Cinque Terre, the five towns with the colourful pillbox houses built into the coastline of western Italy, is probably one of the most famous destinations in the country. The Ligurian coastline is seriously idyllic.
After having been Instagram friends since she DM'd me nine years ago in September 2015, I met Marika in real life for the very first time when she suggested we meet up for a few days of exploring in Cinque Terre this year. In fact, that suggestion was the reason I ended up spending six weeks backpacking around Italy altogether!
Together, we spent three nights in Riomaggiore, the southernmost of the five towns of Cinque Terre. The five towns are connected by a hop-on-off train and by the famous footpath that starts in Riomaggiore in the south, or Monterosso in the north, and winds its way along the coast via all five towns.
The five towns are:
- Riomaggiore
- Manarola
- Corniglia
- Vernazza
- Monterosso
Here is my complete guide to everything to see, do and eat in Cinque Terre, as tried and tested by Marika and me!
How to Get to Cinque Terre
The easiest and most common way to reach the Cinque Terre is by train. A train connects all five towns to each other, winding through the tunnels of the hills between Cinque Terre. The train starts in nearby La Spezia and stops along the way to Levanto and also onwards to Genoa. The train was running every 15 minutes at the time of writing and a one-way single use ticket cost €8.
It is possible to visit by car, but honestly the roads are tiny and it's a bit of a challenge. Instead, I recommend parking in La Spezia and using the train to get around, instead.
Then, in each village, go by foot! They're so small and cute that on foot is the only way to go.
Map by CinqueTerre.eu.com
Walking around Manarola
Riomaggiore
Where to Stay in Cinque Terre
We booked an AirBnb for our three nights in Cinque Terre. We stayed in a litle fisherman's flat in Riomaggiore which ended up actually being our favourite town of all five that we visited. The views, the sunset spot, the vibes... all of it was our favourite.
We didn't love our AirBnb and there were quite a few issues with it, but I must say, the view from the balcony was incredible. I highly recommend getting a little apartment in one of the towns and living like a local for a while.
Doing the Cinque Terre Hike
There is a hike between all five towns of the Cinque Terre which was seriously gorgeous. Every turn of the trail was so beautiful, either with perfect views overlooking the towns, or coming across sweet little orange, yellow and red toned buildings as we wandered through the five, or panoramic viewpoints looking out to the bright blue ocean.
I can highly recommend the Cinque Terre hike, but please do be properly prepared.
You can check out my complete detailed guide to hiking the Cinque Terre here.
Manarola
Marika on the trail
Looking at Vernazza
Vernazza
Mini Guide to Riomaggiore
Do: watch the sunset at the harbour from the rocks.
Eat: pizza and trofie al pesto from Condì. Gelato from Gelateria Sottozero. Smoothies and avocado toast for breakfast from Bottega Alimentare. Spaghetti at La Cantina del Macellaio.
Gelateria Sottozero
Bottega Alimentare
Condì
Mini Guide to Manarola
Do: wander the cute town and shop for linens. Walk out to the viewpoint at the Overlook Viewpoint.
Eat: gelato from Bar La Plancia.
Mini Guide to Corniglia
Do: enjoy the viewpoint if you're hiking in on the Cinque Terre trail. Buy local lemon products.
Eat: pesto pizza and the creamiest, yummiest cannelloni with incredible service at Caffè Matteo.
Mini Guide to Vernazza
Do: enjoy the viewpoint as you approach on the Cinque Terre Trail. Walk up to the iconic Cinque Terre view over the harbour.
Eat: gelato at Gelateria Il Porticciolo.
Mini Guide to Monterosso
Do: as the biggest of the five Cinque Terre, this is the spot to go shopping. Swim at the iconic beach - there are some free ones dotted in between the expensive paid beach chairs.
Eat: mouthwatering pesto lasagne at Da Eraldo. Gelato at Gelateria La Scogliera.
CHECK OUT MORE ON INSTAGRAM!
Hi! I’m Jana, a Dutch-German-British-Canadian with a dream of seeing every country in the world. I am a storyteller, photographer and adventurer passionate about documenting and sharing my travels.
