Is Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?

Cinque Terre is certainly worth visiting, and here are some reasons why it should be added to your Northern Italy itinerary.

In the northwestern portion of Italy’s Mediterranean Coast, in the region of Liguria lies one of the most notable destinations. But, despite its popularity, is Cinque Terre worth visiting?

With its vibrant, centuries-old coastal villages, rugged hiking paths, and delicious local cuisine, Cinque Terre is a unique destination that is absolutely worth visiting when exploring Northern Italy. Besides, thanks to its cultural landscape, the entire area has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.

Let’s dive into some of the best things to do when visiting Cinque Terre and why it’s worth adding to your bucket list.

Spectacular scenery

Cinque Terre has some of the world’s most unique coastal landscapes, characterized by dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters that meet pebbled beaches, and terraced vineyards with panoramic views.

Charming villages

The five colorful villages of Cinque Terre—Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—are each uniquely beautiful, with narrow cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses, and picturesque harbors. Exploring these charming villages feels like stepping back in time to a simpler way of life.

Coastal trails

One of the best ways to experience Cinque Terre is by hiking along the coastal trails connecting the five villages. The trails offer legendary views of the coastline and countryside as you pass through vineyards, olive groves, and fragrant lemon orchards along the way.

Local cuisine

The whole area is a foodie’s destination with freshly caught seafood and regional specialties like trofie pasta and pesto. Sampling local dishes is one of the best reasons why Cinque Terre is worth visiting.

Trofie is a traditional Italian pasta characterized by its short, thin, twisted shape, often resembling small pieces of twine or gnocchi. This pasta is commonly served with traditional Ligurian sauces such as pesto, which cling perfectly to its twisted surface.

Cultural heritage

Beyond its natural beauty, Cinque Terre is rich in cultural heritage, with old-world churches, medieval fortifications, and traditional customs that have been preserved for generations. While visiting, explore the historic churches, browse local artisan shops, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture.

Things to Do in Cinque Terre, Italy

If you’re planning out a Cinque Terre itinerary, here are some of the best things to do whether you have one day or a full week in this coastal destination.

Hike from village to village

Explore the network of scenic hiking trails that wind through the Cinque Terre National Park. There are 120 km of trails with 48 different hiking paths available.

One of the most famous is the Sentiero Azzurro, also called the Blue Trail, connecting villages going from Monterosso di Mare to Riomaggiore, Italy. The route is free to visit, except you will need The Cinque Terre Trekking Card for the main trails from Monterosso to Vernazza and from Vernazza to Corniglia.

It takes around 90 minutes to two hours to get from one village to the next, but keep in mind the Manarola to Riomaggiore has been closed due to landslides. However, it’s scheduled to reopen in July 2024. Otherwise, the trails are open year-round, even during the winter months.

If hiking isn’t possible for your trip, you can always buy train tickets to conveniently hop from village to village. The best way to do this is by purchasing the Cinque Terre Treno MS Card, this gives you access to the hiking trails as well as unlimited access to the Cinque Terre Express trains.

Beach time and water adventures

If you’re visiting during the summer season, relaxing on the small bays and pebbled beaches is one of the best things to do in Cinque Terre. You can swim in the crystal-clear waters, book a private boat tour to see hidden coves and sea caves, or kayak and snorkel with the picturesque backdrop of rugged coastal villages.

Monterosso is one of the best areas for booking excursions, so keep that in when planning your Cinque Terre itinerary.

Wine Tasting and coastal vineyards

Visit a local winery and sample the region’s famous wines, including Sciacchetrà, a sweet white wine produced from grapes grown on the terraced hillsides overlooking the sea.

For example, Cantina Cinque Terre in Manarola is a lovely place to sample local wine with Sciacchetrà tastings as well as dry wines. In addition to tastings, they offer guided tours and a terrace with a panoramic view of the sea and vineyards.

Explore Cinque Terre villages

When considering if Cinque Terre is worth visiting, you’ll want to keep in mind the various villages that are just a short hike or train ride away. These are the five villages to see:

Riomaggiore: The southernmost village, Riomaggiore is the picture-perfect destination that most people imagine when they think of Cinque Terre. Its colorful buildings cascading down the rugged cliffs, narrow alleys, and picturesque harbor where fishing boats bob gently on the turquoise waters of the Ligurian Sea make it one of the best reasons to visit Cinque Terre.

Manarola: Known for its pastel-colored houses perched on steep cliffs overlooking the sea, Manarola offers breathtaking views, vineyards, and a peaceful ambiance that captivates visitors.

Corniglia: Located atop a promontory, Corniglia is the only village of Cinque Terre not directly adjacent to the sea. However, its serene atmosphere, terraced vineyards, and panoramic vistas make it a wonderful place for those looking to get off the beaten path.

Vernazza: One of the most photographed villages in Italy, Vernazza is attractive for its stunning natural harbor, medieval castle tower, and quaint seaside promenade lined with colorful houses, cafes, and shops.

Monterosso al Mare: The largest and most resort-like of the villages, Monterosso al Mare has beaches and crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Combine those with its charming historic streets and a vibrant culinary scene showcasing fresh seafood and Ligurian specialties, and it’s one of the best reasons to visit Cinque Terre.