Your Guide To Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a string of seaside villages on the Northern Italian Riviera coastline. There are five towns–which if you speak any Italian you know translates to “five lands”– Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, each with their own unique charm but equally as exquisite. All five villages are linked with hiking paths, so deciding which village to stay in isn’t limiting and easily allows the freedom to bounce around, (don’t worry, for those who would rather swipe their card than get their shoes dirty, there are trains). Each village is occupied with fairy tale pastel houses balancing on the rocky terrain, stunning beaches, and the most sparkling blue water you’ve ever seen. Whether you’re looking to relax, swim, eat, or sweat, Cinque Terre has everything you need and more. 

This sunset-resembling color palette couldn’t get any better if it tried. Photo by Grace Wade.

If you’re looking to get some steps in with a high reward, we know just the occasion.  Cinque Terre has one of the most stunning and rewarding hikes known as the Blue Trail Hike (Sentiero Azzurro). The Cinque Terre Trail to Corniglia covers all five towns, so get ready to sweat! It begins extremely steep, and for the first hour or so you will climb up tall terraces covered in vineyards really getting those legs to ache for some gnocchi and a chilled glass of vino post-hike. The climb can be tough on a hot day, but once you conquer this cliff the views are absolutely incredible and the flat walk and ocean breeze will cool you down. Make sure to wear suitable trainers being that the entirety of the path is unpaved, (don’t want to slip now, do we?). Santuario di Nostra Signora di Montenero is one of the most unbelievable viewpoints of Cinque Terre. Some may even say this view alone is worth the trip here in the first place. If you don’t take our word for it, you may just have to add this to your long list of must-visit destinations for the future, (go ahead and add it to your list even if you believe us).

Cinque Terre really outdoing itself.

For people who enjoy lounging at the beach all day on their vacation, Cinque Terre has gorgeous harbors and the most refreshing ocean water. For a typical white sand beach experience, Monterosso beach is a perfect choice– plus the train stops right there! If you’re looking for a less traditional area to take a dip, Manarola has amazing viewpoints from hefty boulders which you can get the full experience and free fall into the inviting sea. If you decide to take the leap, you’re guaranteed to have a crowd cheering you on and your adrenaline will sure be running. If you are looking to explore the marine more, kayak and boat tours as well as snorkel and scuba tours at Riomaggiore’s very own dive centre are highly recommended. 

Oh, to lay underneath the infamous striped umbrellas and hear the serene sound of the waves gently crashing against the shore. Does it get any better?

For all the foodies out there, the Liguria region is famous for their pesto sauce, which you can find at pretty much any market you walk into. Enjoy the region’s infamous sauce on a fine Italian pizza, pasta, or even consider taking the local pesto tasting or making classes. If you choose to hike the five towns, we recommend getting a jar of pesto at the small shop on top of the terrace. Now that we’re on the topic of food, we can’t forget all of their mouth-watering seafood options. Obviously, being on the coast means all their seafood is locally caught and wonderfully fresh. In addition to pesto, the villages are known for their divine anchovies and wonderful shrimp and calamari, (go figures).

While grabbing a few jars of pesto is essential, there are several delightful shops across the villages that we recommend sifting through for fine wine and linens to take home to your loved ones. Nothing says, “I love you” like some Italian wine and the softest linens. When in Monterosso, make sure to visit the glorious Fabbrica d'Arte Monterosso for some beautifully crafted, handmade ceramics and hand-embroidered linens that are simply to die for. 

If you are in need of a fabulous photo or purely are in search of the most romantic sunrise or set, Riomaggiore, the southernmost of the five villages, has the most breathtaking coves to take a moment and appreciate where you are. Supposedly we hear that this village has the most youthful atmosphere and upbeat nightlife! So if dancing your night away piques your interest, you know where to go. 

Each of the villages is complete with winding streets of soft-hued houses, delicately steep staircases, and more lookouts providing different perspectives than you could ever want. Whether you are visiting the harbor of Vernazza, relaxing on the beaches of Monterosso, or hiking your way to Riomaggiore terraces, you are guaranteed to find everything your heart desires and have a splendid time doing so.