A comfortable three-hour train ride from Florence, the journey to Cinque Terre was a breeze. The train I booked had a transfer in Pisa, an unexpected bonus that included the leaning tower of Pisa, which I would highly recommend. From Pisa I continued my journey to Cinque Terre. Perched on Italy’s rugged Ligurian coast, five enchanting villages—Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso, feel like they belong to another era. Our base was Vernazza, and let me tell you, our Airbnb there was perfect. From our cozy place, we had front-row seats to Vernazza’s picturesque harbor, where fishing boats gently bobbed and pastel houses stacked against the cliffs glowed in the golden hour. Cinque Terre is best explored by train, boat, or on foot. The local train connects all five villages in minutes, while hiking trails offer stunning views- dramatic cliffs, lush vineyards, and turquoise waters. The ferry is another option, gliding past the iconic views of the villages from the sea. Pro tip: grab a Cinque Terre Train Card—it is your ticket to convenience.
Highlights of the Villages
Riomaggiore: Our adventure began here, a village of steep staircases and narrow alleys. We watched the sunset from a hidden spot near the harbor, the sky painted with pinks and oranges, casting a perfect glow on the colorful facades.
Manarola: This is where the pesto magic happens. At Nessun Dorma, a cliffside paradise, we
learned to make authentic pesto. Armed with a mortar and pestle, we crushed fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan, and then dove into our creation paired of course with some local wine. The views? Absolutely unmatched.
Corniglia: The quietest of the five villages and located high above the sea. It is a bit of a hike up, 382 steps, however there are buses available as well. We wandered through its charming streets and soaked in panoramic views from high above with a gelato in hand.
Vernazza: Our “home” in Cinque Terre, Vernazza is a slice of heaven. We spent lazy mornings by the harbor and evenings sipping Aperol Spritz. One night, we stumbled upon a tiny osteria where the seafood pasta was delicious.
Monterosso: Monterosso is where we feasted on focaccia from Focacceria Antonio, fresh out of the oven, topped with potatoes and rosemary, it is an absolute must, you will not be disappointed. The sandy beaches of Monterosso are perfect to kick back, relax, and grab a drink.
Whether you come for the views, the food, or the adventure, Cinque Terre will steal your heart. Pack light, bring your appetite, and prepare to fall in love with Italy’s coastal treasures.
Is Corniglia too out of the way to make this a base? How long would it take to get down to the sea from here?