Along the Ligurian Sea and on the Italian Riviera sits the stunning coastal area of Cinque Terre, or the “Five Lands” when translated from Italian. There’s no doubt these towns have it all, from colorful buildings and crystal clear beaches to waterside restaurants serving delicious food and desserts.

Despite being somewhat similar, these towns still have notable differences, and knowing them can help you plan the most effective itinerary.

The five towns are accessible by train, boat (with the exception of Corniglia), and foot trails. If you have time, I highly recommend visiting all five.

Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore is often considered the perfect spot for young travelers, offering what I found to be the best bar scene in the area, as it was one of the few places where we could grab a drink after 10 p.m. During the day, visitors can rent kayaks in the small harbor, relax on the sandy beach with their own towels, and enjoy a breathtaking sunset view from the rocks. There are plenty of restaurants for both sit-down meals and takeout options. Be aware, though—some lodgings involve climbing quite a few steps.

My top recommendation: grab a spritz to go and watch the sunset on the rocks adjacent to the harbor

Manarola

If you’re looking for the most scenic spot to capture the colorful buildings layered among each other with the ocean sparkling below, then head to Manarola for the best pictures. Make a reservation or sign up for a pesto-making class at Nessun Dorma, a restaurant offering insane views. Many also enjoy this town for its rock-jumping area. You won’t find a sandy beach here. Instead, there is a calm, deep pool-like section blocked off by large rocks that is great for swimming.

My top recommendation: bring your goggles and go for a swim

Corniglia

Considered to be the least visited of the five towns, Corniglia offers a quieter atmosphere. The walk up from the train station consists of almost 400 steps, which can be daunting for some, so there’s a shuttle available for a small price. The views at the top, though, are worth it as Corniglia is surrounded by vineyards and has incredible sea views from up above. You can also find a handful of upscale restaurants overlooking the water. It’s the only one of the five towns that is not accessible by ferry.

My top recommendation: eat at a nice restaurant with a seaside view

Vernazza

Two features that make this town stand out are the Belforte Tower, a medieval castle built to protect against pirates, and it being the only town to have a beach just steps away from the center. It’s centrally located and has easy access to hiking trails, plus there are lots of nice seaside restaurants and bars. And the seafood along the coast is to die for! Compared to its neighbors, there are few hotels and more Airbnb and apartment rentals available.

My top recommendation: try a basket of locally caught fried seafood from one of the to-go shops

Monterosso

The largest of the five towns, Monterosso, is much flatter than the others, making it very accessible and easier to get around. It has the most options when it comes to hotels, restaurants, and bars. Along its long stretch of sandy beach, there are tons of private beach clubs with umbrellas and sunbeds for rent, leaving little space to find free spots to sit and sunbathe. On the beach, you can also find water toys like paddleboats available for rent.

My top recommendation: grab a spritz in a bucket on the beach or rent a paddle boat

The Cinque Terre Card

The card is a good option for visitors looking to see and do the most in a short time. It includes unlimited train rides on regional rides between Levanto and La Spezia, use of local buses and public toilets, entry to the coastal hiking trails, wifi at the train stations plus guided visits through the National Park, and savings on tickets to select museums in La Spezia. If you plan on taking at least 3 trains and hiking one of the paid routes, then the card will be worth the money. Ticket prices are listed below, straight from their main website.

1-day adult 18.20 EUR

2-day adult 33.00 EUR

3-day adult 47.00 EUR

1-day child 11.40 EUR (between 4-11 years)

1-day senior 14.80 EUR (over 70 years)

1-day family 48 EUR (family of 2 adults and 2 children aged 4-11 years)

Note: Prices listed are from 2025

Hiking

Take the difficult yet scenic route from town to town.

Riomaggiore to Manarola

Free to hike

Also known as “Lover’s Lane,” this hike has stunning sea views and is a shorter one consisting mostly of steps up and down. This hike can make your legs burn, but the views at the top are worth it.

Manarola to Corniglia

Free to hike

Considered to be more of a moderate hike with beautiful gardens and sights of the sea.

Corniglia to Vernazza

Must have a pass

Compared to the other hikes, this one requires good physical fitness as there are sections with elevation gain and uneven terrain.

Vernazza to Monterosso

Must have a pass

Another slightly challenging hike, with panoramic views of all five Cinque Terre towns and many stairs and narrow passages.

Things to note

-Always check the weather before beginning

-Bring water

-Expect paths to be crowded during the summer months

-You must wear closed-toe footwear

-Stay on the path and respect local vineyards

-Some trails may be closed for maintenance or turned into one-way paths during peak times

Trains

The trains are the most convenient way to travel between the five villages, as they run often throughout the day, and the stations are well located in each town, minus Corniglia, some could say. The carts are basic, but modern and air-conditioned when it's warm outside. However, be ready for large crowds during the summer months.

Note: These trains are free with an unlimited-use Eurail pass

Ferries

As well as trains, ferries are also a popular way to travel between villages, except for Corniglia, where they do not stop, as they offer a stunning view of the towns from a different perspective. Typically available from late March to early November, be sure to check their schedule in advance. Keep in mind that you can buy tickets on the same day of departure and that there are ticket offices in Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, and Monterosso.

Note: Stick to trains or hikes if you get easily seasick

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