Exploring Cinque Terre: A Guide to Italy’s Five Colourful Villages

/ Global Travels, Italy / By

Stretching along the dramatic coastline of the Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre is one of Italy’s most beautiful coastal destinations, famous for its colourful villages, terraced vineyards and breathtaking views across the Ligurian Sea. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscape is made up of five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Each has its own charm, from picturesque harbours and narrow cobbled streets to coastal walking trails, traditional Italian food and spectacular scenery.

Is Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Cinque Terre is well worth including in your Italy itinerary, particularly if you love colourful coastal villages, spectacular scenery and exploring at your own pace. Each of the five villages has its own character, and part of the experience is discovering what makes them different. Whether you’re hiking the coastal trails, travelling between villages by train, enjoying fresh seafood beside the harbour or simply soaking up the views, Cinque Terre offers a wonderful combination of natural beauty, Italian charm and memorable experiences. It’s a destination that deserves more than a quick stop, and one we were more than happy to return to.

Our Experience Exploring Cinque Terre

We’ve been fortunate enough to visit Cinque Terre twice, staying in Riomaggiore on our first visit and Vernazza on our second. Both villages were wonderful places to base ourselves, and even after exploring all five, we still struggle to choose a favourite. During our travels, we walked sections of the famous coastal trails, discovered beautiful viewpoints, enjoyed plenty of Italian food and wine, and even ventured beyond the five villages for a day trip to Levanto. Of course, there were a few unexpected adventures along the way, including some rather exhausting stair climbs! In this guide, we’re sharing our firsthand experiences, favourite discoveries and practical tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Table of Contents

Our Journey from Rome to Cinque Terre

Our journey to Cinque Terre began in Rome, where we boarded a train for the approximately four-hour trip to La Spezia. We opted for second-class tickets, which were comfortable and perfectly suited to the journey. Travelling by train in Italy is a wonderful way to get between destinations, although navigating a busy railway station can sometimes be an adventure in itself!

Arriving at the station, we discovered the information desks were closed, leaving us to work out the platform and where to board. With so much information displayed in Italian, a busy platform and hundreds of passengers trying to board, finding the correct carriage was a little overwhelming. We assumed carriage 8 would be towards the back of the train, but as it turned out, the train was travelling in the opposite direction, making carriage 8 one of the first! Unfortunately, we’d already boarded carriage 1, which meant making our way through eight crowded carriages with our bags, while everyone else was still trying to settle into their seats. Not exactly a relaxing start to the journey!

Our train arrived late into La Spezia, which meant we missed our connecting service to Vernazza. Thankfully, a quick visit to the information desk had everything sorted, and our tickets were reissued without any fuss. Before long, we were back on the train and heading towards the colourful villages we’d been looking forward to exploring.

Arriving in Vernazza

Stepping off the train in Vernazza, we were immediately taken by the village’s charm. Our Airbnb host had provided excellent directions to the apartment, although what those directions hadn’t quite prepared us for was the number of steps we’d need to climb to get there.

By the time we reached the building, we were already puffing, only to discover another three flights of stairs waiting for us inside! With our luggage in tow, it was certainly a memorable introduction to village life.

One thing we quickly learned about Cinque Terre is that travelling light is a very good idea. Many accommodations are tucked into steep hillsides or older buildings without lifts, and what looks like a short walk on a map can involve a surprising amount of climbing. The views are beautiful, but your legs certainly earn them!

Exploring the Five Villages of Cinque Terre

Although the five villages share the same spectacular coastline, each has its own character and reasons to visit. From the beaches of Monterosso to the hilltop setting of Corniglia and the colourful harbours of Vernazza, Manarola and Riomaggiore, there’s plenty to discover beyond those famous postcard views.

We found that travelling between the villages by train made exploring incredibly easy, giving us the freedom to spend as much or as little time in each as we wanted. Some are perfect for wandering through narrow streets and stopping for a coffee, while others invite you to linger by the waterfront or climb a little higher for those unforgettable coastal views.

Vernazza: Colourful Harbour and Village Charm

Vernazza was our home for our second visit to Cinque Terre, and it didn’t take long for us to settle into the rhythm of village life. Colourful buildings surround a small harbour, narrow streets lead down towards the waterfront, and cafés and restaurants spill out into the main square. Despite its popularity with visitors, there’s something lovely about wandering through Vernazza in the early morning or evening, when the day-trippers have started to disappear.

One of the things we enjoyed most was simply spending time around the harbour, watching the boats and people coming and going, or finding somewhere to sit with a drink and take in the surroundings. For a different perspective, you can climb towards Doria Castle or head up the walking trails for those beautiful elevated views of the village. Just be prepared to work for them, because Vernazza certainly doesn’t give away its best viewpoints without a few steps!

Our apartment was ideally located for exploring, although we soon discovered it had no kitchen or microwave, just a kettle. With six days ahead of us, we had to get a little creative with meals. Breakfasts were usually yoghurt and fruit, while bread, tomatoes, cream cheese, prosciutto, gorgonzola and pesto became regular favourites. We even managed to prepare fresh pasta using the kettle, which was when we were particularly grateful we’d brought our own collapsible bowls and utensils!

Would we stay in Vernazza again? Absolutely. It’s a beautiful village to return to after a day of exploring, with plenty of places to eat, a lovely waterfront atmosphere and easy train connections to the other villages. Just remember to check the location of your accommodation carefully, especially if you’re travelling with heavy luggage.

Monterosso al Mare: Beaches, Old Town and Coastal Views

Monterosso al Mare is the largest of the five Cinque Terre villages and has a noticeably different atmosphere from its neighbours. While the other villages are known for their colourful houses tucked into steep hillsides, Monterosso offers a long stretch of beach, a lively waterfront and more room to wander. The village is divided into two areas, the historic old town and the newer Fegina area, connected by a pedestrian tunnel along the coast.

We arrived in Monterosso after hiking the coastal trail from Vernazza, and by the time we reached the village, we were more than ready to sit down, enjoy our packed lunch and have a refreshing drink. After spending the morning climbing steps and navigating narrow paths, the sight of the waterfront was certainly welcome!

One of Monterosso’s biggest attractions is Fegina Beach, with its colourful beach umbrellas, swimming areas and beautiful views across the Ligurian Sea. It’s a popular place to spend a few hours relaxing, particularly during the warmer months. If you’re looking for somewhere in Cinque Terre to enjoy a proper beach day, Monterosso is probably your best option.

Away from the beach, the historic old town is worth exploring, with narrow streets, traditional buildings, small shops and plenty of places to enjoy Italian food. You can also visit the Church of San Giovanni Battista or walk up towards the Capuchin Monastery for views overlooking the coastline.

Monterosso is a great choice for travellers who prefer a beachside atmosphere, particularly those wanting a little more space to explore without constantly climbing steep village streets. It also has a good selection of accommodation, restaurants and easy train connections to the other four villages.

Corniglia: Hilltop Views and a Quieter Village Atmosphere

Corniglia is the only one of the five Cinque Terre villages perched high above the sea, rather than sitting directly along the waterfront. Surrounded by terraced vineyards and overlooking the Ligurian coastline, it offers a slightly quieter atmosphere, with narrow streets, small cafés and beautiful viewpoints that make the climb worthwhile.

We arrived in Corniglia by train from Monterosso, having already completed our morning hike from Vernazza. Our plan was to walk the coastal trail from Corniglia back to Vernazza, making the most of the good weather before the forecast changed. What we hadn’t quite anticipated was the effort required just to get from the train station up to the village!

The famous Lardarina staircase has approximately 380 steps, winding its way up the hillside from the station. And believe me, after already completing one coastal hike, those steps felt never-ending! Some of those steps seemed enormous, and I reckon the climb deserves to be counted as a hike all on its own. Thankfully for those who simply don’t do steps, there is a shuttle bus available so you can save your energy for exploring.

Once you reach the village, Corniglia rewards you with beautiful panoramic views, charming little streets and a more relaxed setting away from the busy waterfronts. The Church of San Pietro is one of its historic landmarks, while the surrounding viewpoints offer wonderful opportunities to admire the coastline and neighbouring villages.

For us, Corniglia was also the starting point of our second hike of the day, and what followed became one of our more memorable Cinque Terre adventures. Let’s just say running low on drinking water halfway along a coastal trail is not something we’d recommend!

Manarola: Colourful Houses, Coastal Views and Italian Charm

Manarola is one of Cinque Terre’s most photographed villages, and it’s easy to understand why. Colourful houses rise above a small rocky harbour, surrounded by steep hillsides, terraced vineyards and the sparkling Ligurian Sea. It’s the kind of place where almost every corner offers another beautiful view, whether you’re wandering through the narrow streets or looking back towards the village from the coastal walkway.

Unlike Monterosso, Manarola doesn’t have a large sandy beach. Instead, its waterfront is built around a rocky harbour, where fishing boats rest along the shoreline and visitors gather to enjoy the scenery. One of the best things to do here is follow the pathway around the headland, where you’ll find that famous postcard view of the colourful buildings stacked above the sea. It’s particularly beautiful in the late afternoon when the changing light brings out the colours of the village.

Beyond the waterfront, Manarola has a long tradition of wine production, with vineyards cultivated on terraces carved into the surrounding hillsides. The region is known for its local white wines and Sciacchetrà, a traditional sweet dessert wine. If you enjoy exploring beyond the main streets, the paths leading towards the vineyards offer another perspective of this remarkable landscape.

For somewhere to sit and enjoy the view, Nessun Dorma is a popular spot overlooking the harbour, known for its antipasti, drinks and spectacular outlook. Alternatively, simply wander through the village, browse the small shops or find a quiet place to enjoy a gelato while taking in the atmosphere.

Manarola is a village worth exploring without rushing. You don’t need a long list of attractions to enjoy it. Much of its appeal comes from the colourful architecture, coastal scenery and the pleasure of spending time in one of Italy’s most beautiful seaside settings.

Riomaggiore: Colourful Streets and Spectacular Sunsets

Riomaggiore is the southernmost of Cinque Terre’s five villages, known for its colourful buildings tumbling down the hillside towards a small rocky harbour. With steep streets, narrow passageways, lively cafés and beautiful coastal views, it’s a wonderful place to wander and discover another side of this remarkable coastline. The village is also a popular starting point for visitors arriving from La Spezia by train.

We stayed in Riomaggiore during our first visit to Cinque Terre, and having since stayed in Vernazza, we often get asked which village we preferred. The truth is, we loved them both and found them surprisingly similar in atmosphere. Both have charming streets, waterfront restaurants and beautiful surroundings, so choosing between them really comes down to personal preference and what you’re looking for during your stay.

One area where Riomaggiore has the edge, in our opinion, is its sunset views. There’s a wonderful viewing area along the cliffs where you can look out across the Ligurian Sea. On our first visit, we climbed what felt like endless steps to reach it, but on our second visit, we discovered a lift that cost just €2. Money very well spent, especially after a long day exploring! It’s a lovely spot to settle in with a takeaway meal or a glass of local wine and watch the changing colours as the sun begins to set. Vernazza also offers spectacular elevated views, but you’ll need to climb the paths above the village to enjoy them. For us, Riomaggiore wins when it comes to sunset views, particularly now that we know about that lift!

Down by the marina, the colourful houses rising above the fishing boats create one of Cinque Terre’s most recognisable scenes. The surrounding streets are filled with small shops, restaurants and places to grab something to eat, including takeaway seafood that’s perfect for enjoying beside the water. There’s also a lift that can help with part of the climb between different levels of the village, although finding it can be a little adventure in itself!

Would we recommend staying in Riomaggiore? Absolutely. Its convenient train connections, lively village atmosphere and beautiful coastal setting make it an excellent base for exploring Cinque Terre. And if watching the sunset over the Mediterranean is high on your list, this would be our pick.

Which Cinque Terre Village Should You Stay In?

Choosing where to stay in Cinque Terre can be surprisingly difficult, especially when each of the five villages offers something a little different. The good news is that all five are connected by train, making it easy to explore the entire coastline regardless of where you base yourself.

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide which village might suit your travel style.

  • Monterosso al Mare: Best for beach lovers, families and travellers who prefer a larger village with more accommodation options, restaurants and easier access to the waterfront.
  • Vernazza: Best for those who enjoy a picturesque harbour, traditional village atmosphere and relaxing evenings beside the water.
  • Corniglia: Best for travellers looking for a quieter setting, elevated coastal views and somewhere away from the busiest waterfront areas. Be prepared for steps!
  • Manarola: Best for photographers, couples and anyone drawn to colourful coastal scenery, romantic viewpoints and beautiful sunsets.
  • Riomaggiore: Best for travellers who enjoy a lively village atmosphere, waterfront dining, beautiful sunset views and convenient train connections.

Our Choice: Vernazza or Riomaggiore?

Having stayed in both villages, we genuinely couldn’t choose one over the other. We found them remarkably similar in atmosphere, and both made excellent bases for exploring Cinque Terre. Riomaggiore would get our vote for sunset views, while Vernazza has a beautiful harbour and a lovely atmosphere, particularly in the evenings when the day visitors begin to leave.

For our second visit, however, the decision came down to budget. We were travelling for nine months, so keeping accommodation costs manageable was an important part of our planning. Vernazza offered us the better accommodation deal at the time, making it the obvious choice. And we certainly weren’t disappointed!

Our advice is to compare accommodation across all five villages before deciding. Prices can vary considerably depending on the season, location and availability, and sometimes the best choice simply comes down to finding somewhere comfortable that fits your budget.

Beyond the Five Villages: Levanto and La Spezia

While the five villages are the main attraction, Levanto and La Spezia are two nearby destinations worth knowing about when planning a visit to Cinque Terre. Both offer convenient train connections, additional accommodation choices and an alternative to staying within the national park.

Levanto: A Relaxed Coastal Escape

Located just north of Monterosso al Mare, Levanto is an easy day trip from Cinque Terre, offering a more spacious town centre, a long beach and a relaxed seaside atmosphere. With cafés, restaurants, local shops and a pleasant waterfront, it’s a lovely place to explore beyond the busier villages.

We took the train to Levanto during our stay, adding another coastal destination to our travels. The town is also known for its coastal walking and cycling route connecting Levanto with Bonassola and Framura, which follows a former railway line through tunnels with glimpses of the Ligurian coastline.

For travellers looking for alternative accommodation, Levanto is worth considering. Its proximity to Monterosso makes it a convenient base for exploring the five villages while enjoying the atmosphere of a larger seaside town.

La Spezia: A Convenient Gateway to Cinque Terre

La Spezia is one of the main gateways to Cinque Terre, with frequent regional trains connecting the city to all five villages. It’s a popular option for travellers arriving from other parts of Italy and those looking for accommodation outside the national park.

We passed through La Spezia on our journey from Rome, changing trains before continuing to Vernazza. We also considered staying here, as we’d found accommodation options that were more affordable than some of those within Cinque Terre. However, after comparing prices and locations, we eventually found a suitable apartment in Vernazza that worked within our budget.

For travellers planning to explore Cinque Terre over several days, La Spezia can be a practical and potentially more affordable base. It has a wider range of accommodation, shops and restaurants, although you’ll need to factor in the cost and time of travelling to the villages each day.

If you’re travelling on a budget, we’d recommend comparing accommodation in all five villages, Levanto and La Spezia before making your decision. Sometimes staying outside Cinque Terre can save money, but finding the right deal within one of the villages means you can enjoy those quieter mornings and evenings without needing to catch another train.

Hiking Cinque Terre: Exploring the Coastal Trails

Hiking between the villages is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Cinque Terre, offering spectacular views of the Ligurian coastline, terraced vineyards and colourful villages tucked into the hillsides. The famous Sentiero Azzurro, or Blue Trail, connects the five villages through a network of coastal paths, although some sections can close due to landslides, weather conditions or maintenance.

During our visit in May 2024, sections of the trail between Riomaggiore and Corniglia were closed, so we focused on the two walks that were accessible. We started with Vernazza to Monterosso al Mare, then caught the train to Corniglia and walked back to Vernazza. Completing both hikes in one day was certainly an achievement, particularly with the steep climbs, uneven steps and warm weather!

One thing we discovered was that the direction you choose to walk can make a difference. We preferred starting in Vernazza and heading towards Monterosso, as the climb out of Vernazza felt more gradual, while the steeper section approaching Monterosso was downhill. The Corniglia to Vernazza trail brought its own challenges, including the long climb from Corniglia’s train station and a rather memorable experience when we nearly ran out of drinking water.

These trails are beautiful, but they shouldn’t be underestimated. Good walking shoes, plenty of water, snacks and a reasonable level of fitness will make the experience much more enjoyable. You’ll also need to check which paths are open and whether a Cinque Terre Trekking Card is required before setting out.

Good to know: Many of Cinque Terre’s hiking trails are free to access throughout the year, but the popular coastal sections between Monterosso, Vernazza and Corniglia require a Cinque Terre Trekking Card during the charging season. Outside this period, these trails are generally free to walk. Charges, dates and trail conditions can change, so check the official Cinque Terre National Park website before your visit.

Planning to Hike Cinque Terre?

Walking these coastal trails was one of the highlights of our visit, and we learned plenty along the way! For a closer look at our hiking experiences, trail directions, difficulty levels, what to pack and practical advice, read our dedicated guide to Hiking Cinque Terre.

Food and Wine in Cinque Terre: A Taste of Liguria

Food is a wonderful part of exploring Cinque Terre, with traditional Ligurian dishes, freshly caught seafood, local wines and plenty of little cafés and restaurants tucked into the colourful villages. Whether you’re sitting beside a harbour, enjoying a meal overlooking the sea or picking up something simple from a local shop, there’s no shortage of delicious Italian food to discover.

What to Eat and Drink in Cinque Terre

There are a few regional specialities worth looking out for during your visit:

  • Pesto alla Genovese: One of Liguria’s most famous creations, made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, cheese and olive oil. Often served with trofie, a traditional twisted pasta.
  • Focaccia: A delicious Italian flatbread, usually topped with olive oil and salt, although you’ll find plenty of variations. Perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
  • Fresh seafood: Look out for locally prepared anchovies, calamari, mussels and other seafood dishes, particularly around the harbour restaurants.
  • Local white wines: Produced from grapes grown on the steep terraced vineyards surrounding the villages.
  • Sciacchetrà: A traditional sweet dessert wine from Cinque Terre, often enjoyed with desserts or local biscuits.
  • Gelato and tiramisu: Two Italian treats worth making room for, especially after a day of walking and exploring!

Our Food Experiences in Cinque Terre

During our stay in Vernazza, we discovered that eating well doesn’t always mean dining out for every meal. With only a kettle in our apartment, we became quite creative with supermarket purchases, enjoying fresh tomatoes, prosciutto, gorgonzola, pesto and bread. We even managed to prepare fresh pasta using hot water from the kettle! It certainly helped stretch our budget during our nine months of travelling.

We also enjoyed exploring the local restaurants, often choosing somewhere based on the views, the menu and how many steps we’d have to climb to get there! After a long day exploring the villages or hiking the coastal trails, sometimes a simple meal with a glass of Italian wine was exactly what we needed.

Our tip: Don’t feel you need to book an expensive waterfront restaurant for every meal. Explore the smaller streets, browse local food shops and compare menus. Some of the most enjoyable meals in Italy are the simple ones, especially when paired with a beautiful view and nowhere else you need to be.

More Things to Do in Cinque Terre

While wandering through the five colourful villages and hiking the coastal trails are among the main attractions, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy Cinque Terre. Whether you prefer spending time on the water, relaxing at the beach or discovering the region’s food and wine, there’s something to suit different interests and travel styles.

Experiences Worth Considering

  • Take a boat tour: See Cinque Terre from a completely different perspective as you cruise along the Ligurian coastline. The colourful villages look spectacular from the water, and some tours include swimming stops or sunset cruises.
  • Spend time at the beach: Monterosso has the largest sandy beach in Cinque Terre, making it a popular choice for swimming and relaxing. The other villages offer smaller rocky swimming areas and harbours.
  • Enjoy a local wine tasting: Discover the region’s winemaking traditions and sample wines produced from grapes grown on the steep terraced hillsides.
  • Explore the villages by ferry: During the operating season and when sea conditions allow, passenger boats connect several of the villages, offering a scenic alternative to travelling by train. Corniglia doesn’t have a ferry stop.
  • Join a pesto-making or cooking class: Learn how to prepare traditional Ligurian dishes, particularly the region’s famous basil pesto, and take a little taste of Italy home with you.
  • Watch the sunset: Find a coastal viewpoint, settle in with something to eat or drink and enjoy the changing colours over the Ligurian Sea. Riomaggiore was our favourite village for this.

Discover Cinque Terre from the Water

One experience worth considering is seeing the five villages from the sea. Boat tours offer a different view of the colourful houses, dramatic cliffs and terraced hillsides, with options ranging from short coastal cruises to longer excursions.

If you’re looking for something a little different during your visit, take a look at the Boat tours and coastal experiences available in Cinque Terre. It’s a wonderful way to appreciate the landscape without another long climb!

Practical Tips for Visiting Cinque Terre

A little preparation can make a big difference when visiting Cinque Terre, particularly if you’re planning to explore several villages, walk the coastal trails or stay for more than a day. While the villages are relatively close together, the steep streets, busy trains and changing weather can sometimes catch visitors by surprise.

Best Time to Visit Cinque Terre

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are generally lovely times to explore Cinque Terre, with milder temperatures that are more comfortable for sightseeing and hiking.

  • Spring: Pleasant walking temperatures, green hillsides and beautiful coastal scenery. Some days can still be wet.
  • Summer: Long, warm days ideal for swimming and beach activities, but expect higher temperatures, larger crowds and more expensive accommodation.
  • Autumn: Often a good time for walking, with fewer visitors than the height of summer, although rainfall becomes more likely.
  • Winter: A quieter experience with fewer tourists, but some restaurants, accommodation and seasonal services may be closed.

We visited in May 2024 on our second trip, and although we enjoyed some beautiful weather, the forecast wasn’t always favourable. In fact, we changed our hiking plans and completed both coastal walks in one day rather than risk missing out because of approaching bad weather.

Our Tips for a More Enjoyable Visit

  • Book accommodation early: Cinque Terre is popular, particularly during the warmer months. Compare prices across all five villages, Levanto and La Spezia.
  • Pack light: Steep streets, narrow staircases and accommodation without lifts are common. You’ll appreciate having less luggage to carry.
  • Wear comfortable shoes: Even if you’re not hiking, exploring the villages involves plenty of walking, steps and uneven surfaces.
  • Start exploring early: Popular viewpoints and village streets can become crowded as day-trippers arrive.
  • Carry water and snacks: Particularly if you’re planning longer walks or spending the day moving between villages.
  • Check trail conditions: Some walking paths may close because of weather, landslides or maintenance. Paid access requirements also vary seasonally.
  • Allow time to explore: Rather than rushing through all five villages in one day, consider staying a few nights if your itinerary allows.
  • Keep an eye on your budget: Supermarkets, bakeries and takeaway food can help reduce costs, particularly during a longer stay.
  • Stock up on groceries outside Cinque Terre: If you’re staying in an Airbnb or self-catering accommodation for several nights, we recommend doing your main grocery shopping in La Spezia or Levanto. The small grocery stores within the five villages tend to be more expensive, have a limited selection of products and often operate shorter opening hours. Buying your essentials before arriving can save both time and money, particularly if you’re travelling on a budget.

Getting to and Around Cinque Terre

Travelling by train is one of the easiest ways to explore Cinque Terre, with regional services connecting all five villages as well as La Spezia and Levanto. We found the trains convenient for moving between villages, particularly when combining sightseeing with our coastal hikes.

The Cinque Terre Treno MS Card is worth considering if you’re planning several train journeys, as it includes unlimited eligible regional train travel within the designated area and access to certain hiking trails. Whether it offers good value depends on how often you intend to travel.

For more information about arriving from other parts of Italy, train connections, ferry services and choosing the right travel card, see our dedicated transport guide.

Thinking about exploring more of Cinque Terre? Our Getting to and Around Cinque Terre guide explains the local trains, hiking passes and transport options to help you plan your adventures along this beautiful coastline.

Driving in Cinque Terre

Driving into the five villages of Cinque Terre is heavily restricted, with most historic village centres closed to visitor vehicles. You’ll mainly see delivery and service vans, along with the occasional authorised local vehicle, navigating the narrow streets.

If you’re travelling by car, La Spezia and Monterosso are two places to consider for parking, although parking is limited and can be expensive, particularly during the busy season. Monterosso has designated visitor parking areas outside its historic centre, while La Spezia offers parking options near the railway station.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is one of those destinations that leaves a lasting impression, not just because of its colourful villages and spectacular coastline, but because of the experiences you have along the way. From wandering through narrow streets and enjoying Italian food beside the harbour to discovering beautiful viewpoints and tackling the coastal walking trails, there’s something special about spending time in this part of Italy.

Having visited twice, we can certainly understand why travellers fall in love with Cinque Terre. Staying in two different villages gave us the opportunity to experience everyday life beyond the busy sightseeing hours, while exploring all five reminded us that each has something worth discovering. There were plenty of steps, a few unexpected challenges and some wonderful memories made along the way.

Our advice is to give Cinque Terre more than a quick day trip if your itinerary allows. Take your time, explore beyond the main viewpoints and enjoy those quieter moments when the crowds begin to disappear. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure, this beautiful stretch of the Italian Riviera is well worth including in your travels.

“The best journeys aren’t measured by how far you travel, but by the moments that make you stop, look around and appreciate where you are.”

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your “Tohu” guide you “Trust the Journey” and follow what feels right for you.

  • ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
  • 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
  • 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
  • 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
  • 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
  • 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
  • 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
  • 💳 Travel Money – Send, spend and manage money internationally with Wise, with easy currency conversion and a handy option for travellers.
  • 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide, perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
  • 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
  • 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass for UK or US
  • 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.