It’s like a fairy tale, a step back in time, a postcard-perfect cluster of five villages that seemingly defy physics, perched above the Ligurian Sea. Set within a national park in Northwestern Italy, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cinque Terre dates from medieval times. It offers a way of life that has been chipped into the rock for more than 2,000 years, shaped and layered to form the true delight it is today – equal parts glamorous, workaday and timeless. If only these steep, terraced cliff faces and low stone walls could talk. What a tale!
Visit all five villages to get the full picture.
Travel to Cinque Terre reveals the full splendor of the Ligurian coast.
• Monterosso has an excellent beach that is perfect for families, all white sand and calm waters. The town is a bit flatter, which may be more welcoming to those with mobility concerns.
• Vernazza is the area’s only natural harbor. It’s great for exploring the narrow streets and offers a few small beaches.
• Corniglia is high up on a hill, reachable by stairs from the train station. It is an excellent access point to the various hiking trails.
• Manarola is the famous “money shot” town on the water’s edge, the most photographed village. It has many restaurants and a popular beach, plus a number of medieval relics.
• Riomaggiore is a favorite, with upper and lower levels, great restaurants and a rocky beach lined with cliffs.
Spend some time in and on the water.
The beaches here are quaint and relaxed, the dramatic scenery towering over the sandy and pebbly shores. The harbors are filled with opportunities to hop on a boat tour to get a different view of the breathtaking shoreline. This is one of the best ways to see Cinque Terre. The fishing boats will also be around, so you can see first-hand where your lunch is coming from!
Make mealtime last as long as possible.
The restaurants in Cinque Terre are so delicious, you will never want to leave. Tasty traditional Italian cooking awaits you – seafood-forward, naturally, plus the most incredible pesto and focaccia. Sit outside on the café patios and watch the world go by, take a cooking class or participate in a wine tour.
Take to the hills for some exercise.
As there are no cars, hiking and walking – and getting your steps in on the many staircases – is de rigeur. Plan your schedule to include the five- to six-hour hike on the famous Sentiero Azzurro – the Blue Path – which extends for seven miles along the coast and connects all five villages. You will also find serenity in the other local paths that wind their way through the hillsides.
Best time of year to visit Cinque Terre.
Two or three days here is sure to put a smile on your face. High season is April to October, simply because of the pleasant Cinque Terre weather. The Tully Luxury Travel Designers can help you plan a vacation in April or May, September or October – months that see fewer crowds, yet still offer warm temperatures. Take the train from Genoa, Florence, Milan or Pisa, then head straight for the gelato shops!