Explore the Charming Villages of Cinque Terre: Hike Through Italy’s Scenic Coastal Towns

The dramatic scenery and laid-back lifestyle of Italy’s Cinque Terre has made it a must-see destination, on par with Florence, Rome, and Venice.

Cinque Terre comprises five villages (hence the name, which translates to “Five Lands”) on the northwestern coast of Italy in the region of Liguria. A national park, it is characterized by terraced agricultural land and colorful houses tumbling down cliffsides into the Mediterranean Sea. The area is home to some 4,000 inhabitants, but attracts around three million tourists every year, many of whom are day-trippers. However, the villages, and hiking trails that unite them, deserve a longer visit. Therefore, a stay of three nights is recommended to really absorb the area.

Cinque Terre Towns

Riomaggiore

The southernmost village, and the first you’ll encounter if coming from La Spezia, Riomaggiore is breathtaking — its tiny harbor wedged between the houses is one of the area’s most famous sites. Compared to neighboring Manarola, which is equally pretty, it’s a bit more lively, with a roster of excellent restaurants squeezed into the narrow town. However, be prepared as it’s incredibly hilly. This village marks the start of the Via dell’Amore (Road of Love), connecting Riomaggiore and Manarola. Although it has been closed since a 2012 landslide, there are hopes to reopen it in 2024. A 45-minute hike above town brings you to Santuario di Nostra Signora di Montenero, a church perched at the cliff’s edge with spectacular views of Cinque Terre.

Manarola

That iconic image of Cinque Terre, featuring a cascade of colorful houses tumbling toward a little harbor, depicts Manarola, located just north of Riomaggiore. There is no beach here — instead, people enjoy jumping into the sea from the rocks surrounding the village. As hilly as Riomaggiore, Manarola is well-known for its stunning sunsets, best viewed from its small cliffside park below the cemetery, or from Nessun Dorma, the bar right below. This village also serves as the bus stop to Volastra, high on the cliff above, where the hiking trail to Corniglia begins. Grab one of the best sandwiches you’ll ever eat at Cappun Magru before heading up.

Corniglia

Corniglia is the smallest of the Cinque Terre villages, and uniquely perched on a cliff — a 377-step climb (or an easy bus ride) from the train station leads you to the village. This elevation helps maintain a slightly less touristy atmosphere compared to the other villages. It’s a picturesque spot, with charming churches, a square filled with locals, and plenty of panoramic lookout points. The Corniglia to Vernazza section of the Sentiero Azzurro is the most popular hiking route and is best started from Corniglia to avoid a long ascent from Vernazza.

Vernazza

Vernazza, characterized by its small sandy beach, is the most popular village — likely due to its relatively flat center. Unlike Riomaggiore and Manarola, which are crammed between cliffs, Vernazza offers a more open atmosphere, with a picturesque promontory curving around its beautiful harbor that also serves as a beach. There’s a ruined castle, an atmospheric church, and another beach on the other side of the promontory.

Monterosso al Mare

The largest of the Cinque Terre settlements, Monterosso al Mare resembles a small town more than a village, being the closest you’ll find to a typical beach resort in this area. It features a relatively flat center filled with delightful shops and cafes, which open onto a large, sandy beach. The “modern” town and historic center are divided by a cliff.

How to Get to Cinque Terre

Part of Cinque Terre’s charm lies in its relative inaccessibility — originally, the villages were reachable only by sea or trail. Although there’s now a road, parking is limited, making driving stressful. It’s advisable to take the train instead; the Cinque Terre Express operates from La Spezia in the south to Levanto in the north three times an hour, stopping at all villages in just a few minutes each. Tickets cost €5 per journey or start from €18.20 per day (from €14.80 in the low season, which spans January to March).

The nearest international airports are Pisa and Genoa. From these airports, you can reach La Spezia (from Pisa) or Levanto (from Genoa) via train.

You can also opt to experience Cinque Terre the way the locals did — from the water. From March to November, ferries depart from La Spezia, Lerici, Portovenere, and Levanto during the summer months, stopping at all the villages. Additionally, a tourist minibus service operates along the coast, Explora 5 Terre. This hop-on, hop-off service can transport you to the hamlets higher up the cliffs, although travel times on the road are significantly longer than by train or boat. Tickets start at €18.50.

Best Times to Visit Cinque Terre

High season begins after Easter weekend and lasts through October, with May to August being the busiest period. The high season can be crowded, making it essential to plan accommodations at least three months in advance. May is particularly pleasant to visit, even with the possibility of rain; the temperatures tend to be warm, and wildflowers are in bloom along the trails — September follows closely as a favorable time too. It’s important to note that summer can be hot and humid, and the trails have limited shade. Conversely, during the off-season months, you’re likely to experience the villages just as the locals do, though rain is typical, with November being the wettest month. Heavy rainfall may lead to trail closures for safety reasons.

Where to Hike in Cinque Terre

Historically, locals navigated the terrain by boat or on foot along the mule paths between the villages. Today, there are 75 miles of trails, but the best known is the 592, referred to as the Sentiero Azzurro (or Blue Path), which spans 7.5 miles between the villages, from Riomaggiore to Monterosso al Mare. A Cinque Terre Card (€7.50 per day) is required to access the trails. Note that as of summer 2022, the Riomaggiore to Manarola (Via dell’Amore) and Manarola to Corniglia sections are closed. You can still hike through vineyards higher up the cliff, from Volastra to Corniglia (part of the terraced vineyards trail) and continue on the 592 from there — the Corniglia-Vernazza and Vernazza-Monterosso sections remain open for exploration.

You can also venture on themed trails that cover churches, clifftop sanctuaries, vineyards, and ancient settlements. It’s important to wear appropriate footwear (hiking boots or sneakers) to access the trails — you will be turned away if wearing flip-flops or sandals. Additionally, these trails are moderate to difficult, with the easiest section being the now-closed Riomaggiore to Manarola trail. While the views are breathtaking, be prepared for narrow paths in places, steep drops, and numerous stairs. Always carry water and sunscreen on your hikes. Explore all the trails here.

Where to Stay in Cinque Terre

The five villages are in close proximity to one another, so there’s no necessity to stay in a different one each night. Choose one as your base and explore the others by train or foot. Note that most accommodations in Cinque Terre are in privately run bed-and-breakfasts or rentals.

Riomaggiore: I Limoni di Thule is located off the main path and boasts a spectacular sea view surrounded by fruit trees and flowers. For an authentic Italian experience while speaking with people who understand your language, consider contacting Californian transplant Amy at Riomaggiore Reservations for a variety of apartment choices.

Manarola: With stylish decor and exceptional customer service, La Torretta Lodge is among Manarola’s finest establishments. Tucked away at the top of the village in a quiet residential area is B&B Da Baranin, a cozy inn run by two sisters dedicated to making your stay unforgettable.

Corniglia: Corte del Gallo is a quaint little B&B, removed from the hustle and bustle of the high season. L’Agave feels like your private villa, as it’s nestled amid narrow alleys and features a private rooftop terrace. If you’d like to stay on the Sentiero Azzurro, try Leo’s Lodge, offering boho-style rooms and modern mini apartments perched on the cliff in Prevo, situated along the trail between Corniglia and Vernazza.

Vernazza: La Malà features bright, breezy rooms that are fresh and modern, with impeccable service. If you are up for a bit of a hike toward Corniglia, consider L’Eremo sul Mare (or the Hermitage Over the Sea). This retreat offers a large terrace with stunning sea views, perfect for escaping the crowds.

Monterosso: In Monterosso, options include Porto Roca, one of the few hotels within the national park that offers both a pool and room service. Perched above the village in one of the most scenic locations is the elegant La Cabana.

Additional reporting by Kiiri Sandy.