The Cinque Terre is a stretch of coastline located in the Italian Riviera. The name Cinque Terre means “five lands,” and it refers to the five villages that are located along the coast. These villages – Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore – have been inhabited for centuries, and their histories are closely intertwined. For centuries, the Cinque Terre was isolated from the rest of Italy, and its inhabitants were cut off from the outside world. They made their living by fishing and farming, and they built their houses from the stone that was readily available in the area. The villages were connected by a network of paths and stairs, and life in the Cinque Terre revolved around the sea. In recent years, the Cinque Terre has become a popular tourist destination, and its villages have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Cinque Terre while exploring its rich history and culture.
All of the villages are connected by a network of hiking trails and scenic train routes. Visitors can explore the villages on foot or take a boat ride to enjoy the views from the water. Cinque Terre is also home to a number of beach resorts, making it a popular destination for travelers who want to relax by the Mediterranean Sea. The towns are also accessible by train, so it makes a great day trip from several nearby cities, including La Spezia, Genoa, or Pisa.
Hiking Cinque terre is a great way to appreciate the natural landscape and colourful architecture of this picturesque region, which is home to over 120 km of hiking trails, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. While some trails require a special ticket, most are free to explore. From November to March, all trails are free of charge. The hike can be done in a day, or spread out over a few days, and there are a number of different routes to choose from. Best of all, it’s a budget-friendly way to see the sights. The views from the hikes are truly breathtaking, and you’ll get to see the villages from all angles. You’ll also have the chance to stop for a swim in one of the many secluded coves along the way. Hiking Cinque Terre is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy some time in nature. So grab your hiking boots and Explore one of Italy’s most beautiful regions!
Maps
Cinque Terre Maps
Hiking the Cinque Terre trail was a highlight of my trip to Italy, and this is the rout I’d recommend taking if you want to hike the trail as a day trip:
Monterosso – Vernazza
Monterosso al Mare is the westernmost of the five villages that make up the Cinque Terre, and it has a long and fascinating history. First settled by the Romans, the village was later conquered by the Lombards. In 1254, it became part of Genoa, and it remained under Genoese rule for centuries. Monterosso was heavily damaged by floods in the 19th century, and many of its buildings were rebuilt in the characteristic Genoese style. Today, Monterosso is a popular tourist destination, known for its picturesque setting and its lovely beaches. Visitors can explore the old town, with its narrow streets and colourful houses, or enjoy a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean Sea.
You can arrive in Monterosso by train and exit the station for views of the beach, and take the small pedestrian road leading to the Hotel Porto Roca for the start of the trail. The trail begins with a long staircase, but the effort is well worth it as you will be rewarded with stunning views of Vernazza. The footpath is marked in white and red, and it winds its way through the cliffs, passing by olive groves and vineyards. Some parts of the trail are broad and peaceful, and you can always enjoy a wonderful panorama over the sea. The vegetation is very various, you will find evergreen oaks, arboreal heather, broom and juniper. The footpath passes on an antique stone-bridge, which is really worth a picture. After 3.6km (average walking time of 1.5hours) the trail ends in Vernazza, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean Sea.
Vernazza – Corniglia
Vernazza is often considered to be the most picturesque of all five towns. The village is situated on a small natural harbour, and it is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. There are also several hiking trails that wind through the hills above the town. Vernazza has a long history, dating back to the 11th century. It was first mentioned in historical records in 1097, when it was attacked bypirates. In the 12th and 13th centuries, Vernazza was a member of the Republic of Genoa, and it flourished as a trading center. By the 14th century, however, Vernazza began to decline, due to a series of devastating floods and landslides. The town was largely abandoned by the end of the century. In the 18th century, Vernazza was rediscovered by artists and writers, who were drawn to its picturesque setting. Today, Vernazza is a popular tourist destination, known for its charming shops and restaurants.
Corniglia – Manarola
Corniglia is the third village from north to south, and it is situated atop a rocky promontory overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The name Corniglia derives from the Latin word for horn, due to the shape of the promontory on which the village is built. Corniglia was founded in the 11th century by residents of nearby Genoa who were seeking to escape the conflict and turmoil that was plaguing their city. Over the centuries, Corniglia has been sprawling with vineyards and olive groves, and it has become known for its production of white wines. Corniglia is a unique village in Cinque Terre in several ways. First, it is the only village that is not directly accessible by train. Secondly, it does not have a harbour like the other villages. Thus, Corniglia has always been somewhat isolated from the others villages in Cinque Terre. Despite this isolation, Corniglia has managed to retain its own distinct identity and character. Today, visitors to Cinque Terre can enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea from Corniglia’s main square, Piazza Matteotti. Since there’s no opportunity for a dip in the ocean here, it’s the perfect place to stop for some gelato!
Manarola – Riomaggiore
Manarola is a small village located in the Cinque Terre, a mountainous region of northwestern Italy. The village is situated on a hillside overlooking the Gulf of Genoa, and its buildings are constructed from the local pink-hued granite. Manarola is believed to have been founded in the 13th century, and its name is derived from the Latin word for “pillars,” which refers to the rocky cliffs that surround the village. The village’s main industry has always been fishing, and its fleet of brightly-painted fishing boats is one of its most iconic features. In recent years, Manarola has become a popular tourist destination, and its picturesque setting and tranquil atmosphere have made it a favourite among visitors to the Cinque Terre.
Manarola was my personal favourite stop along the trail, as the water here was incredibly inviting and offered great views of the colourful buildings towering the cliffs above.
The world-famous Via dell’Amore, or Lover’s Lane, is a picturesque walking trail that connects the towns of Manarola and Riomaggiore in Italy’s Cinque Terre region. The trail is renowned for its breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, and it has been a popular destination for couples for centuries. Unfortunately, the Via dell’Amore is currently closed due to a landslide, and it is not expected to reopen until July 2024. In the meantime, visitors can still enjoy the first 200 meters of the trail, which remain open from Manarola. Although the closure is disappointing for many, the train offers an alternative for those wishing to rest their legs. An an alternative for those who would prefer to hike than catch a train between Manarola and Riomaggiore is the Beccara trail. This trail was the first link between Manarola and Riomaggiore, and it offers stunning views of both villages. The hike can be done in either direction, and it takes about an hour to complete. Those who are up for a challenge can even continue on to hikes like the Sentiero Azzurro or the Via degli Dei. Regardless of which path you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience hiking in the Cinque Terre.
Riomaggiore is a picturesque village located in the Cinque Terre, a renowned region of Italy known for its dramatic coastline and colorful villages. Riomaggiore is the southernmost village in the Cinque Terre and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. The village has a long history dating back to the 13th century when it was first founded by a group of fishermen. Since then, Riomaggiore has become known for its wine production and is home to some of the best vineyards in the Cinque Terre. The village is also a popular spot for hiking and enjoys stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
