Along an isolated six-mile stretch of the most seductive corner of the northern Italian coast lie the Cinque Terre, or five lands, arguably the country’s most scenic villages. Featuring lollipop-colored homes staggered along the hills that rise from the Mediterranean Sea, the Cinque Terre consist of the five small coastal villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. Read on for a recap of why you should visit, the ins and outs on where to stay and eat and how adrenaline-junkies can get their fix in these sleepy towns.

Getting There

The closest airports to Cinque Terre are Pisa, Genoa and Florence, though depending on your plans, Rome and Milan are major airports and good options as well. From the airport, you’ll have to travel by train or car to get to La Spezia, which is the closest city to Cinque Terre. And Levanto, a commune in the province of La Spezia, is the perfect starting-point for visiting the picturesque villages of Cinque Terre.

Bonus: If time permits, I strongly suggest stopping at Santa Margherita de Liguria, a commune in Genoa, and taking a small boat to Portofino, Italy. The Italian Riviera is not short of rugged coastline or romantic towns, and Portofino is no exception. After a few hours of pure visionary bliss and a delicious seafood pasta, you can continue on your way to Levanto.

Accomodations

Once in Levanto,  bed and breakfast, Al Terra di Mare  is the place to stay. This beautiful abode perched on a hilltop boasts the most beautiful mountain views and peaceful surroundings. The terrace is perfect spot for guests to enjoy an afternoon Aperol Spritz. And the entire staff is warm, friendly, very accommodating.

Eat

If you’re planning to see all of Cinque Terre in a single day, then I recommend grabbing a quick (but tasty) bite at Nessun Dorma in Manarola. You’ll enjoy pretty views as well as bruschetta and an aperol spritz. If you’re not in a rush a want a special meal, Ristorante Belforte in Vernazza is built inside of a historic fortress boast amazing ocean views and Trattoria dal Billy in Manorola is perched in the high hills with great views of the hills. You will not go wrong at either place.

Osteria Tumelin in Levanto is a great place for dinner. Everything on the menu is delicious. We ordered anchovies, sea bass, fried calamari, and of course, lots of wine! Another great option is La Gritta. It is very tasty and is located right on the water so you get unobstructed ocean views!

About Cinque Terre

The five villages are no longer the isolated, quiet towns they once were, but there’s still a feeling of authenticity. With a traffic-free charm, these fishing villages are the alternative to the glitzy Riviera resorts nearby. Cinque Terre’s five villages date from the early medieval period. They are nestled in steeply terraced cliffs separated by fields and gardens that have been layered over the course of hundreds of years.

Ferry to Cinque Terre

Although all the villages can be reached by car, the narrow cliff-edge roads and expensive parking can be a bit stressful. You can also travel between the villages by the train or foot. But the main attraction of the Cinque Terre truly is the landscape so my recommendation is to take the ferry from Levanto! The ferry operates between the Cinque Terre – Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, though not Corniglia as it isn’t accessible by water –  and Portovenere.
Side note: the ferry is cash-only so don’t forget your Euros!

Portovenere

Although not part of the Cinque Terre clan, the fort dates back to 1st century BC. Today it is mainly a tourist destination and is a UNESCO World Heritage site (as are the Cinque Terre). As you approach, you are greeted by a gray picturesque church perched on the tip of a rock formation. Portovenere is the farthest stop from Levanto, so I suggest you make this the first stop so you can see all the villages as the ferry passes by each of them.

Cinque Terre, The Five Villages

Stop number two was Riomaggiore. The moment you step off the ferry, you’ll be greeted by a steep cliff. For adrenaline-seekers, this is a perfect opportunity to take a plunge (literally!). We noticed a group of people cliff-diving and inevitably we had to follow suit! Talk about checking an item off my bucket list! It has definitely been one of the highlights of my travels. Dry off afterwards and work off the adrenaline rush post-dive at Bar O’Netto. Make sure to try a local Cinque Terre beer, La “Biretta” Dell Cinque Terre!

Manarola: Famous for its Sciacchetrà wine, this village has more grapevines than any of the others. Don’t leave without trying it!

Since it’s the only village without water access, the boat doesn’t stop in Corniglia. But it’s worth the walk or train ride to visit. Inevitably, it is the quietest of the villages.

Monterosso al Mare is actually two towns which visitors can travel to and from by a short road tunnel.  The ‘old’ Monterosso is quieter as the new town has more of a resort feel and the only sand beach in the Cinque Terre.

Vernazza has the only natural harbor in the Cinque Terre and is home to approximately 600 people!

Levanto Market

Don’t leave Levanto without stopping by the market. Shoppers can find the most gorgeous, one-of-a-kind pieces of leather, silk and olive wood and much more. You will have dreams about this market!

Have you been to the Cinque Terre? Did you have a favorite village? Let me know!