Cinque Terre Tour & Trip Packages | Adventure Tripr

Cinque Terre Tour Overview

Cinque Terre in Liguria in northwest Italy boasts a stunning Mediterranean coastline with five picturesque villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Famous for its colorful buildings, sea cliffs, and pristine waters, it’s a top spot for seafood and beach lovers. Known as the fishing villages of the Ligurian coast, the region boasts 13th-century architecture and culture with the surrounding hills being a part of the Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is also famous for its huge network of hiking paths, offering breathtaking sea views through lush forests.

Country Name and location

• Continent: Europe

• Country: Italy

• Time-Zone: CEST (Central European Summer Time), UTC/GMT +2 hours

• Language: Italian 

What currencies are accepted in Cinque Terre?

The official currency of Cinque Terre is the Euro. Currency exchange counters are available at airports, train stations, and post offices. Debit and credit cards are accepted in major tourist places, hotels, and restaurants. Not many ATMs for immediate cash withdrawals are available so exchange cash before you arrive. 

What are the Major Attractions in Cinque Terre

Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore is the first Cinque Terre village when traveling north from La Spezia, the nearest entry point, and is the southernmost of the five. Known for its stunning sunsets, walk on the main street, Via Columbo, lined with vibrant houses and restaurants. Don’t miss these heritage sites in Riomaggiore:

• Church of San Giovanni Battista: One of Cinque Terre's oldest Gothic churches, built in 1340 is known for its Gothic style, white-green marble, and a rose window.

• Church of San Lorenzo:  Built in 1338, this medieval church on the village’s hill has a striking rosary window.

• Castle of Riomaggiore: The castle boasts of panoramic sea views and features two circular towers flanking the entrance.

• Sanctuary of Madonna di Montenero: A Marian (female) shrine along the coast road to La Spezia, it provides breathtaking views of the Cinque Terre coastline.

Manarola

Manarola, the second largest village, is renowned for its brightly colored houses, medieval relics, and fragrant lemon trees. The village features a single street leading to a harbor with a boat ramp and a swimming pool; it’s an iconic spot for capturing famous Cinque Terre photos. Though there’s no traditional beach here, you can enjoy deep-water swimming, hiking, and sunbathing. Some places to visit in Manarola are:

• Chiesa di San Lorenzo: A small stone church built in 1338, showcasing Ligurian-Gothic architecture and 14th-century depictions.

• Santuario di Nostra Madonna Signora della Salute: A Catholic place of worship located in Volastra town.

• Punta Bonfiglio: A sea-facing viewpoint with spectacular sights from a hilltop.

• Via dell'Amore: This picturesque less than a mile (1 km) hiking trail connecting Riomaggiore to Manarola was the trade route in the early 20th century. Considered to be the most famous and romantic path of the Cinque Terre coastline, it’s accessible to everyone as a flat walkway along cliffs and sea.

Corniglia

The smallest village in Cinque Terre and the only one without a beach, Corniglia lies 328 feet (100 mt) above sea level. Accessed by the 365 steps of the Lardarina staircase, the village has relatively flat terrain. Its comparatively less accessibility and remote location offers a more local experience, attracting fewer tourists—ideal for hikers and nature lovers. Highlights of Corniglia you shouldn’t miss are: 

• Hidden Pools: Perfect for swimming and sunbathing away from the crowds, just a short walk from the main street.

• Parish of San Pietro: Built in 1334, this notable church is the oldest in the village and is known for its churchyard filled with polychrome cobblestones.

• Hiking Trail to Manarola: This challenging hike with a steep ascent is best for experienced hikers and is famous for its stunning coastal views.

Vernazza

The fourth town from the north, Vernazza is a car-free fishing village. Known for its beautiful vineyards and church bells, it’s the only natural port in Cinque Terre. Apart from its elegant houses, it boasts a waterfront piazza (public square) and a harbor with a sandy beach, making it the most popular among the five villages. The places you must check out in Vernazza are:

• Doria Castle (Castello Doria): Built in the 11th century, the castle features a cylindrical tower that once guarded the village from pirates and still stands today.

• Belforte Castle: Built in the mid-1500s to protect the village from pirates, this castle has fantastic views of the coastline.

• Church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia: This church is a proud local architectural monument situated on high rocks overlooking the sea.

• Lively Piazza: Bustling with restaurants and bars, this is a great place to enjoy a Cinque Terre vacation.

Monterosso 

The northernmost and largest village in Cinque Terre, Monterosso boasts the only sandy beach in the region. Monterosso is split into Old and New towns by a tunnel, blending modern features with traditional charm. 

Old Town is characterized by colorful houses, historic sites, and stone staircases. It also has a small pebble beach (Spiaggia Tragagia) within the harbor. Popular sites to visit in the Old Town are:

• Tower of Aurora: This landmark separates both towns and is located at the foot of San Cristoforo Hills.

• San Francesco Church: This historic church on San Cristoforo Hill was constructed in 1632. It highlights significant artworks, including Van Dyck's "Crucifixion".

• Church of San Giovanni Battista: Situated in the main square, this Gothic-style church, built in the 1200s, showcases artwork of the baptism of Christ.

• Statue of San Francesco d’Assisi: This monument honors St. Francis of Assisi, a mystic poet known for his deep faith.

• Sanctuary of Our Lady of Soviore: At a height of 1,312 feet (400 mt), this 17th-century Marian shrine is the oldest in the area with stunning views.

New Town (or Fegina) is popular for beaches such as Spiaggia Il Gigante and Spiaggia Portiglione, all within a ten-minute walk from the tunnel. Check out Il Gigante Statue (The Giant Statue), a 45-foot (14 mt) stone sculpture of Neptune built in 1910 at the end of the Fegina beach.

Blue Trail

The Blue Path or the famous Sentiero Azzurro trail is a 7.5 mile-long (12 km)  easy and popular trail connecting all five villages. With a height gain of 1,719 ft (524 mt), start from Monterosso or Riomaggiore and walk through the entire coastal stretch for a complete Cinque Terre trip.

Best Time to Visit Cinque Terre

The best time to visit Cinque Terre is September to October when there are cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer (June to August) is the busiest, especially August, but private beaches and boat tours provide a more secluded experience. Check out the summer events in June like the Feast of Saint John the Baptist. 

Fall (September to November) is ideal for lower prices and pleasant weather. Winter (November to February) is cold with many places remaining closed. However, December's Christmas events and low accommodation rates make it worth visiting.

Essential Advice and Tips for Cinque Terre Tour

• For a smoother experience in Cinque Terre, avoid car trips and opt for trains or boat tours. 

• For a budget-friendly trip, skip Blue Path and explore the free hiking trails, offering the same experience with fewer crowds.

• Get a Cinque Terre Card for unlimited access to trains and buses. 

• Respect local rules and don’t trespass on private property.

• Keep an eye on your valuables in crowded areas. 

• Since the region is mountainous with lots of stairs, pack light.

How much does it cost for the Cinque Terre Tour?

The cost of a Cinque Terre Tour package depends on the duration, number of people, and the activities you choose. At AdventureTripr we offer affordable Cinque Terre trips covering popular hiking trails and more. 

Cinque Terre Accommodation

Accommodation in Cinque Terre varies based on the village and package you choose. Options include beachside hotels, sea-facing lodges, and family-friendly rental apartments. La Spezia offers the most budget-friendly stays with easy access to Cinque Terre. Here’s a village-wise breakdown:

Monterosso: Popular for family-run 3 and 4-star hotels, guest houses, and bed & breakfasts with sea views. For a unique experience, stay at an agriturismo (farmhouse) surrounded by vineyards.

Vernazza: Limited accommodations, mostly privately owned. Small hotels and guesthouses are available but in fewer numbers.

Corniglia: Cozy bed & breakfasts and guest houses with locations near hiking paths.

Riomaggiore & Manarola: Variety of homestays and high-quality hotels, offering scenic ocean views.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question 1: How to travel to Cinque Terre?

Answer 1: You can fly to the nearest airports in Milan and Pisa. However, the best way to reach Cinque Terre is by train. There are direct routes from Milan, Rome, Turin, or Tuscany to Genoa. From Genoa take local trains to La Spezia or Levanto, the nearest cities, with connections to all five villages. If traveling by car, Monterosso is the easiest to access, but use caution when driving on cliffside roads.

Question 2: How to travel within Cinque Terre?

Answer 2: The villages are connected by train with rides taking 3-5 minutes between them. Except for Corniglia, a passenger ferry also runs between the villages. Consider purchasing the Cinque Terre Treno MS Card, which offers unlimited train rides and free bus access and is especially useful if you're staying outside the villages.

Question 3: Do I need a Cinque Terre Card to enter the region?

Answer 3: You’ll need to purchase a Cinque Terre Card, which can be booked online, in advance. Available in La Spezia or Levanto, it includes several options depending on the activities you plan with rates changing seasonally. Make sure to validate your card before using it.

Question 4: Do I need hiking permits in Cinque Terre?

Answer 4: For popular trails, a Cinque Terre Trekking Card is required and can be purchased when entering the villages. However, many free trails don’t require a card. Check beforehand about specific trail requirements in each village.

Question 5: What kind of food is available in Cinque Terre?

Answer 5: Cinque Terre offers regional cuisine and is famous for its seafood. Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available too.