Cinque Terre
★ 4.8🇮🇹 La SpeziaSuggested visit 1-2 daysBest season April to June and September to October, avoiding the summer crowds
World HeritageCoastHiking
Five pastel fishing villages linked by trails and trains on the Ligurian coast.
Overview
Cinque Terre comprises Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, their pastel houses built on steep terraced cliffs, and joined the World Heritage List in 1997. Walking trails including the Blue Trail link the villages, with a local train as an alternative. Sunset at Manarola and the little harbour at Vernazza are the classic views.
History
Residents terraced the steep slopes for vines and lemons from the Middle Ages, staying relatively isolated until the railway arrived in the 19th century.
Highlights
- •Sunset at Manarola
- •The harbour at Vernazza
- •Hiking the Blue Trail
- •The village-to-village train
Practical tips
- •Parts of the Blue Trail often close after landslides — check first
- •Summer crowds are heavy; visit early or late
Practical information
- Best time
- April-June, September-October
- Tickets
- Cinque Terre Card about EUR 18 including trains and trails
- Opening hours
- Trails roughly 8:00-18:00
- Local food
- Pesto pasta, seafood, white wine
- Getting around
- Ten to twenty minutes by local train from La Spezia to each village.
- Visa
- A Schengen visa is required; apply about one month in advance.
Traveller reviews
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