Five rainbow-hued fishing villages perched impossibly on Ligurian cliffs above turquoise coves. Hike coastal trails between Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia, and Riomaggiore through terraced vineyards producing sweet Sciacchetrà wine.
Last updated : 29/01/2026
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*Cinque Terre Card (Trekking or Treno MS) required for paid sections.
The Sentiero Azzurro is the famous coastal hiking trail connecting all five Cinque Terre villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore) with stunning Mediterranean views. The entire trail is approximately 12km and takes 5-6 hours to complete, though most hikers tackle individual segments. The most challenging section is Monterosso to Vernazza (3.5km, 2 hours, 500+ steps) with dramatic clifftop views. Vernazza to Corniglia is equally spectacular but strenuous. The famous Via dell'Amore (Lover's Walk) between Riomaggiore and Manarola has been closed since 2012 due to landslides but is gradually reopening sections. To hike the Blue Trail, you must purchase a Cinque Terre Card (€7.50/day, includes train access) from park offices or train stations. Wear proper hiking shoes—the paths are steep, rocky, and can be slippery. Bring water, sun protection, and snacks. The trail can close during bad weather. Best hiked in spring or fall to avoid summer heat and crowds. Start early morning (7-8 AM) for cooler temperatures and better light.
Vernazza is often considered the most picturesque of the Cinque Terre villages, with colorful houses clustered around a natural harbor and small piazza directly on the sea. The village was founded around 1000 AD and retains its medieval character with narrow caruggi (alleyways) climbing the hillside. The 11th-century Church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia sits on the waterfront with an octagonal bell tower. Climb the Doria Castle tower (€1.50) for panoramic views over the harbor and coast. Vernazza's tiny harbor beach fills quickly in summer—arrive early for a spot. The village has excellent seafood restaurants along the harbor and Via Roma. The main piazza becomes a social hub in evenings, perfect for aperitivo. Vernazza suffered devastating floods in 2011 but has been beautifully restored. The village is car-free (like all Cinque Terre)—arrive by train or hiking trail. Accommodations are limited and book months ahead. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid day-tripper crowds that arrive mid-day by train..
No ticket required (free)
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Riomaggiore is the southernmost and largest Cinque Terre village, with tall, narrow houses painted in vibrant colors lining the steep Via Colombo that descends to the marina. Founded in the 8th century, the village developed vertically due to limited flat land. The small harbor has colorful fishing boats and a tiny pebble beach for swimming. Two parallel streets—Via Colombo (lower) and Via Telemaco Signorini (upper)—connect the train station to the marina. The 14th-century Church of San Giovanni Battista sits in the upper village. Castello di Riomaggiore (castle ruins) offers panoramic coastal views. Via dell'Amore (romantic coastal path to Manarola) remains partially closed since 2012 landslides—check current status. Riomaggiore has excellent wine bars serving local Cinque Terre DOC white wine and Sciacchetrà. The harbor area is perfect for sunset watching. Swimming from the marina rocks is popular. The village is less crowded than Vernazza or Monterosso but still busy in summer. Stay overnight to experience the village after day-trippers leave by train around 5-6 PM.
No ticket required (free beach sections, paid loungers)
Corniglia is the smallest and only Cinque Terre village not directly on the sea, perched 100 meters above the water on a rocky promontory. This elevated position gives Corniglia a quieter, more authentic character—fewer tourists make the effort to climb here. To reach the village from the train station, climb the Lardarina staircase (382 steps) or take a shuttle bus. Corniglia has no harbor or beach access, but a steep path leads down to a rocky swimming area (not recommended for inexperienced swimmers). The village's narrow streets and small piazza (Largo Taragio) feel genuinely local. The Church of San Pietro (1334) has a beautiful rose window. The main street Via Fieschi is lined with wine bars serving locally produced Cinque Terre white wine—vineyards surround the village. Corniglia offers spectacular panoramic terraces with views in both directions along the coast. The village is perfect for travelers seeking tranquility over beach access. Accommodations are very limited. The panoramic terrace of Santa Maria offers stunning sunset views. Corniglia is the best village for wine tasting experiences.
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Ferry services connect all five Cinque Terre villages from March-November (weather permitting), offering spectacular coastal perspectives impossible to see from land or trail. The boats reveal the dramatic cliffside location of the villages, terraced vineyards, and hidden coves. Multiple ferry companies operate, with the most frequent service by Consorzio Marittimo Turistico 5 Terre Golfo dei Poeti. Day passes allow unlimited hop-on/hop-off between villages (typically €35-40). Individual tickets available between specific villages (€5-10 each leg). Ferries depart from Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—Corniglia has no harbor access. The journey between villages takes 10-20 minutes each leg. Boats can be crowded in peak season—arrive early for departure times. Sea conditions can cause cancellations—always have a backup train plan. Sunset cruises offer magical golden-hour photography. Boats also connect to Portovenere, La Spezia, and Levanto for extended exploration. The ferry ride is the best way to photograph all five villages from the sea. Combine ferry and hiking for the ultimate Cinque Terre experience—take the boat one direction, hike back.
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The Via dell'Amore is a famous 1km romantic cliffside walkway connecting Riomaggiore and Manarola, carved into the rocks in the 1920s. The easy, flat path offers stunning sea views and became legendary as a lovers' meeting spot—tradition involves attaching padlocks to railings. IMPORTANT: The path has been closed since 2012 due to landslides that injured tourists. Gradual reopening is planned in phases, with the Riomaggiore section reopening in July 2024, but the full path to Manarola remains closed as of early 2025. Check current status at park offices or online before planning to walk it. When open, the walk takes just 20-30 minutes and is wheelchair accessible. The path is illuminated at night for romantic evening strolls. Alternative routes exist via higher trails (much more strenuous). The closure has been controversial locally, with debates over safety improvements and tourist access. Meanwhile, explore the villages by train (2 minutes Riomaggiore-Manarola) or ferry. The path's legendary status remains despite the closure—it's deeply embedded in Cinque Terre's romantic appeal.
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Cinque Terre's steep terraced vineyards produce unique DOC wines, particularly the rare Sciacchetrà dessert wine made from dried grapes. The heroic viticulture involves hand-harvesting grapes on impossibly steep slopes accessible only by monorail or foot. Cinque Terre Bianco (white wine) is crisp and mineral, perfect with seafood—made from Bosco, Albarola, and Vermentino grapes. Sciacchetrà is an amber-colored sweet wine requiring 5kg of grapes to produce 1 liter—it's expensive (€30-60 per bottle) but exceptional. Tasting opportunities exist throughout the villages: Cantina Cinque Terre (cooperative winery) in Riomaggiore, Nessun Dorma wine bar in Manarola (spectacular terrace views), and various enotecas in Corniglia. Some wineries offer vineyard tours explaining the traditional terracing and cultivation methods. The best pairings: Sciacchetrà with almond biscotti or strong cheese. Purchase directly from producers for best prices—avoid touristy shops charging premiums. Spring vineyard visits show green terraces; fall brings grape harvest season. The wine culture is integral to Cinque Terre's identity and economy.
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Punta Mesco is a dramatic rocky headland (335m elevation) marking the northern boundary of Cinque Terre National Park, accessible via a challenging hiking trail from Monterosso. The 3.5km trail (one-way) takes approximately 2 hours climbing through Mediterranean scrub, ancient olive groves, and eventually exposed clifftops. The summit offers 360-degree panoramas—on clear days you can see all five villages, Corsica, and the Alps. The trail passes ruins of Sant'Antonio hermitage and continues to a lighthouse (closed to public). This hike is less crowded than the Blue Trail but more demanding—steep ascents, narrow paths, and exposure to sun and wind. Wear proper hiking boots, bring plenty of water, and start early to avoid midday heat. The trail is not recommended in rain or strong winds. The headland is home to peregrine falcons and wild boar. Return the same way or continue to Levanto (full hike 5-6 hours). Punta Mesco Trail requires the Cinque Terre Card (€7.50). This is the best hike for experienced walkers seeking wilderness and dramatic coastal scenery without the crowds of more famous trails.
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