Maddalena P. Chionne

Published on November 18 2025

Nestled along the rugged Italian Riviera coastline, Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage site comprising five picturesque fishing villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Rooted in early medieval times, these vibrant, colorful towns are built into sheer cliff faces and coves, surrounded by terraced vineyards and breathtaking scenery. The entire area is a car-free zone, making it a perfect destination for those who love to hike, savor local cuisine, or simply soak in the coastal beauty. While each village offers its own unique charm, they are all connected by a scenic coastal train and a network of footpaths.

Monterosso al Mare: The Beach Lover's Paradise

As the largest and most populated of the five villages, Monterosso al Mare is unique for its long sandy beaches and relatively flat terrain. Divided into an old town and a new town by the Aurora tower, it offers a wider range of hotels, restaurants, and amenities. The village has a more resort-like feel and is ideal for travelers who prefer to spend their days relaxing on the beach.

Top attractions:

• Monterosso Public Beach (Fegina): the largest sand beach in Cinque Terre, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
• Borgo Antico: stroll through the charming, historic part of the town with its narrow streets and traditional Ligurian atmosphere.
• Church of San Francesco: located in the old town, this church houses important art, including a Crucifixion painting attributed to Van Dyck.
• Santuario di Soviore: for a scenic and spiritual experience, hike up to this sanctuary overlooking Monterosso.

Top High-End Hotels:

• Hotel Porto Roca: perched on a cliff with one of the most stunning views in Cinque Terre, this hotel offers spacious rooms, an infinity pool, and a private beach.
• Hotel Pasquale: this highly-rated, family-owned boutique hotel is known for its excellent service, prime location, and rooms with sea views.
• Hotel Villa Adriana: a family-friendly hotel with a swimming pool and garden, located a short walk from the beach.

Best Restaurants with a View:

• Ristorante Torre Aurora: enjoy a spectacular sunset from this restaurant, located in a medieval tower and offering artfully presented seafood and cocktails with a stunning 360-degree view of the coast and village.
• Miky: this restaurant offers inventive and exquisite Cinque Terre dishes with fresh, local ingredients.
• L'Ancora Della Tortuga: a popular restaurant known for its exceptional Italian and seafood cuisine with beautiful views of the sea.

Best Trails for Hike or Bike:

• Hiking Trail Monterosso to Vernazza: the most famous and scenic section of the Blue Trail, offering breathtaking coastal views.
• Bike Tour Levanto to Riomaggiore: a demanding but rewarding mountain bike tour that takes you through the hilly part of the national park, offering panoramic views from Monte Castello.

Recommended Day Experiences:

• Where the Sunset Sets: Your 5 Terre Chill Cruise
• Sunset Private Boat Tour of Cinque Terre with Traditional Ligurian Gozzo

Vernazza: The Picture-Perfect Fishing Village

Many consider Vernazza to be the most beautiful of the five villages, with its colorful houses clinging to a rugged cliff face above a natural, picturesque harbor. The village has a long history of seafaring and is characterized by a central main street leading down to the harbor, a bustling piazza, and the remains of a protective medieval castle.

Top Attractions:

• Doria Castle: hike up to the ruins of this medieval castle for panoramic views of Vernazza and its harbor.
• Santa Margherita di Antiochia Church: a 14th-century church built on the waterfront, featuring a distinctive octagonal bell tower.
• Harbor and Piazza: the heart of the village is the waterfront piazza, surrounded by colorful houses and bustling with restaurants and bars.

High-End Hotels:

• Abbadia San Giorgio (nearby Levanto): for a tranquil and historic stay, this boutique hotel is just a short train ride from Vernazza.

Best Restaurants with a View:

• Belforte Restaurant: a highly-regarded restaurant built into a stone tower overlooking the sea, offering fresh seafood and stunning, unobstructed views of the coastline.
• Ristorante La Torre: located on a hilltop above the village with incredible panoramic views, this restaurant offers excellent Ligurian cuisine.

Best Trails for Hike:

• Hiking Trail Vernazza to Corniglia: a challenging but rewarding trail that winds through vineyards and offers spectacular coastal views.
• Hike to Santuario di Nostra Signora di Reggio: a path that leads to a peaceful sanctuary above the village. 

Recommended Day Experience:

• Cinque Terre Wine Bike Tour

Corniglia: The Quiet Cliffside Village

As the smallest and highest of the five villages, Corniglia is perched on a promontory 100 meters above the sea. It is the only village not directly on the water, giving it a quieter, more tranquil atmosphere. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, Corniglia is ideal for hikers and nature lovers. Reaching the village requires climbing the 377 steps of the Scalinata Lardarina from the train station, or taking a small bus.

Top Attractions

• View Point Corniglia: from this viewpoint, you can admire the stunning scenery, including the other villages and the Ligurian coastline.
• Chiesa Di San Pietro: this elegant Gothic church, built in 1334, is a historic landmark in the village.
• Borgo Storico di Corniglia: Explore the narrow, charming lanes of the historic center, which offer a quiet, local feel.

Best Restaurants & Bars with a View:

• Bar Terza Terra: enjoy a drink and the incredible sunset views from this popular lookout bar and restaurant.
• Ristorante La Posada: an excellent restaurant for a high-end dining experience in Corniglia, offering a beautiful terrace view.
• Osteria a Cantina da Mananan offers traditional Ligurian dishes in a cozy setting.

Best Trails for Hike:

• Cinque Terre High Path (AV5T): the demanding, longer high path offers panoramic views of the Cinque Terre area from above.
• Trail to Volastra: from Corniglia, you can hike up to the quiet village of Volastra, passing through vineyards.

Riomaggiore: The Romantic Eastern Gateway

Riomaggiore is the easternmost and second-largest of the five villages, with a peaceful, picturesque harbor. Like the other villages, its colorful houses are stacked vertically along the cliff face, creating a stunning visual effect, particularly at sunset. Riomaggiore is a great base for exploring the area and is perfect for young travelers or couples seeking a romantic experience.

Top Attractions:

• Riomaggiore Harbor: the heart of the village, filled with colorful fishing boats and a lively atmosphere.
• Castello di Riomaggiore: a medieval castle offering beautiful views of the sea and the village.
• Santuario di Nostra Signora di Montenero: hike up to this sanctuary for breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Cinque Terre coastline.

High-End Hotels:

• The Sunset Line: a luxury guesthouse perched above Riomaggiore, offering stylish rooms with private terraces and outdoor hot tubs with stunning sea views.

Best Restaurants & Bars with a View:

• A Pié de Mà: located right by the sea with a gorgeous terrace, this restaurant offers a romantic setting and refined dishes.
• Rio Bistrot: a Michelin-guide-recommended restaurant in Riomaggiore, offering creative Ligurian seafood dishes and charming views of the harbor from its outdoor terrace.

Best Trails for Hike:

• Riomaggiore to Portovenere Trail: a less-traveled trail offering peaceful coastal views.
• Riomaggiore to Sanctuary of Madonna di Montenero Loop: a moderate hike offering incredible panoramic views.

Note: some trails, like the Via dell'Amore connecting Riomaggiore and Manarola, can be closed for maintenance. Always check the Cinque Terre National Park website for the latest trail conditions before planning your hike.



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