The Cinque Terre consists of five small villages strung out along a picturesque part of the Italian Riviera between the port towns of Genoa and La Spezia. It’s justifiably popular with both domestic and international holidaymakers, best visited in the shoulder seasons when these tiny places are a little less crowded than in peak season.
The Cinque Terre Travel Guide, Italian Riviera
Getting there and getting around
This is one place you won’t need a car rental ; the villages aren’t connected by road. Instead, a frequent train service links the villages, as does a series of hiking trails. The Sentiero Azzurro, or Blue Trail , is the lower path, but parts of this are currently under renovation. The upper trail is more challenging, though it rewards those who make the effort with spectacular views. But perhaps the best form of transport to really appreciate the scenic value of the area is to travel by boat and there are frequent ferries to shuttle visitors from one village to the next.
Where should I start?
Many visitors begin their trip at Riomaggiore , the most south-easterly of the five villages. The trails are easiest at this end and there’s the enticing thought of a sun lounger on the beach at Monterosso at the opposite end of the trail to soothe those aching muscles.
There’s also a certain logic about starting at Monterosso . It’s more developed, more of a resort than its four neighbours and, although it is strictly speaking possible to visit the Cinque Terre for a day trip, many choose to make it their base for a few days. The trail between Monterosso and the next village, Vernazza , has the steepest ascent and descent, with some hikers preferring to tackle it while they’re fresh. Many visitors say that Vernazza is the prettiest of the five, nestled around an attractive harbour and clinging to the cliff. The view of this precariously balanced village for many epitomises all that is great about this part of Italy. If you can’t face a hike, climb the steps to the fortifications instead for a less taxing but just as impressive view of the surroundings.
If Vernazza’s as good as it gets, why should I bother with the others?
Each of the five villages has its own character. Vernazza’s other neighbour, Corniglia , is the only one not having easy access to the sea, but with a dramatic cliff top setting, it’s hard to beat. Its narrow alleyways are also a maze of hidden boutiques and souvenir emporia, making it all too easy to lose track of time.
Manarola’s harbour is a hive of activity and in season, there’ll be plenty of people diving off the harbour walls to cool off. If they’re done for the day, boats are hauled up to the main street where they fight for space with the pavement cafes. Café culture is also a big part of life in Riomaggiore as well, whether for a cup of gelato or an Aperol Spritz at the end of the day.
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