Winding up roads lined with yellow wildflowers and red poppies with glimpses of the Mediterranean sparkling in the distance, I am entering the Liguria region of Italy, home to Cinque Terre which means 'five lands.'
A trip to Italy may conjure up rainbow laden hillsides, bright blue Mediterranean waters, plates of homemade pasta, but a trip to the Liguria region of Italy brings with it a fairytale landscape where 5 hillside ocean villages are connected by the ancient hiking path, The Blue Trail. Each village in Cinque Terre is delightfully unique, meaning you have 5 distinct destinations to visit all in one trip.
My destination is an Airbnb nestled on the mountain near Vernazza owned by two brothers who operate an organic farm and farm stand. Right before I arrive a little red fox runs across the gravel road as if to affirm that I have in fact entered a fairytale.
The Airbnb sits high atop the Mediterranean and has a view straight out of a storybook. A bistro table with two chairs is where I have my morning coffee as the sun comes up against the backdrop of the vast blue sea. One of the best parts of staying here, it is on The Blue Trail, the hiking path that connects all the villages. So I wake up and begin my trek to Vernazza and plan the rest of my days around the other villages.
The Five Villages of Cinque Terre
Vernazza
Featuring a natural harbor and narrow, winding streets, Vernazza is often considered the most picturesque of the five villages. The enclosed nature of the village certainly makes it feel all the more quaint and charming, plus there’s a small beach and piazza to dine and people watch. The narrow corridors that wind up and down the hills create beautiful nooks among the colorful buildings.
Many shops and cafes line the main corridors of Vernazza. Imagine my surprise when I stumble upon a beautiful clothing boutique named Katrina, owned by a woman from Texas. Us Southerners enjoy talking and Katrina's story is fascinating. She not only sells Mediterranean inspired clothing, she designs them.
In Vernazza, you will also find a beautiful relic from Cinque Terre’s long past: the Church of St. Margaret of Antioch, dating all the way back to the 14th century. The village’s small harbor is ideal for swimming, the water is vibrant blue. You’ll find fresh seafood at the waterfront trattorias. This village is the best spot for a charming dinner by a piazza.
Riomaggiore
As the southernmost village, Riomaggiore is characterized by its steep terraces and vibrant harbor. You can explore its historic Castello di Riomaggiore, a 13th-century castle offering unbeatable panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea. This village is known especially for its romantic ambiance, particularly during sunset when the pastel-colored houses glow in the fading light. Head down to the rocks by its tiny harbor, sit side by side with your aperitvo and watch as the houses glow in the gold evening light, the waves gently break against the harbor, and the sky turns violet. It’s perfect for capturing postcard-worthy photos or setting off on a scenic boat tour.
Manarola
Manarola is one of the most photographed spots in the region, due to the perfect placement of the walkways to and from the village. It’s particularly famous for its wine production, specifically its sweet Sciacchetrà wine. It is also home to one of the best viewpoints in Cinque Terre, especially for the sunset. Take a stroll along the cliffside path to the Punta Bonfiglio viewpoint for breathtaking vistas, where you’ll find a lovely restaurant, Nessun Dorma, built in to the cliff. There aren’t many more beautiful places to have an aperitivo.
Corniglia
Uniquely situated atop a 100-meter-high promontory, Corniglia is the only village not directly adjacent to the sea. Accessible via a long staircase called Lardarina, it offers a tranquil atmosphere and stunning views of the coastline. Its secluded location means fewer crowds, making it the most peaceful and quiet village. Corniglia is also known for its charming, narrow alleyways and delightful local gelato, particularly flavors featuring locally grown honey, citrus, and even basil.
Monterosso al Mare
The largest of the five villages, Monterosso al Mare boasts a proper sandy beach for you to get your seaside fix, plus a charming old town bustling with shops, restaurants and gelaterias.
Out of the five villages, this is the go-to destination for beach-lovers, complete with classic Italian umbrellas and sunbeds. It’s also known for its lemon groves, producing lemons famous around the world as well as delicious locally-made limoncino, a Ligurian variation of the Southern Italian drink and a must-try for visitors.
A trip to Cinque Terre is a must, a bucket list destination that everyone should see. The beauty of this region is unlike anywhere else in the world, and to be able to trek five villages in one destination is quite the experience.