Manarola, Cinque Terre Italy

Exclusive Travel Guide to the Majestic Cinque Terre in Italy

ByHilary

How to explore Italy’s five coastal gems — even if they’re off the typical Rome–Venice track

If you’re planning your dream trip to Italy and find yourself torn between classic destinations like Rome, Venice, or Florence, you might be tempted to skip the Cinque Terre. After all, it’s a bit out of the way, tucked along the Ligurian coast. But let me be clear: don’t make that mistake. This enchanting cluster of five pastel-hued villages perched above the Mediterranean is unlike anywhere else in Italy—and spending just two days there will be one of the most unforgettable parts of your entire itinerary.

As part of a Europe trip I took with my daughter for her high school graduation, I knew one thing for sure: there was no way we were skipping Cinque Terre. In fact, if we had skipped everything else and only come here, I would’ve been blissfully happy—and I wasn’t disappointed. Yes, it took quite the train ride to reach it, but once we stepped into this dreamlike coastal world, I felt like I could breathe again. Compared to the busy mainland cities, Cinque Terre felt like a calming exhale, a place where the ocean meets the soul.

Let’s dive into what makes the Cinque Terre so special, what to see and do in each village, and exactly how to make the most of your time there—especially if you’re a first-timer.

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Photography Tip: These are all my photos shot from my Nikon DSLR. I used a technique called long exposure photography to get the water to look smooth. There are a lot of You Tube videos you can look up, but you will need some special gear, like an ND filter, and a solid tripod that I used. If you are bringing a smart phone, you can get the same effect by shooting with ‘live’ mode on and changing it after to ‘long exposure.’ But you still need a tripod! Just not the large one I carted around (so much for packing light). Here’s one I recommend.

What Is the Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre, meaning “Five Lands,” is a rugged stretch of the Italian Riviera made up of five small fishing villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Together, they form a UNESCO World Heritage site known for their colorful buildings, dramatic cliffs, terraced vineyards, and jaw-dropping coastal trails.

There are no cars inside the villages themselves, which adds to their charm—and their tranquility. You’ll find cobbled paths, scenic overlooks, and more pesto than you ever thought possible (this is, after all, the birthplace of pesto Genovese!).

Meet the Villages: What Makes Each One Magical

1. Monterosso al Mare
Best for beach lovers & relaxed vibes
The largest of the five, Monterosso is the only village with a substantial beach. Think turquoise water, striped umbrellas, and golden sand—a rarity in Italy! It’s perfect if you want a classic beach day with gelato in hand and a spritz at sunset.

Don’t Miss:

  • Fegina Beach
  • A stroll up to the Statue of the Giant
  • Anchovy tasting (a local specialty!)
  • Watching the sun dip into the sea from the promenade

2. Vernazza
Best for charm & photography
Often dubbed the most beautiful village, Vernazza boasts a tiny harbor, castle ruins, and a postcard-perfect view from almost every angle. The piazza by the water is a dreamy spot for seafood pasta and people-watching.

Don’t Miss:

  • Climb to Castello Doria for 360° views
  • Try a glass of Sciacchetrà (local sweet wine)
  • Hike the trail to Monterosso for iconic shots of Vernazza’s colorful cliffside

3. Corniglia
Best for quiet & views
The most underrated of the five, Corniglia is the only village that sits high above the sea with no direct beach access. It’s quieter and feels more “lived in,” with fewer tourists and lots of locals. Prepare for a bit of a climb—there are over 350 steps from the train station!

Don’t Miss:

  • Terrace views from Santa Maria Belvedere
  • Lemon granita at a café with a view
  • Wandering the tiny streets lined with laundry and flowers

4. Manarola
Best for sunsets & Instagram moments
This village is the spot for that iconic Cinque Terre photo—buildings stacked like frosting-covered blocks above the harbor. It’s arguably the most romantic, especially at golden hour.

Don’t Miss:

  • The paved walking path to Nessun Dorma (a cliffside wine bar with a view)
  • Aperitivo with a sunset backdrop
  • The vineyard trail above the town for a panoramic photo stop

5. Riomaggiore
Best for nightlife & marina views
The southernmost village and often the first stop for visitors arriving by train from La Spezia, Riomaggiore’s narrow alleys are lively in the evening, and the harbor is a dreamy photo op at dusk.

Don’t Miss:

  • Grab takeaway pizza and eat by the marina at sunset
  • Walk through the Tunnel of Love
  • Visit a local enoteca for Ligurian wines

How to Get to the Cinque Terre

From Florence or Pisa:
Take a regional train to La Spezia, then transfer to the Cinque Terre Express. It runs frequently and connects all five villages in minutes.

From Rome or Venice:
You’ll want to connect through La Spezia as well. It’s a longer ride—about 4.5 to 5 hours from Rome or Venice—but absolutely worth it. We recommend staying overnight for at least two nights so you can explore without rushing.

Be sure and check out my Ultimate Rome Travel Guide if you plan to spend a few days there, which I highly recommend!

We bought a 24-hour Cinque Terre train pass, which made it easy to hop between towns—but here’s a tip I learned the hard way: validate your ticket, and if you plan to stay longer than a day, just buy the 48-hour pass. I had quite the moment when a train conductor checked my pass on the way back to our home base in Monterosso… and I was 15 minutes past the limit. He asked for my ID and credit card to pay a €50 fine, which I didn’t have on me. When we reached my stop, I got off because I didn’t want to miss it, and somehow, that fine became €200!

Then came the moment I never thought I’d live through: when he got distracted by another tourist, I ran. I actually ran. Me—a lifelong rule follower—ran from a train conductor in Italy. The next morning as we headed back through the station, I was nervously scanning the area. My daughter looked at me and asked, “Are you looking for a Wanted sign with your face on it?” Honestly, it felt that way. So take my advice: just buy the 48-hour pass.

What to Do in the Cinque Terre (Besides Gawk at the Views)

  • Hike the coastal trails between villages—some are easy, some are challenging, all are stunning.
  • Eat your way through each village: Try focaccia in Monterosso, gelato in Vernazza, seafood pasta in Riomaggiore.
  • Swim in the sea (Manarola and Monterosso are best for this).
  • Take a sunset boat tour for a different perspective.
  • Photograph the villages at golden hour—especially from:
    • The trail from Manarola to Corniglia (look back at Manarola)
    • The path just above Vernazza’s harbor
    • The marina steps in Riomaggiore

Even on the days when the spring weather got a little rainy, we never felt stuck. We’d duck into a local trattoria, order a snack, sip on some homemade limoncello (which is unbelievable here), and just relax. This isn’t a place where you need a packed itinerary—just explore, wander, and let the Cinque Terre show you its magic.

Best Spots for Sunset Photos

  • Manarola viewpoint near Nessun Dorma (go early to get a table!)
  • Vernazza harbor overlook on the hiking trail to Monterosso
  • Riomaggiore harbor, looking back at the town as the lights come on
  • Boat tour at dusk, for sweeping shots of all five towns

Extra Tips for First-Timers

  • Pack light—you’ll be climbing hills and stairs. Luggage with wheels will be a pain. Consider picking up some packing cubes to keep things organized, I like these that I found on the Today Show.
  • Wear good walking shoes—even if you’re not hiking, the towns have uneven stone paths. I love Keen’s shoes and find that a great hiking sandal does the trick!
  • Bring a rain jacket – even a small packable one as you are by the sea.
  • Book accommodations early—especially if traveling from May to September.
  • Stay in different towns if you’re there two nights—it’s fun to compare the vibes.
  • Carry cash—many small shops and cafés don’t take cards.
  • Start early—day-trippers crowd in by mid-morning, so hit the trails and villages before 9 a.m.

Final Word: It’s More Than a Pretty Detour

The Cinque Terre is more than just a photo op or coastal pit stop—it’s a place where time slows down, pesto tastes brighter, and every stair-step view makes your jaw drop. Whether you hike the cliffs, swim in the sea, or sip wine above the waves, you’ll be so glad you made the trip.

So go ahead—take the detour. Your future self (and your camera roll) will thank you. Yes, all of these are my photos!

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