Overview

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cinque Terre translates literally to English as "5 Lands".

It is a picturesque coastal region in the Liguaria part of Italy, renowned for its five stunning villages of: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.

With its brightly coloured houses, terraced slopes and hiking trails, Cinque Terre is a popular destination for all sorts of travellers.

A train line connects all five villages, with frequent services throughout the day. However, they can be especially packed in the daytime during summer months. Alternatively, it is also possible to hike/walk between some of the villages.

Spend a couple of days here exploring the five villages, as it is a must-stop place for anyone visiting Italy. AirBnBs are your best bet when staying here.

Top Tips

Most of these five towns are packed throughout the day. Stay overnight in one of the towns if possible, to enjoy the amazing views in the early evenings when the day-trippers are all gone, and enjoy the view of the sunset.

Manarola

Known for its colourful pastel buildings stacked against steep hillsides, you'll feel like you've stepped backed in time when you first approach this village.

Narrow winding streets along the mountain slope, are lined with local shops, cafes and restaurants. Spend a couple of hours here exploring the different parts of town, from the cliffedge near Nessun Dorma, to the top part along Via A Rollandi, to view the village from different perspectives.

Walk the scenic Via dell'Amore, a romantic coastal cliffside path, all the way from Manarola to Riomaggiore, with stunning views of the Mediterranean all along.

It is highly advisable to stay in one of the Cinque Terre towns for at least a night, and Manarola would be a good choice.

In the evening, as the sun sets over the water, the village will have a magical glow, making it a popular spot to take photos, and to spend the evening with your loved ones.

It is also at this time when most of the day-trippers will have already left the region, leaving you more free and relaxed whilst exploring Manarola.

Manarola definitely promises an unforgettable experience, with its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery.

Where to Eat in Manarola

Although it is a village afterall, the hoards of tourists who visit this town during the summer months means that there's plenty of options to choose from. Two restaurants stand out the most.

Nessun Dorma

Serving mostly snacks (such as bruschetta and charcuterie board) and also cocktails, one of the main selling points of this restaurant is its view.

Whilst enjoying your nibbles and tipples, you can gauze at the amazing view of the sea down below.

They also have a popular pesto making class, where they can teach you how to make their famous pesto from scratch, and you can enjoy it afterwards as well!

Top tip (if not doing the pesto making class): Make sure to use the app to book a place in the queue, as it gets quite busy. Policies change every year so make sure to check out their website for their latest guidelines

Trattoria dal Billy

Serving traditional pasta, this is also one of the most coveted spots for a meal. Although the view is not as great as Nessun Dorma, it still offers a good view of Manarola itself.

Make sure to book a table a couple of days before by calling up the restaurant, as it can get busy at times!

Riomaggiore

The southernmost village of Cinque Terre, is also one of the most photogenic in the region, with its dramatic setting and charming harbour filled with colourful fishing boats.

Also with narrow winding streets, it is perfect for leisurely strolls. Enjoy the fresh local seafood, paired with wines from surrounding vineyards.

For adventure lovers, you can hire kayaks and sail out into the crystal blue sea. Just round the corner, there's also a hidden rocky beach just tucked away in a cove. This is a popular less well-known spot for both tourists and locals, where you can enjoy your afternoon sunbathing.

From the rocks by the harbour, this is also a good place to watch the sunset. Make sure to get here early to grab a good spot.

Some other attractions in this town include the Church of San Giovanni Battista and the Castle of Riomaggiore.

Be sure to also walk the Via dell'Amore all the way to Manarola!

Monterosso

The largest and most resort-like of the five villages, this town feels very different from the rest of Cinque Terre. It offers a mix of beautiful beaches and historic charm.

There is a very long sandy beach, as opposed to the rocky beaches in the other towns, making it a popular spot for people to relax and play on the beach.

Vernazza

Another popular town within Cinque Terre, it is sometimes regarded as the most characteristic town out of the five. It remains one of the truest fishing villages on the riviera and has a picturesque pier.

Highlights include the Santa Margherita di Antiochi Feast, and the Farmer's Market every Tuesday morning.

Corniglia

The smallest and most secluded village out of the five, it is different from the others as it's perched high on a rocky cliff overlooking the sea. It doesn't have sea access, so you'll need to climb almost 400 steps to reach here. This makes the village less touristy than others, which makes it a perfect destination for anyone seeking a  more authentic and tranquil experience.

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