Cinque Terre, Amalfi’s Charm, Made Easier
Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore
We’ve been here multiple times and keep coming back here’s why. Cinque Terre or 5 earths are 5 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 the stunning ocean backdrop. These five viliages, Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are part of a UNESCO world heritage zone.
You can walk between each village but you need appropriate footwear it is an 11 kilometre walk can take approximately 5 hours each way. The most photographed of the 5 would be Manarola and Vernazza where most of the imagery you see online has been taken. Each village is spectacular although my favourites are Manarola and Monterosso al Mare.
Where To Stay
I would strongly recommend staying in one of these villages for the full experience, however accommodation in can be limited BOOK IN ADVANCE during peak season. It’s such an incredible experience to wake up like a local staying on one of the villages before the crowds arrive. Failing being able to find somewhere, you can always book at the larger town of La Spezia and travel by train to each village in the day. We’ve always stayed in the villages, and I’d recommend for Monterosso stay in the old town. You can find small hotels, bed and breakfast places or Air BnB options in each of these villages.
Swim Eat Walk
You can swim off any of the local coastlines that edge these villages, they are open to the public. Manarola and Riomaggiore have a small swimming area off the local boat ramp. Manarola has an epic view back from the water. If you are after a beach my selection would definately be Monterossi, Vernazza also has a small beach area. At Manarola youswim off the boat ramp for a real authentic European experience. Monterosso has a public beach near the old town right at the very end or go to hire a striped umbrella in the main strip. My advice is to go early because in peak season these book out around mid-morning.
Each village have stunning local cafes and restaurants and many scenic walks throughout village to local viewing points. There is a restaurant up on the cliff top at Manarola that offers drinks and antipasto style dishes, this is the perfect place to watch the sunset glow over this scenic little village. Cinque Terre is not to be missed and one of our favourite places in Italy. Head to the little winery at the back of the village in Manarola Cantina Burasca you cant miss it.
How To Get Here
You can reach Cinque Terre by train from La Spezia and there is a train line connecting each village in between. The trip between villages by train is usually no longer than 10-15 minutes.
