A Journey Through Italy’s Coastal Gem
Stepping into Cinque Terre felt like walking into a postcard—five colorful villages perched on rugged cliffs overlooking the turquoise Ligurian Sea. Each village had its own distinct character, history, and charm, and visiting them all was an unforgettable experience. While hiking the scenic Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) is an rewarding challenge, the Cinque Terre Express train made it incredibly easy to hop between the villages, allowing us to experience their unique personalities at our own pace.
We started in Monterosso al Mare, the largest and most resort-like village, known for its sandy beach—a rarity in Cinque Terre. Here, we strolled through both the Old Town and New Town, separated by a rock tunnel, and admired the Church of San Giovanni Battista. Monterosso was also the best place to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy fresh seafood by the shore. The train station in Monterosso was particularly convenient, allowing us to travel comfortably to the other villages within minutes. Click here to learn more about Monterosso al Mare.
Next, we visited Vernazza, which felt like stepping back in time. Considered the most picturesque of the five, Vernazza had a small, natural harbor and pastel-colored buildings cascading down toward the sea. Climbing up to Doria Castle, we took in breathtaking views of the village and the Ligurian coastline. The town’s lively piazza, lined with cafés, was the perfect spot to sip a chilled wine while watching boats sway in the harbor. Click here to learn more about Vernazza.
From Vernazza, you can hike to Corniglia, the only village not directly on the coast. Perched on a rocky promontory, Corniglia was peaceful, with vineyards stretching along the cliffs. The 382 steps of the Lardarina led us from the train station up to the town, where we wandered through quiet alleyways and tasted the region’s sweet white wine, Sciacchetrà. Click here to learn more about Corniglia.
Descending back to the coastline, we explored Manarola, one of the oldest villages in Cinque Terre. This tiny fishing village was famous for its vineyards, dramatic cliffs, and postcard-worthy sunsets. We followed the scenic Via dell’Amore (Lover’s Lane), a short but romantic trail with breathtaking sea views. The highlight was watching the sunset from the harbor, where the sky turned shades of pink and gold, reflecting on the sea. Click here to learn more about Manarola.
Finally, we travelled to Riomaggiore, the southernmost village, known for its steep, narrow streets and vibrant buildings. The town had a lively energy, with small shops, cozy wine bars, and a rugged coastline perfect for cliffside views. At dusk, we sat by the harbor, watching fishing boats bob on the water as the village lights flickered to life. Click here to learn more about Riomaggiore.
Whether by train or on foot, exploring Cinque Terre was an adventure of stunning landscapes, rich history, and timeless coastal beauty.