There are probably many routes that we think of when we travel to Italy, and there is one that is magical and many people only think of doing it for the day. Travel companions, I invite you to a 2-day route through the Cinque Terre!!!
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Arrival in Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is a group of five coastal villages located in the Liguria region of northwestern Italy. They are spread out between the cities of La Spezia and Levanto. The five villages—Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—are built on cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea and are renowned for their colorful houses, scenic trails, and authenticity.
We have three ways to get there, by boat, train or car.
Arrival by ferry
To reach Cinque Terre by boat, the best option is to use the tourist ferries that operate in the area, especially in high season (spring and summer).
Although we have other places from which to plan the trip, such as Levanto or Portovenere, we will focus on La Spezia as it is a convenient base.
There are regular ferries leaving from the port of La Spezia and connecting with the Cinque Terre villages, except Corniglia (which has no port). It is an ideal option to enjoy the panoramic view of the coast.
Ferries generally operate from April to October (depending on the weather). Website with information about ferries in Cinque Terre.
You can buy tickets for individual journeys or a day pass to get on and off in the villages.
If the sea is rough, the boats can cancel their departures.
It is a spectacular way to get there because it allows you to see the five villages from the sea, something that cannot be done by train or car.
The cons would be the season, since as we said they do not operate on all dates, the cost, since it is higher, about 41 euros for a ticket to use for the day, and the transfer time, since it will take between 1 and 2 hours depending on the type of boat.
Arrival by train
The journey time between La Spezia and Monterroso is between 18 and 25 minutes. The cost of a single ticket is between 5 and 10 euros depending on the season, or a 24-hour ticket for hopping on and off between towns costs between 19.50 and 32.50 €, also depending on the season.
I leave you the official website so you can check everything well Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre
Arrival by car
And the last one is by car, the least common of all and the one we chose. We went in mid-September and did it in a rented car through Discovecars.
We decided to drive to the Vernazza parking lot, which was where we were going to stay, Vernassoa, the cost was €20 per day, you make your reservation by phone and once you arrive you leave the car and they take you in a transfer to the city, then when you return you call half an hour in advance and they come to pick you up. Whatsapp of the Vernassoa car park +39 333 267 7596
But if I tell you to pay attention, the route to get there is very winding, there is not much traffic but it is as I said it has sharp curves. So it’s an option to think about a lot.
Tour of the Cinque Terre
As we said, the villages are Monterroso al mare, Vernazza (where we had the accommodation), Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.
The train to move between them is fast, although as we said you can also do it on the ferry, with the latter option having the views.
Monterosso al Mare: A Charm in the Cinque Terre
Monterosso al Mare, the largest and most accessible village in Cinque Terre, is a place where history, nature and gastronomy combine in perfect harmony. Located in a beautiful valley surrounded by hills covered with vineyards and olive groves, Monterosso has a fascinating history dating back to medieval times. Its vibrantly coloured houses look out over the turquoise waters of the Ligurian Sea, creating a picture-perfect picture postcard.
This picturesque village is divided into two parts: the historic center, with its narrow streets and its church of San Giovanni Battista, and Fegina famous for its beautiful beach. Monterosso Beach is the largest beach in the Cinque Terre and an ideal place to relax and enjoy the sun, especially after walking the trails that connect the villages. From there, you can admire the famous “Gigante”, a huge statue of Neptune that looks out over the sea.
As for food, Monterosso al Mare is a paradise for lovers of seafood and local flavors. Here you can enjoy delicacies such as focaccia (flatbread with olive oil), pasta al pesto (sauce made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic and olive oil, typical of the Liguria region), and the famous fritto misto (fried fish and seafood). It is also highly recommended to try the anchovies of Monterosso, a dish that stands out for the freshness of the local fish.
The good thing about staying in this area is that you can return to each place as many times as you want, you are just a few minutes away, so now we would say goodbye to return the next day but doing one of the trekking trails, we will talk about that later.
Accommodations in Monterosso al Mare
Vernazza: The Heart of the Cinque Terre
Vernazza is one of the most picturesque villages in Cinque Terre and certainly one of the most photographed. Its charm lies in its unspoiled beauty, its narrow alleys and its natural harbour, which has been the heart of local life for centuries. Arriving in Vernazza, it is easy to understand why this place has captivated travellers and artists throughout history. The deep blue sea blends perfectly with the vibrantly coloured houses clinging to the rocks, creating a picture that seems straight out of a painting.
The centre of Vernazza is a labyrinth of cobbled streets and cosy squares, where life goes on at a leisurely pace. The Doria Castle, with its watchtower, offers spectacular views of the town and the surrounding coast. In addition, the church of Santa Margarita de Antiochia, with its bell tower jutting out over the sea, is one of the most representative symbols of the town.
On a gastronomic level, Vernazza is a paradise for lovers of Mediterranean flavours. As in other villages in the Cinque Terre, fresh seafood is the protagonist. Here you can’t miss a plate of pasta with pesto accompanied by a fritto misto.
Our accommodation in Vernazza: Vintage Room The accommodation had a very good location, in the middle of the main street of the village, a very good attention from the host, but nothing more. A very, very steep staircase, so be careful if you choose it, it was spacious, not so the bathroom.
If there is one thing that defines Vernazza, it is the feeling of being in a place where time seems to have stopped, a perfect spot to enjoy the tranquility, the gastronomy and the panoramic views of the Mediterranean. We loved choosing it as a base for the tour, we talk about the accommodation at the end of the video along with places for dinner and other recommendations.
Corniglia: The Hidden Jewel of Cinque Terre
Corniglia is the smallest village in the Cinque Terre and often the least visited, which gives it a special charm. Situated on a hill, 100 metres above sea level, Corniglia offers some of the most breathtaking views in the entire region. From here, you can admire the Ligurian Sea stretching out to the horizon and the cultivated terraces of vineyards that spread across the hillsides. Its elevated location, unlike the other villages in the Cinque Terre, gives it a unique tranquillity, far from the bustle of the coast.
When you get off at Corniglia station you still have a long way to go up to the village. With the same train pass you can wait at the bus stop which is a few steps away and with the same train pass you can take the bus, with which you will arrive quickly and without getting tired to the village.
Arriving in Corniglia, you will be struck by the contrast between the natural beauty and the relaxed atmosphere of the village. The narrow cobbled streets invite you to lose yourself in its labyrinth and discover its most charming corners. One of the most distinctive features of Corniglia is its church of St. Peter, dating back to the 14th century and located in a panoramic square. In addition, the Terrazza del Miradouro, an observation point from which you can see the entire coast, is one of the most outstanding places to enjoy the view.
We retraced our steps thinking of returning to Corniglia when the weather was better.
We would leave Manarola and Riomaggiore for the next day, there was no hurry, it was two days of rest in these five magical lands.
In the morning we would take the train to Riomaggiore to start from there
Riomaggiore: The Soul of the Cinque Terre
Riomaggiore is, without a doubt, one of the most vibrant and authentic villages in Cinque Terre. Located in a deep valley, with its brightly coloured houses stacked on the mountainsides, it offers a spectacular view that captivates those who visit it. It is the first village in Cinque Terre to be found to the south, and its port, together with its terraced layout, makes every corner look like a moving painting, especially at sunset, when the sunlight illuminates the facades of its houses.
The historic centre of Riomaggiore is made up of narrow, steep streets, surrounded by houses that seem to embrace the mountains. At the heart of the village is the church of San Giovanni Battista, a building dating back to the 14th century, which stands out for its simple but impressive architecture. Furthermore, the Castle of Riomaggiore, situated on top of a hill, offers unrivalled views of the village and the sea, an ideal place to enjoy the landscape or to photograph the enchanting surroundings.
A breakfast to enjoy the village was the option we chose.
Riomaggiore, with its picturesque atmosphere, vibrant local life and delicious cuisine, is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the authentic essence of Cinque Terre. A village where every corner tells a story and where natural beauty and culture merge in a unique way.
Via dell’Amore
One of the main attractions of Riomaggiore is the famous Via dell’Amore trail, which connects this village to Manarola and has become one of the most iconic routes in Cinque Terre. This easy-to-follow coastal path offers stunning views of the cliffs and the sea, with strategic stops to capture the beauty of the landscape. And this is the way we chose to reach Manarola.
Pay attention here, advice! There are several routes that can be done in the Cinque Terre, at the end we will leave the list of all but now we are going to highlight the Via del Amore, perhaps the most famous, the least difficult, not difficult at all, 1 kilometer long, recently reopened and I recommend it because it is beautiful!
But like many others, it has a fee. You have to have the Cinque Terre Card which is the pass that gives you access to transport and the rest of the trails + €10 and reserve the time for access.
At the entrance to the trail you will be asked for the supplement with the reservation of the time slot + the Cinque Terre Card. The trecking card + the supplement is also useful. The system is strange, I saw people who wanted to do only the trail and not to have a train pass so they were left without doing it, I leave the website in case that changes at some point. You can now buy the pass with the supplement in advance on the official website of Via dell’Amore
But I clarify this, it is one of the most beautiful walks in Cinque Terre and without any difficulty as you can see in the images. Between these views you get to
Manarola: The Charm of the Cinque Terre
Manarola is one of the most iconic and charming villages in Cinque Terre, famous for its colorful houses that cling to the steep rocks, with stunning views of the Ligurian Sea. This picturesque village, with its narrow cobbled streets and small squares, offers a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for getting lost and enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds it. Founded in Roman times, Manarola has an ancient air that blends harmoniously with the modernity of its inhabitants and the traditions of the region.
This is another of the options I had in mind to stay.
Manarola’s harbour is one of the village’s highlights. Often considered one of the most photogenic in Cinque Terre, this small fishing port is where the vibrant colours of the houses are reflected in the crystal-clear waters. Here, visitors can relax by the water, watch the fishermen return with their catch of the day, or simply enjoy the view as they gaze out over the horizon.
In gastronomic terms, Manarola is known for its fresh and simple flavors, typical of the Liguria region. A very famous bar on social media is Nessun Dorma with wonderful views towards the port of Manarola.
We returned to Vernazza by train, partly to rest and partly because we wanted to do another trail. We would do the trekking to Monterroso, it says, of medium difficulty, 3.5 kilometres, an hour and a half long, we put two hours. The entrance fee is included in the transport card.
We arrived in Monterroso in the afternoon, a little tour of the town again, a stop for a beer and to take the train to Vernazza.
As you can see, two days fly by, don’t even think about doing it just for the day in our opinion, in fact on our previous visit we did it that way and we had promised to return to stay.
Accommodation in Cinque Terre
As we said there is the option of staying in any of the 5 villages, but you can also do them in La Spezia or Levanto, from all of them you have transport. Our choice was going to be yes or yes in one of the Cinque terre and we chose Vernazza.
Internet
The connection in Cinque Terre and throughout Italy was with the Holafly eSim with unlimited internet and that we use so much in this area to communicate with the accommodation, with the parking in addition to the normal network and family connections. As always, they continue to be super useful and it is essential in our trips. DISCOUNT COUPON: EUROPAACOMPAÑADA5
Travel Insurance
We always travel with travel insurance. IATI DISCOUNT
Train Pass
Despite having gone by car, we bought a train pass for 48 hours to be able to move between them with total freedom. You can take it in advance by getting it on the Cinque Terre website , or buy it when you arrive, I always have everything taken out in advance because I don’t want to waste time in queues. Remember that you can add the supplement for the Via dell’ Amore if you are going to do it and book the time. Card Cinque Terre
The pass includes transportation and entrance to the trails except for the Via dell amore which as I told you you have to pay a premium. Web Via dell’Amore
Senderos
The Trails you can do:
Via dell amore, from Riomaggiore to Manarola, we already talked, I won’t go back to the explanation 1 km
Also between Riomaggiore/Manarola Via Beccara, free of charge and difficult difficulty 1.8km
Vernazza/Monterroso Trail, fee included in the pass 3.5 km
Vernazza/Cornigila fare with the pass 4.5 km
Manarola/Corniglia 3,5 km has no fee
Dinner
We had dinners and lunch in Vernazza, in three different places, Luca Restaurant, Tratoría Da Piva and Tratoría Gambero Rosso.
We did the entire tour of Italy in a rented car through Discovecars.
Map and video of Cinque Terre
NOTE: The information in this article is based on our own experience, being totally objective. This article contains affiliate links.
