Cinque Terre is a photographer’s paradise, boasting colorful homes that cling to steep cliff sides overlooking the Mediterranean.
So, here are some few tips that helps you to explore the hidden gem of Italy.
1. Take the train
Liguria boasts a magical six-mile stretch in which five stunningly beautiful villages carve a way out of difficult terrain, welcoming sun-kissed locals and sunburnt travelers in equal measure to form a vibrant hive of color, pebbles (well actually pebbles), wine and life.
Navigating through Cinque Terre is easy with its extensive train lines that link each village, connecting La Spezia, Genoa and Rome. A Cinque Terre Train Card costs slightly over EUR5 per day and provides unlimited rides between villages.
Riomaggiore boasts a picturesque harbor and features hotels and Airbnb rentals with stunning sea views, while Manarola features cottages tumbling down cliffside, offering one of the area’s best sunset spots. Vernazza also provides great waterfront accommodations, boasting its charming harbor with plenty of hotel options available for rent.
2. Walk
Cinque Terre can be visited in a day, but to truly appreciate its coastal trails and exquisite cuisine, staying for several nights is recommended. That way you can also take time out from crowds to experience its charming bars with an aperitivo or two in an intimate bar away from them all while sipping sciacchetra wines while taking in its gorgeous scenery.
Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail), once considered one of the premier hiking paths in Sicily, has recently been closed due to winter storm damage. For your best chance at hiking during shoulder season – May, September or October – visit during these months and come during May-Sept or Oct (shoulder seasons are typically between May-Oct). In Southernmost village Capistrano there are fine dining restaurants as well as terrace dining in tiny cliffside streets teeming with fine-dining restaurants with fine-dining restaurants offering traditional Sicilian Granita as well as wine bars run by local families!
3. Rent a bike
Walk between villages during certain seasons; bike rental provides more flexibility and allows you to escape crowds more easily. A Cinque Terre Card may also prove advantageous; many train tickets include this feature for convenient and cost-effective transport between villages.
Sentiero Verde Azzurro (“Blue Trail”), one of Italy’s premier hiking paths, connects five villages across cliff sides and can often be damaged during winter storms; yet making time to hike this fragile environment is worth your while to experience its exquisite beauty that inspired local poet Eugenio Montale.
4. Kayak
As you glide inches above the sparkling waters in a sea kayak, your perspective of Cinque Terre will differ significantly from that of day trippers. Launch from Monterosso (biggest village and with sandy beaches that distinguish it from others with steep cliffs and rugged shorelines) and paddle towards Vernazza or one of Guvano’s smaller beaches en route.
As you glide past lush vineyards and olive groves, feel more connected to the ocean as you paddle past sea caves. Book either a morning or sunset tour to maximize your time on the water.
5. Take a boat
One of the best ways to experience Cinque Terre is from the water. By going by sea you can sidestep overcrowded trains while taking your time exploring each village by boat.
Vernazza is perhaps best-known among travellers – its candy-colored houses dotting the hillside create a postcard scene. Be prepared, however, as daytrippers flock here in search of that “Instagram moment”.
Manarola, with its colorful cottages stacked upon steep cliffs, is another must-see destination. Riomaggiore is a peaceful fishingerman’s village with cobbled streets that wind around a natural harbor; you may even swim or snorkel in hidden bays or grottos depending on sea temperatures! All boat trips are operated by local skippers who will inform you all about Cinque Terre history and culture.