Cinque Terre Italy: How To Travel To The Cinque Terre

Travel to the Cinque Terre: A Journey Through Italy’s Coastal Villages

Explore the stunning Cinque Terre Italy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Italy, known for its colorful villages, breathtaking coastal views, and rich history. This travel guide will help you discover the unique charm of each village, the famous walking trails, and the best way to travel to the Cinque Terre by train.

Discover the Unique History of Each Village in the Cinque Terre

When you travel to the Cinque Terre, you’ll encounter five distinct villages, each with its own history and charm. The first village, Monterosso al Mare, is the largest and oldest of the Cinque Terre. Known for its expansive beach and historical landmarks, Monterosso has been a settlement since Roman times. The village is divided into the old town and the newer Fegina area, connected by a tunnel. As you stroll through Monterosso, you’ll find medieval churches, such as the Church of San Giovanni Battista, and remnants of ancient defensive walls.

Vernazza is the next village, renowned for its picturesque harbor and vibrant houses. Founded around 1000 AD, Vernazza was historically a fishing village with strong maritime traditions. The Doria Castle, perched on a hill, stands as a testament to its defensive past, protecting the village from pirate attacks. The church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia, built in the 14th century, adds to Vernazza’s historical charm.

Corniglia, the third village, is unique because it sits atop a cliff, unlike the others, which are closer to the sea. This village is smaller and quieter, offering a more intimate experience. Corniglia’s history dates back to Roman times, with its name derived from “Corneli,” a Roman family that once owned the land. The village is known for its terraced vineyards and the Church of St. Peter, a beautiful example of Gothic-Ligurian architecture.

Manarola is one of the most photographed villages in the Cinque Terre, with its colorful houses cascading down to the harbor. Manarola’s history is deeply rooted in winemaking, which dates back to Roman times. The village is famous for its Sciacchetrà wine, made from grapes grown on the surrounding terraces. The Church of San Lorenzo, built in 1338, is a significant historical site in Manarola, reflecting the village’s medieval past.

Riomaggiore is the southernmost village and the gateway to the Cinque Terre. Founded in the 8th century by Greek settlers fleeing persecution, Riomaggiore has a rich and diverse history. The village is characterized by its steep streets and tall, narrow houses painted in vibrant colors. The Church of San Giovanni Battista, built in 1340, is one of the village’s historical highlights, offering a glimpse into its medieval heritage.

Walking the Famous Trail Between the Villages of Cinque Terre

One of the most iconic experiences when you travel to the Cinque Terre is hiking the Sentiero Azzurro, also known as the Blue Trail. This trail connects all five villages, offering stunning coastal views and a unique way to explore the area. The Sentiero Azzurro is divided into four sections, each providing a different perspective on the Cinque Terre’s natural beauty and historical significance.

The first section from Riomaggiore to Manarola is called the Via dell’Amore, or the “Path of Love.” This easy, paved path is famous for its romantic setting and breathtaking views of the sea. The trail is just over a kilometer long and takes about 20-30 minutes to walk. However, due to its popularity, it can be quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons.

The second section from Manarola to Corniglia is more challenging, with the trail winding through vineyards and steep cliffs. This part of the trail offers panoramic views of the Ligurian coast and takes about 1.5 hours to complete. As you approach Corniglia, you’ll need to climb the Lardarina, a long staircase of 377 steps leading to the village perched atop a cliff.

The third section from Corniglia to Vernazza is one of the most scenic parts of the Sentiero Azzurro. The trail meanders through olive groves and vineyards, offering stunning views of the coastline and the Mediterranean Sea. This part of the trail takes around 2 hours to complete and is moderately challenging, with some steep and uneven sections.

The final section from Vernazza to Monterosso is the most challenging, with steep ascents and descents along the rugged coastline. This part of the trail offers spectacular views of the Cinque Terre, especially as you approach Monterosso. The hike takes about 2 hours and requires a good level of fitness, but the breathtaking views make it well worth the effort.

Exploring Other Stunning Walking Trails in the Cinque Terre

While the Sentiero Azzurro is the most famous trail, there are several other lesser-known walking trails that offer unique perspectives when you travel to the Cinque Terre. These trails are often less crowded and provide an opportunity to explore the natural beauty and history of the region.

The Sentiero Rosso, or the Red Trail, is a high-altitude trail that runs along the ridge above the Cinque Terre villages. This trail offers more challenging hikes with panoramic views of the coastline and the Ligurian Sea. The Sentiero Rosso connects the villages from Portovenere to Levanto, providing an alternative way to travel to the Cinque Terre. Hiking this trail can take several hours to complete, depending on which sections you choose to hike.

The Sanctuary Trail is another interesting option for those looking to explore more of the Cinque Terre. This trail connects the five sanctuaries located above each village, offering a combination of natural beauty and spiritual significance. Each sanctuary, such as the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Montenero above Riomaggiore, provides a peaceful retreat with stunning views of the sea and the surrounding landscape.

For a unique experience, consider hiking the Beccara Trail, which connects Riomaggiore and Manarola via a more challenging inland route. This trail is steeper and more strenuous than the Via dell’Amore, but it offers a different perspective on the rugged landscape of the Cinque Terre. The trail takes about 1-1.5 hours to complete and is ideal for experienced hikers looking for a challenge.