The Cinque Terre: What To Know Before You Go & How To Do It Sustainably
The Cinque Terre is one of Italy’s gems. The five colorful villages stretched along the Ligurian Sea (part of the Mediterranean Sea) attract millions of visitors annually. The region became famous after an American travel writer raved about it in his guidebooks in the 1970s, and today, the Cinque Terre is feeling its popularity.
In 1999, the Cinque Terre was claimed as the Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre to preserve the ecological balance, protect the landscape, and safeguard the cultural values of the Cinque Terre.
Tourism has changed the Cinque Terre. Today, big tour groups arrive in the villages. Cruise ships from La Spezia drop off 50 people by bus, let them rush through the towns in a few hours, and then leave. Trains drop off hundreds of tourists as day-trippers, and the local community makes its best effort to maintain its quality of life. These villages are small, with no cars, and the entire region has only 3,500 residents.
I am not dissuading you from visiting this stunning region of Italy but encouraging you to do so, knowing that it is a fragile destination vulnerable to over-tourism. With its precious coastline and rich heritage, the Cinque Terre is at risk from overtourism. However, there are ways we can all help to preserve it, and we will explore these options here.
BEFORE YOU GO, THINK ABOUT WHY YOU WANT TO VISIT
The Cinque Terre attracts a certain kind of traveler. If you love to hike and photograph and don’t mind the effort it takes to reach this region, you will fall in love instantly. I have made many trips in and out of the area, and it is best experienced over a few days, if not more.
You must also be okay with crowds, especially during the busy season. With some thoughtful planning, the Cinque Terre is well worth a visit.
15 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING THE CINQUE TERRE
1. BEST TIME TO VISIT THE CINQUE TERRE
If you want to avoid the crowds, visit the Cinque Terre during the off-season. The long primary season spans from May to October. If you visit on the edges of this period, mid to late April or mid to late October, you can still enjoy the region’s mild Mediterranean climate without the heavy tourism.
Reservations will be easier to make during the off-season, and dining in local restaurants without reservations will be more convenient. The hiking trails will also be less crowded and quiet.
2. EXPLORE THE VILLAGES EARLY IN THE MORNING OR LATE EVENING
The busiest time of day to explore the Cinque Terre is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is when day-trippers get dropped off by train or bus, and the streets are crowded.
Trust me, if you are looking for the best photographs, romantic strolls, light shopping, or a chance to visit the locals and practice your Italian, set your alarm and rise early. Don’t skip the evening atmosphere when the streets empty out from the day-trippers, and you can enjoy the beauty and peace of the Cinque Terre.
3. HOW LONG TO STAY IN THE CINQUE TERRE
I recommend a minimum of three nights and four days. This time allows you to experience the essence of the five villages and the local culture. I realize this is a chunk of time to stay in the region, but there is plenty to do and sunsets to enjoy, and you will leave feeling like you started to get to know the Cinque Terre.
Some stay longer to incorporate a sense of slow travel and overnight in a few villages.
The Cinque Terre is worth much more than a day trip. It’s better for the local people, and you won’t be contributing to the region's over-tourism issues.
4. CINQUE TERRE NATIONAL PARK
No single village or town is called “The Cinque Terre.” You will be visiting Italy’s smallest and first national park, the Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre.
The region stretches out only over a 15-square-mile area. It comprises five colorful villages, rugged cliffs, vineyards, small, narrow streets, agriculture, protected marine areas, and a beautiful coastline.
For the 3,000 locals who live in the Park, welcoming millions of visitors each year is challenging. Trains, hiking trails, paths, and boats connect the area. Knowing how to get around is essential, as the villages of the Cinque Terre are steep and rugged, and there are no cars.
5. KNOW HOW TO PRONOUNCE IT
The proper pronunciation of Cinque Terre, which means “five lands,” is “CHEENK-way TEAR-ay.”
6. THE FIVE CINQUE TERRE VILLAGES
The rainbow houses you see in photographs or on social media are just as colorful and beautiful in person. The five villages look similar in pictures, but there are some notable differences to be aware of when you visit.
CORNIGLIA: This village is the smallest of the five. Perhaps Corniglia is a less popular option for overnighters due to the 300 steps you must take from the train station to the town upon arrival. But this village is to be noticed. There are great places to eat and swim, and the views from above are beautiful. This is also an ideal location for hikers and nature lovers.
MONTEROSSO al MARE: This is the northernmost and largest village of the five. It has excellent beaches, good restaurants, and a few resort-style accommodations. The town is divided into an “older” section and a “newer.” The hills behind it are cultivated with lemons, vines, and olives. Monterosso is a popular and fantastic base to explore the Cinque Terre.
VERNAZZA: This is one of the most photographed villages in Italy and has also been called one of the most beautiful. It also suffered the most damage from the October 2011 floods. The reconstruction brought the town back to its traditional beauty, and it remains one of the base towns of the Cinque Terre. It’s a great town to socialize, eat, and sunbathe.
MANAROLA: The village of Manarola is the most picturesque and one of the most romantic and charming in the Cinque Terre. It sits 70 meters above sea level and has a relaxing appeal. The breathtaking views, great restaurants, interesting history, and tiny harbor make Manarola feel unlike other busier villages. It is also used as a base town.
RIOMAGGIORE: The second largest and southernmost village of the Cinque Terre. Riomaggiore is one of the most popular and busy villages. There is easy access to the water; if you are looking for more activities, this may be a good base.
Note: The Cinque Terre isn’t a place you would want to visit if you are looking for a late-night party atmosphere. These are tiny towns where locals move about their daily lives amongst thousands of tourists.
7. HOW TO GET THERE
The easiest way to get to the Cinque Terre and between the villages is by train. The train service connects all five towns and is easy to navigate. If you choose to drive, leaving your car in La Spezia and taking the train for a stress-free experience is best. You could also drive to Monterosso and use it as your base for exploration.
Learn more about the train system here.
8. PACK LIGHT AND BE PREPARED TO WALK STAIRS
The Cinque Terre region is very hilly, the streets are narrow, and there are lots of stairs. Traveling to the area by backpacking would be ideal, but bring your smallest bag if that isn’t an option. Lifting heavy bags up and down the steep steps, on and off the trains, and along the cobblestone streets is challenging even for the most well-traveled and healthy tourist.
9. BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS TODAY
Don’t wait. Book your overnight accommodations well in advance. The Cinque Terre gets especially busy during summer, so book early.
A sustainable travel option is worth mentioning here. Europe has an option called www.fairbnb.coop. It is a way to connect with a community and see your dollars going to good use. It’s a cooperative that invests its profits back into the local communities you stay in. Similar to Airbnb, the difference is that neighborhoods are consulted about short-term rentals, and 50 percent of the commission fee goes into community projects – and you get to choose which one.
10. FOOTPATHS CONNECT THE VILLAGES
The Cinque Terre is a playground for hikers (or walkers). There are over 120 km of trails along the coastline, with 48 hiking trails. You will need a special ticket (a Cinque Terre Card) to access some of the trails.
For a more detailed look at all the trails, visit the Cinque Terre Website.
Walking the entire route between villages will take about 6 hours. Many people walk the route over a few days at a strolling pace, stopping to enjoy the towns along the way.
11. EXPLORE THE LOCAL WINES
The local wines of the Cinque Terre region are some of the most renowned and sought-after products by tourists. The white wines are grown on the steep slopes and terraces and delight many wine connoisseurs.
The classic Cinque Terre wine is a dry, aromatic white made of Bosco, Albarola, and Vermentino grapes. Some famous wines are Vernaccia, Cinque Terre DOC, and Sciacchetra.
12. ENJOY THE ANCHOVIES
Anchovies are a vital ingredient in the cuisines of the Cinque Terre, and the fishermen in the region are experts at catching them. They are only fished 12 miles off the coast of Monterosso between June 1 and July 15.
The intense flavors are due to the salinity in the seawater, humidity levels, and the area's average annual temperature. They are often served fresh but are also available marinated, salted, or deep-fried. They are popular in spaghetti and other pasta dishes.
13. WANT TO AVOID SOME OF THE CROWDS?
If you want a break from the crowds, take the train to Portovenere for the day. Walk along the waterfront and explore the narrow streets and historic buildings. The atmosphere can be more relaxing, and there will be fewer tourists. It’s a beautiful place to soak up the Italian coastline. Make sure to bring your camera.
14. TOUR THE CINQUE TERRE BY WATER
A great way to avoid the crowds of the Cinque Terre is to go on a boat. You can book boat tours from La Spezia and sunset tours from Monterosso al Mare.
For the more adventurous traveler, join a kayaking tour from Monterosso and explore the coastline.
Tours are available on Get Your Guide and Viator.
15. TRAVEL SUSTAINABLY THROUGH THE CINQUE TERRE
Times have changed in the Cinque Terre. Travel has changed the region, and travelers are learning to change, too. Sustainable travel is all about positively (or neutrally) impacting an area and benefiting the local community and economy.
The Cinque Terre is a great place to be a responsible traveler. If we all do a tiny part when we visit these fragile places, the traveler and host community benefit.
Remember:
· Avoid one-use plastics.
· Eat like a local.
· Buy like a local.
· Use public transportation.
· Bike, walk, or hike.
· Pack light.
· Travel slow.
· Follow the Leave No Trace Principles.
· Bring your shopping bag.
· Bring your toiletries and skip the hotel one-use samples.
· Turn off the lights.
· Skip take-out food with all the plastics. Eat in the restaurant.
· Choose eco-friendly accommodations.
· Give locally.
· Avoid any purchases that harm animals.
· Respect local laws and customs.
· If you choose a local tour, ensure it will benefit a local person.
These are just a few ways to move about the Cinque Terre while leaving the smallest footprint possible.
The Cinque Terre is a unique area of the Italian Riviera. It is one of Liguria’s most pristine and natural Mediterranean areas. It’s beautiful, and many people want to visit. The local communities are trying to balance tourism with daily life.
I hope the Cinque Terre's beauty and culture will be preserved for generations.
Until next time,
Marla
Are you looking for wall art from the Cinque Terre for your home or office? Check out my Cinque Terre Collection of photography in my art shop!