CINQUE TERRE

Cinque Terre was on my wish list for a while now and happy to visit this land of five villages during my birthday week for a weekend. The beauty of those villages on the coastline of Italy was nothing then spectacular and mesmerising, no wonder this village is under UNESCO heritage. Let me take through you these beautiful five lands.

WHAT TO DO THERE

Definitely stay here for longer rather than just a day trip, because soaking up the beautiful view or hiking around vineyards and olive groves is something that can energize you. Cinque Terre, in translation literally means “five lands” – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. Each has its own heritage, beauty and something captivating to everyone. Whether it is beaches, picturesque colourful houses, cliffs or turquoise seas.

As much as it looks pretty during the day, these villages are also memorable during the night, when all the lights are up. The attraction for these villages is definitely because of their colourful houses and beautiful vineyard landscape. The villages themselves are pretty small, so it can seem to be easily crowded. I have personally visited only Riomaggiore and Manarola but cannot wait to explore the rest of it.

HOW TO GET THERE

All villages are connected by trains or by hiking paths. Cinque Terre is easily accessible by trains from Pisa or Genoa in 1.5-2.5 hours. As these villages are part of UNESCO Heritage, cars are banned in here. Thus, the only way to get to the village and around is by train.

THE VILLAGES

Riomaggiore

Besides colourful buildings, a harbour, picturesque marina, Riomaggioare has a cathedral to visit as well as the rocky beach La Fossala. There is also a pathway called Lover’s lane that leads to Manarola village.

Manarola

Manarola is just 10 minutes away from Riomaggiore by train. It is significant by its rainbow-painted houses on a cliff and that is why it is the most picturesque village. Manarola is the second smaller village with one main street. Life is centred around this street which leads to the small harbour and pathways for views.

Corniglia

Unlike other villages, Corniglia is the smallest village and is not surrounded by a sea. However, it is surrounded by greenery and vineyards scenery. Whether you will decide to take a train or hike to Corniglia, you will have to still hike up to reach the place. Compared to other places, Corniglia would give a visitor a truly authentic experience.

Vernazza

Vernazza is another photogenic place in Cinque Terre. Because of its steep location, it gives you a sea view at every corner. Life is again surrounded around the main street towards the harbour, it is said that Vernazza is one of the fishing villages on the Italian riviera. As it is small and gets crowded by visitors, there is an escape to a nearby beach through a tunnel at low tide.

Monteresso

Monteresso is the only Cinque Terre village that offers a stretch of sandy beach. Monterosso is acting as an unofficial capital of Cinque Terre, as it is the largest village of all of them.