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Italy · Liguria

Cinque Terre travel guide

Five colourful villages linked by trains and cliff paths

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1h 45mflight from London
PSAnearest main airport
23° in Augwarmest month
7° in Jancoolest month

Cinque Terre is five fishing villages on the Ligurian coast: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Colourful houses are stacked above tiny harbours, and terraced vineyards climb the cliffs behind.

Cars are kept out, so the villages are linked by a local train and walking paths. It's very busy in summer, so stay overnight to see it calm.

Good forHikingCoastPhotographyFood

What Cinque Terre is known for

  • Five villages

    Pastel houses above tiny harbours, each one different.

  • Coastal hiking

    The Blue Path links the villages along the cliffs.

  • Pesto

    Liguria is the home of basil pesto and focaccia.

  • Terraced vineyards

    Sciacchetrà sweet wine grown on steep terraces.

Top things to do in Cinque Terre

  1. 1

    Hike the Blue Path

    Walk between villages on the cliff path. Some sections need a Cinque Terre Card.

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  2. 2

    Vernazza

    Perhaps the prettiest village, with a harbour piazza and castle tower.

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  3. 3

    Manarola at sunset

    The classic view of the village glowing at dusk.

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  4. 4

    A boat trip

    Ferries and tours give the best views of all five villages from the sea.

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  5. 5

    Monterosso beach

    The biggest sandy beach in Cinque Terre.

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See all tours and tickets in Cinque Terre

Where to stay in Cinque Terre

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Best time to visit Cinque Terre

Best value: Mar–May, Sep–Oct. April, May, September and October: good for hiking, with warm days and fewer crowds.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
7 C7°J7.1 C7°F9.6 C10°M12.7 C13°A16.3 C16°M20.6 C21°J23.2 C23°J23.4 C23°A19.9 C20°S16 C16°O11.7 C12°N8.3 C8°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Cinque Terre, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 1h 45m from London to PSA, and flights from most UK airports.

The Cinque Terre Express train links all five villages and La Spezia every 15 to 30 minutes. Ferries run from spring to autumn.

Find flights to Cinque Terre (PSA)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Buy a Cinque Terre Card for trains and paths if you plan to hike.
  • Wear proper shoes: the paths are steep and rocky.
  • Some paths close after storms, so check before you set out.
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Cinque Terre FAQ

How many days do you need in Cinque Terre?

Two days lets you see all five villages and hike a section.

Which airport is closest?

Pisa is about 90 minutes by train, and Genoa a similar distance.

More places in Italy

Back to the Italy travel guide + Add Cinque Terre to your bucket list