5 Terre: what they are, how to get there and what to see

The 5 Terre they are a wonderful pearl of the beautiful country, visited every year by tourists from all over the world. And of course also from Italy. They are located in Liguria, overlooking the Ligurian Sea. They are beautiful to admire and to visit. And they become the protagonists of photos that spread quickly on social networks: they are highly instagrammable!

If you are planning to rediscover beautiful Italy this summer or are thinking of a trip to Liguria in other seasons, the Cinque Terre must be part of your itinerary. old fishing villages of the area have become beauties to visit all year round, not just in summer. And if you haven’t seen them yet, here are our travel tips. Along with the history of these fascinating, colorful and even mysterious places.

5 lands, what are they?

The Cinque Terre are a stretch of coast that is located on the Ligurian Riviera di Levante or Riviera Spezzina. In the province of La Spezia, they are located between Punta Mesco and Punta di Montenero. Here there are five villages, three municipalities and two hamlets, which make up one of the most popular tourist destinations every year in all of Liguria.

Since 1997 they have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Commission decided to inscribe this site on the basis of criteria (ii), (iv) and (v), considering that the eastern Ligurian Riviera between the Cinque Terre and Portovenere is a cultural site of exceptional value, representing the harmonious interaction between people and nature which creates a landscape of exceptional scenic quality, illustrating a traditional way of life which has existed for thousands of years and which continues to play an important socio-economic role in the life of the community.

Since 1998, however, it has existed Cinque Terre Marine Protected Area established by the Ministry of the Environment to safeguard the natural heritage of the area. The following year, however, the Cinque Terre National Park.

Which towns make up the Cinque Terre?

From West to East, in order, the villages that make up the Cinque Terre I am:

• Monterosso al Mare
• Vernazza
• Corniglia
• Manarola
• Riomaggiore

Why are the Cinque Terre called that?

But why these? five towns that make up the 5 Terre are called this way? Quickly said. A long time ago the term villages or cities or municipalities were not used to indicate the agglomerations of houses present in this stretch of the Ligurian coast. The term lands was used. From there the custom of indicating this group of five old fishing villages as Terre.

Map of the 5 Terre

What is the most beautiful village in the Cinque Terre?

Determine what the most beautiful village of the 5 Terre It’s not easy. Each one has its own peculiarities, its own unique characteristics, its own specificities. They may seem the same as one another, but that is not the case at all. Those who know them well know that each village has its own charm and uniqueness that distinguishes it from its neighbors.

Which is the most beautiful of the 5 Terre?

Here, then, for each land, the most fascinating characteristic to discover in our journey along the Ligurian coast in the province of La Spezia:

• Monterosso al mare conquers because it is the largest village and the richest in services. There is a old area to discover, to get lost in its alleys.
• Vernazza is the most characteristic and perhaps also the best known village. Don’t miss the natural harbor in the shape of an amphitheater. And the colorful buildings that surround it.
• Corniglia is the village located in the center of the 5 Terre. It overlooks a rocky promontory 100 meters above sea level. It is the one less frequented by tourists. And that’s why it’s the most natural and faithful to the origins of the five.
• Manarola is the village to discover for those who love boating, but also for lovers. Here stands the famous Via dell’Amore that connects Manarola to Riomaggioreis scheduled to reopen in 2024 after a landslide.
• Riomaggiore is the most romantic village of the Cinque Terrewith its colorful houses carved into the rock that create a unique atmosphere. Many, from here, go down to Portovenere, the smallest municipality in the province of La Spezia, a UNESCO heritage site since 1997 and part of the Gulf of Poets.

5 Terre, the most beautiful beaches

Those who go to the Cinque Terre not only want to discover the ancient fishing villages overlooking the rugged Ligurian coast, but maybe also its beaches. For a relaxing day immersed in an atmosphere unique in the world.

Many people ask if you can go to the sea in the Cinque Terre and obviously the answer is yes. Some beaches are very popular, while others are only reachable by boat and therefore more deserted.

• Fenigia Beach, in Monterosso al Marethe largest of the Cinque Terre. And it is the only sandy one, therefore the most crowded.
• Giant’s Beach, in Monterosso al Marenear the tourist port. Here the white sand is mixed with small pebbles.
• Guvano Beach, in Cornigliafor those who love uncontaminated nature. It is often frequented by nudists and naturists.
• Vernazza Beachnear the station. It is made up of beach and pebbles.
• Canneto Beach, in Riomaggiore. It is considered the most beautiful, but also the wildest. It also has a freshwater waterfall, but it cannot be reached on foot.

Weather during the year

In the 5 Terre the climate It is mild all year round. We are in an area of ​​Liguria where in winter the average temperatures are mild thanks to the Ligurian Apennines that protect from the north winds and the presence of the sea. On average they are around 9 degrees. For this reason, winter tourism is also very present: be careful, the coldest month is January.

In summer, however, the hottest months are July and August, when on average temperatures exceed, although not by much, 30 degrees. Rainfall occurs mainly in autumn and spring, although it is usually short-lived.

How to get to the 5 Terre

The Cinque Terre are located 85 kilometers from Genoa and 10 kilometers from La Spezia. You can reach them by train, by car, by plane and also by boat.

Reaching the Cinque Terre by train

The area is served by the railway line that goes from La Spezia to Genoa. Trains stop at the five stations approximately every 20 minutes. Interregional trains also stop at Monterosso, not just local Trenitalia trains.

Reaching the Cinque Terre by car

Getting to Riomaggiore

Take the A12 motorway if you are coming from Genoa or Livorno and the A15 motorway if you are coming from Parma and exit at La Spezia. Then continue on the Statale 370 towards Portovenere – Cinque Terre: Riomaggiore is located after 19 km.

Getting to Manarola

Take the A12 motorway if you are coming from Genoa or Livorno and the A15 motorway if you are coming from Parma and exit at La Spezia. Then continue on the State Road 370 towards Portovenere – Cinque Terre: after passing Riomaggiore, after 18 kilometres you will have arrived.

Getting to Corniglia

By car it is difficult to reach this village, also because there is only one parking lot in the city. Exit the A12 motorway at the Brugnato toll booth, follow the signs for Borghetto Vara and then towards Pignone where you will find the signs for Corniglia.

Getting to Vernazza

Even getting to Vernazza by car is difficult, due to the road conditions as well as the number of parking spaces.

Getting to Monterosso al Mare

You can take the Levanto – Carrodano exit on the A12, heading towards Levanto and following the signs for Monterosso al Mare or Cinque Terre. Or, if you are coming from La Spezia, exit the A12 at the Brugnato toll booth, continue towards Borghetto di Vara, Pignone and Puin. After Soviore you are almost there.

Reaching the Cinque Terre by plane

The closest airports are Pisa and Genoa. From here you can then take trains to La Spezia.

Reaching the Cinque Terre by boat

In the summer, every day there are boats that allow you to admire the coast and move between the villages.

How do you get around the Cinque Terre?

As we have seen previously, moving by car is difficult. The advice is to use public transport or taxis, but also bicycles, boats or simply enjoy long walks, where possible reaching the villages on foot.

Where to sleep in Cinque Terre

5 Terre, the most beautiful hotels

Depending on the area chosen, there are many hotels. For example, Monterosso al Mare is the village with the most hotels, including luxury ones, while in Vernazza we find few hotels but more guest houses and apartments, which are also widely present in the old area of ​​Monterosso. Corniglia offers fewer accommodation options, being also the least frequented, while Manarola hosts many romantic hotels ideal for couples’ holidays, with a sea view, of course. There are also many in Riomaggiore, especially B&Bs, designed for couples.

Accommodations on Booking

On Booking, as well as on other online booking platforms, you can find the best accommodations in the Cinque Terre, choosing from hotels of all categories, guest houses, holiday homes, rooms in shared houses, bed & breakfasts and many other accommodations. There are also campsites and hostels. But always remember to book well in advance, because, especially in high season, the best accommodations sell out quickly.