The Cinque Terre (“Five Lands”) are a breathtaking string of five ancient fishing villages perched between the cliffs and the sea, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The villages are: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare.
🚆 How to Get to the Cinque Terre
- By Train: The fastest and most convenient way. From La Spezia Centrale, regional trains stop in each village (every 20–30 minutes in high season).
- With the Cinque Terre Card: Includes unlimited train rides between La Spezia and Levanto + access to hiking trails. Buy it online or at the station.
🏘️ The 5 Villages – What to See
🟣 Riomaggiore
- Closest to La Spezia
- Famous for its colorful houses cascading down to the marina
- Don’t miss: a sunset stroll along the pier
🔴 Manarola
- One of the most photographed spots in Italy
- Pastel houses clinging to the cliff
- Try the local wine Sciacchetrà or enjoy a drink at Nessun Dorma
🟡 Corniglia
- The only village without direct sea access
- Perched on a hilltop, reachable via 377 steps or a shuttle from the station
- Peaceful and less crowded
🔵 Vernazza
- Considered one of Italy’s most beautiful villages
- Small port, medieval tower, boats moored in the center
- Perfect stop for lunch with a view
🟢 Monterosso al Mare
- The largest and flattest of the five
- Best for a beach day and swimming
- Divided into an old town and a modern beachfront area
🥾 Hiking Trails
- The Blue Trail connects all villages along the coast (check for closures)
- Recommended hikes:
- Vernazza → Monterosso: scenic and popular (1.5 hours)
- Corniglia → Manarola (via Volastra): longer but through vineyards
- Cinque Terre Card required for some trails
- Wear proper shoes and bring water
⛴️ By Boat
- Ferries leave from La Spezia – Passeggiata Morin
- Stops include Portovenere and all Cinque Terre villages (except Corniglia)
- Amazing views from the sea
🍝 What to Eat
- Focaccia, stuffed mussels, trofie with pesto, anchovies from Monterosso, Sciacchetrà dessert wine
- Many scenic restaurants and trattorias in each village
🎯 Useful Tips
- Start early: villages get crowded in high season
- Avoid driving: parking is limited and expensive
- Bring water, a hat and sunscreen for hiking
- Download Trenitalia or Trainline apps for train info
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking the steep paths and alleys
📍 Estimated Travel Time by Train from La Spezia
Monterosso – 22 min
Riomaggiore – 9 min
Manarola – 10 min
Corniglia – 15 min
Vernazza – 18 min