Located in the breathtaking Ligurian region, Cinque Terre is one of the most popular destinations in Italy. Coming from Torino, I’ve created endless childhood memories in Liguria, specifically Alassio, while Cinque Terre remained a mystery up until recently. From my visit to Cinque Terre, I was finally able to truly understand what type of destination I was visiting and how things worked there. So… is Cinque Terre worth visiting?
Long story short, YES! Long story long, it really depends on the type of adventurer you are, the activities you enjoy, and what vacation you are looking for. Continue reading to discover why Cinque Terre is worth visiting, and what you need to know to determine is its right for YOU.
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Cinque Terre Overview: What are the 5 Towns?
Cinque Terre, “Five Lands”, is a destination composed by five, vibrant fishing villages. The 5 towns are Monterosso Al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Riomaggiore, and Manarola. All these villages sit next to each other on the Ligurian coast, and offer nothing but the most picturesque sights.
Monterosso Al Mare is the largest and most popular of the villages for its beaches and the iconic beach umbrellas.
Vernazza, with its colorful harbour, piazza, and medieval castle, is considered one of the most charming villages.
Corniglia is the smallest of the five villages and the only to be perched on top of a cliff.
Riomaggiore is the iconic village that is beloved for its colorful homes that cascade down from the cliff to the harbor.
Manarola is the oldest of all the towns, dating back to before 1338. This pastel-colored village is home to the famous Via dell’Amore, “Lover’s Lane”, a beautiful coastal path.
6 Reasons Why Cinque Terre is Worth Visiting
1. Unique and Picturesque Coastal Villages
With five colorful fishing towns, perched on luscious hills, looking over the spectacular Ligurian sea as it sparkles… the views of Cinque Terre are like no other.
2. UNESCO World Heritage Site
Along with its neighbors Portovenere and Palmaria Islands, the Ligurian coast between these destinations is a “cultural landscape of great scenic and cultural value” (UNESCO). One of the criterions for which Cinque Terre is a UNESCO site, is that the layout and disposition of the towns, encapsulates the continuous history in this region over the past 1000 years.
3. Proximity to Other Popular Destinations
Cinque Terre is located in a sweet spot in Northern Italy, and is fairly close to northern-central Italy. Due to this, if you’re planning to travel a bit around Italy and are aiming at famous destinations like Rome, Florence, and Venice, Cinque Terre is an easy location to add.
4. Liguria’s Sea – Dream for Water Activity Fans
As someone who’s grown up in these waters, the Ligurian sea is nothing short of a magical experience. One that I personally continue to dream of.
When you swim in Liguria, there will be two main things that surround you: clear turquoise water and white sand. Occasionally, you will encounter rock formations and fish. The water here is fairly warm, and when it’s on the colder side, you get used to it very quickly.
If you enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, or any other water sport – you simply have to come to a Ligurian destination like Cinque Terre.
5. Liguria’s Land and Scenic Hiking Trails – Dream for Hikers
Cinque Terre is the dream destination for hikers coming to Italy. One of the beautiful aspects of Liguria is the balance between land and sea. In Cinque Terre, there are hiking trails that bring you from village to village, and some other excursions.
Coming from a person who lived in Maine and was NOT a fan of hiking, Cinque Terre converted me. This goes to say, if you’re someone who doesn’t like hiking, I highly-recommend giving this a shot. The hike I went on was the Monterosso to Vernazza blue trail.
To hike in Cinque Terre, you will need the Blue Trail pass – around 7 euros.
6. Ligurian Cuisine | Home of Pesto and Focaccia
If you are a fan of Pesto, Focaccia, or both – enough said. You need to visit Cinque Terre!
Why? Because Pesto and Focaccia originate from Liguria, the region Cinque Terre is in!
Besides these two world-renowned foods, Liguria is rich with spectacular and fresh dishes. The Ligurian cuisine follows the slow food movement, and is always focused on local, fresh and high-quality foods. Furthermore, it’s focused on maintaining the culinary heritage alive and well.
Here’s What You Need to Know about Cinque Terre
Is Cinque Terre Right for You?
Cinque Terre is the perfect destination for hikers and boat lovers. If you are none of the above, Cinque Terre may not be worth your time and, if anything, would be best as a day trip.
Cinque Terre Quick Tips for First Time Visitors
- Dress properly for hiking and wear proper, closed-toe shoes.
- Bring bug-spray. I got eaten alive when I took a break near Vernazza!
- Always validate your train tickets, or your risk getting fined.
- Consider these things if you’re booking a boat tour.
- Always have some cash on you.
- If you’re celiac, go to Mister Molini in La Spezia for the best gluten free focaccia!😍
Cinque Terre FAQs
How long should you spend in Cinque Terre?
Long story short, 2 to 3 days. Long story long, one size does not fit all.
The amount of days you spend in Cinque Terre depends on your goals with your travels, and the activities you enjoy. Here is a breakdown that helps you understand how many days in Cinque Terre is the right amount for you!
Which is better Cinque Terre or Amalfi Coast?
The two destinations, both UNESCO sites, share a similar aesthetic of beautiful seaside villages perched on hills. While they are both great places, depending on your travel plans, one may be a better option than the other.
Here are some of their differences:
- Location: Cinque Terre is in Northern Italy, while Amalfi Coast is in Southern Italy. If you are planning to visit cities like Florence and Venice, which are all in the north, you should visit Cinque Terre – not the Amalfi Coast. If you’re mainly staying in Rome and central, or southern Italy, then you should visit the Amalfi Coast.
- Beaches: Amalfi Coast is the better option if you’re looking for a true beach vacation. Here you will find a larger selection and wider variety of beaches. In Cinque Terre, the only “true” beach is that in Monterosso and is fairly small and compact.
- Crowds: Between the two, Amalfi is the more popular option. With Cinque Terre, particularly the off-season, you will be able to enjoy a more quiet and serene ambiance.
Is Cinque Terre too touristy?
The towns and the Blue Trails can certainly get quite crowded with tourists. Overall, Cinque Terre is a touristy destination that can get heavily crowded. If you want to avoid the crowds, I highly recommend staying in La Spezia. This city is less touristy and, being larger than the towns, gives you more opportunities.
Is Cinque Terre Safe?
Yes! Cinque Terre is a very safe destination. As always, be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings in proper places to avoid any chance of pick pockets.
Conclusion: Is It Worth to Go to Cinque Terre?
Want more help with your travels? Check out my services!
One of the main reasons I became I travel blogger is my love and passion for helping others experience the best of their destination. I now offer three services on Thatch: Customized Itineraries, Customized Recommendations, and Consultation Calls.
If you want more help with deciding whether Cinque Terre is the right destination for you, or how many days you should spend, let’s talk it through on a consultation calls!
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