Are you planning your first trip to Cinque Terre and are not sure where to start? You came to the right place! This practical guide to visiting Cinque Terre is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions.
When we first visited Cinque Terre, we had so many questions before our trip.
How to get to Cinque Terre? Can we visit Cinque Terre with a car? How much time do you need in Cinque Terre? What’s the best time to visit? How to get from one town to another? What’s the best Cinque Terre town to stay? How to visit Cinque Terre – by train, by car, by bus, or walking the famous Cinque Terre hiking trail?…
But I never found all the answers to my Cinque Terre questions in one place…
So in order to help you plan your trip to Cinque Terre and make the most of your visit, in this article, we are sharing all the practical aspects and our experience-based tips for visiting Cinque Terre. This guide should answer all the questions you may have. Find out!
Visiting Cinque Terre for the First Time – Practical Information & Tips for Your Trip
Below you can find all the info and tips for visiting Cinque Terre:
What is Cinque Terre and Why Visit It
Cinque Terre is a small but very picturesque coastal area in Italy. If translated literally it means five lands. Cinque Terre comprises of five picturesque villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
5terre is a National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts over 2,5 million tourists every year.
Where is Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is located on the Ligurian coast in Western Italy – you can zoom out on the map below to see its exact location. The closest big cities are Genoa and Pisa, each about 70-80km (50 miles), 1 hour by car.
The information below will give you a better idea of how far Cinque Terre is from Rome, Florence, Milan, and other places.
- Rome to Cinque Terre: +-400km (250 miles), 4,5 hours by car and about 4 hours by train.
- Venice to Cinque Terre: +-400 km (250 miles), 4,5 hours by car and 5,5-7 hours by train.
- Milan to Cinque Terre: +-200km (125 miles), 2,5 hours by car and about 3-4 hours by train.
- Florence to Cinque Terre: +-150km (95 miles), 1h45 by car and about 2,5 hours by train.
- Genoa to Cinque Terre: +-90 km (56 miles), 1h30 by car and about 1h15 by train.
Good to know: It is also possible to visit Cinque Terre as a day trip from some of these cities – see more info on Cinque Terre tours further below.
How to use this map: Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.
TIP: Due to its proximity, a visit to Cinque Terre can easily be combined with Tuscany. Here you can read more about the most beautiful towns of Tuscany. In one of my previous posts, I also shared a sample Tuscany itinerary for one week.
What is the Nearest Airport to Cinque Terre
The nearest airports for Cinque Terre are Pisa and Genoa. Also Milan and Florence can be good options, especially if you consider renting a car and discovering the other areas as well.
How to Get to Cinque Terre:
Below you can find a detailed explanation about the best way to get to Cinque Terre and how to get around.
Visiting Cinque Terre by Train
The best and fastest way to get to Cinque Terre is by train. Every 5terre village has a train station and it has good connections to the big cities like Genoa, Milan, Florence or Pisa.
The nearest big train station where you will have to change the train if coming from most other towns is in La Spezia. From La Spezia, it is just 8 minutes by train to the first Cinque Terre village – Riomaggiore.
The distances between the five villages are very small and the train ride only takes a few minutes. Trains run at regular intervals, starting from around 4 AM till after midnight. However, on the day when we visited, two out of four trains we took had a delay of more than half an hour. They just canceled every second train; probably because it was low season.
Exploring Cinque Terre by Boat
Many tourists choose to visit Cinque Terre by boat. You can book a day ticket that allows you to visit four villages. Why only four and not all five? Corniglia is the only village that is located high on the hill and has no water access.
The most popular town to start a Cinque Terre boat tour is La Spezia, but there are other connections as well. Note that boats only run in high season (the boats stop running at the beginning of November).
Note that it takes much longer to get from one village to another by boat than it does by train (unless they cancel the trains of course). It is still possible to visit Cinque Terre in one day, also by boat. But there would probably not be enough time left for hiking (this may depend on the boat schedule; at the end of October, it was definitely too short).
In high season, there are many companies organizing boat tours to Cinque Terre and the nearby towns. Normally you don’t need to book Cinque Terre boat tours in advance. I didn’t even find an option to book a boat tour in advance for our trip; most companies only sell tickets at the harbor. In La Spezia the boats leave from the main harbor – see the map above.
Can You Visit Cinque Terre by Car?
The simple answer is yes, technically it is possible to get to Cinque Terre by car. However, I really wouldn’t advise visiting the villages of Cinque Terre by car. Cinque Terre roads are narrow, parking – nearly impossible, and driving between the villages would take you forever and would leave you frustrated.
On top of that, many Italian towns now have restricted traffic zones (ZTL) and entering one of those will result in a big fine. If you are looking for a parking spot and pass the camera several times, you will be fined accordingly, for each time you drove by it.
If you are planning to stay in one of the Cinque Terre villages and your accommodation has parking facilities, then you could drive up to there by car. In that case, park it and don’t touch it till you leave.
One of the best places to stay in Cinque Terre with a car is Monterosso al Mare.
A better option is to park your car in one of the bigger towns nearby and take the train from there. There is a big parking garage at La Spezia train station, so it is probably one of the best options if you are traveling to Cinque Terre by car. (Secret tip: there is free parking space at the Piazza D’Armi – 10min walking from La Spezia railway station).
Visit Cinque Terre with an Organized Tour
One of the most popular ways to visit Cinque Terre – and especially if you are short on time – is by taking an organized tour from one of the bigger cities nearby.
There are group tours, small group tours, and also private tours available. Here you can find the best selection of Cinque Terre tours from Florence, from Pisa, or from Milan. If you are traveling on a cruise ship, there are also shore excursions to Cinque Terre from La Spezia.
What is Cinque Terre Card and Where to Buy It
Cinque Terre Train Card gives you unlimited access to Cinque Terre trains, hiking paths, guided visits, local busses, Wi-Fi, and even public restrooms, etc.
You can buy separate train tickets or a Cinque Terre Hiking Card, but usually, it’s much cheaper and more convenient to just get a Cinque Terre Train Card for a day. If you are staying longer, you can get a multi-day card as well.
Good to know: Depending on the season, the Cinque Terre Card (that includes trains + hiking paths) costs 19.50 – 32.50 EUR for adults and 12.50 – 21 EUR for kids. A family ticket (2 adults and 2 kids) costs 49 – 84 EUR.
If you get just a hiking card for a day, it costs 7.50 – 15 EUR for adults, 4.50 – 9 EUR for kids, and 19.60 – 39.20 EUR for families.
These prices are correct at the time of the last update, but, of course, they might change in the future. Also, as you can see, the prices are about twice as high in the peak season.
You can buy the Cinque Terre Train Card at the train stations and nowadays also online (e.g. Trenitalia website or app). To avoid the crowds, consider buying the card in advance. The Cinque Terre card is valid till midnight on the day for which it’s issued.
Off-season travel: In winter (November – February), all hiking paths are free of charge. So you only need a train ticket or a train card.
What to See and Do in Cinque Terre
As already mentioned, Cinque Terre is famous for its five picturesque villages. The main reason people come here is to visit the villages, hike the Cinque Terre trail, or just enjoy the scenery and the beach.
However, there is more to see and do in Cinque Terre! Depending on your interests, you could join one of the local tours, like wine tasting or pesto-making, etc.
In summer you can go kayaking from Monterosso, diving, fishing, or even find a paragliding experience over Cinque Terre. But one of the most relaxing excursions is a sunset boat tour from Monterosso.
Hiking in Cinque Terre
It used to be possible to hike between all five villages of Cinque Terre following the coastal path (blue hike on the map below). The total hike would take 5-6 hours. However, due to landslides, several Cinque Terre trails have been closed without any indication when/if they will reopen. When we visited, you could only hike between Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, and Corniglia.
The hike between Monterosso al Mare and Vernazza takes about 2 hours (experienced hikers can do it much faster). The hike from Vernazza to Corniglia takes 1,5 hrs. Both these hikes require quite some climbing. I would classify them as moderate in normal conditions and difficult if wet or hot.
Please note that the lower hiking paths between Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Corniglia, including the famous Via dell’Amore are often closed. Part of Via dell’Amore was finally opened in the summer of 2023, with a reservation system. At that time, it was said that it would reopen completely by the summer of 2024. However, the website for reservations is down at the time of the last update, so there is still a lot of uncertainty. The hiking trail between Manarola and Corniglia has also been rescheduled (once again) to the summer of 2024.
Most of the upper trails (indicated in red and green on the map below) are open. These hikes are more challenging, take longer, and are not as popular. Perfect for those who like hiking and stay in Cinque Terre for at least a few days, but not ideal for those who are short on time.
You can find an up-to-date situation of Cinque Terre hiking trails here. Keep in mind, however, that the situation might change at any time so it’s best to inform on the trail conditions at a local tourist office upon arrival in Cinque Terre.
You can hike Cinque Terre trail with kids, but as I said it’s not an easy hike. I would say, the minimum age for kids walking by themselves would be about 5-6 years, especially if it’s really warm.
Good to know: We hiked Cinque Terre on the last day of October and it was really hot. If you are traveling in high season, consider hiking early in the morning or towards the evening. Make sure you have sun protection and carry plenty of water. You can refill your water bottles in every village – just keep an eye for the water taps.
And yes, you do need sturdy footwear to hike in Cinque Terre. Hiking boots are advised but are not absolutely necessary. Light hiking shoes/ sporty sneakers are probably better in warm temperatures.
Important: You have to buy a ticket for walking on the Cinque Terre hiking trails, but it’s often better to just buy the Cinque Terre Card (see higher above for more information). If you don’t take a train and do need a separate hiking ticket, you can buy it at the tourist information centers in the villages or on the hiking trails. You will pass a little cabin on your way where they check and also sell tickets.
Which Cinque Terre Town is Best
Opinions are somewhat divided on which Cinque Terre town is the best or most beautiful, but everyone agrees that Manarola and Vernazza are the most picturesque villages of Cinque Terre. Riomaggiore is really nice too. Monterosso and Corniglia are the least special, in my opinion.
READ ALSO: Most Beautiful Coastal Towns of the Italian Riviera
What is the Best Place to Watch Sunset in Cinque Terre
Judging by the crowds, Manarola is the best place to be at sunset. Take a look at the picture below and judge for yourselves.
Which Cinque Terre Town Has the Best Beach
Most beaches at Cinque Terre are really tiny. The biggest and the best beach is in Monterosso al Mare. It’s a long sandy beach where – in season – you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas.
Vernazza has a somewhat more protected harbor with a small swimming area and it’s the second-best beach of Cinque Terre.
Riomaggiore has a very picturesque but tiny harbor where you could try potentially go for a swim, but the tiny coastline there is very rocky.
Manarola coastline is also very rocky and not ideal for swimming.
Corniglia is located on the hill and has no beach at all.
How Many Days Do You Need in Cinque Terre
Many people wonder how much time they need in Cinque Terre and can it be visited in one day? Yes, you can see the best of Cinque Terre in one (full) day. The fastest way to get around between the villages is by train.
Unless you are planning to spend lots of time on the beach, you really don’t need more than one or two days in Cinque Terre itself. However, there are so many other incredibly beautiful places nearby that you should consider staying longer.
One town you definitely shouldn’t miss is Portovenere – the hidden gem nearby. It’s less busy than the 5terre villages but very picturesque and there is more to see and do there. If you decide to visit Portovenere as well, count at least two days/ three nights for Cinque Terre.
How to Spend a Day in Cinque Terre
There are many ways to spend a day in Cinque Terre. It depends on which way you travel (by boat, by train), and whether you are planning to hike, etc.
This is what our 1 day in Cinque Terre looked like: in the morning we took a train from La Spezia to Monterosso al Mare. We then hiked to Vernazza and Corniglia. From there we took a train to Riomaggiore. Then a train back to Manarola where we stayed for sunset and dinner. After dinner, we took a train back to La Spezia.
Below you can find our complete guide and experience-based tips for how to see the best of Cinque Terre in one day.
LEARN MORE: One Day in Cinque Terre
Where to Stay in Cinque Terre
If you want to spend a bit more time in Cinque Terre, it can be a very special experience to stay in one of the villages. Probably the best towns to stay in Cinque Terre are Manarola or Vernazza. On the other hand, there are much more quality accommodation options in Monterosso al Mare.
Please note that getting to most Cinque Terre accommodations will require at least some uphill walking, so only take the luggage you really need.
If you are visiting Cinque Terre on a lower budget or are coming for just a day, consider staying in a nearby town La Spezia. Accommodation and food prices are much lower in La Spezia and it’s just a short train ride away from Cinque Terre. Here you can find La Spezia accommodation.
Update: I got this question about the best places to stay in Cinque Terre so often that I now created a complete guide to Cinque Terre hotels and accommodations. So if you are wondering where to stay in Cinque Terre, please check it out! And remember – the earlier you book, the more choice you have. Quality accommodation choices are limited and hotel prices in Cinque Terre are quite steep.
LEARN MORE: Where to Stay in Cinque Terre
Where to Eat in Cinque Terre
There are many restaurants, cafes, gelaterias, and little shops in all five villages of Cinque Terre. So finding where to eat in Cinque Terre should not be a problem.
If you are looking for a table with the best view and really good simple food, try Nessun Dorma in Manarola. They don’t take reservations and there is always a queue waiting to be seated, but it’s really worth it. A friend who has been to the area many times also recommended the bar A Pie’ di Ma’ in Riomaggiore.
When to Visit Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre can be visited all year round, but try to avoid rainy and stormy days. The busiest season is May to September, but unless you are there for the beach, try to avoid the summer months. It’s too hot, too crowded, and too expensive.
The best time to visit Cinque Terre are the months of March-April and September-October.
We visited Cinque Terre in the last week of October – beginning of November and were surprised how busy it still was in some places. I can’t even imagine how it is from June to August…
Actually, we didn’t dare to book our trip long in advance as many reviews said that the weather could be really miserable in Cinque Terre in November and at the end of October. If it rains, there is really not much you can do there. However, a week before our trip we checked the weather forecast and it looked very promising, so last minute we decided to give it a go.
We were lucky to have sunny weather the whole week (30 October – 4 November) and daytime temperatures of up to 20°C (68F) and much less crowds than in the high season. My mom visited Cinque Terre in May and they had rain and colder weather than we did, so you really never know.
Note, however, that the days are really short in autumn and in winter. We arrived in Italy the day when the EU changed to wintertime, and the sun goes down at around 5 PM at that time of the year. For more information about traveling in this season, please read our guide to Italy in November.
Can You Visit Cinque Terre with Young Kids in a Stroller
Even if you are traveling with very young kids, you can visit Cinque Terre. Getting around with a stroller might be a bit of a challenge though. The village streets are steep and there are quite some places that can only be accessed by stairs.
We saw people carrying strollers on the stairs even at a train station, so it’s not always easy. But it is possible.
If you are in Cinque Terre with a stroller, skip Corniglia as it is located high on the hill. You have to climb some 300-400 stairs in order to get to town from the train station.
TIP: When we traveled around Italy with our toddlers years ago, we always packed a bicycle lock with us. So every time we would encounter long stairs and wanted to do some sightseeing anyway, we would just lock the stroller up and leave it behind. Our kids loved doing the stairs!
What’s the Best Time of the Day for Photography in Cinque Terre
If you are hiking in Cinque Terre during the day, it’s really difficult to get good pictures as the sun is always in front of you when looking towards the best viewpoints.
The best time for pictures is very early in the morning or very late in the afternoon. And the best spots are actually from the hiking trails or in the villages themselves, so not from a boat.
If you are traveling by boat, then you might be able to take good pictures in the direction of the villages during the day as well, since the sun will usually be behind you. However, the best viewpoints of Cinque Terre seem to be in the wrong direction sun-wise for pretty much an entire day.
READ ALSO: Travel Photography Tips & Tricks
What to Pack for Cinque Terre
- A reusable water bottle is a must and you can fill it up in every village. Bottled water is quite expensive in Cinque Terre, not to mention the unnecessary waste.
- Pack light hiking shoes for the Cinque Terre trail.
- Swimwear and quick-drying towels – if you are going to the beach.
- Sun hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen lotion are a must.
- A light day backpack might be very useful, certainly if hiking or traveling with kids.
- Take a sweater or a light jacket for the evenings in spring and autumn.
I hope that this post covered most of your questions about visiting Cinque Terre. However, if you don’t find an answer to your question, please leave a comment below and I will try to help.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Cinque Terre vs. Amalfi Coast – a detailed guide and comparison
More tips for your trip to Italy:
- What to see: Best Destinations in Italy & Best Italian Cities to Visit
- Rome: Best Things to Do in Rome & Tips for Visiting Rome & Hidden Gems of Rome
- Rome itineraries: One Day in Rome & Two Days in Rome & Four Days in Rome
- Venice: Best Things to Do in Venice & Tips for a Gondola Ride in Venice
- Venice itineraries: 1 Day in Venice & 3 Days in Venice
- Florence: Best Things to Do in Florence & 1 Day in Florence & Florence Rooftop Bars
- Naples: Best Things to Do in Naples & 1 Day in Naples & Best Day Trips from Naples
- Tuscany: Best Towns in Tuscany & Tuscany Itinerary & Siena & Montepulciano
- Amalfi Coast: Capri Island & Amalfi Coast Itinerary & Tips for Traveling to Amalfi Coast
- Milan: How to See the Best of Milan in 1 Day
- Lake Garda: Best Towns of Lake Garda & Lake Garda Itinerary
- Lake Como: What to Do in Bellagio & Where to Stay in Lake Como & Lake Como Travel Tips
- Off the beaten path: Emilia Romagna
- Mountains: Best Places in the Italian Dolomites & Best Lakes in the Italian Dolomites
- Hiking: Best Hikes in the Dolomites
- Bucket-list: San Marino
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Ashley
Monday 11th of March 2024
Hi Jurga, We are planning a trip to Italy the last 2 weeks in November. We have been to Rome, Venice, and Florence in the past. What would be an ideal trip for this late in the year? We were thinking of doing northern Italy for 1 week (Bolzano, Bologna, return to Venice) and then moving towards Southern Italy and possibly Sicily. We are worried about Cinque Terre or Amalfi Coast being "closed" for the season. We are not big shoppers, are excited about smaller crowds, and prefer more authentic food, but are not sure if visiting either during this time is worth it. Thoughts? Thanks!
Jurga
Tuesday 12th of March 2024
Hi Ashley, the second half of November can be quite cold and wet, especially in the north. But if you focus on sightseeing and not beaches or outdoor activities, then it's a nice time to visit Italy without the crowds. And if you are lucky, the weather will be perfect for sightseeing. You have better chances in the south, but there's no way to predict in advance. Some tourist destinations will indeed 'close' for the season. What that means is that e.g. boat trips will not be running or will be very limited and weather-dependent. Many restaurants will close, but there are always plenty of places that remain open year-round (and those are often the best ones anyway since they have enough local clients to be able to stay open in winter). We went to Cinque Terre at the beginning of November once and it was still very lively, but some places were starting to close. We also visited the Amalfi Coast in early April, which was the start of the season. It was quite nice, but the boats were just starting to run for the season and only on the good-weather days. We liked the quieter atmosphere in the mornings and evenings, but on both occasions, it was quite busy during the day. Both these destinations are so popular nowadays that they never really 'close' for the season completely. But if the weather is bad, you may find yourself wondering what to do. The good news is that there are plenty of cities nearby (with tons of things to do), so you can always change your plans last minute if need be. For Amalfi Coast, I would recommend staying in Sorrento. That way, you can easily adjust your itinerary and visit e.g. Naples or Pompeii when the weather is less great and Amalfi Coast and Capri if the weather is nice. We have tons of articles about that area - see here. Cinque Terre can be easily visited in a day, so depending on how many days you are in the area, you can adjust your plans based on the weather forecast and only visit here if the weather looks good. Hope this helps. You may want to read our article on Italy in November as well.
Melinda
Wednesday 5th of April 2023
Hi Jurga, Enjoyed your article very much. It is very helpful. When you say sporty sneakers would Keds or sperry slip ons be sufficient?
Melinda
Friday 7th of April 2023
@Jurga, thank you so much for your reply!
Jurga
Friday 7th of April 2023
Hi Melinda, if you are planning to go hiking in Cinque Terre, I recommend shoes with a sole that has at least some grip. Something like this as a minimum. Ideally, light hiking shoes. The shoes like the ones you describe will make it really difficult for you to enjoy the hike and you'll have to be very careful with every step you make. They'll be fine in the villages but are really not ideal on the hiking trails. Hope this helps.
Martin
Saturday 21st of January 2023
Hi Jurga, your website is such a fantastic resource! I've bookmarked it for future trips. Just a couple of questions: How much time would one typically spend in each village? We have 3 days in CT, so we'd like to take our time over slow meals, do some hiking, explore the streets and take it easy - but hopefully not get too bored either. Just reading between the lines since I think I saw a comment that said you wouldn't stay here more than 3 days.
Also, what time do the trains end each day? Can we afford to have a late dinner in one of the towns and stroll the streets at night, and then take a train back to our home base late at night? Thanks!
Martin
Monday 30th of January 2023
@Jurga, thanks for the info. Especially the tip about the last train!
Jurga
Monday 23rd of January 2023
Hi Martin, most people visit all the villages in one day and it's doable. You can also just visit 2 places per day - one in the morning and one in the afternoon, especially if you want to also do some hiking, maybe also spend some time at the beach, etc. So it's really up to you. But yes, 3 days should be just fine to explore everything at a more relaxed pace. And I also recommend visiting Portovenere nearby too - you could take a boat there. For the trains, I think it depends a bit on the season, but they do run pretty late. Even in the low season when we visited, there were trains quite late in the evening. The problem is that you should never rely on the last train. When we visited, some of them got canceled without any prior warning. So ideally, you check the schedule once you are there, and always try to catch the one-before-the-last train (at the latest).
Rocio
Monday 12th of December 2022
Hi, I was thinking about a day trip from Genoa to Cinque Terre, I’d like to visit all 5 towns, end in La Spezia and take a boat ride back to whichever town is closer to Genoa, any advice?
Rocio
Monday 12th of December 2022
@Jurga, thank you, I appreciate your advice and time very much.
Jurga
Monday 12th of December 2022
Hi Rocio, I think it would be more logical to start with a train ride to La Spezia and from there, you could potentially take a boat to Cinque Terre if you want to and then hop off at different towns. Or hop off in Riomaggiore and do the rest by train. That way, you end in Monterosso, and from there, it's easy enough to take the train back in the direction of Genoa. If you start in Monterosso and end in La Spezia, it's also ok, but then just use the train to get back since it might be too late for a boat in the direction of Cinque Terre. This will highly depend on the season when you travel, so check the boat schedule in advance if you rely on one of the last boats of the day. In any case, boats from La Spezia will likely not go further than Monterosso and that boat ride alone can take about 2 hours. Trains are usually much quicker. That's if you absolutely want to take a boat. Otherwise, check our 1-day Cinque Terre itinerary for how to do it by train + hiking. Hope this helps.
Rach
Wednesday 20th of July 2022
Thanks Jurga, this is so helpful! May I please ask - I know there's strict rules and fines for wrong footwear on the hiking trails. But if I don't intend on hiking, just taking train, am I allowed to stroll around in sandals or light shoes? Going in summer... Thanks!
Rach
Thursday 21st of July 2022
@Jurga, thanks so much, I'll be sure to wear good shoes for the cobbles, thanks for the tip! Rach
Jurga
Thursday 21st of July 2022
Hi Rach, it makes perfect sense to wear hiking shoes or at least goos sports sneakers for hiking there since the trails are indeed quite steep, but I can't imagine getting fined for it unless something serious happens. Anyway, I don't think anyone cares or controls what kind of footwear people wear in Cinque Terre towns, so I think you'll be just fine in whatever you are comfortable with. :) That being said, flip-flops might not be the best idea as the towns also have some steep cobbled roads, etc.