We say it often on this site, but it’s worth repeating. Italy is the most visited foreign country by TravelAnne Explorers bar none! In fact, most of you have traveled there many times and still feel like you’re just scratching the surface. If you haven’t been to Cinque Terre yet, add it to your list!
By: Matt Buckley, TravelAnne Staff Writer
Whether it's a 2-week escape or a 2-day weekend getaway, TravelAnne is here to make it happen.
If you are looking for a picturesque escape to add to your next trip to Italy, look no further than the Cinque Terre, an array of five charming villages perched on the rocky cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a must stop in Italy for either a 1-day excursion or a 2-3 day visit. This would be a wonderful addition when visiting Florence and the Tuscan region.
The Cinque Terre (pronounced chin-kwe ter-re, with a rolled "r" sound) competes with the Amalfi Coast for the title of Italy’s most famous coastal area, but the Italian Riviera offers a different kind of beauty in its emerald waters and pastel-colored towns. The region is on the rugged Ligurian coast of Italy and consists of five charming seaside villages that have captured the hearts of travelers for generations: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
The name “Cinque Terre” translates to “Five Lands,” and each of the five villages is unique, yet all offer a glimpse into a simpler, more traditional way of life.
Each one has an abundance of old Italian charm, from the faded colours that come alive at sunset to the mazes of alleys leading up from tiny harbors. Only Monterosso has a proper beach, but this village quintet isn’t the place for solely a beach holiday, despite the coastlines. Instead, wander aimlessly through the villages, enjoy a laid-back meal, or take to any of the surrounding hiking paths.
These once isolated villages are now tourist hotspots in their own right, with the Cinque Terre Express one of the best ways to get between them. Most cruises dock at La Spezia, the province’s main city, which lies just 20 minutes from the nearest Cinque Terre village, Riomaggiore.
If you like to hike, even better. The terraced seaside villages offer some of the best hiking in all of Italy. The region has an extensive network of hiking trails connecting each of the five villages to one another. Some Cinque Terre hiking trails are tiring and difficult, while others are suitable for nearly everyone.
In Italian a trail is called a sentiero. The high path Sentiero no. 1 is an old mule-track, perhaps dating back to Roman times, which runs along the ridge which separates the coast from the hinterland
The famous Sentiero no. 2 or Sentiero Azzurro connects the five villages of the Cinque Terre. There is a total elevation difference of 500 meters between the highest and lowest points of the trail.
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You can walk the entire route in about six hours (if you only take short breaks) or hike just a portion. Either way, we recommend all hikers take their time. You can even spread the full route out over two or three days to stop and enjoy the towns along the way.
For TravelAnne Explorers, one of our favorite ways to guide you through this area is with the assistance of two esteemed tour operators, Butterfield & Robinson and/or Backroads. Butterfield & Robinson is renowned for crafting immersive biking and walking adventures worldwide. Backroads, another leader in active travel, offers unique itineraries that seamlessly blend adventure with luxury.
Some may be tempted to book these tours on your own, but in all honesty, it’s better for us to work on your behalf to get the right tour and guarantee that you’re getting the best value for your dollar.
We match which company fits your needs. We then work with them to curate itineraries tailored to our clients to showcase the best of Cinque Terre. Even better for those seeking a personalized exploration of Cinque Terre, with expert local guides, local accommodations, and curated cultural experiences.
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The villages themselves are steeped in history and tradition, with centuries-old churches, castles, and fortresses to explore. Each village has its own unique character, from the colorful boats bobbing in the harbor of Vernazza to the quiet, peaceful streets of Corniglia.
And of course, the culinary delights of the Cinque Terre are an essential part of any visit to the area. Italian cuisine is known for its exquisite flavors and the Cinque Terre is no exception. The region is renowned for its fresh seafood, caught daily and prepared in a variety of mouth-watering dishes. Visitors can indulge in local specialties such as anchovies, octopus salad, and seafood risotto.
In addition to its seafood, the Cinque Terre is also famous for its wine. The area’s terraced vineyards produce some of Italy’s most beloved wines, including Sciacchetrà, a sweet dessert wine made from late-harvested grapes. Wine enthusiasts can explore the vineyards and cellars of the area, tasting and learning about the winemaking process from local producers.
Also keep in mind that pesto was invented in this region, so another thing you must do in Cinque Terre is order a pesto dish at one of the local restaurants along with a glass of white wine. Oh, and pick a restaurant with a view (which almost all of them have).
The best time to visit Cinque Terre is in the “shoulder seasons.” May is a pretty perfect time. While you can find rainy days, it tends to be warm, with wildflowers blooming on the trails. September being a close second with cooler weather. Be aware that it's very hot and humid in the summer, and the trails have little shade. Also during the off-season months, you'll experience the villages as the locals do, but rain is common. The worst month is November due to heavier rain which on many days forces the hiking trails to close for safety reasons.
In short, Cinque Terre is worth the visit. It’s a place to slow down, relax, and enjoy the beauty of nature and tradition. Another stop in the beautiful, rich and diverse country of Italy!