The Cinque Terre are five small villages clinging to the cliffs of the Italian Riviera in Liguria: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, painted in pastel colours above tiny harbours and surrounded by vineyard terraces built by hand over centuries. You come to walk the coastal paths between them, swim off the rocks, take the train or the boat from village to village, and eat focaccia, anchovies and pesto with a glass of local white wine as the sun sets over the sea. The whole coast is a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is very popular, so a little planning goes a long way. Give it two or three days, staying overnight to enjoy the villages when the day-trippers have gone.
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Cinque Terre at a glance
- Best for: coastal hiking, colourful villages, swimming and boat trips, seafood and wine, and sunset photography.
- How long: 1 day is rushed; 2–3 days to see all five villages and walk the main path; a week with the high trails, Portovenere and Levanto.
- Best time: April to early June and September to mid-October; July and August are hot and crowded; from November many trains and boats are reduced.
- Getting in: by train via La Spezia (from Pisa, Florence and Rome) or Levanto (from Genoa); cars are not practical.
- Paying for the paths: the main coastal path and the Via dell’Amore need a Cinque Terre Card, and the Via dell’Amore also needs a booked time slot.
- Before you go: entry rules, money and general safety are in our Italy travel guide.
The five villages
The villages lie along about 10 km of steep coast between Levanto to the north and La Spezia to the south. The Cinque Terre National Park was created in 1999, and the area was listed by UNESCO in 1997, together with Portovenere and its islands, as a cultural landscape. A railway line, mostly in tunnels, links all five villages in a few minutes each.
Monterosso al Mare
The largest and most northerly village, with the only long sandy beach, lined with umbrellas in summer, an old town of narrow lanes, and the most hotels and restaurants. It is flatter than the others and the start of the main coastal path. Best for: beach lovers, families and travellers who want easy access.
Vernazza
Often called the prettiest: a cluster of tall houses around a little harbour and square, guarded by a medieval tower and a church right on the water. The views from the path above, on the way from Monterosso, are the most photographed in the Cinque Terre. Best for: photographers and atmosphere at dusk.
Corniglia
The only village not on the sea, perched on a cliff about 100 metres up, surrounded by vineyards. From the station, climb the Lardarina stairway of 382 steps or take the shuttle bus. It is the quietest of the five. Best for: peace, views and hikers.
Manarola
Pastel houses stacked on a rock above a tiny harbour, with deep-water swimming off the rocks and terraced vineyards behind. The view from the path around the headland at sunset is famous. Best for: romance, swimming and wine.
Riomaggiore
The southern village, steep and vertical along a ravine down to a small harbour, closest to La Spezia and the start of the Via dell’Amore. Best for: a base with quick access to La Spezia and nightlife by Cinque Terre standards.
Top things to see in the Cinque Terre
Prices, dates and trail status below were checked on the official sites in October 2026. They change often, especially after storms, so check before you go.
The Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Path)
The Sentiero Azzurro, or Sentiero Verde Azzurro (SVA, path number 2), is the historic coastal footpath that once linked all five villages. It is a real mountain path with steps, narrow ledges and steep climbs, not a seaside promenade. Its status as of October 2026:
- Monterosso–Vernazza: open. About 1.5–2 hours, steep steps at both ends, with the classic views of Vernazza.
- Vernazza–Corniglia: open. About 1.5 hours through olive groves and vineyards, with views back to Vernazza.
- Corniglia–Manarola: the low coastal section is closed because of landslide risk, and the park has not announced a reopening date. The alternative is the higher route via Volastra (about 5 km and 2.5 hours, starting with a long climb of steps through the vineyards), which is open and spectacular.
- Manarola–Riomaggiore: the Via dell’Amore, open with booking (see below).
The Monterosso–Vernazza–Corniglia sections are inside the paid area of the park: you need a Cinque Terre Card, checked at control points at the trailheads. They can close at short notice after heavy rain or weather warnings; in November 2025, for example, the park closed them after a storm alert and reopened them after geologists’ checks. Look at the park’s trail status page on the morning of your hike.
The Via dell’Amore
The “Lovers’ Lane” is a short, mostly level path of about 900 metres cut into the cliff between Riomaggiore and Manarola, famous for its views and its love locks. It was closed after a landslide in 2012, rebuilt with steel nets and rock anchors, and reopened in 2024 with strict visitor management.
How it works now. As of October 2026, run by the municipality of Riomaggiore with the national park:
- You must book a date and a 30-minute time slot in advance, on the official Via dell’Amore website, the park’s card website or at the park’s info points. There are at most 200 entries every 30 minutes.
- Access is included in a Cinque Terre Card version “with Via dell’Amore”; you cannot buy entry on its own. In the park’s online shop in October 2026, this added €7.50 to an adult card.
- The path is one way, from Riomaggiore to Manarola, and you have at most 30 minutes to walk it.
- Slots run from 9:00 to 21:00 from 29 March to 24 October 2026, and to 17:30 from 25 October 2026 to 27 March 2027. Residents can enter from 7:30.
- Visitors with a disability enter free with documentation.
Other walks
The park has a network of more than 100 km of paths. The high Sentiero Rosso (Red Path) runs along the ridge from Portovenere to Levanto; the trails from the villages up to the sanctuaries of Soviore, Reggio, Montenero and Volastra are rewarding and quieter. The walk from Levanto to Monterosso (about 2 hours) and from Riomaggiore to Portovenere (long and steep) frame the Cinque Terre. Many inland paths are free. See our hiking guide.
Portovenere and the Gulf of Poets
South of the Cinque Terre, the village of Portovenere is part of the same UNESCO site: a row of tall coloured houses on the harbour, the striped church of San Pietro on a rock above the sea, and the island of Palmaria opposite. Boats run there from the Cinque Terre in season, and buses from La Spezia.
Protected areas
- Cinque Terre National Park
Monuments
- Church of San Giovanni Battista, Monterosso
- Church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia, Vernazza
Castles and forts
- Riomaggiore Castle
- Vernazza Castle
Archaeological sites
- Hermitage of Sant'Antonio del Mesco
The Cinque Terre Card
The national park sells the Cinque Terre Card in two main versions; prices below were shown in the park’s official shop and on its card pages in October 2026.
- Cinque Terre Trekking Card: access to the paid coastal paths (Monterosso–Vernazza–Corniglia), the park’s buses, toilets and other services. €10 for one adult day and €17 for two days, with reductions for children, over-70s and families.
- Cinque Terre Treno MS Card: everything in the Trekking Card plus unlimited regional trains between Levanto and La Spezia. From 14 March to 1 November 2026 its price depends on a calendar of three demand bands: an adult one-day card costs €22 (low), €29.50 (medium) or €35 (high), and a two-day card €36.50 to €61. From 2 November to 31 December a single lower price applies.
- With the Via dell’Amore: versions of both cards include access to the Via dell’Amore, with a booked slot.
Buy online on the park’s card website or at the park’s info points at the stations. The Treno card is good value if you take three or more trains and hike the paid path on the same day. If you only want to hike one section, a Trekking Card plus single train tickets is often cheaper.
Trains: the Cinque Terre Express
The regional trains between Levanto and La Spezia, nicknamed the Cinque Terre Express, are the easiest way to move between the villages: each hop takes a few minutes, and trains run every 15–20 minutes in season. From 14 March to 1 November 2026, these trains use a special “Cinque Terre” fare set by Trenitalia: a single ticket costs €5, €8 or €10 for adults (€2.50–€5 for children aged 4–12), depending on that day’s demand band, with the lower €5 fare for trains after 19:30. A ticket is valid for one journey without stopovers and must be used within 75 minutes of validation. Buy tickets before boarding, at machines, ticket offices or on the Trenitalia app, and validate paper tickets.
Stations are small and platforms get very crowded in summer: let passengers off first, stand behind the yellow line, and be ready for the train to stop only briefly. Corniglia station is at sea level, below the village; Vernazza and Manarola stations are short walks from the harbours.
Boats
From late March to early November, tourist boats of the Golfo dei Poeti line run along the coast between Levanto, Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, Riomaggiore, Portovenere and La Spezia (Corniglia has no landing). Seeing the villages from the sea is the best photo opportunity of all. In 2026 a day ticket with unlimited hops was reported at about €42 for adults; tickets are sold at the piers on the day, and boats do not run in rough seas. See our boat trips guide.
Crowds and the rules to know
The Cinque Terre receive millions of visitors a year, many of them on day trips from cruise ships and coaches, in villages with a few hundred residents each. Local authorities manage the pressure in several ways:
- Paid and checked paths: the coastal path is in a paid zone with control points, and the Via dell’Amore runs on booked time slots with a cap on numbers.
- Demand-based pricing: train tickets and the Treno card cost more on high-demand days.
- Proper shoes on the paths: since 2019 the park has banned flip-flops and smooth-soled shoes on its trails, with fines reported at €50 to €2,500. It does not apply in the village lanes.
- Respect the villages: do not picnic on church steps, keep swimwear for the beach, and carry your rubbish away.
The best way to enjoy the Cinque Terre is to beat the crowds: stay overnight, walk the paths early in the morning, visit Vernazza and Manarola in the evening, and come in spring or autumn.
Activities and best months
- Beaches and swimmingFegina beach in Monterosso al Mare: sand and pebbles by the station, with free sections and serviced lidos, good for families.
- Boat tripsBoat trips from Monterosso's pier along the coast towards the Gulf of Poets.
- HikingThe coastal Sentiero Verde Azzurro: Via dell'Amore needs booking, Manarola–Corniglia is closed, Corniglia–Vernazza and Vernazza–Monterosso are open; only these need the paid Cinque Terre Card. The other 130+ km of park trails are free; grip-soled shoes are mandatory.
- Scuba divingMayJunJulAugSepOctIndividual scuba dives are allowed in zones B and C of the Marine Protected Area from 1 May to 31 October; authorised dive centres also run guided dives.
- SnorkelingThe National Park runs guided snorkelling in the Marine Protected Area at Punta Corone, Monterosso (groups of up to 12, €10 or free with the Cinque Terre Card), and has underwater trails at Riomaggiore and Vernazza.
Getting to the Cinque Terre
By train. La Spezia Centrale is the main gateway, with fast trains from Rome and regional trains from Pisa (about an hour) and Florence (about 2–2.5 hours, often changing at Pisa). From Genoa and Milan, trains reach Levanto and Monterosso directly or with a change at Sestri Levante. From La Spezia or Levanto, the Cinque Terre Express takes you to the villages.
By air. The closest airports are Pisa (about 1.5 hours by train to the villages) and Genoa; Florence and Milan are further but have more flights.
By car. Not recommended. The roads down to the villages are narrow and winding, and parking is very limited and expensive. If you drive, leave the car in La Spezia or Levanto and continue by train.
Getting around
- Train: fastest and most frequent between all five villages.
- On foot: the coastal and hill paths; allow more time than you think.
- Boat: scenic, seasonal and weather-dependent.
- Park buses: small buses link villages with the sanctuaries and hamlets above, and Corniglia station with the village; included in the Cinque Terre Card.
When to go and how long to stay
The Cinque Terre have a mild Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers, mild winters and rainy autumns, when sudden heavy storms can close paths. The table uses the Italian Air Force’s 1991–2020 normals for the Sarzana-Luni station, the nearest in the WMO collection, about 15 km east of La Spezia on the coastal plain; the villages, on cliffs facing the sea, are a little milder in winter and breezier in summer.
| Season | Average high / low | Rainy days per month | What it’s like |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | 15–22 °C / 6–13 °C | 6–7 | Wildflowers, good hiking, sea still cool |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 26–29 °C / 17–19 °C | 2–5 | Hot and dry, swimming, very crowded; hike early |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 25 °C falling to 16 °C / 15 °C falling to 9 °C | 6–9 | Warm sea in September, grape harvest, heavy storms in October and November |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 11–12 °C / 4–5 °C | 6–9 | Mild and quiet, many hotels and restaurants closed, fewer boats |
Sarzana-Luni records about 950 mm of rain a year, with October and November the wettest months (about 135 mm each) and July the driest. For hiking, April, May, late September and October are ideal.
The Cinque Terre in 2 days
Day 1: hike Monterosso–Vernazza early, swim or lunch in Vernazza, continue to Corniglia, then take the train to Manarola for sunset. Day 2: the Via dell’Amore in a booked morning slot from Riomaggiore to Manarola, then a boat trip along the coast to Portovenere and back.
The Cinque Terre in 4–5 days
Add the high path via Volastra, the sanctuaries above the villages, a beach day in Monterosso, a wine tasting among the terraces, and a day in Levanto or on the island of Palmaria.
Weather month by month
Where to stay in the Cinque Terre
- Monterosso: the most hotels, a beach and flat streets.
- Vernazza or Manarola: magical in the evening; small rooms, many stairs.
- Riomaggiore: lively and closest to La Spezia.
- Corniglia: quiet and authentic.
- Levanto or La Spezia: cheaper, more choice, and easy trains to the villages.
Most places to stay in the villages are guesthouses and rooms (“affittacamere”); book early for May to September, and expect steps and no lifts.
Eating and drinking
Liguria is the home of pesto and focaccia. Try trofie or trenette al pesto, fresh or salted anchovies from Monterosso, fried seafood in a paper cone, farinata (chickpea flatbread) and the local white wine, Cinque Terre DOC, from the vertiginous terraces. Sciacchetrà is a precious sweet wine made from dried grapes. Book dinner in summer. See our wine-tasting guide.
Practical tips for the Cinque Terre
- Check the trail status on the park’s website on the day you hike; paths close after rain.
- Wear hiking shoes: flip-flops are banned on the trails.
- Start early: the paths are hot and crowded by late morning in summer.
- Carry water and cash: there are few fountains on the paths, and some small places prefer cash.
- Travel light: village lanes are steep and stepped.
- Swim safely: swim from the beaches and marked rocks only, and never jump into unknown water.
What to pack for the Cinque Terre
Trail shoes or light hiking boots with a grippy sole (required on the paths), a hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen, swimwear and a quick-dry towel, water shoes for rocky swimming spots, a light rain jacket in spring and autumn, a small day pack and a refillable bottle.
What to pack
- Day packs and anti-theft bagsCarries water, towel and sunscreen down the long stairways to Algarve coves.
- Dry bags and phone pouchesProtects phones and cameras from sand and spray on beaches reached by ferry or steep paths.
- Fleeces and warm layersIt is cooler at sea than on land, especially on morning whale-watching trips.
- HeadlampsLevada routes such as PR1 and PR9 pass through long, dark, wet tunnels.
- Hiking shoes and bootsMadeira's levadas and the Azores' crater rims are wet, rocky and slippery, so grippy shoes matter more than anywhere else in Portugal.
- Quick-dry beach towelsA sand-shedding quick-dry towel packs small for beach days and lido visits.
- Rain jacketsA windproof, waterproof shell keeps you warm on open boats, where wind and spray cool you quickly.
- Reef-friendly sunscreenSummer UV is strong on Portuguese beaches and there is little shade below the cliffs.
- Snorkel masks and finsYour own mask fits better than a rental and makes clear-water coves and lava pools more fun.
- Trekking polesLong stone staircases and steep descents on Madeira's peaks and the Azores' crater rims are easier on the knees with poles.
- Water bottles and hydration packsAlgarve and Alentejo trails are hot and exposed with few refill points.
- Water shoesRocky coves, lava pools and weever fish in shallow sand make water shoes useful.
- WetsuitsOn the west and north coasts the sea stays around 16–18 °C even in summer, so a thin suit helps for long swims.
Cinque Terre travel FAQ
Is the Via dell’Amore open?
Yes. It reopened in 2024 after a landslide closure, and as of October 2026 it is open one way from Riomaggiore to Manarola, with a booked 30-minute slot and a Cinque Terre Card that includes it.
Do I need to book the Via dell’Amore?
Yes. You must book a date and time slot in advance online or at the park’s info points, and you have at most 30 minutes to walk the path. Up to 200 people enter every 30 minutes.
Is the Sentiero Azzurro open?
As of October 2026, the Monterosso–Vernazza and Vernazza–Corniglia sections are open, the Via dell’Amore is open with booking, and the Corniglia–Manarola coastal section is closed, with a higher alternative via Volastra.
How much is the Cinque Terre Card?
As of October 2026, the Trekking Card cost €10 for one adult day in the park’s shop, and the Treno MS Card, with unlimited trains, €22 to €35 for one adult day depending on demand.
Do I need a Cinque Terre Card to visit the villages?
No. The villages are free to visit. You need a card only for the paid coastal paths and the Via dell’Amore, and the Treno version is optional if you buy single train tickets.
How much is the train between the Cinque Terre villages?
From 14 March to 1 November 2026, a single ticket between Levanto and La Spezia costs €5, €8 or €10 depending on the day’s demand band, and €5 after 19:30.
Which Cinque Terre village is best to stay in?
Monterosso for the beach and choice of hotels, Vernazza or Manarola for atmosphere, Riomaggiore for quick access to La Spezia, Corniglia for peace. Levanto and La Spezia are cheaper bases nearby.
Can I visit the Cinque Terre as a day trip?
Yes, from La Spezia, Pisa, Genoa or even Florence, but you will see only two or three villages and share them with the crowds. Staying one or two nights is much better.
When is the best time to visit the Cinque Terre?
April to early June and September to mid-October: warm, with fewer crowds and good hiking. July and August are hot and very busy; heavy storms are more likely in October and November.
Can you swim in the Cinque Terre?
Yes. Monterosso has the only large sandy beach; Vernazza and Riomaggiore have small beaches, and Manarola and Corniglia have rocky swimming spots. The sea is warmest from July to September. See our beaches guide.
Do I need hiking shoes in the Cinque Terre?
Yes, on the trails. The park bans flip-flops and smooth-soled shoes on its paths, with fines reported at €50 to €2,500. The paths are steep, rocky and narrow.
Can I drive to the Cinque Terre?
It is possible but not recommended: the roads are narrow and parking is scarce and expensive. Park in La Spezia or Levanto and take the train.
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Sources · last reviewed 3 October 2026
Researched and last reviewed on 3 October 2026. Trail status, Cinque Terre Card prices and services: the Cinque Terre National Park (official site and card shop); Via dell’Amore booking, hours and rules: the official Via dell’Amore website of the municipality of Riomaggiore; train fares and the Cinque Terre fare: Trenitalia; climate: Italian Air Force 1991–2020 normals for Sarzana-Luni from the WMO climate normals collection. Boat prices and the footwear fines come from secondary sources and are marked as such. Prices, timetables and trail status change, so check the official links before you go. For entry rules, money and general safety, see our Italy travel guide, and for Tuscany next door, our Tuscany guide.
Also: italia.it · parconazionale5terre.it · Aeronautica Militare normals 1991–2020, Sarzana-Luni (airfield) (climate)
Data: Weather: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0) · Sea temperature: NOAA CoastWatch · Rates: ECB · Costs: World Bank ICP and price levels · © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODBL) · Wikidata (CC0)