If you choose a cruise holiday to the Italian Riviera, you’ll likely come across Cinque Terre on your itinerary. These neighbouring seaside villages are centuries old and unlike any other destination in the world.
With colourful houses and vineyards clinging to steep terraces, harbours filled with fishing boats, and trattorias echoing the lively flavours of Ligurian cuisine, Cinque Terre, Italy, is one of the most enchanting port stops in the Mediterranean.
In this blog, we’ll share all the essential information you need to know about Cinque Terre holidays via cruise ship, including how to get there from your cruise port, travel between the towns, and see what to see when you arrive, ensuring you can make the most of these Italian gems.
What Is Cinque Terre?
Cinque Terre literally translates as ‘Five Lands’ and comprises five picture-postcard villages or small towns: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, these villages are unique because of their historical isolation and preservation. For centuries, the Cinque Terre settlements, made up of terraces supported by dry stone walls, were isolated due to their difficult-to-access coastal cliffs.
This isolation maintained their quaint, historical character and traditions. Even today, despite improved accessibility, they retain an old-world charm that is increasingly rare in modernised coastal regions.
In 1999, Cinque Terre National Park, or Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre, was established to further protect and safeguard the area’s cultural, historical, and scenic qualities. The park covers 3869 hectares and is one of the smallest in Italy.
When visiting, Cinque Terre, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the area’s fascinating culture and traditions. You’ll also be able to admire the visual spectacle of the pastel-coloured houses as they hug the rugged coastline and overlook the vibrant turquoise waters of the Mediterranean waters below.
How To Get To Cinque Terre From The Nearest Cruise Port
The closest cruise port to Cinque Terre is in La Spezia. Upon docking, you have a couple of options for reaching the villages from here.
Cinque Terre By Train
A popular choice is the train, which can whisk you to Riomaggiore, the nearest of the five villages, in just about 8 minutes. From there, the Cinque Terre train provides an efficient way to explore the four other villages, with the option to travel to Levanto (a seaside town at the far end of Cinque Terre) if you have time.
It is around 2 km from the cruise port in La Spezia to the train station. Taxis are available outside the cruise terminal, or you can take the bus using Line 3, Line L or Line S. You may also find that your cruise line offers a shuttle service.
It is possible to walk to the train station from the cruise port, although there are not many interesting sights along the way, so it may not be the best use of your time if your stop here is short.
Look out for the Cinque Terre Treno MS Card, which offers unlimited 2nd-class train travel between La Spezia and Levanto as well as access to the services offered by the Park Authority. It’s an excellent option for exploring the area, allowing you to hop on and off as you please.
Cinque Terre By Ferry Boat
Alternatively, consider the ferry service for a more scenic way of getting to Cinque Terre from the cruise port in La Spezia. It offers splendid views of the coast and villages.
The service runs from March until the beginning of November, with the journey time from La Spezia to Riomaggiore taking around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
You can get on the ferry from La Spezia, Levanto and Portovenere and visit four of the five villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola and Riomaggiore. However, it’s worth noting that Corniglia is not accessible by the ferry service as it is situated on a hilltop away from the coast.
Driving To Cinque Terre
While it is possible to drive to Cinque Terre, it is not recommended due to the narrow, winding roads and steep gradients. It is also discouraged to continue to protect the region’s beauty and authenticity.
Hiking Between The Cinque Terre Villages
Many choose to spend their holidays in Cinque Terre hiking the trails between the villages. This is a fantastic way to experience the stunning views and gain a truly immersive experience of the rugged landscape.
However, be sure to note that while hiking between the villages is an unmissable activity, it is too far and impractical to start directly from the cruise port in La Spezia. Instead, you can take a short train ride to any of the villages and begin your adventure from there.
Use an up-to-date Cinque Terre map to plan your best route, taking in all the highlights of the area. It’s also worth checking the official website detailing these trails before heading out, as some routes have been closed at times. For example, part of the Manarola-Corniglia trail has been closed recently due to landslides but should reopen in 2024.
It’s also wise to check the Cinque Terre weather forecast, as conditions can change rapidly and impact the accessibility of trails and the overall experience.
Finally, if you plan to hike the more popular trails, such as the famed Sentiero Azzurro that connects Riomaggiore to Monterosso, you will need to purchase a Cinque Terre Card. This card provides access to the paths and includes additional benefits like train travel between villages, Levanto and La Spezia
Things To Do In Cinque Terre
Exploring each of the five villages of Cinque Terre, you’ll discover that each has its distinct character and experiences:
Monterosso
As the largest village of the five, Monterosso is the place to go if you’re seeking Cinque Terre beaches. Not only is it popular for sunbathing and swimming, it is also a fantastic place for snorkelling due to its beautiful reefs and clear waters.
Monterosso is divided into two parts, the old town and the new town, which are connected by a tunnel mainly used by pedestrians. Historical highlights include the Church of San Giovanni Battista and the Capuchin Monastery, which offers panoramic views. Monterosso is also great for enjoying local seafood along the waterfront.
Vernazza
Vernazza is often regarded as the most picturesque village not just in Cinque Terre but also in the whole of Italy, with its small harbour, multi-coloured traditional houses, and bustling square. Add in the selection of restaurants, bars and artisan shops, and it’s a lovely place to relax and explore.
Vernazza is dominated by the Doria Castle, a medieval fortress on a rocky lookout that provides panoramic views of the Ligurian coastline. It’s also worth visiting the Ligurian-Gothic church, Santa Margherita d’Antiochia.
Corniglia
Positioned on a 100-metre-high headland, Corniglia offers perhaps the best vineyard views of the region but is also the least accessible. However, taking the 377-step strenuous climb from the train station to the village centre is worth the effort- There’s also the option to take a shuttle bus if you prefer.
Unlike the other villages, Corniglia does not have direct sea access. It is also the smallest of the five villages, meaning it tends to be less crowded. Wander through the colourful main street, Via Fieschi, explore local vineyards or visit the Church of San Pietro, dating from 1350. Alternatively, simply soak up this village’s natural beauty and quiet, authentic charm.
Manarola
Looking out from Manarola, perched upon a 70-metre-high rock, provides breathtaking views across the bay. Pause here to take in the local activity, as colourful boats fill the harbour and people seeking an adrenaline rush dare to jump from the cliffs, making the most of its deep waters. While this, like many of Cinque Terre’s beaches, is not sandy, it is still a popular place for sunbathing.
In the petite piazza, discover San Lorenzo Church and its beautiful rose window dating back to the 14th century or meander through the two central streets where you’ll find delightful places to eat or pick up a souvenir or two.
If you’re lucky enough to still be here at sunset, take in the breathtaking views from its famous hilltop viewpoint and watch the changing hues of the houses as the golden hour sets in.
Riomaggiore
Start or end your journey here; Riomaggiore is the southernmost village, bustling with activity. It’s known for its historic buildings and picturesque waterfront. Stop here to sample the local Ligurian cuisine while looking in wonder at the village’s houses stacked up precariously along the ridges overlooking the sea.
Along the main road of Riomaggiore, you’ll find enticing shops, bakeries, and restaurants. Other highlights of the village include the Church of San Giovanni Battista, and the old castle found on the highest peak in the village.
Explore the most romantic stretch of the Cinque Terre coastline, the Via dell’Amore, recently reopened following a landslide. As a 1 km paved, flat walking path, it allows almost everyone to enjoy the vibe of this most captivating region of the Italian Riviera.
Visiting Cinque Terre is a highlight for many cruise guests exploring Italy. Each village tells its own story, inviting you to immerse yourself in its alluring atmosphere, spectacular views, and rich history. Capturing something extraordinary, Cinque Terre will be a stop on your itinerary that is sure to be nothing short of magical.
If you’d like to know more about cruise holidays that visit Cinque Terre, please get in touch with our cruise specialists.
