Travel to Cinque Terre in Italy and explore five magical towns. Swim between fishing boats and dive among aqua blue crystal waters. Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso all offer unique experiences.
Cinque Terre, Italy
When people talk of the Cinque Terre (meaning "five lands"), it is most often the travelers to Italy who fell in love with these coastal villages which sit high on the rugged Italian coastline accessible by train or small walking tracks. Added to the allure of these charming five villages is the journey of either walking or traveling by train. Understandably, the biggest question travelers have to Cinque Terre is whether they should walk or take trains between the villages.
If you decide to walk between the villages, there are some steep sections so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. To help you plan your travels to Cinque Terra we have detailed below the sections and distances between the villages:
Section 1: Riomaggiore to Manarola is 0.6 miles.
Section 2: Manarola to Corniglia is 1.2 miles.
Section 3: Corniglia to Vernazza is 2.5 miles.
Section 4: Vernazza to Monterosso is 2 miles.
Reversing the process, many travelers will catch the train to Monterosso and then walk to Vernazza and Corniglia. Check for more information on local trains from La Spezia to Genoa as roads into Cinque Terre are restricted.
Swim in Cinque Terre towns
Sunbathe on beaches and rocks
Plan at least one or two days to relax and dine at trattorias, swim at beaches and soak in the magnificent colors of dawn to dusk as the pink sunset radiates off the colorful Mediterranean houses that line the clifftops.
Eat Cinque Terre local produce
Buy fresh fruits and vegetables
Buy local oranges, tomatoes and other locally grown fruits and vegetables from farmers to snack on during the day. Eating in Italy does not require formality; just grab some freshly baked bread, cured meats, tomatoes and fresh cheese from local merchants in the towns and have a picnic. Simply delicious!
Enjoy the hillside towns of Cinque Terre
As dusk approaches, the glow of the Tuscan sun reflects a radiant warmth off the earth-colored buildings around Cinque Terre. The twilight in Cinque Terre is peaceful and as the day becomes dusk, your senses will awaken. Whether you travel to Cinque Terre by train or walk, it is an exhilarating experience that will leave an indelible memory of the magic of Italy for many years to come.
