Cinque Terre

travel wonder in Italy

Why the
Cinque Terre
is special

Villages and terraced vineyards cling to the steep, craggy coastline of Cinque Terre. The villages are blessed with narrow streets, old-time charm, and a strong sense of the sea.

Cinque Terre
tips & insights

Was Cinque Terra
once difficult to reach?

Until recent times, the villages were directly accessible only by boat or mule trail. Nowadays, there is train service to each village. A daily ship-ferry service is also available (with superb views of the Cinque Terre sea-landscape). You can drive to or near some of the villages (but parking is a problem).

Do trails
connect the villages?

You can trek between the communities on a narrow, up-and-down, 12-kilometer (7-mile) trail. The panoramic views are awesome. Some sections are challenging and not recommended for the unfit or acrophobic.

What are the
two best villages?

Vernazza
It is the most picturesque of the villages.

Riomaggiore
This is the runner-up. It's also the most touristy.

What does the
Cinque Terra name mean?

The name means "five lands", referring to the area's five fishing villages, which still flourish.

View my other gold,

silver & bronze medal

winners in Italy

My Italian

phrase guide

for travelers

What every visitor should know.

Italian cuisine guide

I hope your Italy travel dreams come true - and that 

my Cinque Terre page helps you enjoy your vacation, tour or trip

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