Cinque Terre Villages

Are you wondering what the best village to stay in Cinque Terre is? It’s no secret that each town boasts its distinctive traits and advantages. So, before you set out to visit the famous area, you’d better learn the names of Cinque Terre villages and about what they have to offer!

• Riomaggiore is the unofficial capital of Cinque Terre and is the southernmost and the largest of the five towns. The village’s colorful houses that cling to a steep ravine and lead to a tiny harbor enchant all who visit.

• Manarola is the oldest and second smallest of the towns! The vineyards that encircle it are the main source of Cinque Terre’s rich wine, Sciacchetrà. Besides that, Manarola features delightful reminders of everyday village life like resting fishing boats and drying laundry.

• Crowning the top of a 100m-high rugged cliff, Corniglia is the only of the villages which lacks beach access leading to the sea. Nevertheless, steep steps wind up from the rocky cove and its waterfront train station. The town’s quiet, tangled streets lead you to a vast and breezy sea-view terrace.

• Vernazza’s Piazza Marconi, with its pastel houses facing the sea, is the main reason why visitors flock to this humble corner of the world. The village’s typical narrow lanes (caruggi) rise almost vertically from the square. Come and admire these gateways to the maze of stairs and tiny terraces with vast blue sea views!

• If you love to swim and chill on the beach, then Monterosso should rank high on your Cinque Terre travel itinerary. It is the only village featuring a proper strip of a sandy beach! Besides, the westernmost of the towns is famous for its yellow lemon trees, and tasty anchovies served practically off the boat!

Desperate to capture all the beauty Cinque Terre harbors? Don’t miss its most instagrammable spots:

• Incredible views in the only natural harbor in the five villages. Where: Vernazza Cinque Terre.
• Pastel houses on cliffs. Where: Manarola Cinque Terre.
• The only vantage point that allows you to photograph all five villages at once. Where: Corniglia Cinque Terre.
• One of Cinque Terre walking trails; get ready for the stunning hills, vineyards, a church, and even a cemetery! Where: Manarola to Corniglia.
• Dreamlike beaches, reefs, and crystal clear waters. Where: Monterosso al Mare Cinque Terre.

Got a winner and would like to be featured? Choose your best snap from your tour of 5 Cinque Terre villages Italy is so proud of, post it on your IG, and tag #dotravelgram. 

Are you wondering what the best way to see Cinque Terre villages is, or how to plan your itinerary? Well, once you arrive from Florence and leave the train station, you will surely want to make a to-do list; the villages offer so much! Don’t know where to look first? Here are some options for you to consider:

• Hike from Riomaggiore to Manarola, following the famous Via dell’Amore (Pathway of Love). The 1-km route is part of the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Path) that connects Vernazza and Monterosso.

• Take a ferry and travel to the nearby towns of Levanto, La Spezia, Portofino, or Portovenere. 

• Explore Cinque Terre by boat. Admire the stunning views from the water and learn more about the area from an expert guide! 

• Treat yourself to local delicacies, exquisite wine, and mouth-watering gelato. The best Cinque Terre Villages to visit have many gastronomical surprises. 

• Take a dip in the sea and enjoy beautiful Cinque Terre beaches. Those in the mood for an adrenaline-fuelled activity can also try out cliff jumping!

• Wear a pair of comfortable shoes; there’ll be plenty of walking, especially if you want to see all the Cinque Terre villages in one day. 

• Remember that nothing beats a quick refreshing dip in the ocean after a day of sightseeing. Bring your swimsuit!

• If you are planning a trip to Cinque Terre in the summer, don’t forget to protect yourself from the Italian sun! Wear a hat, use sunscreen, and stay hydrated. 

• Trips to the famous small villages are trendy, especially during the best time to visit (summertime). Don’t wait until the tours are sold out; make reservations in advance!

• For the best deals, consider booking online. Enjoy exclusive offers and attractive combos that let you enjoy several tourist experiences at discounted rates!