Cinque Terre & Levanto Travel Guide

The Complete Guide to Villages, Transport, Trails & Itineraries

The Cinque Terre are located in Liguria, Italy, within the Province of La Spezia.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its colorful villages, dramatic cliffs, terraced vineyards, scenic hiking trails, and crystal-clear waters.

The five villages are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
Just north of Monterosso lies Levanto, an ideal base and gateway to the Cinque Terre.

The Five Villages of the Cinque Terre

Monterosso al Mare

Monterosso al Mare is the largest village and the only one with long sandy beaches.
It offers the best swimming areas, a seaside promenade, and the widest choice of hotels and restaurants.

More info: https://www.unviaggioinfiniteemozioni.it/monterosso-cosa-vedere/

Vernazza

Vernazza is considered the most picturesque village, with a small natural harbor, pastel-colored houses, and a medieval atmosphere loved by photographers.

More info: https://www.unviaggioinfiniteemozioni.it/vernazza-cosa-vedere/

Corniglia

Corniglia is the only village not directly on the sea.
Perched on a cliff, it offers panoramic views and a quieter, more authentic experience.

https://www.cinqueterre.eu.com/it/corniglia

Manarola

Manarola is famous for its terraced vineyards, dramatic coastline, and romantic sunsets.
It is also one of the oldest villages in the Cinque Terre.

Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore is the southernmost village, with colorful houses cascading toward the sea and a lively atmosphere ideal for evening walks.

https://www.slowactivetours.com/blog/168-visitare-riomaggiore-la-guida-completa

Levanto – Gateway to the Cinque Terre

Located just north of Monterosso, Levanto is a charming seaside town with a long beach, historic center, excellent restaurants, and frequent train connections to all Cinque Terre villages.

It is ideal for travelers looking for:

  • More space and better accommodation value

  • Easy access to trains

  • Beaches and outdoor activities

How to Get to the Cinque Terre

By Train

The Cinque Terre Express runs frequently between La Spezia Centrale, La Spezia Migliarina and Levanto, (also from: Vezzano ligure station with free parking you can take the train and in 10 minutes you arrive to La Spezia Migliarina) stopping at all five villages.
It is the fastest and easiest way to travel between towns.

This route may not be recommended during peak hours and in high season due to high traffic.

Train tickets & schedules:
https://www.trenitalia.com/

By Ferry & Boat

Seasonal ferries operate from La Spezia, Levanto, Portovenere, and Lerici, offering spectacular coastal views.
Corniglia is not accessible by boat.

Ferry information:
https://www.navigazionegolfodeipoeti.it/

Nearest Airports

  • Pisa International Airport (PSA) – approx. 1–1.5 hours

  • Genoa Airport (GOA) – approx. 2 hours

  • Florence Airport (FLR) – approx. 2.5–3 hours

From all airports, trains or private transfers connect easily to La Spezia, Lerici or Levanto.

Hiking Trails in the Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre National Park offers some of Italy’s most scenic coastal trails:

  • Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) – connects all villages

  • Via dell’Amore – romantic walk between Riomaggiore and Manarola

  • High panoramic trails above the villages

Trail maps & passes:
https://www.parconazionale5terre.it/

Private Services & Tours

Private Boat Tours

Explore the coastline from the sea with half-day or full-day private boat experiences.

https://www.didiboattour.it/half-day?re-product-id=309241

Private Transfers (NCC)

Private chauffeur (NCC) services are available for airport transfers and customized travel.

https://cinqueterretravelncc.com/

Suggested Itineraries in Cinque terre

1-Day Itinerary

2-Day Itinerary

https://www.unviaggioinfiniteemozioni.it/cosa-vedere-fare-cinque-terre/

3-Day Itinerary

5-Day Itinerary

  • Visit thall villages by train at a relaxed pace

  • Two days of hiking

  • One boat tour day

  • Levanto beach and cycling path

Travel Tip:
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best light for photography.

Riomaggiore with colorful buildings on a hillside next to turquoise water, with people swimming and relaxing on rocks and boats, under a clear blue sky.
Monterosso al mare with colorful buildings with green shutters, laundry hanging outside the window, and outdoor seating with tables and umbrellas on a sunny day in an old European city street.
Vernazza didi boat tour
Corniglia with coastal town on a hillside overlooking the ocean with boats visible on the water.
Manarola with colorful houses perched on rocky cliffs overlooking a small harbor with boats and the sea on a sunny day in a coastal town.
Vernazza with colorful buildings line a narrow street with outdoor cafes, potted plants, and people walking and sitting outside in a lively European town.
Levanto with colorful seaside town with pastel buildings on a beach, backed by green hills and mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
Didi boat tour, cinque terre experience on a typical boat.