The Ultimate Guide to the Five Towns of Cinque Terre: What to Do, Where to Stay, Swim & Eat
If you’re dreaming of a coastal paradise that combines stunning cliffs, colorful villages, crystal-clear waters, and a rich Italian vibe, look no further than Cinque Terre. Nestled on the Ligurian coast of Italy, this UNESCO World Heritage site is made up of five picturesque small towns – villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
Each of these towns has its own charm, but they all share the same breathtaking views, vibrant streets, and delicious seafood. I had the chance to hike all five Cinque Terre towns and let me tell you: it’s a journey you’ll never forget. Here’s everything you need to know about exploring Cinque Terre, from hiking tips to the best spots to eat, swim, and stay.
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- The Ultimate Guide to the Five Villages of Cinque Terre
- 1. Monterosso al Mare – The Beach Lover’s Paradise
- 2. Vernazza – The Most Picturesque Village
- 3. Corniglia – The Quiet Escape
- 4. Manarola – The Sunset Spot
- 5. Riomaggiore – The Gateway Village
- Where to Stay in Cinque Terre – Choosing the Right Village for You
- How to Get Around Cinque Terre
- How to Get to Cinque Terre
- How Many Days to Spend in Cinque Terre
- Best Time to Visit Cinque Terre
- What to Wear in Cinque Terre
- Tips for Visiting Cinque Terre
The Ultimate Guide to the Five Villages of Cinque Terre
1. Monterosso al Mare – The Beach Lover’s Paradise
Monterosso al Mare is the northernmost town of Cinque Terre. It is the largest and most developed of the five towns. It is also the most resort-like of the five towns of Cinque Terre. Monterosso offers a wide, sandy beach that’s perfect for lounging and swimming in the crystal-clear waters. Long and sandy Monterosso’s Fegina beach is the most beautiful in Cinque Terre. With its free public beaches (Fegina, Stazione, Tragagià, Gigante, and Portiglione Beach) and lively atmosphere, Monterosso is perfect if you’re looking to combine your love for beach time with the beauty of Cinque Terre.
Things to Do in Monterosso Al Mare:
- Relax on the beach: Monterosso has the only real sandy beach in Cinque Terre, and it’s a great place to unwind under the sun. Whether you want to rent a sunbed or just lay out your towel, it’s all about kicking back here.
- Visit the Old Town: Monterosso’s old town is filled with colorful buildings and cute boutiques. Make sure to stop by the Church of San Giovanni Battista, which dates back to the 13th century.
- Hike to the Aurora on the San Cristoforo hill: For panoramic views of the coastline, head up to this ancient tower. The hike is worth the effort!
Where to Swim in Monterosso al Mare: The beaches in Monterosso are the best for swimming. The main beach – Fegina, as well as Stazione, Tragagià, Gigante, and Potiglione beaches, are free. But if you prefer some extra comfort, there are private beach clubs where you can rent a sunbed (35 €/day for a sun lounge ) and enjoy a cocktail by the sea.
Where to Eat in Monterosso: For an authentic Cinque Terre meal, head to Ristorante Miky. It’s known for fresh seafood, especially its famous seafood pasta. For a lighter bite, stop by Pasticceria Laura for some delicious pastries – try its Monterossina pie!
Where to Stay in Monterosso: If you’re looking for comfort and a view, Hotel Porto Roca is the place to stay. Perched on the cliffs, it offers panoramic views of the sea, and the staff is fantastic.
Pro Tip: Monterosso is the only village in Cinque Terre with a proper beach. If you’re into swimming, this is your spot.
2. Vernazza – The Most Picturesque Village
Vernazza is a short train ride from Monterosso. If you ask anyone about Cinque Terre, Vernazza is likely to come up as their favorite. It’s often considered the most picturesque of the five towns, with its narrow alleys, colorful buildings, and charming harbor. It has a lively vibe but still retains that small-town warmth that makes it so inviting.
Vernazza is where you’ll want to spend a few lazy days, exploring the streets, savoring the food, and simply soaking in the atmosphere.
Things to Do in Vernazza:
- Go for a swim: The beach in Vernazza may be small, but it’s perfect for a quick dip in the sparkling waters.
- Take in the views from the Castello Doria: This medieval castle sits above the town and offers panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding hills. It’s a must-see for any first-time visitor.
- Stroll the charming streets: Wander through the vibrant main square, where you’ll find local shops, restaurants, and cafés serving up Ligurian specialties.
Where to Swim in Vernazza: Head down to a small sandy beach in the small harbor area where you can take a dip in the turquoise water. It’s not a beach, but the swimming spot here is surrounded by dramatic cliffs.
Where to Eat in Vernazza: Trattoria Fritto e Pizza da Sandro is a hidden gem that serves incredible seafood risotto and fresh pasta (think of yummy ravioli!). For something more casual, grab a top-notch pastry, like its brioche filled with ricotta and pistachio from Il Pirata delle Cinque Terre, and enjoy it by the water.
Where to Stay in Vernazza: Stay at Hotel Gianni Franzi, a charming spot tucked into the hills of Vernazza with stunning views and a cozy vibe.
Pro Tip: The hike between Vernazza and Monterosso is one of the most scenic parts of the Cinque Terre trail, so don’t rush it! It is also the easiest part of the trail!
3. Corniglia – The Quiet Escape
Corniglia is a bit of a hidden treasure. Perched on a hill 100 meters above the sea, it’s the only town in Cinque Terre that’s not directly on the water. But what it lacks in coastline, it more than makes up for in charm and views. The cobblestone streets are quieter, and the whole town feels like a cozy retreat. Corniglia is the quietest and least touristy of the five towns of Cinque Terre.
Corniglia is the town for those who want to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in the authentic, peaceful beauty of Cinque Terre.
Things to Do in Corniglia:
- Relax and enjoy the slower pace: Corniglia isn’t as touristy as the others, so it’s the perfect place to just chill out and enjoy a coffee at a local café.
- Climb the Lardarina: Get ready to climb the 382 steps up to the town (or take the shuttle if you’re feeling lazy!). It’s a good workout, and the payoff is worth it—the view over the vineyards and the sea is spectacular.
- Visit the Church of San Pietro: This church dates back to the 14th century and is a beautiful example of Ligurian Gothic architecture.
Where to Swim in Corniglia: Corniglia doesn’t have a proper beach, but you can walk down to the Marina di Corniglia area for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear water. The descent involves a lot of stairs, so be prepared!
Where to Eat in Corniglia: Stop by Osteria A Cantina de Mananan for a relaxing lunch with traditional Ligurian dishes. Try their famous pesto pasta paired with a local wine.
Where to Stay in Corniglia: Corte Del Gallo is a wonderful place to stay in Corniglia, offering great views and a quiet retreat from the bustle of the other villages.
Pro Tip: Corniglia requires a bit of effort to get to since it’s perched on a hill, so if you’re not up for the 382 steps from the train station, consider taking a bus up.
4. Manarola – The Sunset Spot
Manarola is one of the most photographed towns in all of Italy (and for good reason). Its vibrant buildings seem to tumble down the cliffs into the sea below. It’s small, but there’s something incredibly peaceful about the town—maybe it’s the slower pace, the stunning vistas, or the sweet scent of flowers in the air. Manarola is known for its stunning sunsets. The village is perched on cliffs, with colorful houses packed tightly together overlooking the sea. Manarola is where you come to unwind, sip wine, and let the beauty of the coast take your breath away.
Things to Do in Manarola:
- Try the local wine: Manarola is known for its excellent white wine, so make sure to visit a local vineyard for a tasting session.
- Hike the trails: Manarola is a hiker’s dream. From here, you can easily access some of the best trails in the region, including the Manarola-Corniglia part of the famous “Sentiero Azzurro” (Blue Trail) coastal path.
- Sunset views: The town’s harbor offers one of the best spots in Cinque Terre to catch a sunset. With the colorful buildings reflecting in the water, it’s a moment you’ll never forget.
- Visit the Chiesa di San Lorenzo: a beautiful church that dates back to the 14th century.
Where to Swim: For a unique swimming experience, head to the rocks by the harbor in Manarola. You will find a ladder up the rocks and a shower there. You’ll see locals diving into the sea from the cliffs – it’s a perfect spot to cool off.
Where to Eat: Nessun Dorma is an amazing spot to have dinner with a view. It’s a laid-back restaurant offering delicious fresh seafood, pasta, and the best Ligurian focaccia. And, it is the restaurant with the best views in Cinque Terre!
Where to Stay: Hotel Ca’ D’Andrean offers comfortable rooms with amazing views and is a great base for exploring Manarola.
Pro Tip: If you’re a fan of stunning vistas, take the famous Lover’s Lane (Via dell’Amore) walk from Manarola to Riomaggiore. It’s an easy and romantic walk along the cliffs.
5. Riomaggiore – The Gateway Village
Riomaggiore is the southernmost village of Cinque Terre and a perfect place to start or end your trip. It is everything you imagine when you picture a coastal Italian town. Imagine colorful buildings stacked one on top of the other, winding streets leading you to hidden restaurants, and sweeping views of the Ligurian Sea.
Riomaggiore is the perfect place to get a taste of what Cinque Terre is all about—quaint, scenic, and impossibly beautiful.
Things to Do in Riomaggiore:
- Stroll along the Via dell’Amore: This romantic path hugs the cliffs and offers breathtaking views of the sea—perfect for a leisurely walk.
- Explore the Marina: Riomaggiore’s harbor is a great spot for watching the sunset or just soaking in the beauty of the crystal-clear waters. Don’t forget to snap a photo or two!
- Taste the local seafood: Whether it’s fresh seafood pasta or a classic Ligurian dish, you won’t want to miss dining here.
- Check out the Riomaggiore Castle for stunning views and a bit of history.
Where to Swim in Riomaggiore: Riomaggiore also has a small harbor where you can take a dip. It’s not a traditional beach, but it’s a peaceful spot to swim and relax. However, there is a public beach of boulders with crystal water east of Riomaggiore.
Where to Eat in Riomaggiore: For delicious seafood, head to Ristorante Dau Cila which is tucked right on the edge of the harbor. Enjoy fresh fish and a glass of wine while watching the boats drift by.
Where to Stay in Riomaggiore: Affittacamere Anna Michielini is in the center of Riomaggiore with plenty of shops and restaurants around and only 2 minutes from the sea. Although it is on the main street, the double-glazed windows keep the apartment a peaceful oasis.
Pro Tip: Riomaggiore is a great spot for photography, especially in the evening when the sun sets over the village. It’s one of the most iconic shots of Cinque Terre.
Where to Stay in Cinque Terre – Choosing the Right Village for You
Each village has its own character, so the best place to stay really depends on what kind of experience you’re after. Here is a short summary to make it easier to choose where to stay in Cinque Terre.
- For the beach and comfort: Monterosso (check out Hotel Porto Roca)
- For breathtaking views and quiet charm: Vernazza (Hotel Gianni Franzi)
- For romantic sunsets and a peaceful vibe: Manarola (check out Hotel Ca’ D’Andrean)
- For a lively and central base: Riomaggiore (Affittacamere Anna Michielini )
- For easy access and a larger selection of accommodations: La Spezia (a town 14 minutes by train from Cinque Terre. A train ticket €1 – €4). Boat tours of Cinque Terre are also popular from La Spezia!
How to Get Around Cinque Terre
The best way to explore the five villages is by train. They’re all well-connected by the Cinque Terre Express, which runs frequently throughout the day and only takes a few minutes to travel between each village. You can also get around by boat or ferry, especially if you want a more scenic view of the coastline. If you’re feeling adventurous, hiking the Cinque Terre trail is an unforgettable way to experience the landscape up close.
How to Get to Cinque Terre
The closest major city to Cinque Terre is La Spezia, which is well connected to Italy’s larger cities like Genoa and Florence by train. From La Spezia, you can hop on a regional train to any of the five towns of Cinque Terre. Alternatively, you can fly into Pisa or Genoa and take a train to La Spezia.
How Many Days to Spend in Cinque Terre
Three to four days is the ideal amount of time to explore all five villages. You’ll have enough time to hike, swim, and eat your way through Cinque Terre, while also soaking in the slower pace of life.
Best Time to Visit Cinque Terre
The best time to visit is late spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October). During these months, the weather is warm but not too hot, and the villages are not as crowded as in peak summer. I hiked Cinque Terre in May and can’t recommend May for visiting Cinque Terre enough!
What to Wear in Cinque Terre
Wear comfortable walking shoes—there’s a lot of hiking and cobblestone streets! Bring swimwear, a hat, sunglasses, and a light jacket, as it can get cool in the evenings. You’ll want to be comfortable while enjoying the natural beauty, but also look stylish for those stunning photos.
Read more about the most comfortable walking sandals for women.
Tips for Visiting Cinque Terre
- Avoid the crowds: Try to visit Cinque Terre towns in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the busiest times.
- Get a Cinque Terre Card: If you plan to hike the trails, get a Cinque Terre Card. It gives you access to the trails, buses, and trains.
Depending on the season, a one-day card costs from € 19.50 to € 32.50. A 2-day card costs from € 34 to € 59. A 3-day card costs from € 46.50 to € 78.50. - Book in advance: Cinque Terre can get busy, so book your accommodations and restaurant reservations ahead of time, especially in the summer months.
Cinque Terre is a destination that will stay with you long after you leave. Whether you’re hiking between the towns of Cinque Terre, lounging by the sea, or savoring delicious local dishes, every moment here feels magical. So pack your bags, put on your best hiking shoes, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Cinque Terre awaits!
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