The Five Lands of Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre, which translates as the Five Lands, is a set of hilltop villages on the Italian Riviera in Liguria. It comprises of the five small coastal villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso, all listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The towns are famous for their colourful houses that cling to steep terraces, fishing boats lining the coastline below and trattorias serving fresh seafood.


One of the oldest of the Cinque Terre’s villages, famous for its lemon trees and anchovies. It has the biggest stretch of beach of the five villages, making it one of the most visited towns. Evenings in the village are often lively with music and entertainment.

Monterosso, Liguria


Probably Cinque Terre's most famous town, as well as the closest to La Spezia. This is the start of the famous trekking route, dug into the rock in the early 20th century, and leading to Manarola where you can find the famous Via dell'Amore (Way of Love).

Riomaggiore, Liguria


With more vineyards than the other villages, Manarola is Cinque Terre’s main wine producer, famous for its sweet Sciacchetrà wine. Positioned at the top of a cliff that hangs high above the sea, over the centuries the industrious people of Manarola have created a beautiful ecosystem on this rugged landscape.

Manarola, Liguria


The small picturesque port at Vernazza provides the only landing point on the coast around Cinque Terre, evidence of its ancient maritime traditions. The old town features defensive structures, elegant architecture, decorative portals and the village’s caruggi (narrow lanes) converging on the main piazza, which offers a breathtaking sea view at every turn.

Vernazza, Liguria


The quietest of Cinque Terre’s villages, Corniglia is located on the top of the cliffs, with steep steps leading down to a rocky cove. In the village, the people produce excellent wines, such as the Cinque Terre DOC and the Pollenza. Below the town lies the infamous Givano Beach, popular with naturists.

Corniglia, Liguria