The Cinque Terre, or “Five Lands,” is one of Italy’s most breathtaking destinations. These five centuries-old fishing villages—Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—cling to the cliffs of the Ligurian coast. These gorgeous villages of Cinque Terre are connected by hiking trails, trains, and boats.
Cars are not allowed within the villages, preserving their authenticity and charm. Visitors can hop on the train that winds through tunnels linking each town, sail along the glittering Ligurian Sea for coastal views, or trek the famous Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) for unforgettable panoramas. Each village has its own history, atmosphere, and attractions, creating a once-in-a-lifetime journey through color, culture, and cuisine.
Note: I toured Cinque Terre, Tuscany, Florence, Lake Como, and Venice with G Adventures Italy Solo-ish Tours.
Here are the five gorgeous villages of Cinque Terre, listed from north to south.
Monterosso al Mare
The largest of the Cinque Terre villages, Monterosso al Mare dates back to the 11th century and was once heavily fortified to defend against pirate attacks. Today, it blends history with seaside leisure.
It’s the only village with a wide sandy beach, making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Divided into the medieval Old Town and the modern New Town, Monterosso offers both historic charm and resort-style amenities. The Old Town features narrow alleys, the Gothic Church of San Giovanni Battista, and the Capuchin Monastery with sweeping sea views. In the New Town, you’ll find a lively promenade filled with cafes, gelaterias, and shops.
Lemon groves and vineyards surrounding the village produce some of Liguria’s best flavors, from wine to limoncello. Whether you’re relaxing by the sea, hiking coastal trails, or exploring its historic heart, Monterosso is a must-see.
Things to See and Do in Monterosso al Mare:
- Relax on the sandy beach—the largest in Cinque Terre
- Visit the Church of San Giovanni Battista with its B&W striped façade
- Climb to the Capuchin Monastery for views of the village and coast
- Stroll along the seafront promenade lined with shops and cafes
- See the Giant Statue of Neptune, a dramatic cliffside sculpture
- Hike the coastal trail to Vernazza for unforgettable panoramas
Vernazza
Founded around 1000 AD, Vernazza is considered the jewel of Cinque Terre. Once a vital port for the Republic of Genoa, it prospered as a fishing and trade hub. Its natural harbor, framed by colorful houses, remains the heart of the village.
Vernazza is crowned by the 15th-century Doria Castle, built to protect against pirates and now offering incredible views of the Ligurian Sea. At the center of the village is Piazza Marconi, where locals and visitors gather at outdoor cafes. The Church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia, dating back to the 14th century, stands right at the water’s edge. Vernazza also has a small sandy beach, making it perfect for a refreshing swim.
The cobblestone streets are dotted with gelato shops and artisan boutiques, while the surrounding hillsides invite exploration via hiking trails. With its mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, Vernazza captures the spirit of Cinque Terre.
Things to See and Do in Vernazza:
- Climb to Doria Castle for panoramic views
- Relax at the harborfront piazza with a glass of wine
- Visit the Church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia
- Swim or sunbathe at the small sandy beach
- Explore artisan shops and sample local gelato
- Hike the famous trail between Vernazza and Monterosso
Corniglia
Perched on a cliff 100 meters above the sea, Corniglia is the only Cinque Terre village not directly on the water. With roots stretching back to Roman times, Corniglia has long been a wine-producing hub, surrounded by terraced vineyards that yield Sciacchetrà, a sweet regional wine.
To reach it, visitors climb the Lardarina, a staircase of more than 350 steps, or take a shuttle bus from the train station. Once at the top, the reward is sweeping views of the coastline in both directions. Corniglia is quieter and less touristy than the other villages, making it feel more authentic.
The village square, Largo Taragio, is lined with cozy cafes and shops, perfect for relaxing with coffee or wine. The Church of San Pietro, built in 1334, is a striking example of Gothic-Ligurian architecture. For hikers, Corniglia is a gateway to both coastal and hillside trails. Its elevated perch, rustic charm, and peaceful atmosphere make it a haven for travelers seeking a slower pace.
Things to See and Do in Corniglia:
- Climb the Lardarina staircase or ride the shuttle up from the train station
- Visit the Church of San Pietro with its Gothic design
- Relax in Largo Taragio, the main village square
- Explore nearby vineyards and sample Sciacchetrà wine
- Enjoy panoramic views of the coast from multiple viewpoints
- Hike trails leading to Vernazza or Manarola
Manarola
Manarola, founded in the 12th century, is perhaps the most photographed of the Cinque Terre villages. Its colorful houses cascade dramatically down the cliffs toward a small harbor, creating one of Italy’s most iconic views. Historically, Manarola has been a center for viticulture, and the terraced hillsides above still produce the prized Sciacchetrà dessert wine.
The village is filled with narrow lanes, lively cafes, and charming shops. For romance, take the Via dell’Amore, the “Path of Love,” a scenic walkway that once linked Manarola to Riomaggiore along the coast. Adventurers will love cliff jumping or swimming in the harbor, while hikers can ascend trails into the hills for stunning panoramas of the town and sea.
At sunset, Manarola glows with golden light, reflecting off the houses and water in a dazzling display. Whether sipping wine on a terrace, photographing its iconic skyline, or exploring its vineyards, Manarola offers an unforgettable mix of beauty and tradition.
Things to See and Do in Manarola:
- Stroll the scenic Via dell’Amore (when open)
- Swim or cliff jump in the small harbor
- Photograph the iconic cliffside houses at sunset
- Visit the Church of San Lorenzo, built in 1338
- Sample local Sciacchetrà wine from nearby vineyards
- Hike into the hills for sweeping views
Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore, the southernmost Cinque Terre village, dates back to the 13th century. It was founded by settlers escaping the hills, who built terraced vineyards and tall, colorful houses stacked dramatically down toward the harbor.
Its main street, Via Colombo, buzzes with shops, cafes, and trattorias serving local specialties. At the top of the village, the Church of San Giovanni Battista (1340) displays Gothic architecture and stunning views, while the Castle of Riomaggiore offers a glimpse into its defensive past. Down below, the marina is perfect for watching fishermen or renting kayaks to explore hidden coves.
At sunset, Riomaggiore becomes magical, as travelers and locals gather on the rocks by the sea with wine to watch the horizon glow in shades of orange and purple. With its vibrant streets, historic landmarks, and lively atmosphere, Riomaggiore embodies the soul of the Cinque Terre.
Things to See and Do in Riomaggiore:
- Wander Via Colombo, the main street lined with shops and cafes
- Visit the Church of San Giovanni Battista (1340)
- Explore the Castle of Riomaggiore and its history
- Relax at the marina or rent a kayak for coastal exploration
- Enjoy a glass of wine while watching the sunset from the rocks
- Hike the hillside trail to Manarola
What to Eat in Cinque Terre
Food is central to the Cinque Terre experience. Anchovies, caught fresh daily, are served fried, marinated, or stuffed. Pesto, born in nearby Genoa, is best enjoyed over trofie pasta or spread on warm focaccia. Focaccia itself is a staple, topped with olives, onions, or cheese. Seafood risotto, grilled octopus, and farinata (a chickpea pancake) are other local favorites. Pair your meal with crisp Cinque Terre DOC white wine or indulge in Sciacchetrà, the region’s signature sweet wine.
Bonus
Porto Venere
Porto Venere, perched on the Ligurian coast, is a hidden gem often overshadowed by nearby Cinque Terre—but its beauty is unforgettable. The town’s pastel-hued houses glow in the sunlight, perfectly reflecting in the turquoise waters of the harbor. At the edge of a dramatic cliff, the black-and-white striped Church of St. Peter rises above crashing waves, a breathtaking sight especially at sunset. Behind the waterfront, narrow medieval streets climb toward the ancient Doria Castle, offering sweeping views of the Gulf of Poets. What makes Portovenere truly special is its mix of natural beauty, colorful charm, and rich history—all wrapped in a more peaceful, authentic atmosphere than its famous neighbors.
Things to See and Do in Porto Venere:
- Wander the pastel-painted harborfront and snap photos.
- Visit the striking Church of St. Peter on the cliff.
- Explore Doria Castle and its panoramic views.
- Take a boat to Palmaria Island for hiking and swimming.
- Stroll the medieval caruggi (narrow lanes) lined with shops.
- Try local seafood specialties like mussels and stuffed anchovies.
La Spezia
Nestled along the Ligurian coast, La Spezia is a vibrant port city and the perfect gateway to the breathtaking Cinque Terre. With its colorful harbor, palm-lined promenades, and lively piazzas, La Spezia offers the charm of Italy without the heavy crowds. Stroll through the historic old town, explore fascinating museums, or savor fresh seafood at a seaside trattoria. Its central location makes it the ideal base for day trips by train or boat to Cinque Terre’s famous cliffside villages. Blending authenticity, culture, and natural beauty, La Spezia is more than a stopover—it’s a destination worth discovering.
Things to See and Do in La Spezia:
- Take a boat to Cinque Terre – Hop on a ferry and enjoy breathtaking views of the colorful cliffside villages from the sea.
- Visit the Naval Technical Museum – Dive into Italy’s maritime heritage with fascinating ship models, artifacts, and history.
- Stroll through Parco Giardini Pubblici – Relax among fountains, palm trees, and sculptures in this waterfront park.
- Taste local seafood specialties – Savor Ligurian favorites like muscoli ripieni (stuffed mussels) and fresh anchovies.
- Explore the Castle of San Giorgio – A medieval fortress with sweeping views of the city and an archaeological museum inside.
- Wander Via del Prione – Shop, sip coffee, and enjoy gelato along La Spezia’s charming pedestrian street.
Conclusion
This is where history, beauty, and tradition converge. Each of the gorgeous villages of Cinque Terre tells its own story, from Monterosso’s beaches to Corniglia’s vineyards. Whether you arrive by train, boat, or footpath, these cliffside gems will leave you spellbound. Which of the five villages will capture your heart first?
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About the Author
Patti Morrow
is a freelance travel writer and founder of the award-winning international blog Luggage and Lipstick. TripAdvisor called her one of the “20 Baby Boomer Travel Bloggers Having More Fun Than Millennials” and she was named one of the “Top 35 Travel Blogs” in the world.
She is also the star of the upcoming TV series “Destination Takeover” which is scheduled to premiere in the next few months.
Patti is the author of the book “Girls Go Solo: Tips for Women Traveling Alone,” and has over 150 bylines in 40 print and online publications, including The Huffington Post, International Living Magazine, Washington Post Sunday Travel, Travel Girl, Travel Play Live Magazine, and Ladies Home Journal. She has traveled extensively through six continents looking for fabulous destinations, exotic beaches, and adventure activities for her Baby Boomer tribe.
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