Sitting on a point in Manarola looking back at the stunning array of colorful buildings basking in the glow of the setting sun, it’s not difficult to understand why thousands of people flock to the Cinque Terre every year. The unique landscape – mountains that end at the sea – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a prime example of how humans have adapted to the natural environment.
From hilltop towns nestled between the mountains and the Ligurian Sea, to terraced vineyards using manually constructed stone walls that produce unique wines, everything in the Cinque Terre revolves around the natural setting.
The Cinque Terre certainly isn’t “off the beaten path” by any stretch of the imagination. During the peak hours between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, the Cinque Terre’s five villages are packed with sightseers ambling up and down the narrow stone-paved streets and hiking trails.
Leavenworth is fascinating to us because it was a timber town set directly on the Great Northern Railway, which was a prosperous place to be in the 20th Century.
Many of the people you’ll see in the Cinque Terre are there only for a day, but we spent 4 days and think a day is hardly sufficient time to appreciate the natural beauty and human ingenuity that coexists on this stretch of the Ligurian Coast.
A minimum of two days is advisable, though three would provide better exploration.
In this guide, we’re going to go through our favorite experiences and things to do in Cinque Terre, from hiking through the terraced vineyards between the charming villages, to shopping for handmade pottery, to devouring pesto, focaccia, and gelato.
By the end, we hope you’ll have discovered some experiences to include in your own Cinque Terre itinerary.
Note: We visited Cinque Terre in late October, and conditions were pleasant. The mornings were somewhat cool, but temperatures became very comfortable in the middle portions of the day. Furthermore, substantially fewer individuals were in the towns of Cinque Terre than typically present, such as during summer months. We would highly recommend making a visit to Cinque Terre during the shoulder seasons.”
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.
What to Do in Cinque Terre: A Guide to Our Favorite Discoveries
This guide will take you through our favorite things to experience in Cinque Terre, from hiking the renowned Blue Trail in Cinque Terre National Park to discovering some of the region’s best local delicacies and all that lies between.
Our purpose here is to help you explore the Cinque Terre, and find some experiences that you wouldn’t have otherwise encountered.
Hike the Scenic Blue Trail
The Cinque Terre region of Italy is renowned for several attributes, such as brightly colored buildings and scenic sunsets, but what it possibly gains the most fame for is hiking. Specifically, the renowned Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail), which is a coastal footpath linking each of the five Cinque Terre towns.
Snaking its way through terraced vineyards and small hamlets, the Sentiero Azzurro is nothing less than spectacular, with breathtaking views of the sea and colorful villages around every turn in the trail.
Now, there is something important to be aware of before continuing further: most of the Blue Trail is presently experiencing an extensive long term closure, and is anticipated to reopen sometime in 2023 (this guide will be updated when additional information becomes available).
Currently, there are two sections of the trail that are open to hikers: the section between Monterosso al Mare and Vernazza, and the section between Vernazza and Corniglia.
Below we will cover some things needed to be known before hitting the trail, and then talk about those two sections, along with an alternative hike highly enjoyed providing far fewer hikers (though, being in Cinque Terre means it`s not exactly off the beaten path).
What to Know Before Hiking in the Cinque Terre
First, there are a couple aspects of hiking in Cinque Terre you should be aware of.
It’s harder than you probably think.
During the train ride to the Cinque Terre, my mom was perusing about the hikes in a guidebook and she was somewhat worried that the hikes would be too challenging for her (she’s a moderately active hiker at home in Washington State).
After taking the trail themselves, the guidebook authors determined that they intentionally overemphasized the difficulty to stress to readers that these hikes require serious effort. They squarely fit into the “moderate” category, with substantial climbing, steep stairs, and narrow paths.
Do not discount what may be required – bringing water, sun protection like sunscreen and a hat, and suitable footwear would be advisable.
You need the Cinque Terre Card to hike on the Blue Trail
Booths exist at each entry point to the trail where a ranger will examine your pass. You can either purchase it online in advance and display it on your phone (from this website), or buy it as you pass through the booths (which open around 9:00 am).
The exception is during the offseason (November 7 through the end of March), when hiking the trail is free for all visitors.
PURCHASE TICKETS AHEAD OF TIME! Doing so will help you avoid lines, and allow you to benefit from features like the bus that travels from the Corniglia train station to the town, saving you from the lengthy staircase if walking the route instead.
You need the right footwear
Signs are posted everywhere at the entry points to the trail stating hiking the trail in sandals is prohibited and subject to a hefty fine if hiked in flip flops.
My brother and I hiked it wearing tennis shoes, and were completely fine (though it would have been somewhat more difficult if the weather hadn’t been clement and it had been damp).
My mom brought sturdy hiking boots with increased top height, and was glad of her choice.
If you don’t have the suitable footwear, it can be purchased in Manarola at Cinque Terre Trekking.
Start early or late
Seriously. If possible, avoid hiking this trail between 10:30 am and 3:30 pm.
The trail is narrow, with many stairs and steep drop offs, and plenty of areas allowing only single file passage.
When masses of day visitors arrive around 10:00 am, this section becomes unbearably crowded. We can attest that hiking it between Vernazza and Monterosso midday was hot, crowded, and generally unpleasant.
In comparison, we hiked the other section at 8:30 am where we were the solely individuals on the trail, which was a magical experience.
Start before 9:00 am or after 4:00 pm (approx.) for the best lighting and fewest people.
Now, on to the hikes themselves!
You’ll notice that these two parts are following to each other – covering the coastline entirely from Corniglia to Monterosso al Mare – and you can absolutely hike the complete thing in one day.
We’d get an early start in Corniglia, stop for coffee at the Blue Marlin in Vernazza ( here on Google Maps), and continue on to Monterosso, wrapping up the day with a meal in Monterosso and a glass of local wine at Enoteca Da Eliseo ( here on Google Maps). It’ll take up most of the day, especially if stopping to explore in Vernazza.
Corniglia to Vernazza
This section of the trail far exceeded our expectations, even without considering the midday crowds we faced on other portions. The path hugs alongside the coastline, allowing views of the water for most of the hike, which we greatly appreciated.
We strongly advise starting this section early in the morning (before 9:00 am) and hiking from Corniglia to Vernazza, so that the sun is roughly behind you as you walk (especially in summer and early fall).
Two things to know here.
One, the climb from Corniglia`s train station to the town is grueling, but a shuttle across the street from the station takes you into town (covered by the Cinque Terre card – more incentive to purchase in advance).
Two, taking this route means a more gradual ascent and a very steep descent on the opposite end (which is commonly preferred).
The hike starts with a climb out from Corniglia, and you’ll swiftly find yourself hiking through groves of olive trees and terraced vineyards.
As you climb higher, be sure to look back, because there are some excellent perspectives of Corniglia and its colorful buildings perched on a bluff overlooking the sea.
Which implies it’s also a much more tranquil experience, with less fights over parking places and crowded trails.
Right before starting the descent in earnest, you’ll reach a little bar where you can get some fresh orange juice and coffee and take it up to their patio, which has a spectacular view.
This locale would also make for a pleasant place to sip an afternoon spritz and watch the sunset set. It goes by the name of Bar il Gabbiano.
From there, it’s a steep descent down a long set of tall stairs.
Along the way, there are a couple of excellent landscape perspectives of Vernazza, but our most favored viewpoint is this specific location.
Vernazza to Monterosso al Mare
This section of the hike was a bit less enjoyable for us because we got a later start, however we`d still recommend doing it. There are also fewer spectacular views along the way because you’ll be trekking through the forest for most of the trail.
It’s also the more challenging section of trail, with lots of climbing to be done along the hike.
This is another hike you should definitely start early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
No matter how you look at it, this hike involves a difficult ascent with many stairs, as the path rises steeply to a point, continues along a relatively flat area, and then descends steeply back down to sea level.
The first stretch of about a quarter mile in either direction will be challenging – go slowly, stay hydrated, and remember sun protection.
An Alternative Hike: Through the Vineyards between Manarola and Corniglia
If you’re looking for an alternative to hiking the Blue Trail, either to avoid the fee, to avoid the crowds, or because you’ve already done those two sections, we’ve got a treat for you!
We found ourselves in the latter group. Having already completed the two parts of the Blue Trail that were open, we sought a third hike and received a recommendation to hike from Manarola, up through the terraced vineyards to the hilltop town of Volastra, and down into Corniglia.
Keep in mind that this hike is significantly more challenging than the walks along the Blue Trail as you must ascend and descend over the mountain to Volastra, a tiny hilltop town, before the descent into Corniglia.
For reference, you’ll have to climb 1,100 feet on this section of trail (with many, many stone steps), compared to about 500-600 feet on the two sections of the Blue Trail.
If fitness is a concern for you, you can take the bus from Manarola up to Volastra to cut out most of the climbing (but also most of the best views).
You’ll commence from the wooden walkway in Manarola, which is approximately here, and embark up the hill towering over Manarola to the north. Follow trail 6p (that’s the name of the trail) and signs to Volastra, which signifies you’ll take a right to climb the steep set of steps up the hill.
As you climb upwards, the views of Manarola become better and better, and you’ll find yourself right in the center of the famous terraced vineyards of Cinque Terre.
Eventually, the trail will intersect the roadway, where a left turn is made, continuing the climb up to Volastra.
Congratulations! If you’ve come this far, you’ve essentially reached the high point of the hike!
We’d strongly advise a minor detour to Società Agricola Cooperativa 5 Terre ( here on Google Maps), a vineyard situated up above Manarola just underneath Volastra.
They were closed when we were in the area, but we tried their wines at a wine bar in Riomaggiore (and, we should note, bought a special bottle to bring home), and were dismayed we couldn’t actually visit. More on this in the next section.
From there, it’s generally a level walk along the hillside, and a steep descent instantly before arriving in Corniglia.
Discover the Two DOC Wines of the Cinque Terre
If you’ve spent any time in Italy at all, you’ve likely come across a product or two that falls under a “DOC” (used for wine) or “DOP” (used for food products) designation.
All that signifies is that, when you see the name and seal, the product in question is guaranteed to have originated from a specific region (and often uses a specific production method).
In the Cinque Terre, there are two types of wines deserving of attention. We’ll first discuss those two wines, then mention where to sample them (we have three specific recommendations based on our experience).
Cinque Terre DOC
The first wine is the aptly-named Cinque Terre DOC, which is a white wine crafted of grapes cultivated in the terraced vineyards that you’ll see throughout the Cinque Terre. It must be comprised of 40% bosco grapes, and up to 40% albarola and vermentino.
We sampled a few of the region`s wines, and they generally tended towards the dry side, but the exact blend of grapes resulted in vast differences between the varieties.
We sampled some that were completely dry with intense minerality, and some that were semi dry with a richer body and darker golden hue.
Sciacchetrà
The second wine presents an engaging choice. It’s a complex sweet wine called Sciacchetrà, and while sweet wines usually aren’t preferred, a bottle of it was taken home from there. The same grape varieties are used, but with a completely different production method.
The production is small – for reasons we’ll briefly mention in a moment – and it’s traditionally given as a token of good luck around events like births and graduations.
It’s an expensive wine and supply is low, mostly because producing it requires an incredible amount of labor.
Before the major crop gathering in the Cinque Terre in September, the winemakers venture out into the vineyards and by hand choose the very best grapes, which are dehydrated to remove the water and concentrate the flavor and sweetness.
Afterward, they are individually examined after drying to confirm quality.
Given these limitations, it means only a modest quantity can be produced, requiring the bottles that are sold to command relatively higher prices.
We truly enjoyed it, and would strongly suggest attempting at least a glass while you’re locally, even if you don’t imagine liking sweet wine. It’s sugary, but too complex and fascinating.
Where to Try the Wines of Cinque Terre
Here are three establishments we highly recommend visiting if interested in sampling these wines with knowledgeable, welcoming staff. Two wine bars/shops and one producer.
Ghemé (Riomaggiore): This establishment located in Riomaggiore is by far our top suggestion, mostly because immediately upon being seated, the sommelier Laura walked over, took our order, and returned shortly with bottles and an extremely informative quarter-hour crash course on the wines of Cinque Terre. We sampled a few different varietals – including the aforementioned two – and she was incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable as she illuminated for us the intricacies of crafting Sciacchetrà, and how winemakers navigate the terraced vineyards. We highly recommend visiting it!
Enoteca da Eliseo (Monterosso): We enjoyed a great visit here on a weekday lunchtime. A friendly man, who turned out to be Eliseo, attentively listened to my attempt to request two very different Cinque Terre DOC wines. When he returned, he had precisely what we desired – two unique expressions of the Cinque Terre DOC. He also suggested heading up a short distance on the hill to Buranco…”
Buranco (Monterosso): Just up the hill from Enoteca da Eliseo, this place is a producer (rather than a wine bar or shop), and was recommended by Eliseo. It’s a steep walk from the town, but you can sample their wine or join a hike through the vineyards. More information here.
We have far more data on how to organize your time in our (highly detailed) guide to planning your Olympic National Park itinerary, which has an itinerary that you can essentially duplicate and paste for your own trip.
Catch a Magical Sunset
Some locations are best experienced at sunrise, while others offer the greatest appeal around sunset. The Cinque Terre coastline, oriented facing westward, is undeniably spectacular to visit at sunset due to its geography.
Below are our preferred places to witness the sun dip below the horizon while visiting the Cinque Terre.
One of the most photographed places in the Cinque Terre is the viewpoint in Riomaggiore known as the Riomaggiore Viewpoint ( here). From the rocky promontory jutting into Riomaggiore’s beautiful harbor, visitors have a superb panorama of the sunset over the sea to the west as well as the colorful buildings of Riomaggiore bathed in the golden light. For those uncomfortable on the rocks, there is also a viewpoint above with a paved pathway.”
The Point in Manarola ( here): This viewpoint within the village of Manarola that`s commonly included on postcards sold throughout Cinque Terre offers gorgeous panoramic vistas of the colorful town and surrounding coastline. We stayed in Manarola and visited this scenic overlook multiple times throughout the day, finding it consistently breathtaking yet increasingly crowded as evening fell. However, sunset magnifies the natural beauty. To guarantee front-row seats for the show while also enjoying refreshments and built-in scenic backdrops, make reservations well in advance at the seaside eatery Nessun Dorma, which uses an innovative digital approach to scheduling seating.”>
Vernazza’s Harbor ( here): This spot is excellent for independently organizing a sunset picnic, with many locations to sit and a wonderful view of Vernazza.
Bar il Gabbiano: We referenced this location in the previous section about trekking between Corniglia and Vernazza as a place to stop for freshly squeezed orange juice during a morning hike, but it also makes an excellent spot to watch the sunset. Grab an aperitif and take it up to the patio area with expansive views of the coastline of the Cinque Terre region. The sole downside is the inability to see one of the towns lit up beautifully as twilight sets in. You can find directions here.
Hit the Beach (in Monterosso)
Given the geography and geology, sandy beaches aren`t really what the Cinque Terre is known for.
Most of the coastline is rocky, and borders directly against the mountains creating a unique landscape that is not found in very many places around the world.
However, if you visit the Cinque Terre in summer, chances are it will be blazingly hot and some traditional beach time would be a good option.
A few beaches are located in the Cinque Terre region, and most are concentrated in the northern towns of Vernazza and Monterosso.
If you want a wide, sandy beach, Monterosso al Mare is the sole choice in the Cinque Terre, offering multiple options. There`s a smaller beach near the old town core, and a more expansive one adjacent to the train station.
Remember that, in Italy, the beach chairs you see are not free – you have to pay for the privilege to sit in them (and they’re often expensive). However, there are sections of the beach that are public, which you should feel free to use.
There’s also a small, rocky beach in Vernazza at the harbor, though it’s not nearly as pleasant as the ones in Monterosso.
Devour All of the Pesto
Cinque Terre is within the region of Liguria, located in northwestern Italy, renowned as the creator of pesto, a delicious blend of fresh basil, olive oil, garlic (though it can be bought without garlic – look for “senza aglio”), hard cheese (like parmesan-reggiano), and pine nuts.
It`s actually a protected designation of origin (DOP) product – when searching for jars of pesto in Cinque Terre, be sure it states “DOP”, which indicates it`s the quality variety originating from Liguria.
There are a few methods for eating pesto (other than straight from the jar), but we have two favorites.
First a thick, warm slice of focaccia was coated.
Second is as part of a pasta dish.
We`d recommend experiencing both while in the Cinque Terre.
Want to Learn to Make Pesto?
Culinary classes are among our preferred methods to delve deeper into a food culture and learn about the history and traditions of a place. Regrettably, since Matt has Celiac Disease and necessitates eating strictly gluten free, cooking classes in Italy are essentially unavailable.
However, that doesn’t mean they have to be off limits for you!
The best way to gain understanding of pesto is to make it yourself, and several cooking classes in the Cinque Terre that appear excellent.
The Excellent Pesto Practical experience (Riomaggiore) : Make home-prepared pesto making use of a mortar and pestle, and then take pleasure in it with a glass of wine and some pasta on a terrace with magnificent views.
Pesto Experience at Nessun Dorma (Manarola) : We mentioned this bar above as a good place to catch the sunset with an excellent view of Manarola. They also do cooking classes! It also includes some wine tasting with a sommelier.
Get Out on the Water
While there are some pretty great panoramas of the five villages to be had from land, the best perspective is from the water, where you’ll be observing up at the colorful towns sprawling up the steep mountainside.
There are a couple methods to have that experience.
Most opt for an evening boat cruise, which is sure to create memorable moments.
We appreciate this boat trip through Airbnb Experiences, where you`ll meet in Riomaggiore before sunset for a leisurely cruise along the coast, taking in the five gorgeous towns from the sea as the sun sets (with pesto-topped focaccia and local wine in hand, naturally).
However, while a sunset boat trip seems incredible, we have an option for you if you’re craving something more adventurous where you can visit places you can’t access by motor boat.
If given another opportunity, we may have opted for the kayak tour where you`ll meet your guide in Monterosso al Mare and paddle along the coastline, stopping to snorkel and exploring Punta Mesco, the peninsula of the Ligurian coast that juts out into the sea just north of Monterosso al Mare.”
You’ll have a qualified guide, a small group, and a couple of hours of tranquility on the water, seeing things from a perspective unlike 99% of tourists who visit the Cinque Terre.
Keep in mind that these boat excursions cease operations in late October or early November, and resume in the spring (around April). If you take an offseason trip to Cinque Terre, you won’t be able to partake in a boat tour.
Explore the Five Towns of the Cinque Terre
No matter your itinerary for visiting Cinque Terre, you’ll want to set aside time to wander around a bit, poking your head into the nearly endless shops found in each of the five towns, grabbing an impromptu slice of focaccia, and eating your weight in gelato.
Some favored spots for dining, drinking and shopping in the local towns are outlined below.
Riomaggiore
Ghemé: We had previously expressed our positive experience at this establishment in the wine section above, but visiting here to learn about the wines of Cinque Terre was one of the more memorable parts of our trip. Highly recommend going here.!
Tutti Fritti and Il Pescato Cucinato: Both of these excellent establishments are situated in close proximity, offering fried seafood selections packed in conical containers. We visited Tutti Fritti, and worth noting, the staff was very helpful and facilitated practice of my Italian language skills. Anchovies are a local specialty, and my mom – not overly adventurous – enjoyed them. Generous portions were included.
Vintage Cocktails & Fare: Slightly removed from the main drag, this is a trendy bar situated near the fortress that was passed by and saved to my Cinque Terre Google Map. It operates all day for breakfast, coffee and drinks in the evening. Cash only.
Manarola
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Gelateria Sorbetteria Gelateria 5 Terre: We stopped here daily on our way home from hiking on our last Italy trip. It was among our favorite gelato shops from the whole journey. Everything is made fresh in-house using natural ingredients, including gluten-free cones and many dairy/vegan options. Recommend the pistachio and banana flavors, but not together.
A Pié de Campu: This place was closed for the season during our visit, but we were eager to grab a glass of wine and a freshly baked focaccia on their patio!
Nessun Dorma: It`s understandable why this place is routinely recommended. It sits on the jutting promontory gazing back toward Manarola, which is the quintessential postcard perspective of the Cinque Terre seen everywhere. Go here for an aperitivo as the sun dips, but arrive in good time (and reserve ahead on their website if possible).
Corniglia
Since you have a high vantage point when in Corniglia, you`ll definitely want to find a place for a drink or dinner that has an outdoor area with a view of the sea.
La Scuna Wine and Beer: Great view from the terrace, but you will pay a premium for it. Popular spot, so get there early if wanting to watch the sun set.
Ristorante La Posada: Just outside of the hustle and bustle of Corniglia on the road above the train station, the highlight here is the panorama and the seafood.
Osteria A Cantina De Mananan: A cozy little eatery with dishes listed on a whiteboard, reasonably priced wine, and fresh seafood dishes.
Vernazza
The Blue Marlin: Its appearance is more akin to a drinking establishment, but this location served us the finest coffee we had in Cinque Terre. It also seems like a lovely spot to grab a beverage, though we visited in the morning on both occasions, so we just had coffee.
Batti Batti’ Focacceria: More focaccia! This was another spontaneous stop after a morning hike. Get the pesto pizza version with tomato sauce, pesto, and melted cheese (or just the version with pesto, which is more traditional).
Il Gattaccio: We stopped here because my brother was attracted to the focaccia they offered, but they`re truly known for their fish, especially anchovies.
Pippo a Vernazza: Up the hill on the opposite side of the train station, this is the place to go for an affordable lunch or dinner with a rotating selection of sandwiches and pasta dishes. We tried to stop by, but they were closed for the season at the end of October. They’re also plastic free, which I love.
Monterosso al Mare
Wine: I already enthusiastically recommended Enoteca da Eliseo and Buranco above – if you seek wine in Monterosso al Mare, I suggest starting at Eliseo and asking for his input to find something to your liking.
Fabbrica D’Arte Monterosso: Conserving the finest for last, this was perhaps our favorite discovery in any of the towns. It’s a family owned and run pottery shop, where they showcase their beautiful pieces that they craft a few miles away from the Cinque Terre. I acquired a mug and an espresso glass, my mom obtained one of their stunningly colored terracotta works. Highly recommended for gifts and souvenirs to bring home!
Important Logistics for Visiting Cinque Terre
Additionally to all the remarkable things possible to do in Cinque Terre that we covered above, we also wish to supply you with the important (and somewhat tedious) logistical information you’ll need for your trip.
How Much Time to Spend in the Cinque Terre?
One of the initial things you’ll notice in the Cinque Terre is that it’s an entirely different place in the core of the day than it is either early in the morning or later in the evening.
The reason?
The vast majority of visitors to the Cinque Terre experience it as a day trip, arriving either from a nearby city or from a cruise ship anchored in La Spezia.
For this reason, coupled with the fact that it entails quite a journey to arrive there, we would extremely recommend not visiting the Cinque Terre if you only have a single day.
At a minimum, we’d spend two days in the Cinque Terre. More time is obviously better, and three or four days allows seeing the highlights at a reasonable pace, with some extra time to wander the narrow alleys and staircases of the five towns.
Getting to the Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre is a little difficult to access, which is why we recommend only visiting if you have at least one night to spare (better with two or three nights, if not more!).
Overall, both VisitorsCoverage and TravelInsurance.com provide excellent price comparison options. I typically search on both sites to see their results side by side.
Let’s discuss transportation options – arriving by train, car, and plane (hint: if you fly, it also necessitates a train ride).
Arriving by Train
Travelling to the Cinque Terre region by train provides a convenient option for accessing this scenic coastal area.
If renting a car, it would be best to return it before making your way to the Cinque Terre because driving and parking are problematic there, and (as you’ll soon read) we’re recommending leaving the rental car parked outside of the Cinque Terre anyway, so it will just be sitting unused accruing charges.
There are good train connections from both the east (Florence / Pisa) and the north (Milan / Genoa).
If you’re coming from the north (Milan or Genoa), there are direct Intercity trains every two hours or so going between Milano Centrale and Levanto, where you’ll transfer to the regional train to your destination. The journey from Milan takes around three hours (two from Genoa).
Traveling from eastern destinations such as Florence, Bologna, Pisa and others, train transport is slightly more complicated involving regional lines with less frequency, lengthening the overall travel time somewhat.
There are a couple of options, and it will take somewhere between two to three hours, depending on the date and time you’re traveling.
Optionally, one of the most affordable approaches if arriving in Florence is to take a local train from Santa Maria Novella station in Florence that goes straight to La Spezia Centrale, where one can then board a regional train to reach the home base in the Cinque Terre region.
Services operate every two hours, with the journey taking around two and a half hours.
You can also make a connection in Pisa, which actually turns out to be quicker because you’ll take a high speed train from Pisa to La Spezia.
However, if delays are experienced, connections could potentially be missed, which we only narrowly avoided through sprinting between platforms. This route also necessitates utilization of the Cinque Terre Express to reach your home base.
Arriving by Car
Driving is not recommended in the Cinque Terre under any conditions. Narrow streets, limited parking, and regulations prohibiting driving except for residents (ZTL’s) make it extremely challenging.
However, if you are reading this, there is likely a car being used in your plans. So what should be done with it?
Leave your vehicle parked at a lot in either La Spezia or Levanto (it depends on the direction you’re coming from) and utilize the Cinque Terre Express (more on that in the getting around section below) to get around while you’re in the region.
In Levanto, the best place to park is in the lots near the train station (lot P4 or P3). It will cost €24 / 24 hours but is worth avoiding navigating traffic and parking in the Cinque Terre. Camper owners must park in P3 and it is slightly more pricey (€36 / 24 hours).
In La Spezia, you can park right at the train station ( here it is on Google Maps). It’s going to be €30 / 24 hours (that`s the most up-to-date rate I can find – please let me know in the comments if you discover something different!).
Flying to Cinque Terre
If you’re flying in for a trip to the Cinque Terre, you have a few alternative options.
Which airport you choose will depend on if the Cinque Terre is the only stop on your itinerary, so you will need to consider this information and decide what makes the most sense for you.
It`s also crucial to remember that you`ll most likely need to connect to the Cinque Terre Express – that`s the regional train connecting the five villages to La Spezia and Levanto.
The sole exception is if staying in Monterosso, where direct intercity trains travel from Genoa or Milan.
In general, the two most convenient airports for accessing the Cinque Terre are in Pisa and Genoa.
Flying into Pisa International Airport (PSA) is likely the best mix of convenience and number of flight options.
From the airport, you’ll need to take a brief taxi or bus ride over to Pisa Centrale (Pisa’s main train station), where you can board a train to La Spezia.
From there, board the Cinque Terre Express heading to your lodging. Figure approximately one hour door-to-door travel time using the regional trains.
Flying into Genoa Airport (GOA) is also fairly convenient, however there are definitely fewer flight alternatives here. From the airport, you’ll need to cross town to the train station (Principe) to catch the train to Levanto.
There are Intercity trains every couple hours or so between Genoa and Levanto, where you can connect with the Cinque Terre Express line. It’s going to take you roughly two hours, door to door.
Milan is also a good alternative if you’re planning on spending some time in Milan while you’re in Italy (you should – check out our guide to one day in Milan and 2 days in Milan).
We took the train from Cinque Terre to Milan, and it was a simple journey, although it’s a longer route.
An important suggestion if planning to fly into Milan is aiming to arrive at Milan Linate airport (LIN), which is noticeably closer to the city center and train connection. There are high speed intercity trains every few hours from Milano Centrale to Levanto that takes around three hours. Trains also operate from Milano Centrale to Monterosso, if that is your base for exploring the Cinque Terre region.
Getting Around Cinque Terre
The optimal way to navigate around on a trip to the Cinque Terre is by using the Cinque Terre Express, which essentially serves as the regional train linking La Spezia in the south and Levanto in the north, with stops connecting all five villages that constitute the Cinque Terre to those two gateway cities.
In total, the journey between La Spezia and Levanto takes roughly 20 minutes. You can find current prices and timetables over at Trenitalia, who facilitates this train line.
Do You Need the Cinque Terre Treno Card?
The one decision you’ll need to make is whether or not to purchase the Cinque Terre Treno Card. Here’s the information we think you need to make that choice.
The primary piece of information is that it will cost you £5 per individual for each individual train ride taken.
We witnessed individuals checking tickets every single day we were in the Cinque Terre, so you`ll definitely want to ensure you have your tickets before boarding the train.
Also, be sure to validate your ticket by stamping it at the machines on the platform BEFORE you board the train.
Two types of Cinque Terre passes are available.
The first is the hiking permit, called the Cinque Terre Card. The Cinque Terre Card is necessary to hike the world-renowned Blue Trail, which currently is only accessible between Corniglia and Vernazza, and Vernazza and Monterosso.
In our Cinque Terre schedule we have you doing one section on each of the first two days.
The second is the Cinque Terre Treno Card (we know, the names are confusing). which includes everything the Cinque Terre Card does (hiking permit, bathrooms, and ATC buses), along with unlimited rides on the Cinque Terre Express.
One advantage to the Treno Card is bypassing the sometimes lengthy queues at station ticket machines, which could mean the difference between making a train on time or facing a delay to wait another 20 minutes.
We calculated the cost of our trip, and here is how the expenses balanced out:
- The 1 Day Treno Card provides value if you plan on hiking the Blue Trail AND taking at minimum three train rides on the day for which you’re purchasing it.
- The 2 Day Treno Card is worthwhile if hiking the Blue Trail over two days AND taking five train rides within that same two-day span is part of your itinerary.
For what it`s worth, we purchased both a Treno card (really, two) for our time in Cinque Terre, and it served us well both times.
You can now purchase the Cinque Terre card online here, which is the best way to do so. Be prepared to download it and present it at the entry points for the Blue Trail.
