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Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is a rugged portion of coast on the Italian Riviera in Liguria, comprising the five historical villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. These centuries-old settlements are world-renowned for their steep terraced vineyards, meticulously carved into the hillsides overlooking the sea. Since 1997, Cinque Terre, along with Portovenere and the nearby islands, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The villages are characterized by spirited tower houses, often built directly into the jagged cliffs and interconnected by narrow alleys and steep staircases. Historically, the region remained isolated and was reachable only by sea or arduous mule tracks, a factor that preserved its unique cultural and architectural identity. The local economy is traditionally rooted in agriculture, specifically the cultivation of grapes for the famous 'Sciacchetrà' wine, and artisanal fishing. Geographically, the area is part of a national park that features an extensive network of hiking trails, including the renowned 'Sentiero Azzurro' (Blue Trail). The precipitous coastline provides spectacular views of the Ligurian Sea and protects a marine area with significant biodiversity. Today, Cinque Terre faces the ongoing challenge of balancing global mass tourism with the preservation of its fragile environment and traditional way of life.
- Location: Italy
- Top sights: Chiesa di San Pietro · Santuario di Nostra Signora della Salute · oratorio dei Disciplinati di Santa Caterina
- Nearby: Biassa (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 24 | 22 | 19 | 15 | 12 |
| Rain mm | 60 | 62 | 72 | 64 | 55 | 40 | 30 | 43 | 57 | 98 | 142 | 86 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Cinque Terre was inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997.
- Corniglia is the only one of the five villages that does not have a direct harbor.
- The Cinque Terre National Park is the smallest national park in Italy by area.
- The 'Sciacchetrà' is a rare sweet dessert wine produced only in this region.
- The famous 'Via dell'Amore' connects the villages of Riomaggiore and Manarola.
- Historically, the villages were only accessible via boat or steep mule paths.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Cinque Terre (9)
oratorio dei Disciplinati di Santa Caterina
Church in Cinque Terre, Italy.
Guvano Beach
Beach on the Ligurian coast, part of the Cinque Terre.
Cinque Terre
National park in Italy, protecting the coastal landscape and five villages.
Menhir
Stone menhir in the Cinque Terre, a prehistoric monument.
Presepe di Manarola
Large outdoor nativity scene display in Manarola, made of illuminated figures.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What are the five villages?
How to travel between the villages?
Do I need the Cinque Terre Card?
Which village has a beach?
Can you hike between the villages?
Cinque Terre: where is it located?
Cinque Terre: what is there to see?
Cinque Terre: when is the best time to visit?
Cinque Terre: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
