Cinque Terre, the 5 villages which sit on the cliff’s edges are as picturesque as seen in the postcards. The 5 fishing villages in Liguria region are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manraola and Riomaggiore. Belonging to the UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997, the region combines all the charm of the traditional Italian towns: picturesque fishing villages with colorful houses, lemon-trees, vineyards with breathtaking views over the coast and the cliffs and dramatic sunsets. I fell in love with all these small villages from the moment I’ve seen the first view from my train’s window.
HOW TO TRAVEL BETWEEN TOWNS
The easiest way to travel between the 5 villages is by train because the distances between the towns are very short, less than 5 minutes. Traveling by car in Cinque Terre is not as easiest as by train, because the roads between the towns are difficult for cars and parking places are hard to find and expensive.
One train ticket costs 4 EUR, but there is also an option to buy a day pass (Cinque Terre card) which costs 13 EUR and includes unlimited train rides Levanto – Cinque Terre – La Spezia and entrance fee to all trekking paths (a single ticket is 7,90 EUR).
There are many walking trails between the 5 towns revealing stunning panoramic views over the cliffs and the towns. We made the trail from Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza, which takes 1 hour and half. It is not a difficult hike and it has many beautiful panoramic views over the cliffs and the villages. For all the hikes is required a proper pair of shoes and it’s s good to know that there are fines for walking the trails in slippers or sandals.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT
During the spring and autumn is definitely the best time to visit because the weather is good, not too warm, not too cold and the most important, it is less touristy. Cinque Terre is an amazing destination but it isn’t a hidden gem any longer, being extremely popular especially during the high season. During May – August is the busiest time to visit. We visited at the end of March and the weather was perfect, although you will never know with the weather, being so pleasant to explore the picturesque villages and to hike between. However, you need to bear in mind that if you visit outside the season some of the hiking roads are closed.
WHERE TO FIND THE BEST PANORAMIC VIEWS IN CINQUE TERRE
Every town has its own charm and all 5 villages are so beautiful in a specific way. It is hard to choose which of them is the most beautiful, since every village is so colorful and lively, sits by the sea and has some incredible panoramic views.
Riomaggiore with its colorful houses aligned alongside the cliffs and with its narrow streets with pretty shops and restaurants will definitely remain one of your favorite. The most popular area is the harbor, but also the most picturesque, with spectacular views and the most photogenic spots in the village. We enjoyed to explore the narrow streets and climbing up and down its stairs. From Riomaggiore to Manarola is “The Lover Trails” an easy and beautiful trail between the two villages, revealing breathtaking views over the cliffs and the sea.
Vernazza the most colorful among the five villages, it has some incredible views from above as well. You will find the best view points on the way to Monterosso al Mare (Vernazza – Monterosso al Mare). Since the trail to Monterosso al Mare takes minimum 1 hour and a half, if you don’t want to hike, you can find the panoramic viewpoint hiking few minutes on this way, from Vernazza to Monterosso al Mare.
Manraola has the most panoramic viewpoints from all the 5 villages, all being easily accessible by walk or by an easy hike. Hiking just a little bit up from the church we found the best spot from where we caught the most beautiful and romantic sunset.
WHERE WE ATE, THE FOOD
When I visit Italy I don’t miss any opportunity to eat pizza and pannini, which are my favorite Italian food. Take away pannini and pizza and enjoy it on the the cliffs while watching the sea or the sunset and listening to the seagulls was my favorite way to enjoy the food in Cinque Terre. Also, in La Spezzia we found a good Asian restaurant in the harbor, Grande Cina, which serves fresh and very good seafood.