CINQUE TERRE
Cinque Terre, meaning “Five Lands,” is a UNESCO site of five villages clinging to the rugged Ligurian coast. It is famed for its pastel-hued homes and terraced vineyards overlooking the sea.
This Italian Riviera gem is a national park dedicated to preserving the unique, man-made landscape shaped by centuries of human ingenuity. Visitors explore by train, boat, or scenic seaside paths.
Most Popular Attractions
The Five Iconic Villages:
Riomaggiore: The southernmost village, known for its vibrantly colored buildings stacked along a steep ravine and its small, charming harbor.
Manarola: Arguably the most picturesque village, famous for the iconic view of houses clinging to the cliffside and its traditional fishing port.
Corniglia: The central and smallest village, perched atop a 100-meter-high cliff, surrounded by terraced vineyards and the quietest atmosphere.
Vernazza: Considered the most beautiful, featuring a natural harbor, a small beach, a waterfront piazza, and the remnants of a medieval defensive wall.
Monterosso al Mare: The largest village, split into an old and new town, and the only one with a long, sandy public beach (Fegina).
Iconic Trails & Viewpoints:
Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail): The primary coastal hiking path connecting all five villages, famed for its breathtaking views and varying difficulty levels.
Via dell’Amore (Lover’s Lane): The legendary, easy, and flat path between Riomaggiore and Manarola (when fully open).
Lardarina Stairway: The 377-step brick staircase connecting Corniglia’s train station to the village center high above.
Sentiero Monterosso – Vernazza: A challenging but highly rewarded section of the Blue Trail offering spectacular cliffside views of Vernazza.
Punta Bonfiglio View Point: A spot above the Manarola harbor providing the classic, postcard-perfect view of the village.
Santuario di Nostra Signora di Montenero: A sanctuary hike above Riomaggiore offering panoramic views of the entire Cinque Terre coastline.
Historical, Coastal & Culinary Sites:
Castello di Riomaggiore: A historic clifftop structure in Riomaggiore that overlooks the village and the sea.
Doria Castle Tower: A prominent medieval defensive fortification in Vernazza, often climbed for stunning views over the harbor.
Church of San Giovanni Battista: The gothic-style main parish church in Riomaggiore, built in 1340.
Chiesa di San Lorenzo: A prominent Gothic church in Manarola, dating back to 1338.
Church of San Pietro: A significant 14th-century Gothic church located in Corniglia.
Convento dei Cappuccini: A historic convent and church atop a hill in Monterosso al Mare, known for its art and views.
Monterosso Public Beach (Fegina): The largest and most accessible sandy beach in Cinque Terre.
Nessun Dorma: A famed clifftop bar in Manarola, essential for enjoying an aperitivo with world-class sunset views.
Cinque Terre Wine Tasting: Sampling the local Sciacchetrà dessert wine and crisp white wines, often cultivated on the terraced vineyards.
Eat Seafood in a Cone: Experiencing local street food like fritto misto (fried seafood) from a paper cone, a coastal specialty.
Take a Boat Tour: Viewing the spectacular coastline and the five villages from the Ligurian Sea, offering the best perspective of the cliffs.
Piazza Marconi (Vernazza): The lively waterfront square in Vernazza, perfect for people-watching.
Grotta di Byron (Portovenere): A beautiful sea cave near Portovenere (a short boat trip away), named for the poet Lord Byron.
Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre: The entire protected area, a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses all the villages and their surrounding terrain.
Activities & Experiences
Hike the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail): Walk the iconic, historic path connecting the five villages, enjoying breathtaking cliffside views and passing through vineyards. Note: Check which sections are open, as closures are common.
Take a Pesto Making Class: The Cinque Terre and the Liguria region are the birthplace of authentic pesto Genovese. Join a local class to learn how to make it by hand using a mortar and pestle.
Rent a Kayak or Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP): Explore the coastline from the water, allowing you to appreciate the dramatic cliffs and the colorful villages from a unique, crowd-free perspective.
Go Wine Tasting at a Terraced Vineyard: Visit a local winery high above the villages (especially in Manarola or Riomaggiore) to taste the region’s unique white wines, like Sciacchetrà and Cinque Terre DOC.
Swim in the Mediterranean Sea: Take a dip off the beaches in Monterosso (the largest sandy beach) or find a quieter, rocky swimming cove near Riomaggiore or Manarola.
Take a Sunset Boat Tour: Join a small group boat trip in the late afternoon to cruise past all five villages. Watching the sunset cast an orange glow over the cliffside homes is an unforgettable experience.
Explore the Towers and Fortifications in Vernazza: Climb up to the Doria Castle or the Belforte Tower in Vernazza for a historical look at the region’s defenses and incredible views of the harbor.
Hike to the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Montenero: Take a challenging but rewarding hike above Riomaggiore to this ancient sanctuary for one of the most expansive panoramic views of the entire coastline.
Dine at a Cliffside Restaurant: Book a table at a trattoria with a terrace in Corniglia or Manarola to enjoy fresh seafood pasta, local focaccia, and Ligurian wine with an unparalleled view.
Explore the Upper Trails (High Path): For a more strenuous and crowd-free hiking experience, trek the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri or another high-altitude path that connects the inland villages and offers different perspectives.
Taste the Focaccia: Sample the regional specialty, Focaccia Ligure, a delightfully airy and olive-oil-rich flatbread, from a local bakery in any of the villages.
Local Tips & Transport
The Cinque Terre Train is Essential: The primary and most efficient way to travel between the five villages is the regional train. It runs frequently, even late into the evening, and the journey between each village only takes a few minutes.
Cinque Terre Treno Card: This card is highly recommended. It includes unlimited train travel on the Levanto–La Spezia line (which covers the 5 villages) and access to all open sections of the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) hiking path.
La Spezia/Levanto: These two larger towns act as the main transport hubs and are great for finding more affordable accommodation. Use the train to commute into the Cinque Terre villages.
Ferry Service: A local ferry connects four of the five villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—it does not stop in Corniglia). It offers an incredible perspective of the colorful villages from the water and is a beautiful way to travel on a clear day.
Car is Discouraged: Driving within the Cinque Terre is highly discouraged. The roads are winding and narrow, and parking is either nonexistent, very expensive, or located far outside the village centers. You will not be able to drive a car directly to your hotel in most cases.
Walking: While the train is fast, walking between villages on the open paths is the true experience. Be prepared for steep inclines and declines, as the paths are often composed of stone steps.
The Cinque Terre Card is Crucial: As mentioned, the card is mandatory for hiking the famous Sentiero Azzurro. Rangers are often stationed at the trailheads to check for the card, and you will be fined if you do not have one. Purchase it at any train station or tourist office. Embrace Ligurian Cuisine: The local food is distinct from the rest of Italy.
Pesto: Try it on everything—pasta, pizza, or just bread.
Focaccia: This is the quintessential Ligurian street food; enjoy it plain, with olives, or topped with cheese.
Seafood: Look for acciughe (anchovies) served fresh or marinated—they are a local specialty, especially in Monterosso.
Pack Light and Smart: Due to the steep steps, winding paths, and lack of cars, you will be walking and carrying your luggage a lot. Use backpacks or small, wheeled luggage rather than large suitcases.
Avoid Peak Midday Crowds: The villages are often overwhelmed by day-trippers from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Plan your main activities, like hiking, for the early morning (before 9:00 AM) or late afternoon. This is the best time for photography and enjoying the local atmosphere.
Hidden Gems:
Grotta di Lord Byron (Portovenere): While not one of the five towns, the nearby town of Portovenere is often called the “Sixth Terre.” The caves and grottoes here are stunning, and it is easily accessible by ferry or bus from La Spezia.
Corniglia’s Lardarina Steps: The only village not directly on the water, Corniglia is perched high on a cliff. You must climb a set of 382 steps (the Lardarina) from the train station to the village center. This climb is a local rite of passage—or you can take the small shuttle bus.
Via dell’Amore (Lover’s Walk): This is the paved, easiest, and most famous section of the Blue Trail (connecting Riomaggiore and Manarola). Check its status before your trip as it has been closed for repairs for several years.
Manarola’s Nativity Scene (Presepe): If visiting during the Christmas season (from December 8th to early February), the entire hill above Manarola lights up with the world’s largest illuminated Nativity scene, a breathtaking spectacle.
Top Restaurants
Trattoria dal Billy [$30-$50] – A charming trattoria built into the hillside of Manarola, famous for its incredible sea views and classic Ligurian seafood pasta and stuffed mussels.
Cantina de Mananan [$20-$40] – Tucked away in Corniglia, this cozy, cave-like wine cellar atmosphere offers traditional, hearty Ligurian dishes at reasonable prices, focusing on simple, authentic flavors.
Da Eraldo [$25-$45] – Located in a quiet alley in Monterosso’s historic center, this spot is known for excellent value and traditional Cinque Terre dishes, including fresh fish and homemade pasta.
Il Pirata delle Cinque Terre [$20-$40] – Located on the hill above Vernazza, this friendly, non-touristy choice is known for fresh seafood and classic Italian breakfast options.
Ripa del Sole [$15-$30] – A true local favorite in Riomaggiore, known for small plates and traditional bites in a friendly, laid-back setting, away from the main harbor crowds.
L’Osteria [$25-$45] – A favorite in Monterosso known for its fresh seafood and pasta with clams, often recommended as a great lunchtime spot.
A Pié de Ma’ [$20-$40] – Located near the train station in Riomaggiore, this picturesque spot offers a great place for sunset drinks, light bites, and a quick, satisfying meal.
Trattoria Via dell’Amore [$25-$45] – Found near the harbor in Riomaggiore, offering traditional Ligurian seafood and classic pasta dishes with a vibrant, old-school atmosphere.
La Cantina del Pescatore [$25-$45] – A casual, friendly spot in Monterosso known for focusing on the catch of the day and simple, well-prepared seafood dishes.
Osteria La Torpedine [$30-$50] – A small, cozy gem in Riomaggiore offering top-quality Italian and Mediterranean dishes, often featuring fish tapas and fresh ingredients.
Gastronomia San Martino [$15-$25] – A popular deli/takeaway in Monterosso that provides excellent, ready-made local dishes like filled pasta, roasted vegetables, and pesto lasagna to enjoy on the go or in a picnic setting.
A Cantina da Mananan [$20-$40] – An underground, rustic osteria in Corniglia with a wine-cellar feel, serving authentic regional food like ravioli and seafood dishes.
Osteria Tumelin [$30-$50] – A classic and well-regarded trattoria near Levanto (a short train ride from Monterosso, popular with locals), known for traditional Ligurian cuisine and fresh seafood.
Il Pescato Cucinato [$10-$20] – A must-try street food vendor in Riomaggiore (and other villages) for a quick, authentic snack of fried local seafood (anchovies, squid, shrimp) served in a paper cone.
Tutti Fritti [$10-$20] – Another popular spot for the local street food of freshly fried seafood served in a cone, often found in Riomaggiore.
Emy’s Way Ristorantino Frizzeria [$15-$30] – Known for takeaway pizza and casual meals in Monterosso, offering a convenient and tasty option, especially for hikers.
Pippo a Vernazza [$10-$20] – A great spot in Vernazza for a quick and satisfying lunch, specializing in focaccia sandwiches.
Il Gattaccio – Street Food [$10-$20] – Offers simple street food options in Vernazza, perfect for a budget-friendly and quick bite while exploring the village.
Panificio Rosi [$5-$15] – Located in Riomaggiore, this bakery is perfect for grabbing a quick breakfast of focaccia (especially the buttery one with tomatoes) or pastries.
Pizzeria & Focacceria La Cambusa [$10-$20] – Known for its excellent focaccia, particularly the onion variety, and budget-friendly slices in Riomaggiore.
Rio Bistrot [$40-$70] – A top-rated bistro in Riomaggiore that offers a more refined, modern interpretation of Ligurian seafood dishes with stunning views overlooking the harbor.
La Regina di Manarola [$30-$50] – Offers high-quality, inventive Italian food, blending tradition with modern touches, located slightly away from the main Manarola crowds.
Ristorante Ciak [$40-$70] – Located in Monterosso, this restaurant is known for its excellent Ligurian specialties and fresh fish, often providing a slightly more modern dining experience than a classic trattoria.
Osteria Vineria A Ciassa [$30-$50] – Located in the main square of Corniglia, offering quality local food and wine with an emphasis on local ingredients and contemporary presentation.
Fuori Rotta [$25-$45] – A casual yet stylish spot in Riomaggiore with a laid-back vibe and a menu focused on Mediterranean dishes with a modern flair, away from the harbor bustle.
Ristorante Miky [$70-$100] – A long-standing, well-regarded fine dining institution in Monterosso, famous for its seafood, including a signature table-side preparation of anchovy spaghetti.
Ristorante Belforte [$60-$90] – Located in an 11th-century fortress on the harbor in Vernazza, offering exquisite seafood and a romantic, unparalleled dining atmosphere. Reservations are essential.
L’Ancora della Tortuga [$60-$90] – Located on the cliffs of Monterosso, providing a romantic setting and traditional, high-quality seafood dishes, perfect for a special occasion.
Enoteca Dau Cila [$50-$80] – A more upscale, friendly spot in Riomaggiore’s harbor known for fresh pasta and seafood in an elegant setting.
Cappun Magru [$50-$80] – A high-quality restaurant in Manarola known for showcasing classic Ligurian dishes with a refined touch, using fresh, local ingredients.
Nessun Dorma [$20-$40] – Located in Manarola with an iconic view over the village, this is a perfect aperitivo spot known for excellent bruschetta, charcuterie boards, and wine, but does not serve full meals like pasta or pizza. No reservations, expect a wait.
Il Gambero Rosso [$30-$50] – Despite its central location in Vernazza’s square, locals recommend this for good food, particularly their seafood risotto.
Da Sandro [$10-$20] – A casual eatery in Vernazza famous for the elusive Tegame di Vernazza, a layered dish of whole anchovies, potatoes, tomatoes, and herbs, a true regional specialty.
Lunch Box [$10-$20] – A great casual spot in Vernazza for fresh juices and take-away paninis and sandwiches, perfect for a hike.
Gelateria Corniglia [$5-$10] – A popular stop in Corniglia for homemade gelato, often featuring local flavors like basil or Sciacchetrà wine.
Alberto Gelateria [$5-$10] – A highly-rated gelateria in Corniglia, known for unique and classic flavors.
Gelateria Vernazza [$5-$10] – Located in Vernazza, often praised for its rich, dark chocolate and the unique “Crema Cinque Terre” flavor.
Un Mare di Yogurt [$5-$15] – A place in Corniglia offering sweet treats like crêpes and yogurt, with a cute outdoor patio.
Gelateria 5 Terre [$5-$10] – Located in Manarola, known for creamy, rich gelato with many dairy-free/vegan options that still taste traditional.
Bar Al Castello [$30-$60] – Located inside a castle in Vernazza, offering a fancy dinner with a stunning view.
La Torre [$30-$50] – Situated above Vernazza, offering incredible panoramic views and a relaxed dining experience.
La Cantina del Macellaio [$25-$45] – Located in Riomaggiore, offering friendly service and great ambiance, known for good pasta and charcuterie.
Kepris Pizzeria [$15-$30] – A solid, casual option in Riomaggiore when you’re craving excellent pizza or other simple Italian dishes.
Trattoria da Oscar [$20-$40] – A traditional, no-frills option in Monterosso known for local cuisine and a friendly atmosphere.
Ristorante La Scogliera [$30-$50] – Located right on the sea in Manarola, offering a classic dining experience with great views and fresh seafood.
Il Porticciolo [$30-$50] – Found in Manarola, known for its seafood platter and excellent views from the promenade.
Bar Zorza [$10-$25] – A highly-recommended spot in Riomaggiore for ending your evening with a cocktail or a local grappa.
Terra Rossa Wine Bar [$15-$30] – A great wine bar in Corniglia to sample local Cinque Terre wine with light snacks.
A Caneva [$10-$20] – A simple bar in Corniglia that is a good spot for a beer or local wine on the stairs, offering a break and local feel.
U Cappun Magru [$40-$70] – Located in Manarola, known for a high-quality selection of seafood and an elegant setting.
Cinque Sensi [$30-$50] – A modern restaurant in Vernazza offering a focus on local ingredients and contemporary dishes.
Ristorante Belvedere [$30-$50] – Situated on the beach in Monterosso’s old town, offering a good location for a simple, fresh meal.
Cantina Miky [$30-$50] – The more casual sister restaurant to Ristorante Miky in Monterosso, also focusing on fresh seafood but with a more relaxed atmosphere.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Nessun Dorma (Manarola): Perched on a promontory overlooking the iconic colorful village and harbor, this renowned spot offers one of the best views in the Cinque Terre. They serve exceptional bruschetta, meat and cheese boards, and a fantastic selection of wines and signature cocktails like their refreshing limoncino spritz. Be sure to use their app to join the queue for a table, as it is very popular.
A Pié de Mà (Riomaggiore): Located on the cliff near the train station, this bar offers stunning sea views and is an excellent place to grab an aperitivo with focaccia and local wine. The atmosphere is relaxed, with a direct counter service model encouraging interaction with the staff.
Old School Cocktails & Food (Riomaggiore): Hidden above the old town near the Church of San Giovanni Battista, this casual cafe-bar is a great escape from the harbor crowds. They offer a range of cocktails alongside street food in a slightly elevated location.
Bar Terza Terra (Corniglia): Situated at the edge of Corniglia, this bar provides wonderful views of the sea and coastline. It’s an ideal spot for an aperitivo with local Cinque Terre wine, cocktails, and light bites like cheese and salami plates.
Ananasso Bar (Vernazza): Located right on Vernazza’s main square, overlooking the sea, this bar is known for its excellent cocktails, sandwiches, and focaccias. It’s perfect for a romantic sunset aperitif or a relaxed after-dinner drink, with a central, lively location.
Enoteca da Eliseo (Monterosso al Mare): Found in the New Town (Fegina) of Monterosso, this spot is perfect for drinks with a great selection of local wines and cocktails, often rewarding visitors with sea views from its terrace.
Burgus Bar (Vernazza): Located on the main square of Vernazza, this spot is popular for pre-dinner drinks or to end the evening. They offer classic drinks like Aperol Spritz, Sangria, and local craft beers with pleasant views of the square.
L’Ancora della Tortuga (Monterosso al Mare): This restaurant and bar is located on the rocks overlooking the sea in Monterosso, offering stunning views, especially at sunset. They are known for their great food but also offer cocktails and wine.
Hotel Porto Roca Lobby Bar (Monterosso al Mare): Located within the luxurious Hotel Porto Roca, this bar provides an elegant setting and breathtaking panoramic sea views. Their skilled bartenders prepare international classics and local specialties, including the famous Sciacchetrà sweet wine.
Hotel Villa Steno Bar (Monterosso al Mare): Situated in a hotel high up in Monterosso, the bar features a terrace with a unique view of the town and the sea. They offer a careful selection of classic cocktails, including a lemon spritz made with lemons from their own garden, and quality wines.
Bar La Torre (Monterosso al Mare): A small, casual bar located on the path towards Vernazza from Monterosso. It is known for its incredible views, particularly at sunset, making it a rewarding stop after a day of hiking.
Enoteca Internazionale (Monterosso al Mare): The oldest wine shop in Monterosso’s historic center. While primarily focused on wine, they offer tastings of Cinque Terre wine and provide a great atmosphere for an evening aperitivo.
Groove Waterfront (La Spezia – near Cinque Terre): A short train ride away in La Spezia, this venue offers an eclectic variety of music and is known for live acts, retro nights, and DJ sets, making it one of the closest options for a true “club” experience.
Shake Club (La Spezia – near Cinque Terre): A live music club in La Spezia known for its cocktails and snacks, often open late into the night, offering a more traditional nightlife option outside the five villages.
Nomad Bar (La Spezia – near Cinque Terre): A stylish and energetic cocktail bar in La Spezia known for its expertly crafted, designer cocktails and seasonal menu changes, a top destination for cocktail aficionados in the region.
Il Pirata delle Cinque Terre (Vernazza): While known primarily as a restaurant, this spot (run by two Sicilian brothers) offers a lively, fun atmosphere and is often where people linger for a late-night drink and good conversation after dinner. It’s located just up the hill from the main square.
La Casina (La Spezia – near Cinque Terre): This relatively new spot in La Spezia is open until late, serving all-day food and drinks with a modern vibe, a great option for a lively evening in the region’s main city.
Accanto (La Spezia – near Cinque Terre): A stylish lounge bar in La Spezia with an up-market art deco interior, serving expertly mixed cocktails.
PIN La Spezia (La Spezia – near Cinque Terre): A mixed venue with an outdoor street food vibe that transforms into a live music and dance venue later in the evening, set under giant pine trees.
Wonderful Bar (La Spezia – near Cinque Terre): Located near the public gardens in La Spezia, this lounge bar has dazzling décor and an extensive cocktail menu, often hosting DJ sets and music events.
La Taverna Del Metallo (La Spezia – near Cinque Terre): A classic pub that often hosts live music and offers a more traditional, high-energy environment compared to the quieter village bars.
Smood (Ceparana – near La Spezia): Located slightly outside La Spezia, this is a live music club that stays open late, offering drinks and snacks.
Skaletta Rock (La Spezia – near Cinque Terre): A dedicated rock and live music club in La Spezia, open until 2 am, providing a distinct alternative to the typical Italian wine bar.
Vineria U Pussu (Monterosso al Mare): Located in the oldest part of Monterosso, this former wine cellar is now a wine bar (enoteca) known for its selection of Cinque Terre wines. It’s a great place for a relaxed late drink.
La Rosa Blu (La Spezia – near Cinque Terre): Tucked away in a small laneway in La Spezia, this wine bar is loved by locals for its chill, eclectic boho vibe, local wines, and delicious appetizer plates, staying open late.