Liguria is a region of Italy with a rich history dating back to ancient times, full of breathtaking monuments and picturesque coastal landscapes. It is famous for arguably the best cuisine in the world and the “slow life” that so many long for. No wonder Italy invariably attracts travelers from all over the world. The article and photos come just from Liguria. Their author is Natalia Lisowska, a young journalist and GentleWoman reader, who combines her passions with extraordinary energy. This time she takes us to charming corners of the region – full of sunshine, delicious flavors and the unique atmosphere of the Italian coast.

Table of contents, what to see in Liguria:

No special occasion is needed to visit sunny Italy, located on the Apennine Peninsula. Italy is available to tourists all year round and there is something for everyone. Poles in particular are fond of trips to these regions, mainly because of cheap flights and the possibility of organizing a quick vacation. However, not everyone knows this even more beautiful and hidden side of Italy.

Cinque Terre – a history of five lands

“Five Lands,” or Cinque Terre, is the name referring to five picturesque villages in Liguria: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare. Their history dates back to the Middle Ages, when they were established as a refuge from pirate raids. For centuries, the people of Cinque Terre lived off agriculture, fishing and wine production, which are now the region’s calling card. The isolation of these villages, due to difficult land access, has helped preserve their authentic character, which still delights tourists from around the world today. Cinque Terre’s popularity soared when the region was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, delighting visitors with its colorful cliff-bound houses and breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea.

Liguria 9
Photo. Getty Images

How to get to Liguria?

A trip to Cinque Terre requires a bit of effort, but the views fully repay the debt of gratitude incurred. The best and fastest way to get to Liguria is by by plane to one of the three Italian cities:

  • Pisa (PSA): Galileo Galilei International Airport
  • Genoa (GOA): Genoa-Cristoforo Colombo Airport
  • Florence (FLR): Florence-Peretola Airport

The rest of the trip includes a train ride to the city of La Spezia. It is an ideal base for exploring the Cinque Terre due to lower prices, availability of accommodations and stores. The trip from La Spezia to the magical five lands takes just a few minutes by train. Possible connections:

  • From Pisa: Direct trains from Pisa to La Spezia, journey takes about 1-1.5 hours
  • From Genoa: The train from Genoa to La Spezia takes about 1.5-2 hours
  • From Milan: The train trip to La Spezia takes about 3-4 hours

The last point of the trip is to procure a special ticket that allows you to travel and explore Cinque Terre.

Liguria 1
Photo. Getty Images

Getting around Cinque Terre

Due to the fact that the region in question is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a fee is due for entering its land. For this purpose, tourists are offered two options:

Cinque Terre Treno MS Car

The card entitles the holder to use the hiking trails for which Cinque Terre is famous, unlimited travel on Cinque Terre Express trains between Levanto – Cinque Terre – La Spezia during its validity period, access to public toilets at train stations and Wi-Fi at information points. Pass prices vary depending on the date, length of validity and age category. The cost-effectiveness of the Cinque Terre Treno MS pass depends on the pace and duration of the tour. It is worth bearing in mind that a single train ride costs 5 euros.

Cinque Terre Trekking Card

This is a ticket designed for those who want to fully experience the delights of hiking and explore the region on foot. The pass includes access to two toll trails: from Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza and from Vernazza to Cornigli. Here, pass prices also vary depending on the date, length of validity and age category.

All types of Cinque Terre cards can be purchased at any train station, at tourist information centers in the towns of Cinque Terre, Levanto, La Spezia or online. For more information , visit this website.

Liguria 8
Photo. Getty Images

When to arrive?

The best time to visit Cinque Terre depends on the traveler’s preferences and schedule. Each season brings with it a different experience.

Spring (April-June)

  • Pros: this is one of the best times to visit Cinque Terre. The weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures (around 15-25°C), and nature is in bloom. This is an ideal time for hiking on the trails.
  • Disadvantages: during this period, tourists are already beginning to arrive, and prices are starting to rise.

Summer (July – August)

  • Advantages: summer is the peak tourist season, ideal for those who want to enjoy the beaches and warm sea (temperatures can reach 30°C or more).
  • Cons: This is the most touristy and most expensive time of the year. Accommodation prices are highest and popular places are crowded.

Autumn (September-October)

  • Pros: autumn is also a great time to visit, especially September, the time of the grape harvest. The temperature is still pleasant (around 20-25°C), and the crowds begin to thin out, allowing for a quieter visit.
  • Cons: October may bring a bit more rain, but the weather is still good for hiking and sightseeing.

Winter (November – March)

  • Pros: Cinque Terre is at its calmest in winter . The temperature is mild (about 10-15°C).
  • Cons: Some restaurants and hotels may be closed, and trails slippery or closed due to weather. The sea is too cold for swimming.
Liguria 2
Photo. Josh Hild

Five villages of Cinque Terre

Monterosso al Mare

Monterosso al Mare is the largest town of the five lands and offers the most amenities for tourists. The city’s main attraction is its wide, sandy beach, which attracts lovers of sun and sea bathing. For those thirsting for activity and adventure, trekking trails are available, guaranteeing incredible views. Starting the trek in Monterosso, you can reach the next town which is Vernazza. As in all of Cinque Terre, here you can see many historic buildings like the Church of St. John the Baptist, the Oratory of the Brotherhood of the Blacks and the statue of St. Francis. In addition to the magnificent architecture and history, all of the listed items also guarantee amazing landscapes that unfold from the vantage points located on them. A landmark of Monterosso al Mare is the Statua del Gigante I, a stone statue carved into a nearby cliff at the end of Fegina beach. It is a sculpture dating back to 1910, 14 meters high, which depicts the figure of Neptune. Despite the damage caused by storms, the statue is still incredibly impressive.

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Photo. Natalia Lisowska

Vernazza

Vernazza is the star of the Cinque Terre, considered the most beautiful and charming of the five villages. This is due to the town’s history, which dates back to Roman times. Vernazza gained its fame as one of the important points on the trade route between Genoa and Rome. It delights with its authentic fisherman character, which blends perfectly with narrow streets full of charming cafes and stores. Vernazza is particularly known for the ruins of Doria Castle and the medieval church of St. Margaret of Antioch. It’s another town with access to the beach, slightly smaller than in Monterosso, but just as beautiful. Vernazza’s biggest attraction is the main square, surrounded on three sides by a row of shabby, colorful townhouses that face the sea. There is a reason the town is on the list of Italy’s most beautiful towns. Here you can eat the best ice cream in Cinque Terre and enjoy amazing coastal views.

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Photo. Natalia Lisowska

Corniglia

Corniglia is the only village in Cinque Terre that is not directly on the sea. It is located on one of Italy’s cliffs and the approach to its center is quite challenging. For this reason, the fewest tourists arrive here, which translates into a quieter and more local atmosphere. Corniglia is separated from the train station by as many as 377 stairs known as Lardarina. You can also take a bus, which runs every few minutes and takes weary tourists to the top. While there, you can experience real Italian life. There are historical monuments in the village, but it is the narrow, winding streets and the tranquility that prevails there that is the main attraction of Corniglia.

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Photo. Sylwia Lisowska

Manarola

Manarola is one of the oldest towns in Cinque Terre, known for its Sciacchetrà wine production. The village is perched on a cliff, with pastel-colored houses descending steeply toward the sea. It is the perfect place to watch the sunset accompanied by local wine and delicacies. Unfortunately, as everywhere in Cinque Terre, the beautiful views require a bit of a climb up steep hills. It is believed that Manarola is the most romantic of all 5 cities. For this reason, many photographers travel to this area to create a beautiful session for lovers. Here you will find the most famous section of the Azure Path, which connects the towns of Manarola and Riomaggiore – the Via dell’Amore, or road of love. Here you will also find the most famous restaurant in all of Cinque Terre – Nessun Dorma, which offers delicious Italian tapas overlooking the cliff-side main part of the town.

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Photo. Natalia Lisowska

Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore is the southernmost village of the Cinque Terre and Liguria’s most beautiful postcard. Known for its colorful houses clustered around a narrow harbor, it attracts crowds of tourists at any time of the day. Here is the start of the Via dell’Amore trail mentioned above. The town is divided into two parts. Its northern side impresses with its historic beauty and buildings. Here you can see the Church of St. John the Baptist, the Castello di Riomaggiore Castle, which is loved for its vantage point over the entire village and the coast, and the Little Oratory. What attracts tourists the most is the fishing part of the town. All postcards encouraging visitors to the Cinque Terre are made on this side of Riomaggiore.

What to eat from Cinque Terre

Every region of Italy is known for its local delicacies. Liguria does not stand out in this regard either. Fish and seafood are king here, which can be eaten in various forms, even in a cone as street food. A classic of Ligurian cuisine is pesto alla genovese, which is a pesto made from basil, pine nuts, olive oil and Parmesan and pecorino cheeses. It is served with pasta, gnocchi or as an accompaniment to bruschetta with tomatoes. It is undoubtedly the pride of the locals, which is why they like to organize courses in its preparation. Sciacchetrà, the wine for which Manarola is famous, is another treasure of Ligurians. And don’t forget the classics, namely limoncello or ice cream, which are a must on the gastronomic map of Cinque Terre.

Liguria 6
Photo. Siret

How much time is needed to explore Cinque Terre?

One day is enough to visit the five towns without much trouble. However, for a one-day trip, quite a pace and no walking on trekking trails will be required. Leisurely sightseeing, gloating over the views and enjoying the Italian culture requires a bit more time, in which case 2-3 days will be the optimal time to visit Cinque Terre.

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