Cinque Terre.
Five colourful villages between cliff and Ligurian Sea: Cinque Terre is a hiking and rail classic.
Five colourful villages between cliff and Ligurian Sea: Cinque Terre is a hiking and rail classic.
Paths such as the Blue Trail link the towns – good shoes and tickets in advance save stress.
Background
History.
Wine terraces on the Ligurian cliff are attested since Roman times; today’s villages grew in the High Middle Ages under Genoese rule.
In 1874 the Genoa–La Spezia railway opened and partly replaced hard sea transport; trails were formalised (national park since 1999).
In 1997 UNESCO listed the Cinque Terre cultural landscape and coast; the 2011 floods destroyed paths and led to restoration and visitor management.
Must-sees
Top 10.
1. Monterosso al Mare: the only sandy beach, train access.
2. Vernazza: harbour cove with Castello Doria tower ruin.
3. Corniglia: more than 380 “Lardarina” steps from the station.
4. Manarola: postcard viewpoint above the vineyard.
5. Riomaggiore: Via dell’Amore (sections depending on restoration).
6. Check the Cinque Terre Card hiking pass for trails and trains.
7. Sentiero Monterosso–Vernazza (moderate, views).
8. Sciacchetrà wine tasting in small cantinas (book ahead).
9. Portovenere as a day trip (UNESCO together with Cinque Terre).
10. Use morning light in the villages before day-trippers arrive.
Gallery
Impressions.
Stay
Hotels in Cinque Terre.
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