Would you like to discover the picturesque villages of Italy? Discover the 13 essential things to do to visit the Cinque Terre!
Located in Liguria , the natural region of the Cinque Terre is recognized throughout the world for its breathtaking landscapes, its traditional culture and the authenticity of its inhabitants. Nestled in her bosom, the five villages of Monterosso al Mare , Vernazza , Corniglia , Manarola and Riomaggiore , constitute the essence of this region classified as the UNESCO World Heritage.
Scenic houses, nautical activities, impressive architecture, sumptuous beaches and many other things await you in this little corner of paradise. So for you who can no longer wait to discover this beautiful region, Wanderlix offers you the 13 essential things to do to visit the Cinque Terre.
1. Hiking along the beautiful trails
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Magnus Kallstrom
One of the best ways to visit the Cinque Terre and discover the surrounding landscapes is hiking. With or without a guide, beginners or seasoned hikers, the trails of the Cinque Terre are accessible to all and give places to discover memorable places.
If you don't know where to start, we recommend it Sentiero Azzurro (sentier azur) from Vernazza to Monterosso. This 3.7 km hike, in less than an hour and a half, will take you to discover the typical vegetation of the region and a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean.
2. Preach on the most beautiful beaches of the region
The beach of Fegina in Monterosso al Mare
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Clement Horvath
How to start a top of the must-have things to do to visit the Cinque Terre, not to mention the splendid beaches that live in it? The beach of Fegina in Monterosso al Mare is probably the most famous of the Cinque Terre, and we understand why. Edged with turquoise water and nestled in the heart of an idyllic setting, this private beach has something to dream.
In addition to being the largest beach in the Cinque Terre, the beach Fegina houses "il Gigante", this magnificent statue of the Neptune God. From the height of its 14 meters, this Neptune reminds us of the Roman Empire and the importance played by Roman mythology in the history of Italy.
The beach of the center of Vernazza
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Located close to Vernazza's main square, this beach is probably the best surrounded by the Cinque Terre. Surrounded by the church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia, the castle Doria and the city centre, you will have the opportunity to contemplate the architecture of Vernazza while bathing you.
In addition, it is possible to practice water sports such as kayaking and snorkeling to visit the Cinque Terre by the sea.
Other beaches of the Cinque Terre
- Spiaggione beach in Corniglia
- beach of Fegina in Monterosso
- pebble beach in Vernazza
3. Explore the Cinque Terre by boat
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There are different ways to visit the Cinque Terre, one of the best is to explore them by boat. If you decide to board a cruise ship, you will leave from or to discover the beauty of the coastline of the Levante Riviera. You will also discover places held almost secret, which are difficult to access on the farmland.
Do you want to take orders or learn to become a real sailor? So choose renting a boat , with or without skipper to help you, to discover the magnificent marine paths of the Cinque Terre at your own pace. Maybe you'll find some hidden places you'll only have the secret?
4. Visit Riomaggiore and Manarola by kayak
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Mikhail Varentsov
Another good way to visit the Cinque Terre from the sea is to rent a kayak. You will then have the opportunity to discover the beautiful landscapes of the region in a whole new way. The efforts made during your exploration, because yes, it takes a little in the arms, will soon be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the villages.
Although all the trails you will take promise an unforgettable memory, you’ll be advised to make the trip from Riomaggiore to Manarola. This 1.5 km path takes place in less than half an hour, even for beginners. You will admire the unbeatable heights of these two villages that only ask to be explored.
5. Scuba diving in Vernazza
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Part of the least polluted areas of the Mediterranean, the region of the Cinque Terre is the perfect place to realize its diving baptism. The richness of its marine fauna and flora make it an exceptional site. Between merous, murene and barracudas, the species that populate the Cinque Terre are only waiting for you to discover them.
In Vernazza, several diving clubs offer you their services, for all levels. Attention, diving spots on protected natural sites will need to follow a strict regulation with the aim of bringing the region to the tourists while respecting its environment.
6. Walk the coast of the Cinque Terre in paddle
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Kuznetcov_Konstantin
Sports but at the same time relaxing to visit the Cinque Terre, the paddle promises a discovery of the most original region. Standing on a board and armed with a paddle, walk along the coast of the Italian Riviera and explore at your own pace unique panoramas. Escape for a few moments to contemplate the colorful villages and the Mediterranean vegetation that surround them.
7. Discover the fauna and marine flora in snorkeling
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Arthur C.C. Hsieh
You are not yet quite ready for a diving baptism but you still want to visit the Cinque Terre by the sea? The snorkeling is the solution. Put your palms, tuba and sunglasses to discover the most beautiful marine trails of the Cinque Terre. You will then discover the marine fauna that, far from being shy, will make you spend an unforgettable moment.
8. Visit the Cinque Terre National Park
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Olga Gavrilova
The smallest Italian national park, the Cinque Terre National Park is one of the most impressive. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, it is also the most populous and the only Italian national park known for the beauty of its villages.
Between impressive cliffs, breathtaking hiking trails, exceptional fauna and flora and breathtaking views, the National Park is a must-see activity to visit the Cinque Terre.
9. Discover local gastronomy
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Italian gastronomy is recognized worldwide, and the traditional cuisine of the Cinque Terre contributes greatly to this reputation. Rich and simple as we love it, the cuisine of the Cinque Terre goes to the essentials for the greatest happiness of gourmets.
Among its specialties, the fcaccia, a generously golden bread with olive oil and herbs, the pesto, delicious basil and parmesan sauce that accompany the pasta, or the anchovies, so present in the gastronomy of the Cinque Terre that is celebrated every year.
10. Celebrate local parties
Photo credit: Flickr – Daniel PERRIES
With an identity whose inhabitants are proud of, traditions persist in the villages of the Cinque Terre and many local festivals are celebrated each year. Getting to the celebration of a local holiday is a perfect way to visit the Cinque Terre and their traditional side.
The most famous is the Monterosso lemon festival where the village is about yellow from the head to the feet to pay tribute to the lemon, fruit very cultivated by the village. The anchovies are also celebrated. It is indeed difficult not to find a dish based on this fish in the restaurants of the village as it is consumed.
Other religious festivals are also celebrated throughout the year. On 24 June in Riomaggiore, the villagers celebrate the San Giovanni, the patron saint of the village. On the second Sunday of May in Vernazza, we celebrate the festa del Cristo with religious processions and culinary specialties specific to the celebration.
11. Visit the most beautiful churches
San Pietro Church in Corniglia
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Electric Egg
Italy is a country where religion holds an important place and churches are an integral part of its architectural and cultural heritage. Among the many churches of the Cinque Terre, the church of San Pietro in Corniglia is one of the most picturesque.
Built from 1334 to 1341, this church is the epicentre of the village of Corniglia and rhythms its days. In Baroque style, its architecture made of impressive vaults attest to the greatness of Italian architecture.
The other churches
Because many churches all as beautiful as the other populate the Cinque Terre, here is a list of churches to visit:
- the church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia in Vernazza
- San Francesco Churches in Monterosso
- the Church of San Giovanni Battista in Riomaggiore
- San Lorenzo Church in Manarola
12. Spread in the village center
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Marco Fine
Nothing like visiting the Cinque Terre than walking in its picturesque villages. Between small shops selling local products, small streets with unique charm and local restaurants, the villages of Monterosso al Mare, Corniglia, Vernazza, Riomaggiore and Manarola offer you a real Italian change.
13. Enjoy the most beautiful views
Photo credit: Shutterstock – JeniFoto
We told you before, the Cinque Terre has several breathtaking views to observe the most beautiful landscapes in the region. One of the most famous is the panoramic view of Manarola. From this point of view, you will have a sumptuous view of the whole village and its colorful houses.
Many other views are available to you to observe the most beautiful landscapes of the Cinque Terre, here is a non-exhaustive list of the most famous:
- the sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Reggio in Vernazza
- the panoramic view of Manarola
- the view of Santa Maria in Corniglia
- the tower of the Old Mill in Corniglia
How to go in the Cinque Terre
By plane
To go to the Cinque Terre, you can decide to fly. Three airports are distinguished to get to the region and are located further or less. The nearest is Galileo Galilei International Airport Pisa which is about 80km from the Cinque Terre. Airports Genoa -Christophe-Colomb and Florence-Peretola are 100 and 180 km away. To find the best flights suitable for your stay dates and the best prices, we recommend you to check out Compare flights .
From your landing place, you can then rent a car to go to the Cinque Terre in less than two hours.
By car
To get to the Cinque Terre by car, you will have to take the A12 motorway and then, from Genoa, go to the La Spezia toll. You will then continue for 15 minutes on the SP370 road to finally arrive in the Cinque Terre.
Once you arrive, choose the places to park your car because the Cinque Terre has been conducting an anti-car policy for several years. The centers of the villages and some places of interest will therefore be easier to walk.
By boat
To go directly to the villages of the Cinque Terre, you can take the many sea shuttles that connect them (except Corniglia that has no direct access to the sea) to the surrounding cities. The nearest cities to get to the Cinque Terre by the sea are La Spezia, Porto Venere and Levanto.
By train
If you choose the train to go to the Cinque Terre, you will take the regional lines from Genoa or Pisa, which will lead you directly to the heart of the village of your choice. Indeed, the villages of the Cinque Terre have their own railway stations. These regional trains are very frequent during the summer season and make the train a very convenient way of transport to the Cinque Terre.
Where to stay in the Cinque Terre
There is a wide variety of accommodations to visit the Cinque Terre. These depend on the type of stay you want to spend and the services you want to benefit from. To fully enjoy your stay, we recommend house in one of the five villages , you will be so close to all the most beautiful places of interest.
If you want to enjoy a high-end stay where stress and daily train are far away, we advise you to stay in one of the beautiful hotels in the region. To find the type of hotel that best suits you, we recommend that you visit a hotel Compare hotels online. You will find your happiness in just a few clicks.
For a more intimate, authentic stay and ready for local life, rent a Airbnb will be your best choice.
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