Le Cinque Terre (CHEEN-quay TEH-reh) have exploded in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. The name of this area means “the five lands,” and it’s easy to feel like you’ve been transported to a different land when you visit. These five villages, Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, feature great swimming beaches and virtually no “modern” development, and are perched very picturesquely on the shores of the Mediterranean.
This stretch of coastline has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also a national park. The villages are connected by hiking trails and trains, but cars are not able to reach any of the villages from the outside, and this adds to the charm of these villages. This area has become very popular with tourists, as you will notice when walking around the villages. Despite some of the crowds, the beauty and charm of these villages makes a visit definitely worth the effort.
One of the unique ways to experience this magical stretch of coastline is to hike from village to village using the centuries-old trails that link them. It might take all day and tire you out to hike all five in one day, but it’s certainly possible. I have only done the hike from Monterosso to Vernazza, but it was a great experience and I would highly recommend it. It took a couple of hours and was moderately strenuous. The best part is the views of the coastline and the view of Vernazza as it continues to get closer. Once you reach Vernazza, take some time to sit at an outdoor café and enjoy an aperitivo (aperitif/before-dinner drink). You can easily catch a water-taxi back to Monterosso or you can hop on the train.
View from the trail, looking back at Monterosso
View from the trail, as you come into Vernazza
I have been to Cinque Terre three or four times, and I have stayed in Monterosso each time. Monterosso is a great base for your adventures in Cinque Terre. There are some great restaurants in this town. This region of Italy, Liguria, is the birthplace of pesto, and I had one of the best meals I’ve ever had when I ordered fettuccine al pesto at a local restaurant in Monterosso. The focaccia in this area is great as well.
You can easily reach Cinque Terre by train through Genoa and La Spezia.















