The five villages of Cinque Terre, Italy—Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—are perched along the dramatic Ligurian coastline, each offering its own unique charm.
Together, they form a UNESCO World Heritage site (since 1997) renowned for their breathtaking scenery, colorful buildings, and rich cultural history.
Each village in Cinque Terre has its own personality, but all share the region’s breathtaking
Cinque Terre Villages
Monterosso al Mare is the largest of the five villages that make up the famed Cinque Terre region on the Ligurian coast of Italy.
Monterosso offers dramatic coastal views, with turquoise waters, rocky cliffs, and sandy beaches, making it the best spot for sunbathing in Cinque Terre. The hills surrounding the village are covered in olive groves, lemon trees, and vineyards, creating a picturesque setting.
Unlike the other Cinque Terre villages, Monterosso has large, sandy beaches—rare in this region. The main beach is ideal for swimming and relaxing, and it’s lined with cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Corniglia is the smallest and perhaps the most unique of the five Cinque Terre villages, perched high on a cliff about 100 meters above sea level. It’s a climb to get to the top, but well worth it! Unlike the other villages, it doesn’t have direct access to the sea, which gives it a more secluded and peaceful atmosphere.
The sweeping views from the village over the Ligurian Sea and the surrounding vineyards are truly breathtaking. From certain vantage points, you can even see all five Cinque Terre villages.
Corniglia doesn’t have a harbor, so it’s often quieter and less crowded than the other villages. It retains a more authentic, local feel, with a slower pace of life. The village’s narrow alleys, cozy cafes, and charming small squares offer an intimate experience of rural Italian life.
Riomaggiore is the southernmost village in Cinque Terre, Italy, and is often the first stop for visitors exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its dramatic cliffs, colorful buildings, and historic charm, Riomaggiore captures the essence of the Cinque Terre experience.
Riomaggiore’s colorful houses, stacked along steep (very steep with luggage!), narrow streets that cascade down towards the sea, create a stunning visual. These tall, vibrant buildings are characteristic of Cinque Terre and offer a perfect backdrop for photos, especially from the harbor area, where you can get sweeping views of the village.
The small harbor of Riomaggiore is the heart of the village. Here, fishing boats are docked, and locals and visitors gather to relax by the water. The rocky beach near the harbor is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, with clear waters and beautiful views of the surrounding cliffs.
Vernazza, often considered the jewel of the Cinque Terre, is one of the most picturesque and enchanting villages on Italy’s Ligurian coast. It’s known for its vibrant colors, charming harbor, and captivating mix of history and nature.
The village clings to the cliffs, with brightly colored houses cascading down to a small, natural harbor, framed by crystal-clear waters. Its beauty is best appreciated from the hiking trails that wind along the hills above the village.
Vernazza’s harbor is one of its most iconic features. It’s a peaceful spot to relax by the sea, and the small piazza next to it is filled with outdoor cafes and restaurants. Here, you can sip a glass of wine or enjoy a seafood meal while watching the boats gently bob in the water.
Manarola is one of the most iconic and picturesque villages in Cinque Terre, Italy, known for its colorful houses clinging to the cliffs, breathtaking views, and a tranquil atmosphere. It is the second smallest of the five villages and one of the oldest, with a rich maritime history.
The vibrant colors and unique cliffside layout make it one of the most photographed spots in Cinque Terre. The most famous walk in Manarola is along the Via dell’Amore (Path of Love), a romantic coastal pathway that connects Manarola to Riomaggiore. It’s a symbol of romance and natural beauty. For hikers, there’s also a panoramic trail leading from Manarola to Corniglia through terraced vineyards and offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean.
Cinque Terre Hotels, Hostels & Apartments
Use this unique map to find hotels, hostels and apartments spread across various sites like Booking.com, VRBO, Expedia, Agoda, Trivago and Hotels.com.
The Best Cinque Terre Hotels & Apartments
BEST VALUE HOTEL – Riomaggiore Escape with sea views! You won’t want to leave this large terrace and garden. This studio apartment offers a great location, intimacy, and amazing views.
CHEAP HOTEL – Rio Groppo Guesthouse in Manarola provides accommodations with a garden and a terrace. Featuring river views, this guest house also comes with free Wifi. Best for backpackers, couples, or group of friends looking to save on their budget.
LUXURY APARTMENT – La Casa del Gigante is right on Monterosso beach! Location, location, location, it doesn’t get any better and more luxurious than this one!
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