The Cinque Terre offers several must-see sightseeing attractions, including the following…
Explore the carruggi (narrow medieval lanes) of the Old Quarter and admire the tall tower-houses, which lie beneath the ancient ruins of the castle.
Stroll inside the 17th century Convento dei Cappuccini and the 12th century Church of San Giovanni Battista. Later, cool off with a swim on picturesque Fegina beach.
Monterossa is the largest and most western village of the Cinque Terre, nestled within rugged steep cliffs overlooking the sea and surrounded on three sides by vineyards and olive groves.
Climb the 377 lardarina (stairs) to the village centre and from the hillside nearby enjoy a stunning view over the other four villages.
Located on a 90m steep promontory, Corniglia is the smallest of the five villages.
Stroll the Via Fieschi past floral-decorated squares and picturesque homes and explore the Gothic church of San Pietro, with its pretty marble rose window.
Cool off with a swim from the Spiaggone di Corniglia.
Take delight in Vernazza’s tiny quaint harbour and charming waterfront piazza overlooked by a watchtower and medieval bastions.
Wander the historical centre, explore narrow side streets and climb steep steps past fortifications, tall colourful tower houses, arches and portals, many of which date back to the year 1080 AD when Vernazza was already a fortified village.
Admire the harbourside gothic church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia, complete with a 40m-high bell tower, which has stood in Vernazza’s Piazza since 1318.
Discover multi-coloured houses that crowd the mountain slopes above the tiny and picturesque harbour.
Admire the 13th century Church of San Giovanni Battista and ruins of the 15th century castle. From here take the romantic Via dell' Amore (pathway) to Manarola.
Wander narrow streets of exquisite pastel-shaded houses that crowd the side of a prominent headland of black rock that rises out of the sea. Discover the 14th century church, the bell tower and the oratory.
Above the village is the hamlet of Groppo, home to the Cooperativa Agricola Cinque Terre – a perfect place to sample the region’s excellent white wines.
Explore the legendary Sentiero Azzuro, one of Italy’s most beautiful walking trails.
Once known as Via Dell'Amore (lover’s way), the centuries-old stone path twists and winds along the rugged coastline, through picturesque olive groves, terraced vineyards and pine forests, with breathtaking views out over the Mediterranean.
This is an easy 12km walk despite some steep climbs to get up and down from the villages. Allow five hours for the complete walk from Monterosso in the north to Riomaggiore in the south.
A more relaxed option is to stay in one village and head out on a new walk each day, returning each afternoon by boat or train; you could also stay in a different village and hotel each night.
The Genoa – La Spezia line stops in all the villages, and boats make regular shuttle runs along the coast.
Note: The section from Riomaggiore to Manarola called the Via dell'Amore is presently closed. However, it is still possible to walk between these villages, although the trail is both steeper and longer than the (closed) path along the waterfront.
Read more about walking the Cinque Terre…
Magnificent! Hike from Monterosso up through the pinewoods to the San Antonio church at Punta Mesco for a spectacular panorama of the Cinque Terre coastline.
Relax with a local pasta dish such as spaghetti al pesto, with basil, garlic, olive oil and cheese. Pesto sauce is said to have been first created here.
Or try a dish of steamed mussels in garlic and tomato, with mozzarella salad.
Enjoy a glass of chilled white Cinque Terre wine and don’t miss the sciacchetra, a prized dessert wine made from prime grapes dried to the point of holding only a few drops of sweet juice.
Latest update: Top attractions in Cinque Terre: 9 May, 2022
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