A Quick Cinque Terre Travel Guide

Once considered off-the-beaten-path, the Cinque Terre now are a must-see in Italy.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is Italian for "five lands," named after the five, small fishing villages that make up this piece of the Italian Riviera.

Monterosso

Monterosso al Mare is the northernmost of the Cinque Terre villages. It is the flattest one and thus has the only proper beach.

Vernazza

After Monterosso follows Vernazza. Many visitors consider Vernazza to be the most beautiful village of the five Cinque Terre.

Corniglia

Next is Corniglia, the middle village. Corniglia sits atop a cliff, and thus is the only village of the Cinque Terre without direct sea access.

Manarola

Following Corniglia is Manarola. Manarola is the most Instagram-famous of the Cinque Terre due the view from a particular restaurant.

Riomaggiore

Finally, Riomaggiore is the southernmost of the Cinque Terre villages. Unlike the others, it has retained a fishing village vibe.

Via dell' Amore

Via dell' Amore is Italian for "way of love." This famous pathway along the sea connects all five Cinque Terre villages and is the major draw.

Levanto

Though not part of the Cinque Terre, Levanto is the village directly above Monterosso, making it a popular alternative base to avoid crowds.

La Spezia

Also not a part of the Cinque Terre, La Spezia is just past Riomaggiore. Its train station connects the Cinque Terre to other Italy destinations.

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10 days in Italy by train