Cinque Terre Italy

The five villages of Cinque Terre receive between 2.5 and 3 million visitors per year and the most famous section of the Sentiero Azzurro coastal path between Manarola and Riomaggiore has been closed for repairs for extended periods in recent years. The combination of overtourism and infrastructure maintenance means that the famous path between the villages you’ve seen in every photograph may or may not be open when you arrive. Check the Cinque Terre National Park website before planning around any specific trail section.

The Villages

Vernazza has the best natural harbour and the most photographed view: coloured houses above the small marina with a medieval watchtower. Arrive by train at 7am before the day-trippers descend from La Spezia.

Manarola is famous for its viewpoint at Punta Bonfiglio looking back at the village against the hillside at sunset. The view is real; the crowd who has the same idea is also real. Get there at golden hour and stay longer than the Instagram stop-and-go routine demands.

Corniglia is the only village not on the water; it sits 100 metres above the sea on a promontory. Fewer visitors, no harbour, the best views of the coastline, quieter restaurants.

Monterosso al Mare is the largest and most resort-like, with a sandy beach and easier access. A reasonable base but less characterful than the southern villages.

Riomaggiore is the southernmost village. Worth seeing; also where the cruise-ship day-trippers arrive first, which is a timing consideration.

Getting Around

The regional train between La Spezia and Levanto stops at all five villages; a Cinque Terre Card covers unlimited train travel within the park and trail access. Ferries between villages run in summer and give the perspective on the cliffs that the villages themselves don’t.

Food

Trofie al pesto (twisted pasta with Genovese basil sauce and pine nuts) is the definitive dish and is better here in Liguria than anywhere else. Anchovies from the local catch, eaten fresh or cured in salt. Sciacchetrà, the local sweet passito wine made from dried grapes on these terraces, is produced in very small quantities and worth seeking.

Practical Notes

May, June, and September are better than July and August for crowds. Book accommodation months ahead for summer; the villages have limited beds. Avoid the Christmas-New Year period for trail walking; several sections close in winter.