Villages of the Cinque Terre, Italy

The Cinque Terre are a small group of villages - five in total - set in the splendid scenery of the Ligurian coast among the cliffs between La Spezia and Lévanto. The villages are called Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.

The ensemble is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, officially named the Parco Nazionale dell Cinque Terre.

If possible it is preferable to reach the Cinque terre region on the train or boat from La Spezia - car parking in the villages themselves is both difficult and expensive. There is then a small train that transfers visitors between the villages themselves.

Between the cliffs, the steeply sloping hills are picturesque and dotted with ancient vineyards and olive trees.

The villages of the Cinque Terre are spread over just 11 km of coastline, and connected by a very pretty (and popular) pathway called the Sentiero Azzurro, that clings to the cliff between the villages. they are also connected by the small railway.

Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre

Each of the villages - (from west to east you will find Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso) has its own unique characteristics. The small harbour at Vernazza is a personal favourite!

Between Manarola and Riomaggiore the footpath is easy to follow, but parts of the rest of the walk may be less simple for the elderly and young children. If you are planning to complete the entire 11km path, it is much easier on the legs to start in the east, at Monterosso).

Despite the popularity of the Cinque Terre villages making the walk rather busy sometimes, it is still unmissable if you visit. Note that gaining access to the main path does now require that you pay a few euros - a measure taken to reduce overcrowding.

The tourist offices in the Cinque Terre villages are a good starting point if you want to walk or cycle in the region, and have all the information you will need during your visit to this lovely part of Italy.