The Cinque Terre towns are five villages that sit along a jagged stretch of Ligurian coastline in northwest Italy. They’re small, vertical and dramatically positioned on cliffs, which is both their magic and, at times, their logistical headache.
Where are the Cinque Terre towns?
The towns line up along the Italian Riviera in Cinque Terre National Park, facing the Ligurian Sea. They sit in La Spezia province, roughly an hour by train from Pisa and about two and a half hours from Milan.
They’re only a few minutes apart by train, but the terrain between them is steep and rugged, which is why distances feel longer on foot than they look on the map.
Cinque Terre's five villages
Undoubtedly one of Italy's top UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Cinque Terre villages each have a distinct feel. None of them is interchangeable once you’ve actually climbed their steps and tried to lug a suitcase uphill.
Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso is the largest of the Cinque Terre towns and the only one with a proper sandy beach. It’s split into two parts: the old town with its narrow lanes and the newer Fegina area with seafront hotels and a long promenade.
The terrain is flatter here than elsewhere, which matters more than you’d think after a few days of staircases.
Top things to do in Monterosso
- Relax on Fegina beach and swim in the clearest water you’ll find in the Cinque Terre.
- Visit the Church of San Giovanni Battista in the historic centre.
- Walk up to the Capuchin Convent for wide coastal views.
Best suited to: travellers who want the best town for beaches, easier walking and a slightly more resort-style base.
Vernazza
Vernazza is the one that usually ends up on postcards, with its tiny harbour and pastel houses clustered around a natural marina.
It feels compact and cinematic, especially when seen from the hiking trail above. Space is tight, and in peak season it fills up quickly.
Top things to do in Vernazza
- Climb the Doria Castle tower for a clear view over the harbour.
- Sit in the small piazza by the water and watch the fishing boats drift in.
- Hike the Vernazza–Monterosso section of the Sentiero Azzurro, the Blue Trail.
Best suited to: anyone chasing classic harbour views and that instantly recognisable Cinque Terre photo.
Corniglia
Corniglia is the quietest of the five villages and the only one not directly on the sea. It sits high on a cliff, reached by the long Lardarina staircase or a shuttle bus from the station.
Because it lacks a marina and a large waterfront, it feels more residential and less hectic.
Top things to do in Corniglia
- Walk up to the panoramic terrace of Santa Maria Belvedere.
- Wander through vineyards surrounding the village.
- Explore the narrow lanes around the Church of San Pietro.
Best suited to: those after the quietest stay and a slower pace, especially outside peak summer months.
Manarola
Manarola is a tight cluster of tall, colourful houses rising straight from the rocks above the sea. The surrounding hills are striped with terraced vineyards, and local Sciacchetrà wine still has roots here.
There’s no sandy beach, but swimmers jump in from rocks and slipways.
Top things to do in Manarola
- Walk out along the harbour rocks for the iconic village view.
- Visit the Church of San Lorenzo.
- Sample local wine in a small enoteca overlooking the water.
Best suited to: travellers who want dramatic cliff scenery and one of the most photographed perspectives in the Cinque Terre towns.
Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore is the southernmost of the Cinque Terre towns and feels the most vertical, with a steep main street running down to a small harbour. The houses are tall and narrow, painted in warm tones that glow late in the day.
It tends to have a slightly livelier evening atmosphere compared with Corniglia.
Top things to do in Riomaggiore
- Explore the harbour area at sunset.
- Walk towards the Via dell’Amore when open.
- Climb up through the upper streets for sea views back towards Manarola.
Best suited to: first-time visitors who want a mix of scenery, train access and a bit more evening buzz.
Which Cinque Terre town is best?
“Prettiest” is subjective, and the five villages are similar enough that your experience often depends more on timing and crowd levels than on the town itself. That said, certain places lean more clearly in one direction than another.
Travel style | Best Cinque Terre town |
|---|---|
Beaches | Monterosso al Mare |
Classic harbour views | Vernazza |
Quiet stays | Corniglia |
First-time visitors | Riomaggiore |
Dramatic cliff scenery | Manarola |
Getting between the Cinque Terre towns
The easiest way to move between the cinque terre towns is by the regional train, often referred to as the Cinque Terre Express during peak season. Trains run frequently, and the journey between each village takes just a few minutes.
Walking the 5 villages of Cinque Terre
The Sentiero Azzurro connects the villages via cliffside paths, though sections sometimes close due to landslides. Walking between Monterosso and Vernazza takes around two hours, with similar timing between Vernazza and Corniglia. Note that flip flops are not allowed on the main hiking trails within the National Park.
Where to stay: inside or outside the Cinque Terre towns
Staying inside the five villages means stepping straight into the scenery each morning, but accommodation is limited and often expensive in high season.
La Spezia and Levanto are common alternative bases, both connected by train and generally offering more space and better value.
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