Your guide to the best of Italy’s Cinque Terre

Where is Cinque Terre? How do you get there?

Cinque Terre, which translates to 'Five Lands', lies on Italy's northwestern Ligurian coast. The villages are carved into steep hillsides that drop dramatically into the Mediterranean, creating a spectacular landscape of pastel houses, terraced vineyards and sparkling sea views.

The region is accessible by train, car or boat, although cars are best avoided once you arrive. Most visitors travel via La Spezia to the south or Levanto to the north, connecting by regional train to each of the villages. Florence, Pisa, Genoa and Milan are all within a few hours by rail, making the Cinque Terre an easy addition to an Italian holiday itinerary.

In summer, ferries run along the coast, giving travellers the chance to approach the towns from the water for one of the most breathtaking perspectives of the Ligurian Riviera.

More RACV travel guides for your next adventure

Ultimate guide to Japan
Ultimate guide to Hawaii
Ultimate guide to Scotland
Ultimate guide to Rome, Italy
Ultimate guide to Queenstown, New Zealand

What are the five Cinque Terre villages?

Each of Cinque Terre's five villages has its own character, charm and history. Together, they offer a diverse tapestry of experiences.

Monterosso al Mare: best beaches in Cinque Terre

The largest and flattest of the five Cinque Terre towns, Monterosso al Mare offers wide promenades, lidos with striped umbrellas and plenty of space to swim. The village is best known for its long, sandy beach named Spiaggia di Fegina and Spiaggia di Stazione, separated by a bathing establishment in the middle. See if you can spot The Giant (Il Gigante) at the end of Fegina Beach: a colossal statue of the god Neptune.

The town is split into two sections: the old town with its medieval charm and winding lanes, and the newer part lined with beachside cafés and gelaterias. The stately Aurora Tower (Torre Aurora) serves as the midpoint between old and new: fitting, since the defensive tower built around 1000 CE to ward off pirate raids is today partly renovated into a classy restaurant and cocktail bar.

Step into history by visiting the Church of San Franceso (Chiesa di San Francesco) and Cappuchin Convent (Convento dei Cappuccini). This 17th-century religious complex near the Aurora Tower welcomes visitors to admire its precious paintings and magnificent views over the Cinque Terre coastline.

Monterosso is also home to the Church of San Giovanni Battista (Chiesa San Giovanni Battista), one of Cinque Terre's oldest churches. It's a striking building, with stripes of white marble and dark green serpentine, a large rose window and an 18th-century fresco of Saint John the Baptist over the entrance.

Finally, don't miss the Black Brotherhood Oratory of Death and Prayer (Oratorio della Confraternita dei Neri Mortis et Orationis) in Monterosso al Mare's main square. This charitable brotherhood most prominently buried poorer citizens who were unable to pay for their own burial. Visit the 17th-century Baroque oratory to see its facade of black and white stripes, with a skull and crossbones inscribed over the entrance. Inside, decorative skulls and skeletons remind visitors of the impermanence of life.

For food lovers, Monterosso is famous for anchovies, often served simply with olive oil, lemon and herbs. Pair them with a glass of crisp local white wine for an authentic taste of Liguria.

Read more: Book early to see the best of Europe

Vernazza: Cinque Terre's most picturesque harbour

Possibly the most photographed of the five Cinque Terre villages, Vernazza is a jewel of pastel houses clustered around a natural harbour. Its lively piazza fronts the harbour where fishing boats bob on the water: ideal for sipping a spritz at sunset.

The ruins of Doria Castle (Castello Doria) tower above Vernazza, a medieval reminder of the town's defensive past. Built around 1000 CE, you can reach its surviving circular tower by climbing the steep and narrow staircase from the harbour.

The Church of Saint Margaret (Chiesa di Santa Margherita d'Antiochia) sits right on the water's edge, its stone bell tower reflected in the Ligurian Sea. Dedicated to Vernazza's patron saint, this pretty church features a blend of Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque designs.

This is a village to wander slowly, climbing up narrow alleys that open to panoramic viewpoints. Vernazza is also a popular starting or finishing point for hiking sections of the coastal Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail). You can go for a dip on the small, rocky beach below the main church.

Corniglia: a quiet hilltop with stunning views

The only village not directly on the sea, Corniglia sits atop a cliff a hundred metres above the water. Once an ancient Roman hamlet, you'll need to climb the Lardarina, a zigzag staircase with 377 steps, to reach Corniglia from the seaside.

Corniglia has a quieter, more rustic atmosphere than its neighbours. Its narrow lanes lead to terraced fields of grapes, lemons and olives, while its main square Largo Taragio is lined with cosy wine bars and trattorias. Head to Saint Catherine's Disciplined Oratory (Oratorio dei Disciplinati di Santa Caterina) on the square: its facade may be faded, but inside it boasts frescoed ceilings of Saint Catherine of Alessandria. At its rear, there's a lovely terrace overlooking the sea.

Visit St Peter's Church (Chiesa San Pietro) near Corniglia's entrance for a small but lovely 14th-century Gothic church with a white marble rose window. It hosts the Madonna del Rosario, a celebrated oil painting by the Corniglia painter Prospero Luxardi, consisting of eighteen panels depicting the Mysteries of the Rosary and the Judgment.

Keen for more lookouts? Follow Via Fieschi through Corniglia until you reach the clifftop balcony named Belvedere di Santa Maria for 180-degree sea views. There's also La Torre, overlooking the coastline towards Manarola, accessed via a stairway from the main square.

For a refreshing swim, head to Spaggione (a large beach not far from the railway station) or Marina di Corniglia (accessible by a staircase from Largo Taragio).

Because of its elevation, Corniglia offers some of the most spectacular sunsets in Cinque Terre. It is also the least crowded, making it a favourite for those seeking a slower pace.

Manarola: the most romantic village in Cinque Terre

Manarola is perhaps the most romantic of the villages, with houses that seem to cascade down the cliff to the harbour below. At dusk, the pastel buildings glow golden in the fading light, a view often featured on travel posters and postcards.

After you visit the waterfront, walk up the Via Discovolo to the Pope Innocent IV Square (Piazzale Papa Innocenzo IV). Here you'll find an old bell tower once used as a defensive lookout. Opposite is the Church of San Lorenzo (Chiesa di San Lorenzo), a small Gothic stone church built in 1338 for Manarola's patron saint San Lorenzo, who is celebrated each year on 10 August. Look for its marble rose window and several lovely triptych paintings inside.

Manarola is known for its vineyards, producing a sweet wine called Sciacchetrà that has been made here for centuries. Walking paths lead through the terraced hillsides, where vines are cultivated on steep slopes using ancient techniques. For a great viewpoint just above the village, look for Punta Bonfiglio nearby the ruins of an old chapel.

Manarola is also the starting point of the famous Via dell'Amore (Path of Love), a cliffside walkway to Riomaggiore.

Riomaggiore: colourful houses and lively atmosphere

The southernmost village, Riomaggiore, is known for its dramatic gorge, with colourful houses stacked on steep slopes and a lively buzz. Fishing boats line the narrow harbour, while restaurants and wine bars spill onto the main street, Via Colombo.

After a swim? Head to Spiaggia della Fossola (Fossola Beach) via the short trail off the harbour: it may be small and pebbly, but it's very photogenic and often secluded in off-peak seasons.

Once you're refreshed, head uphill and visit Riomaggiore Castle (Castello di Riomaggiore, also called Castellazzo di Cerricò) for breathtaking sea views. Though the 1260 CE-built defensive castle was mostly reduced to ruins over time, it was recently renovated and often hosts a variety of cultura activities.

Next, visit the Church of St. John the Baptist (Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista) in Riomaggiore's upper quarters. Founded in 1340, it got a neo-Gothic facelift in 1870 but retains some original elements, like the white marble rose window. Pop inside to see preserved works of religious art and a mechanical organ from 1851.

You can also visit two interesting oratories in Riomaggiore. The Oratory of San Rocco (Oratorio di San Rocco) was built as thanks for the end of a severe plague. Look for the stone architrave where the figures of the two Saints are carved in small relief: San Rocco with the signs of plague and San Sebastian pierced.

Meanwhile, the Oratory of Santa Maria Assunta (Oratorio di Santa Maria Assunta) hosts a wooden statue of Madonna delle Catene (Madonna of the Chains) standing over chains representing the kidnapping and enslavement of Cinque Terre inhabitants by raiding pirates.

At night, Riomaggiore has the liveliest nightlife of the five, making it a popular choice for younger travellers and those who enjoy a social atmosphere. Riomaggiore also serves as an excellent base for exploring the La Spezia region, offering easy train connections and boat departures.

Read more: The best European river cruises

What are the best hikes in the Cinque Terre?

Hiking is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Cinque Terre. The villages are linked by a network of trails that pass through vineyards, olive groves and chestnut forests, offering breathtaking views at every turn.

The most famous route is the Sentiero Azzurro, a 12-kilometre trail connecting all five villages along the coast. You can walk in either direction: starting from Riomaggiore offers an easier, more downhill walk, while starting from Monterosso al Mare offers lovelier views of the villages upon approach.

• Monterosso - Vernazza - 3.6km, 2 hour walk beginning with a long staircase.
• Vernazza - Corniglia - 3.5km, 1.5 hour walk with a break halfway at Prevo for a lemon granita.
• Corniglia - Manarola - 2.2km, 1.5 hour walk through ancient grape- and olive-growing terraces.
• Manarola - Riomaggiore (Via dell'Amore) - 1km, 30 minute walk winding along the coast.

More adventurous hikers can head inland to the high trails, which pass through sanctuaries, forests and panoramic ridges. These routes are less crowded and provide a different perspective on the villages and coastline.

A Cinque Terre Card is required to access some sections, notably between Corniglia and Monterosso, with proceeds going towards trail maintenance and conservation. Always check the latest conditions, as weather and erosion can cause temporary closures.

Prefer a guided tour? RACV Members save on tours to Cinque Terre.

Where are the best places to eat and drink in Cinque Terre?

Liguria is a region celebrated for its cuisine, and the Cinque Terre offers a feast of flavours. Dining often involves long, leisurely meals with views over the sea, embodying the Italian art of slowing down.

Try pesto alla genovese, made with pesto originating in Liguria and full of local basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan and olive oil. It's typically served with trofie pasta or spread on focaccia.

Speaking of focaccia, the Ligurian version of this flatbread is soft, golden and often topped with rosemary, olives or cheese.

From anchovies in Monterosso to mussels and octopus, the Cinque Terre villages are defined by their connection to the sea. Sampling seafood here is a must.

Pair these dishes with crisp local whites, such as Vermentino or Cinque Terre DOC, grown on the terraced vineyards above the villages. For dessert, try Sciacchetrà: an amber-coloured dessert wine unique to the Cinque Terre, made from dried grapes and with a honeyed, aromatic flavour.

Where do you stay in Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre accommodation ranges from boutique guesthouses in centuries-old buildings to seaside apartments and small family-run hotels. Each village has its own accommodation style:

• Monterosso al Mare - best for beachside hotels and family-friendly stays.
• Vernazza - charming guesthouses with postcard views.
• Corniglia - small, rustic apartments and bed-and-breakfasts for a quieter escape.
• Manarola - romantic cliffside rooms perfect for couples.
• Riomaggiore - a mix of budget hostels, mid-range hotels and lively apartments.

Because space is limited, it's wise to book well in advance, especially in summer. For more options, consider staying in nearby towns like Levanto or La Spezia and making day trips by train.

When is the best time to visit Cinque Terre?

The Cinque Terre can be visited year-round, but each season offers a different experience.

• Spring (April–June) - wildflowers bloom along the trails, temperatures are pleasant for hiking, and the villages are lively without being overcrowded.
• Summer (July–August) - the busiest season, when the beaches are full and ferries operate frequently. Expect crowds but also a vibrant holiday atmosphere.
• Autumn (September–October) - harvest season in the vineyards, with mild weather and fewer visitors. An ideal time for food and wine lovers.
• Winter (November–March) - quiet, with many restaurants and hotels closed, but peaceful for those seeking solitude. The landscape retains its beauty even in the cooler months.

What are the best day trips from Cinque Terre?

While the Cinque Terre is captivating, nearby destinations are also worth exploring.

• Portovenere - a picturesque harbour town south of La Spezia, often called the sixth village of Cinque Terre.
• Levanto - a laid-back seaside town with a long beach, perfect for surfing or escaping the crowds.
• Genoa - a historic port city with palaces, museums and an atmospheric old town.
• Portofino - a glamorous fishing village known for luxury yachts and pastel harbourfront houses.
• Tuscany - the rolling hills of Tuscany are only a few hours away, making it possible to combine coast and countryside in one trip.