Cinque Terre banner

Experience Cinque Terre
Make an Enquiry

Decades ago the five villages that comprise the Cinque Terre had no road access. Clinging to cliffs overlooking the azure Mediterranean, their houses were an artist’s palette of terracottas and creams. Then the first tourists arrived and now the walking tracks that connect the five are almost always thronged with visitors, though the villages retain their postcard perfect charm.

It is possible to walk between the northernmost village of Monterosso and Riomaggiore in the south in one day, but far better to take your time, stay in one village for a few days and explore the villages on foot. If you don’t fancy the walk, there are roads now (nervous drivers beware!) or more preferably you can ride the local train. For an entirely different view, take to the sea on the ferry.
 
Beyond the Cinque Terre, the stretch of coastline known as the Italian Riviera has other quaint fishing ports to discover, such as tiny Portofino where you can indulge in the region’s cuisine of freshly caught seafood, anchovies, and homemade pesto.

 

Multicoloured villas in Cinque TerreCinque Terre Fast Facts
• The Cinque Terre stretches along the Ligurian Sea and is a National Park, a Protected Marine Area and is included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
• If the terraced hillsides are not worked, they will quite literally slide into the sea.
• Anchovies from Monterosso are a local specialty and are designated with a
Protected Designation of Origin status from the EU.
• This area is well known for its Ligurian Pesto.
• The extensive network of pathways along the Cinque Terre stretches for 24km above the rocky coastline, although the most direct route linking the 5 villages is 9km.

 

Wide angle view of Cinque TerreCinque Terre Highlights

Cinque Terre Card - purchase this on arrival as it is required to access the park. It allows you the use of the walkways of the park and unlimited use of the train system that links all 5 villages.

Monterosso to Vernazza Walk - (2hrs) this is very steep at the beginning with over 1000 steps straight up - but the view coming down into Vernazza is well worth it.

Vernazza to Corniglia Walk - (1.5hrs) this walk is steep at the beginning but then it evens out and you are walking through olive fields and along little tracks.

Corniglia to Manarola walk - (1hr) this is a fairly easy walk. 365 steps lead up from the train station on the Manarola
side up the hill to Corniglia but they are staggered and not difficult.

Manarola to Riomaggiore (Via dell’Amore) - (30mins) this walk is paved all the way and the easiest part of the walk. This part is suitable for anyone.

Il Gigante - carved into the cliffs in Monterosso is the 14 metre statue of Neptune holding the waves at bay. It was built in 1910 but unfortunately due to wartime bombing and rough seas he has lost his arms, trident and the giant seashell he held.

Riomaggiore Murals - these striking murals paint a picture of life in the Cinque Terre and are situated outside the train station. The murals are to glorify the unknown workers who constructed all of the dry stone walls and terracing that is so distinctive to the area.

Food Glorious Food - this region is the home of pesto, and as you’ll need to stock up on carbs with all the walking, try it with some fresh pasta - delicious.

Cirque Terre Accommodation
With a range of accommodation in Cirque Terre, there is something to suit every requirement and budget. Contact your local House of Travel for full Cirque Terre accommodation options. 

Cirque Terre Sightseeing 
There is so much to see and do in Cirque Terre! Enjoy the many walks, experience the fantastic scenery or try the delicious food on offer. Contact your local House of Travel for full Cirque Terre sightseeing options.

 

 Print page

  • flights
  • insurance
  • hotels
    1. Passengers with special needs or children (aged 2-15) travelling alone?
    2. Search Flights