Italian holiday; Cinque Terre Towns: what to see
After a long time indoors, the weekend in the Cinque Terre came like a breath of fresh air. Our 5th wedding anniversary spent in one of the most romantic places in Italy.
Italian holiday; Cinque Terre Towns: what to see? Where to stay, how long to stay and how much does a trip like this cost? I’ll tell you right away, in detail.
Italian holiday; Cinque Terre Towns: what to see
To visit all the five villages that make up the characteristic Cinque Terre known all over the world, a weekend may be enough but if you have more days the better, it means that you will have time to enjoy the sea and enjoy them all more calmly, perhaps even stopping off in Porto Venere and Levanto.
Let’s start by saying that the least expensive solution ever is to park in La Spezia and stay in one of the many hotels in the city. Sleeping in a hotel in the Cinque Terre is certainly more suggestive but more expensive; Furthermore, parking in the Cinque Terre has a higher cost (about € 30 per day) than in La Spezia where it is easily found on the blue lines (and on Sundays you don’t pay).
To reach the Cinque Terre you have two options, by land by train or by sea by boat.
- The train station is very well connected and the day ticket costs 16 €. The villages are connected to each other and the train really runs every few minutes.
- By sea it is certainly more impressive. Just go to the port of the Gulf of Poets in La Spezia, where a boat leaves every hour that stops in all five villages. The day ticket costs € 35 and the boat passes every hour in each village, the ticket allows you to get on and off wherever you want and when you want! (for info: The https://www.navigazionegolfodeipoeti.it/)
Travel to Cinque Terre towns, what to see
Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola e Riomaggiore
The Cinque Terre is counted among the most beautiful Ligurian natural areas and considered a breathtaking beauty all over the world.
In the approximately 10 km of the beloved coastlines, we find Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso, let’s discover the Cinque Terre together, one by one!
Trip to the Cinque Terre, what to see in Riomaggiore
The village of Riomaggiore dates back to the seventh second, small but full of nature and inlets, it is worth a visit. Do not miss a brunch at “A Piè de Mà”, a restaurant on the cliff that offers a breathtaking view of the overhang of the sea. For those who reach Riomaggiore by land by train, this place is located a stone’s throw from the station exit. Moreover, it is precisely from this place that we leave for the romantic Via dell’Amore.
What to see in Riomaggiore:
- The Via dell’Amore is a path that connects Riomaggiore to Manarola, very famous and highly appreciated, offers wonderful views and is not impervious or difficult, highly recommended! (about 15 minutes walk).
- The church of San Giovanni Battista
- The parish church of San Lorenzo.
- The ancient castle of Riomaggiore dating back to 1260
Trip to Cinque Terre towns, what to see in Manarola
Manarola is a whirlwind of colors. Colored houses overlooking the main street; for those arriving by sea, the show is truly unique.
What to see in Manarola:
- Bell tower and the parish church of San Lorenzo
- The last stretch of Via Belvedere is very suggestive, imagine it as a view of the sea, which offers you a very suggestive panorama.
Trip to Cinque Terre towns, what to see in Vernazza
Probably the best known, most visited and appreciated, the village of Vernazza is considered a jewel between sea and rock. An ancient town built around the year 1000, it is full of narrow streets and paths that lead to the main road that overlooks a small square overlooking the sea.
What to see in Vernazza:
- The church dedicated to S. Margherita d’Antiochia (on the sea)
- The Doria castle, now the seat of the town hall
Trip to Cinque Terre towns, what to see in Monterosso
Monterosso al Mare is the largest village among the Cinque Terre and the only one with a large beach.
What to see in Monterosso:
- The parish church of San Giovanni Battista
- The church of San Francesco
- The Aurora Tower, dating back to the 16th century (now for private use)
- The statue of the Giant
Monterosso is divided in two by a promontory, on one side we find the area of Fegina while on the other the Porto Vecchio (historic center). In Fegina there is the railway station, a long beach and the Giant Statue, depicting the god Neptune. This is where a special path begins, tiring but offering an incredible panorama; in about an hour of walking you will reach Punta Mesco and for the more fearless, in about another hour and a half, you will arrive in Levanto.
The old port area, on the other hand, is full of “caruggi”, the typical narrow alleys of Liguria; you will find many wine bars, restaurants and typical focaccerie.
Trip to Cinque Terre towns, what to see in Corniglia
Corniglia is centrally located in the Cinque Terre and is the only town not in direct contact with the sea. Corniglia offers numerous paths between the rocks and the typical crops and vineyards and wonderful views of the sea.
Corniglia, is the central town of the Cinque Terre, the only town not in contact with the sea that rises on a rocky promontory about 100 meters high in a basin intensively cultivated with vineyards.
What to see in Corniglia:
- The parish church of San Pietro
- The Oratory of the Disciplinati di San Caterina
(If you arrive by train, from the station take the bus that will take you to the main square).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
And Porto Venere and Levanto? They are not villages that belong to the Cinque Terre but they are of incredible beauty and deserve to be discovered and visited. If time permits, don’t miss them!
A splendid place to eat in La Spezia is found in the luxurious Porto Lotti, at the “La Rada” restaurant.
There is free private parking for restaurant guests, just ask the staff to stamp the ticket before leaving.
The Cinque Terre have a lot to offer, glimpses of incredible beauty, overhangs on the clear sea, romantic paths and typical delicacies. This wonderful land is absolutely to be included among your next destinations to reach!
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