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Cinque Terre

Five Cliffside Villages Joined by Train and Trail

Plan this trip
2 daysIdeal stay₹13,850From / night₹3,410Food / day₹3,140Entry

Five colourful fishing villages on the Ligurian cliffs (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore), joined by a local train every few minutes and by coastal paths. No cars in the villages; stay in Monterosso (the beach) or Manarola and Riomaggiore. The Cinque Terre Treno card covers the trains and trails. Very crowded in summer by midday; trails can close after rain. Pesto comes from here, so vegetarians eat well.

Highlights

  • Hike Vernazza to Monterosso
  • Sunset at Manarola
  • Via dell'Amore (booked slots)
  • Swim at Monterosso beach
  • Boat along the coast to Portovenere (April-October)
  • Focaccia and pesto
  • Sciacchetrà wine

Things to do

  • Coastal hike Monterosso to VernazzaMorning · 2h 30m
  • Village-hop by train: Corniglia, Manarola, RiomaggioreAfternoon · 4h
  • Sunset over ManarolaEvening · 1h 30m
  • Boat trip to PortovenereApr–OctMorning · 4h
  • Beach afternoon at MonterossoAfternoon · 3h

Tours & tickets

Tours & tickets in Cinque Terrevia GetYourGuideTours & tickets in Cinque Terrevia Klook

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When to go

Best time: April – June, September – October

Worth knowing

August Peak: Italians on Holiday

August, and the week of Ferragosto (15 August) above all, is the busiest time on the coasts, lakes and islands: rooms cost the most of the year and sell out, beaches and beach clubs fill, ferries and trains to the coast are booked solid, and roads jam. Book rooms, ferries and trains months ahead, or come in June or September.

Heads up

Cinque Terre in Winter: Trails and Boats Limited

Out of season the coastal boats stop, some trails close after storms and landslides, and many rooms and restaurants shut. The trains still run between the villages. Check the national park's trail status before walking, at any time of year: paths close at short notice after heavy rain.

Worth knowing

Cinque Terre Crowds

Cruise and coach day-trippers pack the trains, platforms and the narrow lanes of Vernazza and Manarola from late morning to late afternoon. Stay overnight, walk the trails early, and buy the Cinque Terre Treno card or tickets before you reach the platform.

  • Ferragosto — The Assumption holiday and the peak of the Italian summer holiday: beaches, lakes and islands are at their fullest and dearest, many city shops and restaurants close for the week either side, and there are fireworks and beach parties on the coast. Book everything well ahead.