Manarola
This village with colorful houses reflected in the water is among the most iconic images of the Cinque Terre, especially at sunset.
The Cinque Terre
Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore: these five colorful villages cling to the steep cliffs of the Ligurian coast, linked by hiking trails offering spectacular views over the Mediterranean. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this coastline ranks among Italy's most iconic.
Why visit the Cinque Terre?
The Cinque Terre bring together five UNESCO World Heritage villages, clinging to the steep cliffs of the Ligurian coast and surrounded by terraced vineyards cultivated for centuries. Linked by coastal hiking trails and a regional train, these villages offer exceptional scenery where sea, mountain and colorful architecture come together.
What to discover in the Cinque Terre?
The five villages that give the region its name - Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore - are strung along a steep coastline, each keeping its own identity: Monterosso with its sandy beach, Vernazza with its picturesque small harbor, Corniglia perched high above the sea, Manarola famous for its colorful houses reflected in the water, and Riomaggiore with its stepped lanes. The Blue Trail, a historic route linking the villages, allows visitors to explore them on foot between terraced vineyards and Mediterranean panoramas.
The vineyards, terraced since the Middle Ages and held by kilometers of dry stone walls, produce the local white wine as well as sciacchetrà, the region's emblematic sweet wine. Cinque Terre National Park, which protects the entire territory, also offers more strenuous trails inland, away from the coastal crowds. A regional train efficiently connects the five villages in just minutes, offering a practical alternative to hiking in case of heat or fatigue.
Cities to visit in Cinque Terre
Featured destinations appear first.
Coming soon.
Cinque Terre in pictures
Must-Sees
The Cinque Terre combine colorful villages, coastal trails and terraced vineyards.
Vernazza
This picturesque small harbor, considered the most authentic of the five villages, is built around a natural cove and a medieval castle.
Blue Trail
This historic hiking route links the five villages on foot, between terraced vineyards, coves and Mediterranean panoramas.
Riomaggiore
This village with colorful stepped lanes, the first of the five coming from La Spezia, offers direct access to the Via dell'Amore.
Corniglia
The only village perched away from the sea, it is reached by a staircase of over three hundred steps or by shuttle from the station.
Terraced Vineyards
Cultivated since the Middle Ages and held by dry stone walls, these vineyards produce sciacchetrà, the region's emblematic sweet wine.
Practical Information
- Region
- Liguria
- Area
- About 39 km² (national park)
- Population
- About 4,000 (five villages)
- Language
- Italian
- Currency
- Euro (€)
- Time zone
- UTC+1 (Central European Time)
- Climate
- Mediterranean, hot dry summers, mild winters
- Best season
- Spring and autumn (April-May, September-October)
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cinque Terre
When is the best time to visit the Cinque Terre?
Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for hiking without the heat and crowds of summer, the busiest season on the trails and in the villages.
How much time should I plan for the Cinque Terre?
Two to three days are enough to discover the five villages and hike part of the Blue Trail, alternating between walking and regional train rides.
Do I need a pass to hike between the villages?
Yes, the Cinque Terre Card, which includes trail access and sometimes the regional train, is required on certain sections and is sold at the park's information points.
How do you get between the villages?
The regional train connects the five villages in just minutes, a practical alternative to the hiking trails, which are longer and sometimes closed due to poor weather conditions.
Can you swim in the Cinque Terre?
Yes, Monterosso has the region's main sandy beach, while the other villages offer small rocky coves accessible from the harbors.
Should I book accommodation in advance?
Yes, since the villages are small and very popular in summer, it's recommended to book several months ahead, especially for a stay in high season.
Plan your trip to Cinque Terre
Day-by-day itinerary, budget, bookings and packing in a single app.
