Do you know how January always feels like the longest month ever? So there I was, back in London after a delightful Christmas in Portugal, dealing with major holiday blues. Naturally, as one does on a cold January evening, I went on Aviasales to check flights. I checked for the dates around my birthday in June and saw cheap tickets to Milan from Heathrow. I made an executive decision then and there to spend my birthday enjoying the sunshine on the Italian coast. Fast forward six months – I arrived in Cinque Terre for a marvellous long weekend getaway.
How to get to Cinque Terre?
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The best way to reach Cinque Terre from major cities is by train. It’s best to book your train tickets in advance on Tren Italia. The nearest cities with airports to fly in are Genoa and Pisa – just a 1.5-hour train journey away. Milan is also a great option, as the flights there tend to be significantly cheaper with more airports and airlines to choose from. I arrived late in Milan and spent the night there within walking distance of Milan central station, then took a 3-hour train to Cinque Terre the next morning.
Nonetheless, if you plan to drive, it’s essential to research driving routes and parking options in advance. Also, be aware that there is no road connecting the villages by the seaside, you would have to drive around the national park to reach each one.
When to visit Cinque Terre?
The best time to visit Cinque Terre is during the shoulder seasons – April to June and September to October. As a highly popular seaside destination, Cinque Terre tends to be packed in Summer, with the villages receiving a daily wave of tourists, particularly from cruise ships. I visited in early June and got a bit of rain but mostly nice weather. There were tourists but it wasn’t packed yet. And if you spend the night it’s even better because everything is calm in the evening or early morning.
Winter can be a tricky time to visit because many businesses are seasonal, hence shops and restaurants are closed, but also bad weather can cause the hiking trails to close.
How long should you stay?
I would recommend a minimum of two full days. This was enough for me to visit all the villages at a good pace and then spend more time exploring the ones I liked the most. I was travelling only by train and didn’t do any of the hiking trails. If you have time, the hiking trails are definitely worth exploring for some incredible views of the towns, it seems that the favourite is of Vernazza when you hike from Monterosso.
Accommodation in Cinque Terre
When it comes to accommodation, the first thing you need to know is to book early – mainly because of the price, but if you leave it to the last minute the options are limited. What I found is that except for Monterosso which is the largest village, accommodation options are primarily private rentals instead of hotels.
I stayed in Manarola mainly because from what I had seen in the pictures, it was the one I liked the most. I also found a few restaurants that I wanted to try there and I was keen on exploring it early in the morning before the tourists arrived.
I think when choosing which village to stay, it depends on the type of accommodation you want, or you prefer a particular village and also if you have activities planned on any of them.
Just to add that personally, I wouldn’t stay in Corniglia because to get to the village from the train station you have to climb 380 steps. And yes, there’s a shuttle bus to the top but having to rely on it is not ideal.
How to travel in Cinque Terre?
Train or hiking are two primary ways of moving around the Cinque Terre. The trails are a great option if you enjoy hiking and want to enjoy the sights of the villages from viewpoints. Here are some things to know:
- Keep an eye on cinqueterre.eu.com for trail updates before your trip, in case there are any maintenance closures.
- Check the weather forecast close to your travel dates because this area is prone to landslides.
- You may need to get the Trekking Card for 7.50€ to explore the popular trails
If you want to use the trains:
- A single ticket costs 5€ but if you plan to do more than 3 trips a day consider buying a pass (prices may be updated).
- Each village is only 5 min apart by train, but don’t ride ticketless – platform inspections are frequent.
- Train passes also include access to any trail, in case you want to mix travelling by train and hiking.
- Cinque Terre tends to wind down early, so always check the last train’s departure. Trenitalia, the train app, is great for checking live departures there and across the country, as well as purchasing tickets.
Cinque Terre is a true gem of the Ligurian region. It offers a perfect blend of scenic cliffside views, colourful villages, and one of the best places where you can try pesto. Whether planning a slow-paced holiday or an adventurous hiking trip, this guide should help make the most of the visit. Enjoy the sunshine, the sea, and the stunning views – bookmark it for your future trip!
