Italian Riviera Travel Destinations - Genoa to Tuscany

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Cinque Terre

View of Corniglia looking back to Manarola from the trail to Vernazza

James Martin

Cinque Terre, the five lands, are a group of five picturesque villages along the coast surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and woods. The villages can be reached on the train that runs between La Spezia and Genoa or by ferry from La Spezia, Portovenere, Levanto (the next village up the coast toward Genoa where there's also a train station), or other Italian Riviera villages.

There are popular hiking trails between the villages as well as in the scenic hills above them. You'll have to pay for entrance to the trails. Europe for Visitors has a good Cinque Terre hiking guide and map with pictures so you'll know what to expect when you go. Note that you need to buy a Cinque Terre Card to use the trails.

The Cinque Terre region is very popular and is very crowded in summer. Spending the night in one of the villages is a good way to experience the charm without the huge crowds but since they aren't packed with hotels, you'll need to book ahead. My friends recommend staying in Manarola at A Casa Rooms and Apartments. Here are more places to stay in Cinque Terre.