Cinque Terre

Why Cinque Terre works

Cinque Terre — literally 'Five Lands' — comprises Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, each wedged into a cove along a rugged stretch of Ligurian coastline that has resisted large-scale development thanks to its UNESCO World Heritage status and near-total absence of road access between villages. The Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail), the classic hiking route linking all five, threads through vineyard terraces built on dry-stone walls over centuries, with sweeping sea views from nearly every switchback — though sections occasionally close after landslides, so current conditions should be checked before setting out. Manarola and Riomaggiore, the two southernmost villages, are connected by the Via dell'Amore, a short cliffside path historically favoured by courting couples. Vernazza, considered the prettiest of the five, has a small natural harbour overlooked by a medieval castle tower, while Corniglia alone sits away from the water, reached by 33 flights of stairs or a shuttle bus. Each village's pastel houses were traditionally painted in different colours so fishermen could identify their home from the sea. A regional train connects all five villages in minutes, making a hop-between-villages day entirely feasible, with each stop offering its own focaccia bakery, anchovy specialities and glass of the local white wine, Sciacchetra.

Trip Snapshot

Suitable For