Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre, Italy

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The Cinque Terre are a series of five small towns on the Ligurian Riviera that have only been accessible by road for the last 40 years. Clusters of houses cling to the cliff tops and for centuries the area was raided by Turkish pirates.

The Cinque Terre was a road less community which led to a series of trails in the countryside used by villagers and have now evolved into walking routes along this picturesque part of Italy. The walks in the Cinque Terre vary from a 20 minute hike to a classic full length 40km hike such as the one named Via d’Amore. This area has been famed for its vineyards and white wine since Roman times, and each town is unique with its own character. These range from Vernazza with its castle rising out of the sea to Monterosso which is more touristy.

The trail hugs the coast and in places steep and rocky

There are plenty of places to rest en route whilst walking and taste the fine local cuisine. Walking in the Cinque Terre is the perfect way to see the architecture of the area, look at the various farming styles and see the marine life in the area. There are pine groves and intriguing shrubs and a laid back way of life that is perfect for a holiday destination.

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7 Reviews

1. Simply the Best

   Arthur June 11, 2011 (Kentucky, USA)
   Cinque Terre is simply amazing and beautiful. The boat/ferry ride to each little town overlooking the Italian Coast as you appraoch is an event onto itself. The boat ride to and from Cinque Terra is about an hour there and an hour back, and the whole thing can take the better part of a day depending on how many towns you get off the boat to explore. Cinque Terra is the best of them all, and it was well worth it for us to see it!
   
   

2. A must do

   Phil August 20, 2011 (London)
   This is a must do. We walked the whole way and stopped in each village for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and then took the boat back to the start where we had dinner. The walk to us was easy but others might find it a little hard. Rather than use the train we took the boat back and enjoyed an hour on the top deck.We did not stay in the villages but in a local town that was much cheaper and drove in for the day.
   
   

3. Cinque Terre

   David August 20, 2011 (Brisbane)
   One of the highlights of our trip to Italy and easy to reach by car from La Spezia where we stayed. Do take all day to do the walk to give yourself time to enjoy the wine and food on the way. Next time we might use the train.
   
   

4. A great walk

   John August 28, 2011
   If you want a little walk in Italy the Cinque Terre is a good one. Easily done in a day and all one way as you can use the train or boat to return. If you have longer there are walks up the hills at the back of the villages.
   
   

5. We did not walk!

   Michael August 29, 2011 (Manchester)
   If you are not a walker the Cinque Terre is still a good day out. We took the train from La Spezia to Vernazza which is a bery pretty village. The day soon passed in a blaze of wine and pasta and sitting on the rocks watching all the life. We then took the ferry back to La Spezia.
   
   

6. Worth a visit

   eGuide Review August 29, 2011 (Brisbane)
   There is a lot to see in Italy. We think this is well worth a trip. The five coastal villages until discovered as a tourism attraction were remote fishing communities with no road connection and relied on the train and boats.
   
   Each village has many places to stay and dine. In the peak season bookings will be essential. It is possible to stay in the surrounding area and will be much cheaper and then drive to the first village where there is a huge car park. From La Spezia a train or ferry connects to the villages.
   
   If time is short and you are fit the best idea is to start at one end and walk between all the villages. The track is rough and steep in places. The take the boat back the start or the train.
   
   

7. Emily September 11, 2011 (South America)
   My favourite place in Italy is the Cinque Terre. These are 5 villages on the North Western coast where you walk between each. The walk is about 15km and easily done in a day. A day where you would stop at each village and enjoy wine, lunch, coffee and fruits. If you do one way then you can take the train or boat back to the start.
   
   If you wish to stay, do book ahead as accommodation is in short supply in the high season.