The Cinque Terre (Five Lands) is an area of the eastern Ligurian coast between the towns of La Spezia and Sestri Levante.
On its wildly rugged rocky coastline, from which rise steep slopes of mountains over 700 metres high, you will visit five famous picturesque villages. Their colourful houses are literally stuck to the rocks and cliffs just above the sea, creating one of the most beautiful seascapes in the world.
The villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare are the main part of the Cinque Terre National Park, which is protected by UNESCO. But you can also visit the lesser-known villages in the hills, which give you a more realistic idea of life in the Cinque Terre.
The area is connected by rail, so one of the most popular activities is hopping on the train from village to village and enjoying the breathtaking views. Cinque Terre is also criss-crossed with a network of hiking trails winding along the coast and climbing high into the mountains.
Find out more about Cinque Terre by reading this guide.
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Whether you’re visiting Cinque Terre for the first time or repeatedly, check out our handy tips and recommendations:
