Updated: 16th March 2016
This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.
Cinque Terre is like stepping into a photo, a postcard – any kind of cliche you can think of.
Exploring the five lands comes with one downfall, though, you may just forget to put your camera down for five minutes and enjoy it – I mean, how photogenic can one place be?
Where is Cinque Terre?
Cinque Terre is a collection of five villages along the coast of the Italian Riviera, translating literally as ‘Five Lands’. This stunning Liguria region is nestled between Genova to the west and Pisa. It’s an ideal spot for Hiking, eating, drinking and soaking up some of the most colourful houses alongside small winding lanes and greenery.
In my opinion, this is the most beautiful part of the Italian coast. That said, many would argue that driving along the Amalfi coast is actually the true winner – take a look at Erica’s post and I’m sure you’ll have another Italy ‘must do’ on your list.
BIG NEWS: Cinque Terre is about to introduce a ticket/fee system to limit tourist numbers to it, I headed there in winter and I had it blissfully to myself – but the overcrowding in summer is soon to be reduced.
The Five Lands
There are five villages which make up Cinque Terre, each with their own charm and reason to visit.
Monterosso
The first village you will hit coming from the North. If you are after the ‘beach’ option of the five this is it. Split into both the old and new parts you will find cars driving around and a much flatter appeal – making it the preferred choice for baby strollers and those not as active. The beach is not really something to rave about and this was my least favourite of the five, mainly because it is not as ‘intimate’ as the rest.
Vernazza
My top tip is to stay in Vernazza, it is not cheap but it is the most visually impressive if you ask me. As such, it is one of the busiest, but once the day trippers roll out it becomes calm. It was my favourite to photograph and has a small harbour with little bars and restaurants as well as some easy hiking points to get some great views. There aren’t many villages in Italy as beautiful and charming as this, perhaps a weekend in Lake Como further inland might be the only rival.
READ MORE: FINDING SILENCE IN CINQUE TERRE
Corniglia
In the middle sits Corniglia. To get to the center you have got no easy task, 365 steps lead you from the station and I saw plenty of people battling their super oversized luggage to get there (pack light for Cinque Terre, if you are planning to hike and can travel with a small backpack you can easily move villages/hotels daily). Given this, I wasn’t surprised this was the quietest. Tiny coffee shops in little lanes bustling with locals lure you in to get away from the crowds everywhere else. Well worth taking the time to get here.
Manarola
The photoshoot. Other than the ‘looking down shot’ of Vernazza, Manarola is the other photo of the rock jutting out with the houses at sunset. Beyond that, however, it’s small with one street running through and a handful of restaurants and hotels. When the sun sets, everyone abandons the photo points but stick around as the sky turns blue and you will get the best photos of the day, the view from the church at the top is also great. End the day with some wine on the waterfront and you are sorted.
Riomaggiore
There is something about Riomaggiore I can’t quite put my finger on. It’s not as stunningly beautiful on first glance as the others in Cinque Terre nor is the small harbour as dazzling. But it keeps an old-world fishing village charm that perhaps the others have lost and is the ideal spot to grab a Kayak and get to the waters to see it from another angle.
Need to know
Cinque Terre can be reached by train from both Pisa (3h) and Genova (1hr) or driven to, though the parking system can get a bit hectic.
The Cinque Terre card has two choices, one for using the trains and another for hiking and entering all the parks – though you can just grab a day train pass and jump between them if you like, you will miss some of the lush green landscapes that these villages sit between and the views that come from the hills.
Great pics! Hope to visit it as soon as possible after the pandemic!
Amazing pictures with great information.
You list two choices for visiting Cinque Terre. There is a third: the ferry. You can visit each town via the sea. It’s a singularly beautiful way to see the coastline and the towns.
Ahhh interesting, I’ve only been in the off-season winter months so I’m guessing it’s not running then, but I can imagine it would be a beautiful way to see Cinque Terre, cheers for the idea.
Great blog. Italy has so many incredible places to see. Cinque Terre is definitely worth visiting. The pic of Manarola at night is stunning. Hopefully, I’ll be able to go there soon. Thanks for the train ticket info. It’s very helpful.
Hope you get there too, beautiful spot :)
Lovely pictures! We have been to Manarola few years ago but the weather was rubbish! Ha! a great reason to come back, I guess :)
Wonderful pics! I am traveling to France and Italy in October and hope to get a few snaps half as brilliant as yours. Safe travels.
Your very unusual photos took me back to my visit over 10years ago, I fell in love as soon as we stepped off the train in Monterosso, you have a great eye! Keep up the good work.
Thank you so much Lennie. It’s such a wonderful place isn’t it. Though I’m sure with more crowds now.
Love your photos! I’ve been there also & its most beautiful! I’ll go again soon!
Stunning images, angles and perspectives . We are off to Lajatico and Palinuro soon and if I can get photos half as good as your pal I will be made up! Thanks for sharing with the masses! Take Care, Safe Travels
http://www.mysterioustrip.com
Thanks so much Ranu. Have a great trip!