Cinque Terre Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Let’s talk about Cinque Terre. It’s one of those places that lives in your head long before you ever set foot on the coast. I remember hearing about it years ago in a Rick Steves travel update (yes, that Rick Steves) and I’ve been obsessed ever since. The promise of cliffside villages, dramatic coastlines, and pesto so good it might make you cry? Sold.

We finally made it happen and I’m here to tell you everything you need to know before you pack your bags and head to Italy’s most colorful coastline.

What Is Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre literally means “Five Lands” and refers to five impossibly scenic villages tucked along the Ligurian coast in northern Italy. They are: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Each one is unique, impossibly charming, and looks like it was designed by someone with a passion for color palettes and carb-loading.

How to Get to Cinque Terre

We were already in Florence, so we hopped on a train to La Spezia, then transferred to the local line that stops at each of the five villages. The train runs frequently, and it’s the easiest and most efficient way to explore the coast without needing a car. Honestly, you don’t want to drive here unless you enjoy squeezing your vehicle between a cliff and a lemon tree.

Pro tip: Get the Cinque Terre Train Card so you can hop on and off the trains between the towns without needing a new ticket each time.

Where We Went and What We Loved

We didn’t try to conquer all five villages in one day. Instead, we focused on two—Manarola and Monterosso—so we could actually enjoy them. If you want to leave feeling relaxed rather than exhausted, pick two or three and go from there.

Manarola – My Movie-Set Moment

This is the one. The town you’ve seen on postcards, Pinterest boards, and your friend’s honeymoon slideshow. And let me tell you, it’s even better in person. The colorful houses spill down the cliff like they were poured there, and the water glows in that perfect Ligurian blue.

We walked through narrow streets lined with little wine shops, climbed up toward the vineyard paths, and eventually landed at the iconic lookout point for the ultimate photo. The sky was golden, the sea was calm, and somewhere in the background, a guy was singing opera from his flower shop. I swear I didn’t hallucinate it.

If you only visit one village for the photo, the wine, and the pure vibe, make it Manarola.

We explored tiny alleyways and made our up a narrow staircase to La Torre where we had a magnificent lunch. The area is famous for it’s pesto and wine so of course we had to try both and it didn’t disappoint. This is one of those trips that makes you think how lucky you are to be there in the moment.

Monterosso al Mare – Beach Day Energy

Monterosso is the largest of the five villages, and it has something the others don’t: a real beach. I’m talking actual sand, not just rocks that dare you to lay on them.

We kicked off our shoes, grabbed a couple of lemon spritzes from a beach bar, and just exhaled. The atmosphere was so laid-back. Think fewer selfies, more sun-soaked couples reading books and locals heading out for a swim.

There are also some great shops here if you’re on the hunt for a linen dress, handmade ceramics, or the kind of woven bag that instantly says “I summer in Italy now.”

Tips for Visiting Cinque Terre Like a Pro

• Start early. The light is beautiful, the towns are quieter, and you’ll beat the crowds (and the cruise ship wave).
• Wear proper shoes. The hills are no joke, and those scenic overlooks require some effort.
• Don’t over-plan. One of the best things about Cinque Terre is just wandering. Let yourself slow down and soak it all in.
• Eat everything. The seafood, the focaccia, the pesto. This is your pasta-and-pesto fantasy made real.
• Avoid midday trains if you can. They get crowded fast. Either go early or enjoy lunch before hopping to the next village.

Final Thoughts

Cinque Terre felt like stepping into a watercolor painting. It’s dramatic, colorful, a little chaotic, and completely unforgettable. If it’s been on your list ever since a certain PBS travel show, let me tell you it’s absolutely worth it. Whether you’re here for the food, the views, or just to live your coastal Italian fantasy for a few days, these villages will leave you full of carbs and joy.

We’ll be back. Maybe next time for longer. Maybe just to find that opera-singing guy again.