You don’t need five reasons to visit Italy, but we’ll call them out anyway.
Monterosso. Vernazza. Corniglia. Manarola. Riomaggiore.
These five towns line the rugged Italian Riviera coastline known as Cinque Terre. Easy to get to from Italy’s main cities yet difficult to leave thanks to dramatic views, romantic hotels, and laid-back aperitivo bars that tempt you to stay for years to come.
And now you can see them all for less than the price of your morning coffee.
5 spectacular villages.
€5 train tickets.
5 amazing reasons to visit the Italian Riviera.
5 is your lucky number when it comes to getting around Cinque Terre without a car via the Cinque Terre Express.
Image credit: Getty Images. Image Location: Vernazza, Cinque Terre
Where is Cinque Terre?
Cinque Terre is a dreamy destination on the Italian Riviera, just north of Florence where the western end of Italy curves toward Genoa. Its five small villages feel remote but are easily accessible from whichever Italian airport hub you’re flying into from the U.S.
- Milan to Cinque Terre: Board a direct train from Milano Centrale to La Spezia Centrale for a 3 hour trip.
- Florence to Cinque Terre: Board a direct train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to La Spezia Centrale for a 3 hour trip.
- Rome to Cinque Terre: Just tack on a little extra time to the Florence route and you’ll make it from Roma Termini to La Spezia Centrale for a 3 to 4 hour high-speed trip with no changes.
The Cinque Terre route itself runs between La Spezia Centrale and Stazione Ferroviaria di Levanto, with stops in all five villages. Remember, the Cinque Terre Express ticket only offers La Spezia to Levanto one-way, so budget in a little extra for your return trip and the round-trip train ride from your arrival/departure city.
See also: the best day trips from Rome
Image credit: Getty Images. Image Location: Monterosso, Cinque Terre
What is Cinque Terre known for?
The picturesque fishing villages of Cinque Terre are known for their delicious seafood, stunning sunset views, and the slow-paced lifestyle it’s retained since the Middle Ages. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the smallest national park in Italy.
When is the best time to visit Cinque Terre?
The Ligurian coast, aka the Italian Riviera, is easy on the eyes no matter when you visit. Summer has the best weather for your swimsuit, though the cool breeze of September and October thins out the tourist crowds.
How to get to Cinque Terre from Florence?
A three-hour train ride departing from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to La Spezia Centrale will put you right at the eastern edge of Cinque Terre.
Best way to travel from Milan to Cinque Terre?
You can board a direct, three-hour train from Milano Centrale to La Spezia Centrale.
Image Location: Manarola Train Station
Get to know Cinque Terre’s 5 villages with Trainline
- Monterosso The largest of the “five lands”, Monterosso is where you’ll want to bring your swimsuit and your appetite. Frolic on the sandy beach in the morning, take a cooking course in the afternoon, then spend the evening eating your way across the promenade’s seafood restaurants.
- Vernazza Bring your camera for your stop in Vernazza. Endless photo ops are available with or without a walk on the Blue Trail, not to mention the dreamy sunsets.
- Corniglia Lace up your shoes for the 382-stair walk up to the village of Corniglia. Since you’ve already worked up a sweat, take advantage of the village’s seat in the Cinque Terre National Park to embark on a day-long hiking adventure.
- Manarola We suggest scribbling ‘wine tasting’ at the top of your Manarola memo pad. The dessert wine, Sciacchetrà, is the perfect way to cap off a day spent gawing at Manarola’s multicolored houses.
- Riomaggiore More brightly colored houses provide a contrast to the traditional fishing boats set in the harbor. Take the opportunity to leave the pebble beach behind and opt for a boat tour or kayak rental around the coastline.
Let us make a formal introduction via the Cinque Terre Express, Trenitalia’s fast regional train that connects you to all five villages for only €5. Download the Trainline app today to purchase your Cinque Terre Express ticket — as well as tickets for all other train routes in Italy.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images. Image Location: Manarola, Cinque Terre