If you have a sweet spot for dreamy European escapes, I bet the five pastel-perfect Italian villages of Cinque Terre (english translation: five lands) are on your jet-setter priority list. When Daniel and I are based in Italy, we wander into these villages in the late afternoon (post-pasta nap, of course) for a casual procession of Spritzes paired with the amber sunset casting her glow on this real-life postcard destination. Yes, it’s magic, especially when traveled like a modern jetsetter. Here is the full guide to planning your own Cinque Terre adventure:
What are the Names of the 5 Cinque Terre Villages
Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Each enchanting village is unique in its magic, breathtaking views and coastal Mediterranean culture.
Where is Cinque Terre?
Cinque Terre is located in the heart of Italy’s Ligurian coast (AKA The Italian Riviera) between Levanto (to the north) and La Spezia (to the south).
Romantic Facts about Cinque Terre
- Cinque Terre is considered to be one of Italy’s national parks and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997.
- The villages were a main point of defense against the Turks in the 16th century, ruins of old defense towers still visible today.
- Cinque Terre is still an agricultural hotspot for vineyards, olive groves and a long haunt for fisherman (try Ligurian seafood ASAP).
- There are architectural echoes of Roman settlement dating back to as early as the 11th century.
- The region is lesser known as the ”Golfo Dei Poeti”, as the vibrant coastal beauty inspired poets Byron, Shelley and Dante.
How to Get to Cinque Terre
PLANE // If you are flying into Italy and Cinque Terre is your main destination, I recommend flying into either the Pisa or Genoa airports. Both are less than two hours to Cinque Terre and the neighboring towns by train or car.
TRAIN // If you need to reach Cinque Terre by train from the airport, a neighboring town, another destination in Italy or Europe, you can book a ticket to the coastal towns Levanto or La Spezia. From those train stations, you can connect to a local Cinque Terre train which stops at each of Cinque Terre’s five villages.
FERRY // You can take a ferry to and from each village in Cinque Terre from the towns Levanto and La Spezia.
CAR // Yes, each of the five villages in Cinque Terre can be easily reached by driving through La Spezia and up to the cliffy Mediterranean coastline that takes you along the famed cliffside road. I’ve done Cinque Terre by car twice and it’s my forever preferred way of experiencing Italy (not terrifying and you’ll feel like a jetsetter badass). Some villages will require a 10-minute walk both up and down from the parking spaces (extra pasta calories for later). The luxury of being able to come, go and enjoy Cinque Terre on your on terms…priceless.
FOOT // If you’re already staying in a neighboring town Levanto, you can reach to Cinque Terre by foot. Hiking of this nature is not my forte (NYC ruined me), but my friends at Walks of Italy have more insider tips for this bucket list experience.
When to Visit Cinque Terre
The best time to visit Cinque Terre is in late spring or early fall (April, May, September or October) to avoid peak summer crowds (a serious threat to the preservation of Italy, especially her small towns). This timeframe allows visitors to reap the joys of open restaurants/shops and that famed Mediterranean sunshine.
You can visit Cinque Terre during winter, but it can be cold, windy and isn’t friendly for those who want options (a few restaurants remain open, but most shops are closed for the season). Rain and consequential mudslides are also a risk during late fall and winter months.
Where to Stay in Cinque Terre
For an authentic Italian experience, the official modern jetsetter recommendation is to find accommodation outside the the villages of Cinque Terre. Unless I’m working with a hotel or brand locally, I usually opt for an apartment rental (I love having a kitchen in Italy), agriturismo (Italian B&B farm stay) or boutique hotel.
Neighboring towns to consider for accommodation with access Cinque Terre (CT):
- Portovenere (coastal + ferry/car access). I have a Portovenere travel guide which will convince you with the first picture.
- Levanto (coastal + ferry/train/car/hike access)
- Santo Stefano di Magra (rustic countryside + train/car access)
- La Spezia (coastal + tourist friendly hub + ferry/train/car access). Peruse through my La Spezia travel guide for more details.
Where to Eat in Cinque Terre (By Village)
MONTEROSSA AL MARE // La Cantina di Miky is a divine culinary spot which offers traditional Ligurian pasta dishes plus Mediterranean views made for people watching (feat a pre-noon cappuccino, certo).
VERNAZZA // Reaching the Gianni Franzi Trattoria is a quintessentially Cinque Terre experience: you must climb, and it’s worth it. A culinary celebration of Ligurian seafood culture, the trattoria is a bold nod to the cliffy seaside world around it.
CORNIGLIA / You can sift through my full Corniglia guide for all restaurant, coffee, shopping and gelato recommendations.
MANAROLA / The most special of all the villages, in my heart’s firm opinion. Whether it’s time for cappuccino or an Aperol Spritz, there is definitively no better culinary spot in Manarola (or view) than Nessun Dorma.
RIOMAGGIORE / Dau Cila is a delicious, romantically placed restaurant perched above the village of Riomaggiore. Delectable food, and awe-inspiring views. For a coffee in the village, head to Vertical Bar (Via Colombo, 76).
What To Do & See in Cinque Terre
Besides that standard sunshine-pasta-gelato-photos-repeat program, here are a few rituals for the well-cultivated Cinque Terre itinerary:
- Take a local Ligurian cooking class or pesto-making workshop
- Marvel at the many architecturally wondrous churches in each village
- Wander through the cliffside vineyards of Corniglia or Manrola
- Jump of the rocks into the Mediterranean sea (as the locals do during warm weather, when the water is calm)
- Fit in one walk between villages; it’s true those views are unparalleled, especially for photographers
- Indulge in an Aperol Spritz in Manarola at Nessun
- Walk through what remains of Monterosso castle
And as I always say to jet-setter readers: allow the travel experience to form itself. My guides are a solid starting point, but Italy isn’t a place meant to be explored strictly; it’s a place which ignites every romantic to dream. Allow your travel melody to form on its own inspired accord.
What to Pack for Cinque Terre
Keep an eye on my Italy packing list; I update it each spring.
How Many Days to Stay in Cinque Terre
I recommend seven days to tour all the villages fully and leisurely. This also gives time to explore the surrounding coastal areas (and a few extra spritzes).
In a rush or have another destination to visit? You can get through all five villages in 2-3 days.
