Monterosso al Mare, the most northern village in Cinque Terre

Vernazza is the most prosperous town in the Cinque Terre, thanks in part to the larger port, guarded by a watchtower, which was once part of the imposing Castello Doria. It is also the only village in the Cinque Terre that is on the list of i borghi più belli d’Italia, the most beautiful villages in Italy.

Seen from the sea you get off directly at the square of Vernazza, which you almost literally receive with an embrace. Stroll from the piazzetta, square, up into the village and be surprised by the picturesque streets, charming houses and hidden loggias.

Vernazza hiking trail was closed because of maintenance

Corniglia is the only village of the Cinque Terre that is not directly on the sea, but on a rock that protrudes a hundred meters above the water. On the way to this village you will see many terraces with vines. Small cogwheels traverse the vineyards; this is the way the grapes are brought from the vineyards to the higher ground.

From the coast you have to climb 365 steps to reach Corniglia. Fortunately, a great reward awaits: a truly magnificent view! Don’t forget to admire the village itself, including the fourteenth-century San Pietro, whose façade is entirely made of Carrara marble. Original souvenirs can be found at MG (Via Fieschi 45 and 153).

Corniglia up in the hill, from one of the walking paths along the coast

Little Manarola is the oldest village in the Cinque Terre. The photogenic houses, in all the colours of the rainbow, come into their own when you leave the busy ‘centre’ behind and admire Manarola from a distance, from one of the walking paths along the coast.

You have a fantastic view during an aperitivo at Nessun Dorma (Localita Punta Bonfiglio, Manarola). You can taste fresh fish at Da Aristide (Via Discovolo 290).

Unique: in December and January, a nativity scene of 15,000 lights shines in Manarola!

Manarola is the most photogenic one

The southernmost village, Riomaggiore, slowly winds up from the sea. The houses seem to have sucked onto the rocky coast. You will find many restaurants, bars and a few terraces with sea views. A must for fish lovers is Il Pescato Cucinato (Via Colombo 199), fresh pasta (to prepare in your apartment) can be obtained at Primo Piatto (Via Colombo 72).

Enjoy the atmosphere in the harbour, with bobbing boats in all the colours of the rainbow and the equally colourful houses that are set in a warm glow by the sun.

Riomaggiore has a beautiful beach with big rocks, choose your own stone

The nature along the very rugged and steep coastline with its picturesque villages on the terraces full of vineyards is the best place for a nice hike.

The hiking trails in the park are generally well marked. The most famous route is Il Sentiero Azzuro (SVA, Sentiero Numero 2), “the blue path”, which connects Riomaggiore with Monterosso. In total you walk here – if you are in reasonable condition – about nine hours, but it is more fun to divide this route into two or three parts in order to also enjoy the atmosphere in the villages.

Both the villages and the surrounding area, including a large part of the sea, belong to the Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre. To guarantee the beautiful condition of the villages, an entrance ticket to the park is mandatory if you want to use the hiking trails between the different villages.

This admission ticket, the Cinque Terre Card, can be purchased for one or two days and can be bought online.