Cinque Terre vs Amalfi: Why We Prefer Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre Travel Guide, Why We Keep Coming Back

Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore – we’ve been here multiple times and keep coming back. Cinque Terre, or “five earths,” are five coastal fishing villages that line the rocky cliffs and coast of north-western Italy. Each village has its own charm and beauty with quaint stone homes, gardens, and small eateries sitting against a stunning ocean backdrop. These five villages are part of a UNESCO World Heritage zone and are truly unforgettable.

Why Visit Cinque Terre?

We go here every year and it always feels fresh and new. Here’s why it’s worth it:

Scenery – dramatic cliffs, colourful houses, vineyards and turquoise water.
Walkability – you can walk between the villages on scenic cliff paths (11 km, approx. 5 hours each way, bring proper footwear).
Food & Wine – fresh seafood, pesto, focaccia, and local wines.
Swimming – from beaches to rocky ramps, every village has a spot to cool off.
Atmosphere – in summer the villages host small music events and local festivals.
Iconic views – Manarola and Vernazza are the most photographed, but every village is picture-perfect.

Our Favourite Villages
Manarola – Our Top Pick

If we had to choose only one village, it would be Manarola. We always recommend staying here because it has everything:

Swimming off the boat ramp with an incredible view back at the pastel houses.
Amazing cliffside restaurant for sunset drinks and antipasto.
Small wineries like Cantina Burasca, tucked away in the village.
Well maintained streets and walks to viewpoints.
A mix of life, charm, and calm without feeling too overcrowded.
This is where we always come back to — it has character, beauty, and heart.

Monterosso al Mare – Best for Beaches

We also love staying in Monterosso, but always in the old town where there’s more character. This is the only village with a proper sandy beach.

Big public beach plus private beach clubs (striped umbrellas for hire).
Go early in summer – umbrellas sell out before 11am.
Plenty of small hotels, B&Bs, and Airbnbs.
Great place for a full beach day before heading back to explore the other villages.

Vernazza – Picture Perfect

Small beach area near the harbour.
Great spot for photos, especially from the hiking trail leading into town.
Castle ruins and church by the sea.
Corniglia – Quiet and Authentic
The only village not directly on the sea (perched high on the cliffs).
You’ll need to climb 350+ steps from the train station.
Less crowded, quieter, with small cafés and wine bars.
Perfect if you want a slower pace.

Riomaggiore – Colourful and Lively

Swimming spot near the boat ramp.
Sunset views are incredible.
Easy access by train and a lively atmosphere with bars and eateries.

Where to Stay

Stay in the villages if possible – waking up in Cinque Terre before the day-trippers arrive is magical.
Accommodation is limited, so book in advance, especially in summer.
If you can’t find anything, stay in La Spezia and take the train in (10–15 minutes).

Our recommendations:

Stay in Manarola if you want charm, views, and a well-rounded experience.
Stay in Monterosso (Old Town) if you want the best beach access.

Swim, Eat, Walk

Swim in Monterosso for sandy beaches.
Swim in Manarola or Riomaggiore for that authentic boat ramp experience.
Eat at local cliffside restaurants for sunset antipasto.
Wander through markets and local wine bars like Cantina Burasca.
Join in small summer music events advertised around town.
Hike to Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint… oh wait 😉 (just checking if you’re still reading!).

How to Get Here

Reach Cinque Terre by train from La Spezia.
Trains run regularly between the villages, only 10–15 minutes apart.
Ferries also connect the villages in summer for a scenic ride.
Cars are not practical leave them behind and use the train or ferry.

Cinque Terre is not to be missed. It’s one of our favourite places in Italy, and each time we return, we find something new. Whether you love hiking, swimming, food, or just soaking in the views, you’ll never run out of reasons to come back.