Successfully managing a trip to Cinque Terre is first understanding the accessibility constraints, picking the best time to take off, and defining the stay length. Then comes the rush to find a way to plan compelling itineraries and pull a list of travel do, musts, and don’ts.
Blessed with hilltop villages, pastel facades, and magnificent coastlines, this place has just the right amount to smite the voyager in you. Here is your new motto, ‘in Cinque Terre always make sure to get more than what you bargained for‘. In order to do so, you need to check what I like to call the travel essentials. When to visit; Where to stay; How to reach and go around, and of course, What to do once there. Hence, before you jump on a plane for your next adventure, here is everything you need to know.
I. WHEN TO VISIT?
If you are a hiking enthusiast, you might want to consider skipping fall and wintertime. In both, heavy rainfalls, mudslides, and floods make exploring around a definite no-go. However, for those of you who are looking for a unique Christmas time experience, Manarola is known to host the world’s biggest Presepe. It starts on the 8th of December until the end of January or early February.
Considering both the weather and the temperatures, a good hiking period would usually start in Mid-March and last until Mid-October. Likewise, the sea period would be around that time starting Mid-May down to Mid-September. The hottest month usually comes around August and the holidays intersect with the second half (usually after the 15th). During this period, all the villages become crowded and expensive (expect to pay 3 times, if not more, for the stay). That‘s why I would advise you to plan your trip for either June, September, or October.
READ LATER | ONE-DAY-ITINERARY-IN-CINQUE-TERRE
TIP : For the length of your stay, it would depend on many factors. For instance, if you are willing to hike around the park then your minimum stay would be two days. On the other hand, if your interested in the region, then I would suggest you stay around 4 or 5 days. And if Italy’s fabulous five is a one-day stop in your travel program, a time-friendly schedule, would be to organize your day around either one or both the open hikes together with short train journeys between the remaining villages.
II. WHERE TO STAY?
Living with an Italian roommate has its perks. To travel-wise, she suggested I either stay in Genova, La Spezia, or in one of the Airbnbs in the uphill area behind the park. When I decided to finally check Cinque Terre from my bucket list in August 2021, my friend and I stayed in a cozy mountain house in Valdipino. It took us around 30 mins to reach La Spezia by car, which was quite a nice ride. I would favor la Spezia over Genova and still encourage you to pick the third option. Bear in mind to check the way to your accommodation, the location might be hard to reach and things might get complicated if you don’t have a car.
If you are coming from Genova, the train journey takes about 1h25 mins and the cost is around 7 euros with the regional Trenitalia service. Per contra, if your initial plan is to stay in one of the villages, bypass Corniglia. With no harbor and 300+ steps to reach from the train station, getting around becomes a real concern.
MY TIME FRIENDLY TIP: Since the waiting time is insane and the queues at La Spezia train station are usually long, it would be better to consider checking the train timetable and then buy your ticket online from National Park CT.
III. HOW TO GET AROUND?
Basically, the five villages can be explored either by train, by boat, or for those of you who are still fit, by hiking the Blue Path (the most famous of the trails of Cinque Terre). Unfortunately, due to several flooding and mudslides, the hiking trail linking Corniglia to Manarola & Manarola to Riomaggiore, the so called Via Dell’Amore, are closed due to landslides. The maintenance works were held on the most damaged trails and the reopening was scheduled for April 2022. However, the heavy rain and winter season changed things and the rails’ status are still the same.
To keep updated, I recommend you to check the website | Footpaths current situation.
The Express Ferry service could be an option, renting an entire boat could be another. For the ferry, all the information are available in Prices and timetable of boats in Cinque Terre, and for any other information, look up their website | Tourist Information Points.
Keep in mind: get the CINQUE TERRE CARD: As a UNESCO world heritage site, the access to the National park is conditioned by the purchase of the Cinque Terre card. This includes mostly the coastal paths from Monterosso to Vernazza and from Vernazza to Corniglia (since all the other trails are free). The one-day fare is 16 euros per person for both the trekking paths and the trains. For children and family tickets, check the fares on their website | Cinque Terre Card.
IV. WHAT TO DO?
As for the What, looking for magic in the natural park of CT means you will have to stroll around the marvelous five village. Monterosso Al Mare, the sand beach village. Vernazza, the fishing village. Corniglia, the 382 Scalinata Lardarina village. Manarola, the colorful tower houses village, & at the end line of ‘Via dell’Amore’, Riomaggiore.
Between sunbathing in the sand beach of Monterosso Al Mare, having a second swim at Vernazza‘, or hiking through the hills of the Mediterranean sea, you never run out of options. Each of the villages offers a wide range of bakeries selling Focaccia, Pizza, and Pasta meals. Some restaurants also offer to take away dishes for discounted prices. I don‘t know about you but a beach day can easily be converted to a picnic day.
TIP: Rather than turning your day into a complete Instagram photo shooting, spend an extra time discovering the villages. For instance, in Vernazza visit Castello dei Doria, the historical castle on the rocky part of the town stretching out towards the sea. While in Manarola, head to the park located near to the village‘ cemetery to see one of most visited scenic views of the region. At the end of the day, you can catch sunset at Riomaggiore while enjoying a pizza or a fried sea-fruit cone.
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