Cinque Terre: Liguria's Coastal Gem

The perfect day trip from Genoa

Spread out along nine miles (15 km) of the rugged Ligurian coast, wedged between the Apennine Mountains and the Mediterranean, the five medieval villages collectively known as Cinque Terre are a testament to the communities who for centuries have made their lives in this beautiful yet inhospitable stretch of land.

Reachable only by sea until the construction of the Genoa-La Spezia railroad in the 1870s, the villages have mostly retained their isolated and car-free character to this day, although they are a popular tourist destination in the warmer months. The towns, most of which are situated on steep cliffs, date from the 11th and 12th centuries. The original residents made their living principally from the sea or from the impressive terraces they built into the steep hillsides, growing grape vines and olive trees.

Cinque Terre makes for a great day trip from Genoa, leaving behind the city for the breathtaking beauty of the coast. The towns themselves are connected by train or by footpaths; I recommend a mix of the two for a combination of scenery and efficiency.

Monterosso al Mare

If you are coming from Genoa, this is the first of the towns that you will reach. Monterosso is different from the other villages in two ways: it is much larger, and it is not situated on a steep cliff. However, the advantage of this is that it is the only town with a sandy beach. If you fancy a dip on your day trip, this is the place.

Vernazza

The next town, Vernazza, is arguably the most beautiful of the five. I highly recommend walking here from Monterosso, 2.2 miles (3.54 km) and only a little more than an hour, to appreciate the natural landscape as well as to enjoy a stunning view of the town from above.

With a natural harbor and a small hilltop castle, Vernazza was of great strategic importance for the Republic of Genoa in its conquest of Liguria, helping the maritime republic to achieve commercial and naval dominance over this part of the Mediterranean. In the following centuries, the town was most notable for its locally-produced wine.

Corniglia

Take the train to the next town, as you will have your fair share of walking once you get here. While the other villages lead down to the water, Corniglia sits atop a 330-foot (100 m) cliff and is reached by climbing 33 flights of steps known as the Scalinata Lardarina that lead from the train station. The reward is a charming, less-visited town with sweeping views of the coastline.

Manarola

Get back on the train and head to Manarola, the second-smallest town after Corniglia, with a year-round population of just 350 people. Manarola gives Vernazza a run for its money for the title of most picturesque town in Cinque Terre, with brightly-colored houses lining the narrow streets that lead down to the water. It is also the starting point for the trail known as the Via dell’Amore, which leads just 0.6 miles (1 km) to Riomaggiore, providing stunning views along the way.

Riomaggiore

Your last stop is Riomaggiore, another town characterized by its tall, colorful houses along the steep hillside leading down to a small harbor. Depending on your timing, this can be a fabulous place to watch the sunset, particularly with a glass of locally-produced white wine in hand.

Looking for more places to explore in the region? Visit our Liguria page here.