About
Cinque Terre is a stretch of coast in Liguria, in northwestern Italy, within the province of La Spezia. The name means "five lands", and it refers to five coastal villages set into the rugged shoreline and the steep hillsides above it. The area is also known as the Five Lands or the Cinque Terre National Park, and it is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The villages are linked by a combination of footpaths, rail and boat services, so many visitors arrive on foot or by train and move between them along the coast. Riomaggiore, one of the five, carries the address used for the area's main information office, which makes it a sensible starting point for planning a trip. The contact number is +39 0187 762600.
What to expect
The landscape is the main reason to come. Terraced vineyards climb the slopes above the sea, and the old stone walls that hold them in place are part of the character of the place. Medieval architecture runs through the villages, with narrow streets and houses stacked close to the water.
Hiking is central to the visit. The network of trails between the villages offers walks of different lengths and difficulty, and the views back along the coast are a large part of the experience. Good footwear is worth packing, as many paths are steep and uneven.
Planning your visit
- Plan the order of the villages before you set out, since the walking routes and transport links differ between them.
- Allow time for the hiking trails, which can take a full day or more depending on how many you cover.
- Check conditions with the area's information office before setting off on the paths.
Because the five villages sit close together along one coastline, Cinque Terre suits a visit of a day or several, whether you come for the walking, the scenery or the slow pace of the villages.