Discover our Cinque Terre Travel Guide! Our guide will help you discover Cinque Terre's hidden gems and experience seamless travel.

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Picture yourself in a postcard-perfect world of colorful cliffside villages overlooking the azure
Mediterranean Sea. That’s the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses
five quintessentially Italian towns: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and
Riomaggiore. Each has its own unique charm, connected by a series of hiking trails that promise
awe-inspiring vistas at every turn.
Monterosso is known for its sandy beaches and vibrant market scene. Vernazza grabs your heart
with its tiny harbor and dramatic cliffs. Corniglia offers panoramic views from its elevated perch.
Manarola is the go-to for romantic sunsets, and Riomaggiore is a photographer's dream, with its
multi-colored houses clinging to the steep terraces.
Aside from the views, the Cinque Terre is a foodie haven where you can indulge in local
delicacies like “trofie al pesto” and fresh seafood dishes, all paired with the crisp white wines
produced from grapes grown on the terraced vineyards above the towns.

2. CINQUE TERRE TRAVEL GUIDE
THE 5 VILLAGES
MONTEROSSO AL MARE
Beach Time
Monterosso is the village to choose if you love the beach. Unlike the other four villages, which
are primarily cliffside or have rocky shores, Monterosso has an expansive sandy beach that
stretches alongside its promenade and is lined with colorful umbrellas and lounge chairs that are
available for rent. There are kayaks and paddleboards to rent, and there are plenty of beachside
cafes where you can grab a refreshing Aperol Spritz or some fresh seafood.
San Giovanni Battista Church
Tucked away in the heart of Monterosso's old town, the Church of San Giovanni Battista is a
slice of architectural elegance. Built in the 14th century, this church is a stunning example of
Ligurian Gothic architecture, characterized by its striking facade of alternating white and dark

3. green marble stripes. The church houses some noteworthy artwork, but its charm lies in its
simplistic beauty and sense of tranquility.
VERNAZZA
Hang Out at the Harbor
Vernazza's harbor is the beating heart of the village—a perfect blend of natural beauty and local
life. Surrounded by brightly colored houses stacked like a vibrant mosaic against the hillside, the
harbor is the ultimate spot for leisure. It's hard to resist the temptation of simply sitting at one of
the waterfront cafes, gelato in hand, as you watch fishing boats bob gently in the water and locals
exchange pleasantries.
The atmosphere here is so idyllic it almost feels like a painting. Whether you're people-watching,
enjoying a scoop (or two!) of gelato, or waiting for the amazing sunset, the harbor embodies the
essence of la dolce vita. We were lucky enough to stay in an apartment right in the center,
overlooking the square and the water!
Castle of the Doria
Perched atop a rugged cliff, the Castle of the Doria is a historical site that speaks volumes of
Vernazza's medieval past. Originally built as a lookout tower to protect the village from pirates,
this ancient stronghold is now one of the best vantage points for panoramic views. You can
ascend the narrow staircase leading to the top of the tower for a modest fee. Once you're there,
you're greeted with a 360-degree panorama that captures the colorful village, the terraced hills,
and the endless sea.
CORNIGLIA
Corniglia may be the smallest of the Cinque Terre villages, but it packs a punch in terms of
charm and stunning vistas.
Scenic Overlooks
Corniglia is unique among the Cinque Terre villages for its elevated position, perched about 100
meters above sea level. This provides ample opportunities for breathtaking views, especially
from Santa Maria Terrace. This scenic lookout point offers panoramic views that stretch from
the terraced vineyards to the sparkling Mediterranean Sea below.
Hike to Guvano Beach
For those seeking a bit of solitude and a break from the touristy spots, Guvano Beach is the place
to go. This secluded, pebble-lined beach is accessible via a somewhat adventurous route that
involves walking through an old, unlit railway tunnel. It is safe, but do bring a flashlight! Once

4. you emerge from the tunnel, you'll find yourself at a tranquil cove framed by steep cliffs, making
it an ideal spot for lying in the sun or a swim away from the crowds. Because of its isolated
location, the beach has a natural, untouched feel that adds to its allure. Just a heads-up: Guvano
Beach is known for being a nudist beach, so be prepared for that possibility.
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MANAROLA
Manarola is often considered the most romantic of the Cinque Terre villages. Here’s a glimpse
into its must-experience offerings.

5. Sunset at Punta Bonfiglio
If sunsets are your thing, then Punta Bonfiglio is an experience you won't want to miss. This
little park is situated between the marina and the cemetery and provides a surreal vantage point
for sunsets. As the sun sets, it casts an ethereal glow over the pastel-colored houses clinging to
the cliffs, the vineyards, and of course, the vast Mediterranean Sea. There's a small bar nearby,
so you can enjoy a glass of local wine as you take in the view.
Wine Tasting
Speaking of wine, Manarola takes its vineyards seriously. The village is famous for Sciacchetrà,
a delicious and rare dessert wine that's native to the region. Several local vineyards offer wine-
tasting sessions where you can sample the wines and learn about the production process. You can
sip a glass of Sciacchetrà as you walk through terraced vineyards, overlooking the sea and the
picturesque village below, a lovely experience that blends local culture, natural beauty, and
enjoying a good wine.

6. RIOMAGGIORE
Marina and Ferry Dock
The marina at Riomaggiore is a visual delight, one that you've likely seen in photographs even
before setting foot in Cinque Terre. Towering, multicolored houses built into the steep cliffs
form a dramatic backdrop to the boats gently bobbing in the water. In the golden hour, the colors
of the sunset make the buildings pop even more against the deep blue sea. The ferry dock also
serves as a launching point for boat tours, offering another perspective of the Cinque Terre's
cliffs and rugged coastline.
Anello di Riomaggiore

7. If you're looking to escape the crowds and get a different viewpoint of Riomaggiore, the Anello
di Riomaggiore hiking path is the place to go. This trail is less frequented than the more famous
Sentiero Azzurro. The path meanders around the outskirts of the village, taking you through
vineyards, olive groves, and offering stunning views of the Ligurian Sea. The hike is fairly
moderate, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
LOCAL CUISINE
The culinary joys of the Cinque Terre are as memorable as its landscapes! Here's what you
definitely don't want to miss.

8. Focaccia
Let's start simple yet delicious. Focaccia is a Ligurian staple, and in Cinque Terre, you'll find this
olive oil-rich, salty bread at almost every local bakery. Perfect as a quick snack or breakfast!
Pesto alla Genovese
You're in the region that gave the world pesto, so definitely try some fresh Pesto alla Genovese.
Whether it's slathered on pasta or used as a dip, its rich, herbal flavor is unforgettable.
Fresh Seafood
Given its coastal location, seafood in Cinque Terre is as fresh as it gets. Look for dishes like
“fritto misto” (mixed fried seafood), anchovies, and “ciuppin,” a local fish stew.
Farinata
This is a chickpea flour-based pancake that's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Often
flavored with rosemary or onions, it's a vegan-friendly treat you'll find in many local bakeries.
Sciacchetrà Wine
As mentioned earlier, this is a local dessert wine, especially popular in Manarola. It's sweet and
robust, often enjoyed with pastries or cheese.
Limoncino
Wrap up your meal with a glass of Limoncino, a lemon-flavored liqueur. It's a sweet and tangy
way to cleanse your palate and end a delicious Italian meal.
WHERE TO STAY

9. Choosing where to stay in Cinque Terre depends on what you're looking for, as each village has
a unique vibe and offerings. Let's break it down.
Monterosso al Mare
If you're a beach enthusiast, Monterosso is your spot. It has the most extensive range of
accommodation options, from upscale hotels to charming bed and breakfasts. It’s also easier to
navigate with luggage due to its flatter terrain.
Vernazza

10. Ideal for those looking for a romantic getaway. It's often considered the most picturesque of the
villages, and there are numerous quaint guesthouses offering stunning views of the harbor. Be
prepared for some steps, though! We chose to stay in Vernazza.
Corniglia
If solitude is what you crave, consider staying in Corniglia. It's the least crowded of the five
villages and offers more affordable lodging options. However, remember that it's perched on a
hilltop, so getting there involves a climb.
Manarola
Manarola offers a mix of boutique hotels and apartment options, many of which have terraces
overlooking the sea—perfect for golden-hour sunsets and making it an excellent location for
couples.
Riomaggiore
This village offers a balanced mix of convenience and charm. It has a wider variety of
restaurants and shops than Corniglia and Manarola but still maintains a cozy village feel.
Accommodations range from hostels to mid-range hotels.
No matter which village you choose, you're never too far from stunning views, delicious food,
and enchanting local culture. Just remember that Cinque Terre is a popular destination, so
booking your stay well in advance is advisable, especially if you're visiting during the peak
season.
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TRANSPORTATION

11. Navigating the Cinque Terre can be part of the adventure, and you have several convenient
options to explore these scenic villages.
Train
The train is the quickest and most popular way to hop between the villages. Trains run
frequently, and the journey between each village is around 5 to 10 minutes.
If you are planning on multiple train rides and perhaps some hiking, consider buying the Cinque
Terre Card. It offers unlimited train travel between the villages and access to many of the
hiking trails. You can buy this card at the stations or online. Always keep the card handy, as you
might be asked to show it during your journey.

12. You can also purchase individual tickets at each station or online. Each village has a train station
where you can buy tickets from either automated machines or ticket counters. The machines
offer instructions in multiple languages and accept both cash and cards.
Trenitalia, the Italian national train operator, allows you to purchase tickets online via their
website or mobile app. You can choose to show the digital ticket on your phone or print it out.
Travel Tip! Remember to always validate your train tickets (anywhere in Italy) at the yellow or
green validation machines before boarding the train.
Hiking
Hiking between the villages is an option and provides fantastic views, so I would definitely do
that at least once. The most famous trail is the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Path), which links all five
villages. Be aware that some trails may require a small fee or may be closed due to weather
conditions.
Ferry
Taking a ferry between the villages (except Corniglia, which is not accessible by sea) offers
stunning views from the water. However, ferries don't run as frequently as trains and are more
subject to weather conditions. They were actually not running during our visit because of the
rough waters.
Bus
Intra-village buses can take you to higher parts of the villages where some accommodations are
located, which is especially useful if you're staying in Corniglia, which sits atop a hill.
Be aware that the bus schedules are not exact, nor are they frequent. Depending on the location,
they could be late or early and may only run every few hours. The only time we took a bus, it
arrived ten minutes early! Luckily, we were there early, but if we had been right on time, we
would’ve missed it and would've had to wait a few hours on the next one.
Driving
I do not recommend driving! Roads are narrow, and parking is limited. Train and walking/hiking
are the best, in my opinion.
CURRENCY
The national currency in Italy is the Euro (€). Click here to get the daily conversion.

13. HOW WE SAVE MONEY
Flights
The flights I found for this trip were actually to Dublin, Ireland! We flew from Jackson,
MS (our home airport) to Dublin and then to Milan, Italy. We stayed in Milan for a few days,
then went to the Cinque Terre, and then went to Lake Como.
Side story— Our original plan was to then go to Verona, then back to Milan to fly back to Dublin
and home. But sadly, Queen Elizabeth died during our trip, so we decided to skip the last four
days in Verona and go to London instead for the funeral. You can read more about how we did
that in my London post.
The total amount I paid for flights to Dublin was $252.62 round-trip per person. I did that using
American Airlines (AA) points and credits and money.
The cost of each round-trip ticket was actually $555.27. But— my husband had enough AA
points (from frequent business travel) and credits (from an AA mishap) to get his ticket for
$49.97, and I had a $100 AA credit (from an AA mishap), making my ticket $455.27. So the
total amount owed was $505.24, or $252.62 per person.
To get from Dublin to Milan, I purchased flights on Ryanair for $75.97 round-trip per person.
We never pay to check luggage. We take a rolling carry-on and a backpack if a carry-on is
included on all flights for the trip. If a carry-on is not included on some of our flights we just
take a backpack. Yes, we take just a backpack on a 2-week trip to Europe! See how we do it!
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Accommodations
I originally booked an apartment on booking.com on the mountain above Vernazza for $396.75
for three nights. It had a fabulous view of the Mediterranean! Unfortunately, when we arrived,
we realized how difficult transportation was up the mountain. The listing and the apartment staff
said that the bus was the best transportation option, but that was not convenient at all. It only ran
every few hours, and the schedule was not reliable. The few taxis in the area were so busy that
we had to wait a long time to be picked up. After staying one night, we decided we wanted a
different place.
I walked into a travel booking office that I found in Vernazza called Cinque Terre Riviera and
explained our problem. They said they had a vacant apartment overlooking the main square and a
water view that they could discount for us. They cut the price to around $400 for two nights.

14. After I agreed to the price, they said they’d cut it again to $300 if we could pay cash. We took it!
I hated that I wasted money on the first apartment, but we ended up in a great place that was so
much more convenient. That’s the way things go sometimes.
My recommendation for booking accommodations is to search online travel agencies (OTAs)
like Hotwire, Booking, Expedia, etc. Filter by price, location, and reviews, and find the best
price you are comfortable with. Book refundable places if possible so you can cancel if you find
a better deal later.
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Dining
We try to save on dining as much as possible, but we like eating in local restaurants and trying
the local cuisine wherever we go. We’re willing to spend a little more in this area because that’s
something we really love to do.
We try to go a little bit away from the really touristy areas and into areas where the locals eat,
but that is a little more difficult in the Cinque Terre. We look for places with happy hour prices
to save some money, and sometimes, depending on the size of the meal, we share entrees.
Transportation
See the Transportation section above.
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