Located along the northern part of the Italian Riviera is one of the most colourful corners of Italy. Cinque Terre is a jumble of pastel-hued fishing villages that hug the rocky cliffside above the Mediterranean Sea. Join us on a Globus or Cosmos tour to uncover the magic of Cinque Terre.
Meet The Villages
Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso al Mare is the largest township in Cinque Terre, and therefore the most developed. Its flatter terrain makes the Old Town and medieval streets easy to navigate. Monterosso is also the only village with direct access to a sandy beach. There are several beach clubs for you to enjoy with brightly coloured umbrellas and loungers lining the beach.
Vernazza
Historically, Vernazza didn’t have a beach and boats would dock to the side of buildings (like in Venice). Nowadays, Vernazza’s natural harbour is one of the most photographed in Cinque Terre. Whether you’re soaking in the views from the Doria Castle or enjoying an aperitif in Guglielmo Marconi Square, this small township is absolutely worth a visit.
Corniglia
The hilltop location of Corniglia is difficult to reach, but worth the (small) trek! Sitting right in the middle of the five villages, it’s the only one without direct access to the sea. You can arrive by train but even then, you must climb the Lardarina (300-odd stairs) to set foot in it. This means that it’s less frequented by travellers, so you’ll experience a more authentic atmosphere.
Manarola
With its medieval relics and Roman history, Manarola is the oldest Cinque Terre village. Surrounded by lush grape vines and with its colourful homes stacked on top of each other as the cliffs rise, you’ll experience quintessential Italian Riviera vibes. To complete the picture, sample a glass of Sciacchetrà – the region’s local dessert wine.
Riomaggiore
As the southernmost village, Riomaggiore is the first stop from La Spezia with easy access by train. It’s one of the larger villages and attracts locals and travellers alike with its variety of restaurants, shops and bars. For a more leisurely stroll, you can wander its narrow alleyways; or for the more adventurous, you can hike the Via dell’Amore (the Path of Love) from Riomaggiore to Manarola.
Best-Kept Secrets
- Instead of hiking the popular Sentiero Azzuro – the pathway linking the villages – try the Sentiero Rosso. This path circles the ridge above the five villages
- For an aperitivo with a view, enjoy a cliffside cocktail at Nessun Dorma in Manarola
- Take a water taxi to visit the nearby island of Palmaria with its marble caves and tiny population
- This region is famous for olive oil and pesto so you must indulge in these local specialties
Uncover the magic of Cinque Terre on a Globus or Cosmos tour.
