Why should you travel to the Cinque Terre Region?
Cinque Terre - one of the most picturesque stretches of coastline in Italy stretches for just nine kilometers. The five villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are the pearls of the Ligurian fishing villages. The narrow alleyways wind their way up the steep coastline, the little houses compete with the lush flowers in their bright colors. Enjoy small fish restaurants with sea views, a visit to the harbor of the fishing village of Vernazza, and experience nature at its most beautiful on hikes along the coast.
Monterosso al Mare
The largest sandy beach in the Cinque Terre
Manarola
Admire a magnificent panoramic view
Riomaggiore
A village in the colors of summer
What sights are there in the Cinque Terre?
Monterosso al Mare
With around 1700 inhabitants, Monterosso al Mare is the largest of the five fishing villages in the Cinque Terre. It has the most hotels, restaurants, and stores and is also home to the largest sandy beach. Monterosso consists of an old town center and a new part. Worth seeing are the church of S. Giovanni Battista from the 13th/14th century and the Convento dei Cappuccini.
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Vernazza
Vernazza is considered the most beautiful of the five villages with its old castle towers, waterfront piazza, and cliffs. If you want to see it for yourself, you can admire the best views from Monterosso via the cliff path. The narrow streets in the village are lined with colorful little houses, cafés and restaurants. The harbor is also worth a visit - best enjoyed with a glass of wine!
Manarola
Close together, under and over each other - the houses in Manarola have been squeezed into every little gap. The picture of the special village structure is absolutely worth seeing. If you want to enjoy the view of the sea, visit the Punta Bonfiglia viewpoint. This is just a short hike above the village center and offers a magnificent panoramic view.
Riomaggiore
Warm red and orange tones characterize the image of Riomaggiore. At sunset, the village almost seems to glow. There are numerous stores and cafés on Via Colombo that invite you to stroll and stop for a bite to eat. The bell towers and the Via dell'Amore, the famous coastal path between Riomaggiore and Manarola, are also well known.
Corniglia
Corniglia is special. Corniglia is the only one of the Cinque Terre villages that is not located directly by the sea, but on a rocky outcrop. From here you definitely have the best view of the coast. But you have to earn it: by climbing stairs!
Practical information for your trip
Cinque Terre is worth a visit at any time of year. If you want to go swimming, you can expect pleasant water temperatures right through to October. The main season for day trippers is in the summer months.
In Cinque Terre, as everywhere else in Italy, you pay with the euro.
Italian is the official language in the Cinque Terre. Many people also speak English.
No visa is required for U.S. citizens to visit Cinque Terre. A valid U.S. passport is sufficient for entry into Italy and the Schengen Area for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
No special vaccinations are recommended or required for Cinque Terre. As always, the standard vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, measles and basic immunization against polio should be complete and up to date.
Airy clothing is the right choice for the Cinque Terre in summer. However, avoid flip-flops and take sturdy shoes instead. If you are planning hikes, you should pack hiking clothing and hiking boots accordingly. In summer, make sure you have sufficient sun protection!
