Visiting the Cinque Terre in one day: are you up to the challenge? Join us as we explore the most beautiful villages in Liguria, among pastel-colored buildings, ‘bruschetta al pesto’, poetic echoes, and of course, the turquoise sea.
Cinque Terre in a Day: Our Tips
The Cinque Terre is a true symbol of the stunning beauty that defines Italy, cherished by both locals and international visitors alike. Just last year, in 2022, three million tourists explored this corner of Liguria. These picturesque fishing villages, each bursting with vibrant colors, adorn the shores of the Tyrrhenian coast like precious gems.
Unfortunately, the flow of tourists has increased so much that the authorities are considering implementing a ticketing system to limit access to the five villages. This reminds us of how important it is to respect the places we visit.
To visit the Cinque Terre, we based ourselves in Lerici, about 20 minutes by car from La Spezia train station. We stayed at the Europa Grand Hotel, which we found excellent in terms of value for money.
Now, let’s set off together to discover the Cinque Terre villages, among postcard-perfect views and the scent of freshly baked ‘focaccia’:
Riomaggiore
Coming from La Spezia, the first of the Cinque Terre that you encounter is Riomaggiore. You will be immediately immersed in a whirlwind of colours and the smell of saltwater, accompanied by the sound of waves crashing on the rocks.
For many, it could be their first encounter with Liguria: red, yellow, pink, and blue houses seem to rise directly from the sea, wedged one on top of the other until they compose the picture of Riomaggiore.
Let yourself be enchanted by its little harbor and the colorful boats moored along the shore, or stop for a few hours of relaxation on the local free beach.
From Riomaggiore, there is also a panoramic hiking trail that covers approximately 12 km and takes 5-6 hours to reach Portovenere. Meanwhile, the famous ‘Via dell’Amore’, which connects Riomaggiore to Manarola, is currently closed due to a landslide and will reopen in 2024.
Looking for a photography trekking in the Cinque Terre? Check out this activity
Manarola
Arriving in Manarola takes only a short 2-minute train ride from Riomaggiore. However, you might not be fully prepared to embrace its wonder right away. As you descend through the narrow, winding alleys to the town’s main square, you’ll notice seafood restaurants getting ready to welcome crowds of hungry tourists like yourself.
However, there’s one crucial detail you should be aware of: the town’s most renowned location is not situated here. If you continue a bit further along the path to Corniglia, you’ll arrive at Nessun Dorma. This spot offers an unparalleled view of Manarola, and the ‘bruschetta’ platters that went viral on Instagram have significantly contributed to the popularity of this establishment.
Between a glass of wine and bruschetta brushed with a generous layer of ‘pesto alla Genovese’, a visit to this place – or at the very least, an aperitif – becomes an undeniable necessity. The view from the terrace is very romantic, while Pavarotti’s mighty voice singing Nessun dorma on a loop will lull you during your stay.
Fun fact: above the venue is a small picnic area from which you can admire more or less the same wonderful view, but for free.
Would you like to explore the Cinque Terre from the sea? Book a boat tour from Monterosso
Corniglia
The most atypical of the Cinque Terre is undoubtedly Corniglia. It is the only one of the five towns that is not located directly on the sea but stands on a promontory 100 meters high, nestled in a verdant basin of vineyards. Here lies the hub of Cinque Terre wine production, including the fortified wine Sciacchetrà and the Cinque Terre Bianco Doc.
Arriving in Corniglia by train, it can be reached from the station by walking up the ‘Lardarina’, a stairway of 382 steps, or by bus from the stop just outside the station.
Due to lack of time, we were not able to visit Corniglia, but we will return as soon as possible to admire this village of pastel-colored houses, which boldly overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea from the top of its promontory.
Vernazza
From Manorola you can travel by train to Vernazza, the third stop along this Cinque Terre tour. Stroll along the main street of the village until you reach the small harbour and the pier that embraces it.
One of the elements that distinguishes Vernazza from the other villages of the Cinque Terre is the Church of Santa Margherita, which, thanks to its ochre bell tower, adds an extra touch of beauty to the picture-postcard view of the town.
Another view not to be missed is the one you can have from Doria Castle, which dominates the town with its cylindrical tower. The castle was built in the 13th century and during the Second World War became an anti-aircraft site used by the German Air Force. Today it hosts events and temporary exhibitions, but unfortunately was closed at the time of our visit.
To capture the most beautiful view of Vernazza, you need to climb behind it, on the path leading to Monterosso al Mare. From the small square in front of the Church of Santa Margherita, you will find a little alley that leads you to the start of the path.
Continuing to the right, admire the church from above and, after a few steps, leave the village behind. Here you will find the signs for the hiking trail 592-4 that leads to Monterosso. There is no need to walk a long way, as after only 200 metres you can turn around and admire the magnificent view.
Take time to soak in the colours and shapes of Vernazza; its arched profile, flanked by the sea on both sides, is like a necklace of precious stones resting gently on a turquoise cushion.
After another 2,000 photos and ice cream at the Gelateria Vernazza, it is time to leave for the next stop.
Monterosso al Mare
If you are following our steps, probably you will reach Monterosso al Mare almost at sunset. At the time of our visit, we were immediately captivated by its beach, just a few steps from the station, and by a paraglider flying in the sky above us. Right on the beach is one of the symbols of Monterosso, the 14 meters high sculpture of the Giant representing the god Neptune.
To reach Monterosso, you have to walk for 5-10 minutes along the footpath that runs along Fegina Beach, one of the most beautiful strands in the Cinque Terre.
For an unforgettable experience, discover the Cinque Terre with a horseback ride in Monterosso
We regretted not having the time to visit the Convent of the Capuchin Friars, whose elevated position dominates the entire coastline, providing fantastic photographic views.
Stroll through the narrow streets of Monterosso in the fading lights of sunset, among the small squares, the shops, the Church of San Giovanni Battista, and the Oratorio dei Neri. Here you can breathe in a more authentic and restful atmosphere, different from the tourist hubbub that accompanies the other villages of the Cinque Terre.
The trip is coming to an end: it is time to take the train back to La Spezia, bidding farewell to the colours and geometries of this formidable Ligurian paradise.
Visiting the Cinque Terre by train
The train is by far the most convenient way to visit the Cinque Terre, whatever the season. The connections between the five villages are fast and frequent, with only a few minutes’ journey between one and the other.
To get on and off the train without any worries, you can purchase the Cinque Terre Treno MS Card for one day, with prices starting from €14.80. Find all the information here.
How to get to the Cinque Terre
Where should you start to visit the Cinque Terre? We began our journey from La Spezia, leaving our car at the train station car park and using only the train for the other transfers. Starting from La Spezia you will visit the towns in the following order: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare.
Alternatively, you can choose to leave from Sestri Levante, again by train, and visit the Cinque Terre in the opposite direction: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and finally Riomaggiore.
Where to stay near the Cinque Terre
We chose not to stay right in the Cinque Terre, but instead outside the area for easier planning. That’s why we picked the Europa Grand Hotel in Lerici.
This hotel has private parking and a wonderful view of the Gulf of Lerici and the town. The breakfast buffet is superlative, among the best we have experienced in recent years.
What to see around Cinque Terre
After our full day in Cinque Terre, we stopped in the area the following day to visit two more beautiful villages in Liguria: Lerici, where we stayed, and the nearby Tellaro.
Lerici
Lerici is one of the best-loved places in the Golfo dei Poeti, so called because its history is intertwined with that of so many writers and artists, such as Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe, and Mary Shelley.
Its heart is Piazza Garibaldi, from which the typical ‘carruggi’ (Ligurian narrow streets) branch off among the village houses. The massive Lerici Castle dominates the town from the top of its promontory.
After a stroll along the promenade, we recommend a couple of gastronomic stops: the chip shop Siamo fritti and the small restaurant Loggia Arpara right on the main square.
Tellaro
We had heard legends about the beauty of Tellaro, but we were not fully prepared for the moving poetry of this fishing village. Tellaro is part of Lerici municipality and one of the most beautiful towns in Italy.
Its fame is totally deserved, even on a rainy day like the one we visited. Going down to the little harbour through its colourful and quiet alleys is a unique emotion, and it is no coincidence that writers such as D.H. Lawrence fell in love with it.
Among the things not to be missed in Tellaro is the Church of San Giorgio, overlooking the sea. Its bell tower is linked to the legend of a giant octopus, who is said to have foiled a night attack by Saracen pirates by ringing the church bells.
Another must-see stop is the ‘soto-ria’, an arcade that opens underneath the seafront palaces and served as a defensive structure against pirate raids. It seems that the tough people of Tellaro had a passion for boiling oil!
Our trip to the Cinque Terre ends here. Do you have any curiosity or questions about this itinerary? Leave a comment below and we will get back to you as soon as possible!
