CinqueTerre (“Five Lands”) is a cluster of five fishing villages perched atop the steep hills on the coast of Italy’s Ligurian Sea. No cars, no modern constructions – just sheer old world charms! The villages are connected by ferries, trains and networks of breathtaking hiking trails. It is also a gastronomic paradise.
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VERNAZZA
The harbor of Vernazza, Cinque Terre’s town #4.
After an adventurous series of train rides from Milan, we finally reached Vernazza late at night. Vernazza was our home base for 3 nights during our hiking and gastronomic adventure in Cinque Terre.
The kitchens of the village restaurants were closed by the time we arrived. Thank God, this delightful bar had few sandwiches left that saved our famished stomachs. It became our go to place for breakfast and after dinner drink during our stay.
Top: Devouring the bruschetta and panini. Mangia!
Bottom: Food gone in seconds.
After we satisfied our hunger, we felt so relaxed and took delight watching locals and visitors having a great time hanging out in the pleasant waterfront piazza.
Fishing boats docked in the piazza for the night.
The picturesque harbor of Vernazza early in the morning. Vernazza is the only village in Cinque Terre with a natural harbor.
Keith descending from a steep flight of stairs from our room. (Vernazza is a village of stairs!) All set for the hike!
Most people hike the entire seven mile trail of Cinque Terre in a day, starting from Riomaggiore (Town #1) and ending in Monterroso (Town #5) or vice versa. We decided to hike the trail over two days. We wanted to spend more time exploring each town instead of just passing through them. On the third day, we relaxed and enjoyed more of our charming home base of Vernazza, considered the jewel of Cinque Terre.
RIOMAGGIORE
We started our hike in Cinque Terre’s town #1, Riomaggiore. This is the tunnel that leads into Riomagiorre’s town center from the train station.
One of Riomaggiore’s quaint wine and food shops that lined up its streets.
One of the cute boutiques that piqued my fancy. (That yellow dress in the middle is now in my closet:)
Doors of Riomagiorre.
The small, charming port of Riomaggiore.
Fishing gears adorning a home.
Bride and groom walking to the port of Riomaggiore.
The colorful homes of Riomaggiore.
Riomaggiore is a “fascinating tangle of pastel homes leaning on each other like drunken sailors.” – Rick Steves
Sunbathers by the breakwater of Riomaggiore.
VIA DELL’ AMORE (RIOMAGIORRE – MANAROLA TRAIL)
After exploring Riomaggiore, we headed to the start of Riomagiorre- Manarola trail. This segment is the easiest, widest and most developed (it’s paved) among the trails. It is called Via dell’ Amore –“Path of Love” – as it was the lovers’ meeting point between men and women from both towns when the trail opened after World War II.
This segment would take only about 30 minutes if you hike it without any stop, but you will likely take more time stopping and admiring the breathtaking view along the way.
Some of the lovelocks on the Via dell’ Amore. Lovers write their names on the padlocks and secure them along the trail to “lock in their love forever.”
Love graffiti along the trail.
More lovelocks that were scattered all over the trail.
MANAROLA
The food shop that welcomed us upon reaching the main street of Manarola, Cinque Terre’s town #2.
Looking down at the port of Manarola.
And we came upon this breathtaking vista of Manarola.
We stopped for lunch at a terrific traditional trattoria in Manarola, the Tratorria Scogliera. Keith looked like he was about to cry because the food was so divine!
Food in Cinque Terre is either freshly caught, hand made, home made, locally produced, and organic. No mass produced, no processed food. Our kind of gastronomy. 
Clockwise from top left: For apperitivo, we tried the local specialty – marinated anchovies. Fresh out of the sea, it was really delicious. Nothing like the salty ones we normally get back home. I had an excellent seafood pasta with white wine sauce. Keith had a pomodoro pasta with octopus. We had the trattoria’s own wine brand, which is locally produced. It was a typical Cinque Terre wine – dry and crisp.
Wines of Cinque Terre.
After lunch, we hike through Manarola’s scenic Vineyard Walk. It is abundantly covered not only with grapevines but with lemon groves and herbal gardens as well. This is the spectacular view of the colorful homes from the path.
The grapes of Manarola’s vineyards.
Manarola’s vineyard by the sea.
From the Vineyard Walk, we planned to continue into the trail from Manarola to the next town of Corniglia, but the locals informed us that the trail was closed at that time due to landslide. (We later found out the there was an alternate trail we could have taken).
We then decided to go back to the amazing viewpoint of Manarola before taking the train back to Vernazza.
This time the light was softer and the wave was stronger and more dramatic making the scenery much more captivating. We were thankful of the trail closure; it gave us a chance to spend more time in this glorious setting. Who would ever get tired of this vista?
VERNAZZA
Vernazza bathed in warm glow when we returned late in the afternoon after the hike.
Relaxing after the hike with a good local wine in our terrace with a view.
Later in the evening, we headed into the lively piazza after cleaning up a bit.
Evenings are always lovely at Piazza Marconi.
For dinner, we headed to Incandanse de Piva, a “cucina tipica.” It is one of the old time favorites in Vernazza.
Top: Keith had a pesto pasta for dinner. It cannot get any better than this. This region of Linguria is the birthplace of pesto after all! Bottom: Fish so fresh it melted in my mouth!
After dinner, it was time for glorious gelato!
With very satisfied palates, we then joined the locals for their favorite past time of “passeggiate” – strolling lazily together up and down the street.
We ended the evening with a night cap at our favorite spot by the waterfront.
The next day was another beautiful day of hiking (the real hiking part) and devouring. For the Part 2 of the post, please click here.
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- Hikers need to purchase The Cinque Terre Card, a pass that is presented at the entry of each trail. For current pricing, click here.
- Walking sticks or trekking poles are helpful. Except for the Riomaggiore-Manarola segment, the rest of the trail can be rocky, narrow and steep with lots of steps.
- We visited Cinque Terre in September 2011. We found the month of September a good time to go when the towns and trails are less crowded with day trippers and the weather is pleasant.
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Wow! Amazing photos, as always, and what beautiful places!! Loving the hillside houses and the car-less streets.
Lisa @ Raising Explorers recently posted..Warts and all: what it was REALLY like travelling with kids
Hi Lisa, thanks! They’re truly are beautiful villages and the car-less street really added to their charm.
wonderful images and tour. Thank you for taking us along. More than ever now I want to go there before I get too much older and can’t manage the walk. Have a great week and happy travels.
Hi Jill, our pleasure. I hope you get to go soon. You and your camera will fall in love with Cinque Terre. It’s so photogenic!
I love the warmth of the photos taken at night, that glow makes it look so inviting! And the lovelocks are even there?! Seems they’re reaching all over! Could travel the world securing locks on all the bridges….
Hi Erica, glad you enjoyed the photos. I’ve seen a lot of places with love locks, but this place has the most concentration of them. It would be fun making it a mission to secure love locks all over the world:)
I had absolutely no idea there weren’t cars in Cinque Terre or that that region is the birthplace of pesto. I’ve been wanting to go here for quite a while even though I didn’t know exactly what there was to do. Thanks for filling in a few of the blanks. Looking forward to Part 2.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} recently posted..A Crash Course in Batik Painting
Hi Michelle, you will love it there. There’s so much beauty. You can make it as active as you want or as relaxed as you want. And the food is to die for.
A visit to this part of Italy has been on my wish list for a long time. I can appreciate your troubles getting out of Milan – as my daughter and I had the same experience trying to get to Bellagio – and I remember hunger playing a role in the day as well.
Looks like a spectacular three days – memorable actually with so much great scenery, food and wine.
Leigh recently posted..A Trip to Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick – On Foot & By Kayak
HI Leigh, aren’t those train travels such adventures in themselves. I’m sure you will love it in Cinque Terre. The hiking maybe mild by your standard but the sceneries along the way are beyond spectacular. And yes, the good food and wine are such great bonus.
I am TOTALLY drooling right now! I would love to visit Cinque Terre. It looks so dreamy. Combined with all that awesome food and it sounds like paradise
Amy | Club Narwhal recently posted..FOOD VIDEO | EASTERN MARKET PANZANELLA
Hey Amy, it truly is paradise. If you don’t want to go for the hike, the food and the place itself are totally worth going for.
Great photos
Muza-chan recently posted..A Japanese Song per Day: SuG – swee†oxic
Thanks Muza-chan.
what can I say except that cinque terre is just short of spectacular and the hikes to each town for me was also a highlight not to be outdone by all the amazing Ligurian seafood….aaah it’s been tooo long!
noel recently posted..Hetch Hetchy reservoir and dam
Hi Noel, that spectacular hikes and the divine seafood are good reasons to return soon!
I’ve always been dreaming of hiking Cinque Terre to the point of checking it on Google map. It’s an Italian destination worth burning calories for! Especially on a perfect weather like you had when you were there. Love the photos Marisol.
Hi Dennis, what are you waiting for? You’re right it’s so so worth burning calories for. I highly recommend going in September. The weather is still beautiful but it’s not crowded anymore.
Cinque Terre speaks to me on so many levels – the food, the views, the beauty and simplicity of it. Each time I read posts about it, I want to jump on a plane. It’s certainly breathtaking! Thanks for the tour, Marisol & Keith!
Marcia recently posted..Jamaica Board Signs, I
Hi Marcia, I hope you jump on a plane soon! It truly is spectacular in so many levels.
Oh my goodness, ‘way back when’ we visited here, you just walked the trails; no passes required (and it really wasn’t that many years ago either!). Beautiful photos brought back some great memories. Thanks!
Hi Jackie,
What’s going on? They now charge fees every where! Just read your post about Dubrovnik where they now charge a fee for the view from above. Well, in Cinque Terre’s case, they needed fund to maintain the trails. As long as the fees go to good use, then its fine.
It all looks so incredibly beautiful! Cinque Terre has been on my wish list since I first heard about it a few years ago. I love the incredible colours in that part of the world – North America is just so drab in comparison. All of the photos are incredible but I love those evening shots – I need to learn how to do night time photography!
Lisa Goodmurphy recently posted..Emma’s Favourite Things: Chicago
Hi Lisa, Cinque Terre is truly is beautiful. I know you will love it there and I really hope you get to go soon. For night photography, I normally use prime lenses with very wide aperture (in most night photos here I used 50 mm/1.4f). It allows me to take shots without using flash, which I really avoid.
Marisol@TravelingSolemates recently posted..Hiking and Devouring in Cinque Terre – Part 1
This is a wonderful resource for anyone visiting the Cinque Terre – I have emailed it to my friend who is going next month. What a great holiday. I will definitely be looking out for next week’s post.
budget jan recently posted..Is being a Host Fun? An Interview with Danielle Esler
Hi Jan, thanks. I hope your friends will find it helpful. It was truly a great holiday. As you know, it’s hard not to have a magical time in CT.
What some travel adventures you’re having Marisol! Gosh, I just love the look of those quaint Italian villages, the tiny ports and the colourful shops and doorways. It’s all so pretty, and you’re pics do it great justice.
Hi Jo, thanks. Gald you enjoyed our Cinque Terre adventures. It’s really beautiful and what’s not to love?
I love all the colors of Cinque Terre. This has been on my travel wish list for so long now and we’d love to go soon. I’ve always seen the beautiful scenery but didn’t know the gastronomic side. You two ate well and it’s going to be hard to sleep tonight looking at all the delicious food. Looking forward to the rest of the tour.
Mary {The World Is A Book} recently posted..5 Free Things To Do in Toronto with Kids
Hi Mary, It’s hard not to eat well in Cinque Terre. If not for the hiking, we would have probably gain tons of pounds. I hope you get to go there soon. It truly is magical.
Lovely places and beautiful photos. I’m sure I will fall in love with Cinque Terre.
Salika Jay recently posted..Things To Do In Taipei, Taiwan
Hi Salika, thanks. I have no doubt you will fall in love with Cinque Terre:)
Marisol@TravelingSolemates recently posted..Hiking and Devouring in Cinque Terre – Part 1
Absolutely stunning. Unfortunately, I don’t think I can do the hiking anymore but I sure do know how to enjoy the food and drink. Hopefully I’ll get to Cinque Terre some day.
Jennie @ Got My Reservations recently posted..Bicycle Togs — Travel Diary
Hi Jennie, please don’t underestimate yourself; I’m sure you can do that hike! Cinque Terre is really spectacular. I hope you get to go soon — and the delicious food will be waiting for you— as well as the trail
Great collection of photos. I’ve been to Vernazza, but not the other Cinque Terre towns.
Dick Jordan recently posted..Sneaking a Peek at Lassen Peak
Thanks Dick. Isn’t Vernazza such a jewel?
What a great idea, to spread your hike over a couple of days! Your shots make me want to get on the next plane! You should be banned from posting food shoots…too yummy!
Nancie recently posted..Travel Photo Thursday — August 15th, 2013 — Seoul Tripping
Hey Nancie, it’s worth getting into the next plane — if only for those yummy food!
Would love to do this hike someday, so colorful and so much good food. We didn’t make it on our trip to Italy a few years back but I know we’ll be back and Cinque Terre is definitely on the list.
jill recently posted..Where Are the Glaciers in Glacier National Park?
Hey Jill, definitely put it on your itinerary when you return to Italy. You will love the hike, the scenery and the food!
Thanks for bringing this place to life with your pictures. I am hoping to visit next year
Denise recently posted..By the water in Singapore
Hi Den, I really hope with all my heart that you make it there next year. It truly is a special place.
That picture of Manarola taken before you went back to Vernazza is truly breathtaking! I can imagine if I were there I would have taken so many pictures of the big waves breaking towards the cliff where colorful houses perched on top of it. Quintessentially Cinque Terre, I suppose. And oh my, you and Keith seem to have a very good time with the food!
Bama recently posted..Sasak Dishes: A Twist in Taste
Hi Bama, you should see that Manarola scene in person. The photo didn’t come close to how incredibly stunning it is in person. Oh yes, we guiltlessly indulged with the food! It was really glorious.
I am so not sure which pic is my favorite….they are all stunning. The Love Locks are my favorite – we have seen four spots so far in Wollongong that has them!!
The waves looked so wild, yet people were sunbathing on the rocks, so close to the water??
And the houses look like they were an after thought, as if they were put there as a puzzle yet were meant to be there {does that even make sense}
Gosh the food, the hikes, the shops {love the dream dress shop}, the wine….I would want to live in Cinque Terre and never leave again. The bride and groom was in the most perfect place to get married
Lisa Wood recently posted..We Escaped For One Night
HI Lisa, there’s so much beauty in this place that it’s hard to pick a favorite and really made it hard for us to leave. I would love to live there, too! I know what you mean about those houses. Their placement is just like an abstract art. I’m really pleased you enjoyed the post.
Love love love Cinque Terre and the colorful homes of Riomaggiore! I haven’t had the chance to go there last year, but I would definitely visit when I get the chance to go back. Actually, I plan to stay in Italy for some time so I can go around it slowly. Love that country. Hope to find a way to do that someday with my PH passport!
Aleah | SolitaryWanderer.com recently posted..The Green Falls in Surigao del Sur
HI Aleah, You will love CT so much more once you experience it for yourself. I really hope with all my heart that you can return soon and do the slow travel that you wish for. It’s an incredibly beautiful country that worth spending a lot of time for.
Your photos are just stunning!
Thanks Lady Fi!
The night pictures are lovely and the food looks so yummy!
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse recently posted..Poignée d’Amour
Thanks Magali! Yes, the food were yummy. I still drool every time I look at the food photos.
Now THIS is my kind of vacation! Eating well in Italy and hiking off the calories in a heavenly setting. Gosh, I could never get tired of looking at these pictures. I haven’t been yet, but Cinque Terre is the Italy of my dreams!
Dana Carmel @ Time Travel Plans recently posted..Atlanta: Playing ‘That’s My House’ in Buckhead
Hi Dana, I’m pretty sure you’ll love it in Cinque Terre. I hope you get to go to Italy of your dreams soon.
This place is magical. I can only dream about going there.
Ruth recently posted..Kaibab National Forest
HI Ruth, It truly is magical. I hope you get to go someday.
Would love to make it to this colorful place one day!
EverywhereAmy recently posted..Listening to the Song of Hiawatha at Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Hi Amy, It’s a magical place to visit. I hope you get there soon.
I’ve been wanting to visit Cinque Terre for quite some time. Photos like yours make it a craving. Beautiful,interesting villages. I can totally see myself taking a stroll along one of those lovely streets.
Hi Cathy, I’m pretty sure you’ll fall in love with CT. I hope you get to visit it soon.
I am offically homesick. I used to live in Italy and so I just adored every single photograph. Makes me want to return home to Italia soon! Thank you for linking up with Belinda and I for Travel Tuesday! I hope you link up again next week.
Bonnie Rose | A Compass Rose
Bonnie Rose @ A Compass Rose blog recently posted..Photography: The Spitting Caves of Hawaii
Hi Bonnie Rose, I would have loved to live in Italy. I don’t blame you for being so homesick. It’s such a beautiful, amazing country.
Cinque Terre is such a beautiful area. I went a few years ago and totally loved it. We also hiked the Via dell’ Amore, such a beautiful walk and stunning views. Again amazing photos.
Freya recently posted..10 Amazing National Parks in the USA
Thank Freya! Glad to know that you also had experience the beauty and magic of Cinque Terre.
That yellow dress is a fantastic addition to your wardrobe, well done! I love the snapshot of the bride and groom, and the photos with the colorful homes on the cliff are truly postcard worthy!
Jess @UsedYorkCity recently posted..From The Lips Of A Local
Hi Jess, glad you approved of the yellow dress!
Love the CT – we based ourselves in Manarola and absolutely loved it. I agree, the food is divine. We had a seafood dinner at Marina Piccola the proper Italian way i.e. antipasto, a primi of pasta, contorni followed by a secondi of seafood! The waitress brought us a shot of limoncello as a digestif but we simply could not fit dulci in after that! Great pics.
Taking to the Open Road recently posted..4 Days in Madrid and Surrounds
Hi Peggy, isn’t Manarola stunning. We’re so missing all the food and drinks in CT right now!
Wow, you’re pictures are so beautiful. You two are definitely living the life!
The pesto pasta looks amazing!
And I really enjoyed the love-locks – so incredible. I hope to make it to Cinque Terre at some point in my life. Amazing.
Take care,
Marissa
Marissa Carnahan recently posted..East Coast of Florida – Eat Your Breakfast By The Ocean
Hi Marissa, thanks! Cinque Terre is so beautiful and magical, it’s hard not to live a life in Cinque Terre:) I really hope from the botoom of my heart that you make it there at some point. Thanks for dropping by. Good luck with your new wonderful blog.
Great photos guys. You’ve got yourself a new follower
I am in the Cinque Terre right now, but love looking at your pictures and comments. Thanks for sharing your adventures.
P.