Cinque Terre National Park: ULTIMATE Guide + Tips 

The most famous slice of the Italian Riviera is the charming, pastel-painted Cinque Terre National Park. In this detailed guide, we dish out everything you need to know to visit all five of the Cinque Terre villages, including things to do, where to stay, and essential tips.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site overflowing with all the key ingredients to an Italian summer, Cinque Terre National Park is a cherished travel destination for sun worshipers, wine lovers, and those that are chasing “la dolce vita”.

Pronounced “chin-kwah teh-r-eh”, the park is deeply rooted in antiquity and ancient, medieval roots that are on display in the cliff-bound fishing villages.

Each connected by dusty trails lined with coastal vistas and rolling vineyards, there is something to uncover even in the most hidden corners of this storybook location.

In this guide, we give you all the information you need to plan the perfect escape to Cinque Terre National Park including the best things to do, where to stay, how to get around, and insider tips for your trip.

Cinque Terre Travel Guide

• Cinque Terre overview
• Things to do in Cinque Terre
• Cinque Terre villages
• Hiking the Blue Trail between the villages
• Best time to visit Cinque Terre
• How many days do you need
• How to get there
• How to get around
• The Cinque Terre Card
• Tips for visiting Cinque Terre
• Where to stay
• What to pack
• FAQs

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Overview of Cinque Terre National Park

• Location: Italy
• Established: 1999
• Size: 15 square miles (39 km sq)

Cinque Terre is a historic and cultural treasure of Italy known for its significant atmospheric, agricultural, and cultural value.

Beyond its roots, the park is filled with colorful towns, jagged cliffs, and intimate coves along the Ligurian Coast that make up Italy’s first National Park and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cinque Terre, meaning “five lands”, refers to the five villages that the park encompasses: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.

Each with their own charm, fame, and pristine natural beauty, there are a variety of ways you can experience the Cinque Terre villages.

Top things to do in Cinque Terre National Park

If you’re looking for the very best things to do in Cinque Terre, here are our top recommendations: 

1. Hike the Blue Trail between the Cinque Terre villages
2. Find a swimming spot and take a dip in the Tyrrhenian Sea
3. Catch the sunset from a viewpoint overlooking one of the villages
4. Enjoy an aperitivo at the cliffside Nessun Dorma overlooking Manarola 
5. Rent kayaks and get out on the water

Scroll down to the section for each of the individual villages to find out more about these and other things to do in Cinque Terre. 

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Cinque Terre villages

Lining the coast are the famous rainbow-painted villages that cascade down steep cliff sides. 

Although they may seem indistinguishable to passerbys, you’ll discover they each have distinct personalities, activities, and amenities that will shape your experience.

• Monterosso al Mare: The largest, northernmost village with the only proper stretch of beach. It’s divided in two, old and new, linked by an underground tunnel or seaside walkway.  
• Vernazza: Trademark Genoa-style streets, a social port, and quaint atmosphere create one of the smallest and steepest villages.
• Corniglia: The smallest clifftop village with no sea access. Where it lacks in coast, it makes up for it in charm, authenticity and bird’s eye views.
• Manarola: Fantastic restaurants, endless grapevines, prime sunbathing spots, and spectacular viewpoints make this village a popular base camp. 
• Riomaggiore: The southernmost village that has a lively atmosphere, easy access to water, and a plethora of activities offered.

Monterosso al Mare

Flanked by the region’s only stretch of sandy beach, travelers flock to Monterosso for its individuality and resort-atmosphere. A much different feel than the other four Cinque Terre villages.

It’s ideal for perfecting the art of the Italian lido (beach club), beginning your hike along the Blue Trail, and celebrating the union of ancient and modern development.

Given that Monterosso is the most trafficked, it has led to fantastic opportunities for dining. It is particularly known for its acclaimed Monterosso anchovies and regional wines. 

When you’re not refueling, take to Old Monterosso for ancient fortresses and the splashes of color Cinque Terre is famous for. Or travel through the tunnel below the San Cristoforo promontory to explore the beaches of New Monterosso.

Best things to do in Monterosso

These are some of the best ways you can experience Monterosso by indulging in the flavors, sights, and sandy stretches this village is most famous for. 

• Get your tan on at the beach: It’s hard to resist the colorful parasols lining the beach. Set up your beach bag at the small free sections or post up at the lidos at Spiaggia Fegina or Spiaggia Il Gigante.
• Hop on a boat tour: MonteRosso Boat has snorkeling and sunset tours where you can admire the cliffside village from crystal clear waters.
• Go souvenir shopping: The old part of town is filled with everything from handmade ceramics to local wines.
• Hike to Vernazza: One of the most scenic sections of the Blue Trail begins in Monterosso and leads to “nextdoor” Vernazza. 
• Try the wine: The landscapes of Monterosso make for a special pour of wine as everything is cultivated by hand. There are wine bars and vineyards dotted around where you can try the two local varieties, Cinque Terre DOC and Sciacchetrà DOC.
• Dine with a view: Enjoy some of the best views while filling up on homemade pasta and fresh seafood at Ristorante L’Ancora della Tortuga.

Vernazza

Cradled by a lively harbor and steep, vineyard cliffs, Vernazza’s adornments offer it as one of the most picturesque villages out of the five.

The small fishing village is best admired from the various viewpoints around town or indulged in along two stretches of beach, making it the ideal blend of adventure and relaxation.

The piazza in Old Town is surrounded by colorful Ligurian houses and littered with cheap bites, handmade gelato, and wine bars to sample local pours.

Best things to do in Vernazza

Filling up your time in Vernazza is by no means difficult. These are some of the best ways to admire the village.

• Relax at the harbor or Vernazza Beach: These two hotspots are the best places in town to sunbathe. Visit the harbor where you can people watch, dine on great seafood, and relax on the small beach. Or visit the lowkey beach via a small cave.
• Wander the Old Town: A quintessential stop of the day in this village as you’ll find historic centers, artisan shops, and photogenic buildings. Fill up on fish n’ chips or focaccia (two of the region’s specialties), but save room for a scoop from Gelateria Vernazza. 
• Take in the view from various viewpoints over the city: This view is one of the most famous views in the region. It’s especially beautiful during golden hour. And you can catch the village from another angle over here. 
• Visit the Church of St. Margaret of Antioch: This 14th-century, octagonal tower overlooks the harbor. Inside is decorated with minimalistic, dark stone and an organ.
• Hike part of the Blue Trail. Beginning in Vernazza you can hike in either direction to Monterosso or Corniglia with sweeping views of each town. These are both some of the best sections of the Blue Trail. 

Corniglia

Both unassuming and overshadowed by the surrounding villages cascading into the sea, Corniglia hums to a different tune than the rest of the Cinque Terre.

As it’s perched high on a cliff and inaccessible by boat, this village has a fraction of the visitors, restaurants, activities, and accommodations as other Cinque Terre Villages. 

Without the high influx of tourists, this village has been able to retain its authentic Italian charm. The people are more willing to take the time to talk and the hiking in this area attracts a different type of traveler. 

Best things to do in Corniglia

These are some of the most spectacular corners of Corniglia you don’t want to miss.

• Explore the streets: Hidden corners, local wine, viewpoints, and authentic Italian dishes fill the Corniglia’s narrow passageways.
• Treat yourself to some gelato: When the sun sets and the dinner plates are cleared, everyone flocks to Alberto Gelateria.
• Relax on the beach: Pebbled, parasol-less, with a steep concrete staircase to the sea, this beach is a quintessential Italian summer experience.
• Kayak to Guvano Beach: A scenic paddle is now the only way to access this unspoiled beach. Grab your rental at the marina in town.

Manarola

Romantic, dressed in vineyards, and famous for its Sciacchetrà wine, it’s not hard to fall in love with Manarola. Especially considering it boasts one of the most spectacular and recognized views in all of Cinque Terre.

It’s claimed to be the oldest of the Cinque Terre villages as you can find priceless medieval relics all over town. The centerpiece of town is San Lorenzo Church, which dates back to the 14th-century.

While it lacks in lidos, the swimming spots in town are some of the best as far as other spots on the coast go, and the dining options sit on both sides of the spectrum from fancier sit-ins to casual focaccia and pizza by the slice.   

Best things to do in Manarola

There are endless ways to discover this picturesque village shaped by fishing and wine.

• Hike to a viewpoint for sunset: As THE postcard image for Cinque Terre, there’s no better place to be than this viewpoint when the sun is going down.
• Enjoy an aperitivo: The famous cliffside Nessun Dorma is where you can enjoy the quintessential Cinque Terre view overlooking Manarola while sipping a spritz and enjoying some delicious snacks.   
• Wander the Old Town: Don’t miss Chiesa di San Lorenzo, Upper Manarola, Via Renato Birolli, and Via Antonio Discovolo (don’t forget to get a little lost along the way!).
• Swim in the marina: Grab your towel and beach essentials to swim and sunbathe from the rocky marina shores.
• Sip on wine. Vineyards surround Manarola and you can sip on their pours right in town or along the Manarola Vineyard Walk. 
• Walk the Via dell’Amore: One of the most scenic walkways in Italy is a highlight of the Blue Trail. The cliffside promenade connects Manarola to Riomaggiore.
  • Note: This portion of the Blue Trail is currently closed due to landslides and set to reopen in 2024. 

Riomaggiore

As the grand finale, or spectacular beginning to any trip through Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore is the southernmost village known for its pastel buildings framing a steep ravine and quaint harbor filled with charming fishing boats.

The village was originally established during the 8th-century, but what can be explored today dates back to the 13th-century. Many of the historical buildings in town offer the best views over the vineyard-dressed cliff sides.

The harbor is the perfect departure point for water sports like kayaking, boat tours, and even scuba diving. After a day in the sun, follow the Via Colombo to wine, dine, and visit artisan shops.

Best things to do in Riomaggiore

As an ideal basecamp for exploring Cinque Terre National Park, Riomaggiore is filled with exciting ways to spend your time.

• Climb to the top of Castello di Riomaggiore: Explore the rotating art inside this fortress and admire sweeping coastal views of town.
• Rent a kayak: Scour for companies in and around the harbor to grab a kayak and paddle around the cerulean coast.
• Relax on the beach: Riomaggiore Beach and just in front of the harbor are the best spots in town to lay your towel and catch some rays.
• Walk up the Sanctuary of Montenero: Follow a 3.5 km (2.17 mile) loop trail and you’ll be rewarded with the liquid sun of golden hour drenching the village’s vineyards. 
• Explore the historic center: Stop into the Church of San Giovanni Battista, Oratorio di Santa Maria Assunta, and explore the Piazza Vignaioli as you wander.
• Catch a sunset from the famous viewpoint. 
• Walk the cliffside path from the train station into the historic center near the marina.

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Hiking the Blue Trail between the Cinque Terre villages

The most scenic way to see all of Cinque Terre National Park is by hiking along the Blue Trail that connects the five villages. 

The trail is 12 km (7.5 miles) in total and has a lot of variety in terms of terrain. You’ll encounter everything from flat-paved trails to steep and rugged climbs, so do know it’s not a casual stroll.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what each section is like:

• Riomaggiore to Manarola (known as Via dell’Amore or “Lover’s Lane”): 1.5 km (0.9 miles); easy
• Manarola to Corniglia: 3 km (1.86 miles); easy
• Corniglia to Vernazza: 4 km (2.48 miles); moderate
• Vernazza to Monterosso: 3.5 km (2.17 miles); moderate

Important note: The trail between Riomaggiore and Manarola, and Manarola to Corniglia is closed due to rockslide and due to open in 2024. Get updates here.

Each section of the trail has various terrain and levels of difficulty. We cover all the essential know-how in our guide to hiking the Blue Trail in Cinque Terre. 

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Best time to visit Cinque Terre National Park

From April to October, Cinque Terre is at its peak when the weather is favorable, water is warm, and all the restaurants and shops are open. 

The shoulder months of April/May and September/October are the best times to visit Cinque Terre because everything is still open and lively, but the peak summer crowds have died down.

If you can, I recommend avoiding peak season from June to August as it gets extremely hot and the villages and trains will be packed with tourists.

Psst! Find out the best time to visit Italy based on seasonal weather patterns in each region and your personal travel style.

How many days do you need in Cinque Terre?

You can see Cinque Terre on a day trip, but you really won’t be able to appreciate the area as you’ll be speeding through trying to see everything.

With that, I think 2-3 days is an ideal amount of time to explore Cinque Terre. It gives you plenty of time to be more thorough and relaxed in the villages and maybe get in a hike or two.

How to get to Cinque Terre National Park

The two most common places people travel from to get to Cinque Terre are Florence and Milan. They each have a handful of transport options to get to the villages.

The easiest and most common way to get to Cinque Terre is by train. No matter which direction you are coming from, you’ll need to connect through La Spezia—the ‘gateway’ to Cinque Terre. 

Another option to arrive in Cinque Terre is through private transfer or self-driving. Note that private cars are not allowed in the Cinque Terre villages. You’ll most likely want to park your car in La Spezia and transit in. 

Once you’ve arrived in La Spezia, you can get individual train tickets, or a train pass (more on this below), or take the ferry to any of the Cinque Terre villages. 

Getting to Cinque Terre from La Spezia by train 

The Cinque Terre Express train is the best way to get to Cinque Terre from La Spezia, and stops at each of the five villages.

The train runs every 20-minutes* from La Spezia. You’ll want to look for the train to either Sestri Levante or Levanto. Both these routes stop in all five Cinque Terre villages. View the timetables here.

*Note that during the winter the train only runs once or twice each hour and ticket prices are reduced.

A one-way train ticket from La Spezia to any one of the villages is €5 (double that for round trip) and can be purchased in the Tabaccheria inside the train terminal in La Spezia. 

You’ll have to purchase separate tickets (at €5 each) to ride the train between any of the villages. And your tickets must be validated at each train stop or you’ll risk paying a major fine. 

If you’re riding the train at least 3-4 times, it’s worth looking into the Cinque Terre Train Card as it’s €18.20 for unlimited rides and you won’t have to wait in the ticket lines. (More on this below.)

Getting to Cinque Terre from La Spezia by ferry

There are also regular ferries that traverse from La Spezia to all five villages multiple times daily. 

To take the ferry, head down to the port in La Spezia and look for the Cinque Terre Line 2 ferry dock.  

You can purchase one way tickets to any of the Cinque Terre villages for €25. 

How to get around Cinque Terre

There are very efficient transportation options for transiting between the Cinque Terre villages, so getting around is really straightforward.

Once you arrive in each village, the only way to get around is by walking since cars aren’t allowed. Each village is cliffside, so the walking paths will have plenty of stairs and hills.

Walking

There are hiking trails that connect each of the five villages.

This is actually a common and scenic way to see all five villages, especially if you’re on a budget, but it’s better for those that have multiple days in Cinque Terre.

Train

The Cinque Terre Express train is the most convenient way to travel between villages. It runs every 20-minutes from each town and costs €5 for a one-way ride. It takes just 5 minutes on the train between each village. 

Outside of wintertime, the train runs from early in the morning (just before 5 a.m.) until just before midnight (11:40 p.m.). You can purchase one-way train tickets from kiosks at each train station. 

Ferry 

Ferries are another option if you want to take a more scenic route between villages. 

Every day they run frequently from the ports in Levanto, La Spezia, and Portovenere to Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Corniglia is not accessible by water, so the ferries do not stop there.

Since ferries can be canceled due to weather or sea conditions, it’s advised not to book in advance. You’ll want to pick up your tickets at the docking points at the villages instead. A roundtrip ticket for one day is €39 and gives you unlimited rides. 

Bus

Using the Explora 5 Terra buses, you can travel between villages and some hamlets of Cinque Terre seamlessly and comfortably.

They run from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. everyday and can be a nice breather from crowded trains since each bus only sits around 22 people. Day-use tickets can be purchased online, directly on board, or at info points in the villages for around €18.50.

The Cinque Terre Card

The Cinque Terre Card comes in two variants: “trekking” and “treno”.

• Cinque Terre Trekking Card: This card gives you access to all the footpaths within the national park. You’ll need to purchase a trekking card to hike the Blue Trail.
  • One day: €7.50
  • Two days: €14.50 

This card makes the most sense if you’re planning on hiking between the villages along the Blue Trail.

• Cinque Terre Treno Card: This card includes unlimited train rides on the Cinque Terre Express Trains.
  • One day:  €19.50*
  • Two days: €34* 
  • Three days: €46.50*

If you plan to take the train more than twice in a day, it’s worth purchasing this card. Also, if you’re training to and from La Spezia, it’s also worth buying to avoid the long lines at the train station.

Good to know: A single train ride from one village to another costs €5 which can add up quickly if you plan to stop in more than one village.

*Note that the prices listed are subject to change based on dates and turnout. Check the official website to see the full price breakdown.

How to purchase the Cinque Terre Card

Either of the Cinque Terre Cards can be purchased in-person at a few locations: The tourist information offices at the train stations along the Cinque Terre Express Network or at the Blue Trail hike checkpoints as you enter or exit a village (using cash).

If you’re using the treno card, be sure to validate your card at one of the machines before you get on, otherwise you’ll be charged a fee. Look for the green machines in the stairs on the way to the platforms to get the date and time stamped onto your ticket.

Otherwise, you can purchase a Cinque Terre Card online, in advance. Do note, if you purchased yours online, you don’t need to validate your ticket at the station before each ride.

Tips for visiting Cinque Terre National Park

Keep these tips in your back pocket when planning your trip and after you arrive to have a comfortable and stress-free visit to Cinque Terre.

• Hiking trails close frequently. This is due to landslides and other natural phenomena, so be sure to check all trail conditions before you set out. 
• Start your days early. To avoid crowds and the heat of the Italian coast!
• Practice Leave No Trace. As with any natural place, leave it how you found it. 
• Pack light and expect lots of stairs. Your accommodation will likely be up one, or many, flights of stairs. Keep this in mind when packing your suitcase. 
• Wear comfortable walking shoes. I cannot stress this enough. You will be walking a lot and there are lots of stairs and cobblestones to navigate. 
• Book accommodations well in advance. Cinque Terre isn’t the off-beat gem it once was so book 6+ months in advance, especially for high season to avoid premium pricing and limited options.
• Book your Cinque Terre train pass online ahead of time to avoid standing in lines at the stations. This way you also won’t need to remember to validate your ticket each time you board a train. 

Where to stay in Cinque Terre

Each of the five villages has it’s own charm and draw, so you really can’t go wrong with whichever one you choose. 

However, know that staying inside the towns will be expensive since there are severely limited options and high demand, especially during the summer season. 

Budget studio apartment: Cozy Studio

Mid-range budget option: Villino Caterina

Mid-range budget: Locanda A Cà Du Gigante

Mid-range budget: Casa Cato

Splurge hotel: Amanarola

Alternative: Stay in La Spezia

Just south of Cinque Terre is La Spezia, a larger city that most travelers pass through before continuing to one of the villages.

It’s an affordable place to base yourself (this is what I did!) and Riomaggiore (the closest village) is only a 10-minute train ride away. 

So while it’s not as captivating as staying in one of the Cinque Terre villages, it’s a great option for staying within budget. And just as easy to hop on the train into the villages each morning. 

What to pack for Cinque Terre National Park

To travel around the five villages comfortably, here are some essentials you don’t want to forget.

• Insulated water bottle
• Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Microfiber travel towel
• Camera & tripod (this is our favorite one for travel)
• Day pack for exploring
• Sturdy hiking boots or walking shoes
• Hiking poles (optional)
• Dry bag – if you plan to do any kayaking or boating

Be sure to download our complete packing list for Italy! It’s packed with good suggestions and insider tips to help plan your Italy trip. And it’s completely FREE, so why not!?

Cinque Terre National Park FAQs

We’ve covered a TON in this guide, but here are more answers to some popular questions people have about visiting Cinque Terre National Park.

Is it worth it to go to Cinque Terre?

Absolutely! It’s considered one of the most breathtaking parts of Italy and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Can you visit all 5 towns in Cinque Terre in one day?

Yes. However, if you choose to do this, I recommend having a solid plan. It’s a full day feat and you’ll only be able to get a taste of each village within a single day.

Do you have to pay to walk Cinque Terre?

Yes and no. Access to the Cinque Terre villages is free. However, you will need to purchase a trekking card to hike between the villages, including on the Blue Trail. 

You can purchase this €7.50 card online, or at the checkpoints on the trails (with cash!). 

How long does it take to walk the 5 villages of Cinque Terre?

Each of the trails between the villages is a bit different in length and difficulty. The shorter/easier routes are between Riomaggiore to Manarola, and Manarola to Corniglia. Since these trails were closed during my visit, I wasn’t able to time these out.

It took us 2 hours to hike from Monterroso to Vernazza, and 1.5 hours to hike from Vernazza to Corniglia. 

You can expect it to take around 5 hours to walk between each of the villages if you are doing the full Blue Trail, not including the time you stop to explore.

Which is the most beautiful Cinque Terre village?

You can find something beautiful in each village. However, many fall in love with Manarola or Vernazza as they have the most recognizable and postcard-worthy views.

Which village in Cinque Terre is a must visit?

All of the Cinque Terre villages have a unique charm and reason to visit. If you had to pick just one, I’d suggest Manarola for the sunset views. It is maybe just slightly less crowded than Vernazza. 

Which village to skip in Cinque Terre?

Most visitors choose to skip Corniglia as it’s the hardest to access (it involves climbing A LOT of stairs if you take the train), and has the least to do. However, you may prefer this village above the others for its lack of tourism and more authentic charm. 

Which is better, Amalfi or Cinque Terre?

This answer will depend on your interests as the two destinations are quite similar, but oh so different! 

Cinque Terre is a bit more straightforward to access, getting to the Amalfi coast from Naples involves a bit more logistics. 

Both are equally as touristed, and likely to be quite crowded during the summer season. Both offer some incredible hiking opportunities as well. 

Luckily, we have plenty of detailed articles you can browse to decide which is best for your interests and travel style.

• Things to Do in Positano
• Path of the Gods Hike
• Blue Trail Cinque Terre Hike

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Are you planning a trip to Italy?

We have lots of resources on travel in Italy and destinations throughout the country. Check out our Italy Homepage for everything you need to know, or start by reading some of our favorite Italy articles here:

• Classic 10-day Italy Itinerary
• The Blue Trail Cinque Terre Hike: Guide + Tips
• Best Things to Do in Rome (on your first visit!)
• Best Things to Do in Florence You Won’t Want to Miss!

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We want to hear from you!

Have you ever been to Cinque Terre National Park before? What was your experience like? Which of the Cinque Terre villages do you want to visit most? Leave your comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!