunch)
- Take the 5-minute train from Corniglia to Riomaggiore (depending on step 3)
- Take the 1-minute train from Riomaggiore to Manarola (dinner)
- Take the 15-minute train from Manarola to La Spezia
Many choose to linger a little longer and enjoy the experience of just a few select towns. Learning more about each can help narrow down which towns to include in a day trip to Cinque Terre.
Five towns of Cinque Terre
Each of the five fortified settlements of Cinque Terre was protected by a castle overlooking the ocean in medieval times, guarding against Saracen raiders.
Monterosso al Mare
Cinque Terre, Italy by Mirza Ariadi
The largest and most accessible Cinque Terre village, Monterosso al Mare is the perfect place to begin. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at a beachfront cafe (it’s worth the wait!), stroll along the charming streets of the and bask in the morning sun.
The panoramic views of the coast from the Giant Statue of Neptune form a picturesque backdrop to the start of a day of exploring. Next up, the Church of San Giovanni Battista (John the Baptist), patron saint of Genoa, built between 1244 and 1307, boasts a striped facade, with later renovations in Ligurian-Gothic designs of white and dark green marble and a large rose window with lace-like ornamentation.
The best sandy beach of Cinque Terre is in Monterosso, so if an ocean dip is on the agenda, this is the place to pause.
Vernazza
Cinque Terre, Italy by Mirza Ariadi
A hiking trail links Monterosso with Vernazza, some parts are steep and the walk takes around two hours. Otherwise, it’s easy to jump on a train instead, and then walk back a short distance from Vernazza to see the stunning viewpoints on the trail.
With orange-red building facades and bright umbrellas, this colourful town is full of life. The tiny beach is a lovely place to enjoy a gelato before continuing on. There’s a castle and a 14th-century Church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia as well.
Riomaggiore
Furthest south, Riogmaggiore is the oldest of the Cinque Terre towns. Bring an appetite and enjoy lunch at one of the fine-dining restaurants or bars that line narrow terraces. A seafood meal or simple focaccia accompanied by a glass of wine or an Aperol spritz and a stunning view from the seaside clifftop venues is the perfect midday treat.
Castello di Riomaggiore is a clifftop castle overlooking the village and the narrow terraced streets provide pretty photo angles.
Manarola
Cinque Terre, Italy by Mirza Ariadi
Manarola is a short train trip from Riomaggiore. Relax by the ocean and stay for the sunset at Manarola Overlook before enjoying a tasty Italian dinner, completing the meal with a limoncello.
Corniglia
Corniglia is just 3.5km from Vernazza, if there’s only time for one section of trail, this is the one to select! The reward is afternoon tea at a cafe with picturesque coastal views.
When to visit Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre, Italy by Mirza Ariadi
Cinque Terre is beautiful throughout the year,
Spring: May to June has pleasant temperatures and lighter crowds than the peak summer months. The landscape blooms with colour and it’s comfortable to walk, but it may rain unexpectedly, so a jacket is a must.
Summer: July to August is warmer, with clear skies and more Europeans visiting during the summer holidays. The atmosphere is vibrant, bustling and enlivening.
Autumn: The vineyards and olive groves of Cinque Terre are most beautiful in the autumn months. The ocean should be warm enough for swimming and grapes are ready for harvest.
Explore the beautiful towns of Cinque Terre in a wonder-filled day trip
Choose to see as much as possible or take the time to relax and absorb the beauty of the region — Cinque Terre offers something for visitors looking for the perfect picture and those preferring to escape the crowds and find rest. Discover this iconic part of Italy with a small group to make lasting memories, form new friendships and create experiences that will last a lifetime.
Frequently asked questions
Which town to skip in Cinque Terre?
For those taking the train between towns, skipping Corniglia, situated atop a 100m cliff above the sea in Cinque Terre will allow more time to experience the region, rather than hustling between every town in a single day.
Is a Cinque Terre day trip worth it?
Absolutely! A day is long enough to savour a taste of Cinque Terre’s five towns when travelling from La Spezia, Florence, Pisa or Lucca. Spending longer in this picturesque region enables time to relax and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.
What is the most picturesque town in Cinque Terre?
Vernazza is an incredibly attractive small fishing village in Cinque Terre, appealing as it characterises the essence of the region. It is often classified as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, with colourful buildings extending onto a peninsula out to the ocean and up the steep hillside of the coast. It’s a must-see on a Europe tour that includes Italy.