If you’ve been to the Amalfi Coast, you might be expecting Cinque Terre to be somewhat similar, but they couldn’t be more different. The villages of Cinque Terre are more rustic, natural, and smaller as the total population combined is less than 5,000 people. Despite their small size, they pack a big punch in terms of charm, originality, and beauty, hence their designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The main thing to do in Cinque Terre is wander its charming towns and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. Take photos, do a little shopping, have lunch at a restaurant overlooking the sea, find a spot to sunbathe on the beach in Monterosso, or rent a boat and tour the coastline. Simply enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this amazing region.
Each of the five villages are very different. We stayed in Monterosso and were happy with our decision. All of the villages are fairly small, but Monterosso is the largest, so there is more to do and see, as well as more restaurant options. If I went back for a second visit, I would opt to stay in Vernazza in order to have a different experience. Here’s a brief snapshot of each:
Corniglia: The only village not directly on the sea, Corniglia sits atop a cliff and is accessed by climbing a few hundred stairs or taking the shuttle bus. If you have any mobility issues, Corniglia is likely not for you. If you’re looking for a very serene getaway that enjoys stunning views, you’ll love Corniglia. The village population is approximately 150.
Manarola: Like Vernazza, Manarola is known for its colorful houses stacked along the cliffside. For those interested in hiking the villages, Manarola offers some very scenic options. Manarola is small, but has a good energy, and quite a few dining options. The village population is approximately 350.
Monterosso al Mare: The largest village in Cinque Terre, Monterosso is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, historic churches, and vibrant old town. Monterosso has an old town and new town, connected by a tunnel. The village population is approximately 1,500.
Riomaggiore: The southernmost village, Riomaggiore, is characterized by its steeply stacked houses and narrow streets. It’s a great starting point for exploring the Cinque Terre National Park and offers beautiful sunset views. The village population is approximately 1,600.
Vernazza: The most picturesque of the villages, Vernazza has a beautiful harbor, quaint little streets, and brightly colored houses. You’ll likely get your best photos in Vernazza. The village population is approximately 1,000.
You may be surprised to know that the small villages of Cinque Terre are among the most popular destinations in Italy, getting an estimated 2.5 million people per year. So, keep that in mind as you make travel plans, and consider visiting in the shoulder months of May or October.
As for the ideal length of stay in Cinque Terre, I would suggest that 2 nights is sufficient. Also, be sure to book well in advance.
You won’t find any large resorts in Cinque Terre. The accommodation options are mainly small boutique hotels, B&Bs, and apartment rentals. My husband and I stayed at a charming little B&B in the heart of Monterosso, which I highly recommend. Although we had a bit of trouble locating the manager and had to wait about 30 minutes to check in, the experience was worth it. Our double room, complete with a private bath, was small but very clean, air-conditioned, and tastefully decorated. We enjoyed our mornings on a small terrace off our room, enjoying the beautiful weather and complimentary breakfast that included freshly squeezed orange juice, fresh fruit, yogurt, coffee, and a homemade sandwich. My favorite part of the stay was the large rooftop terrace, a perfect place for enjoying a glass of champagne while watching the sunset.
Train – The train is the fastest and easiest way to travel between villages, taking only a few minutes to travel between villages. Cinque Terre Express train runs every 20 minutes and stops in Corniglia, La Spezia, Levanto, Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Tickets can be purchased at every station.
It should be noted that the village of Corniglia is not located directly on the seafront, so while there is a train stop, it does require walking or taking a shuttle bus up from the station.
Car – Getting around in Cinque Terre by car is not an option, as there is very little driving in the area, as most areas are pedestrian zones. The only cars you will see are delivery vehicles and the likes.
Walk – A great way to travel between villages is to hike one of the many trails between them. The views are beautiful. Some trails are more difficult than others, and there are a couple that require you to purchase a trail pass. Read more about the trail hikes here.
Ferry – The Cinque Terre Ferry Boat system is also a good way to travel between villages. While more costly than the train, it is a more scenic way to commute between them. The ferry schedule changes frequently and the current version with any updates can be found here. The ferries do not run in the winter months.
Keep in mind that these charming villages often have small, winding streets with minimal signage. So, you might get directions like this: “Get off the train and walk through the tunnel, then turn right after the bright yellow building with pink trim. Go past the pizzeria on the left, turn right just after the Pasticceria, and keep walking until you see the restaurant Il Piccolo Diavolo. You’ll see us on the right side in the blue house, across from the leather shop.” Brian and I had a good giggle as we maneuvered through winding paths, pulling our luggage along cobblestone, while trying to find the landmarks along the way.
La Cantina del Pescatore located in Monterosso, is a great little place to grab lunch. They do a great bruschetta made with homemade focaccia, creamy mozzarella, locally made pesto, and a fresh tomato mix. You’ll also find a selection of nice Ligurian wines, as well as some Italian specialties drinks like limoncello and Aperol spritz.
San Martino is a cozy restaurant with limited seating, so you might experience a short wait. While the menu isn’t extensive, everything they offer is excellent, from delicious salads and fresh seafood to homemade pasta dishes. It’s a great place to dine in Monterosso.
Train Schedule – Be sure to check the train schedule before traveling to another village in the evening. You don’t want to risk getting stranded and having to hike home in the dark.
Validate Tickets – Be sure to validate your train ticket. They do actively check for tickets and there are big fines for not validating them.
Comfortable Clothing: The villages of Cinque Terre have winding streets, steep steps, and can get pretty hot, so be sure to dress in light layers, bring sunglasses, and wear comfortable shoes.
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