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Guide to Europe >> Italy >> Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre |
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The Cinque Terre along northern Italy’s Riviera resides just west of Pisa and Florence and possess some of the calmest and most breathtaking towns in all of Europe. They are a national park and on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Cinque Terre means “Five Lands,” and consists of five towns--Corniglia, Manarola, Monterosso, Riomaggiore, and Vernazza. Monterosso, the largest town, is also the most easily accessible from the main train station, La Spezia. From Monterosso, you can take regional trains that go between the individual towns.
Carved into the countryside along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, the Cinque Terre villages are filled with quaint multi-colored houses and surrounded by vast, beautiful vineyards and olive groves
While it’s possible to walk the trail between the five villages in one day, College Backpacking recommends staying at least one night in the Cinque Terre to fully enjoy the peaceful coast. Pack lightly-- even if you choose not to walk the trails, walking through the villages cannot be missed (cars are not allowed inside the towns).
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Walking the Trails
Tickets: A Cinque Terre Card costs: €8,50 for one day, €14,70 for two days, €19,50 for three days, and €36,50 for a week. Ticket prices include access to the trails, shuttle buses, some museums, two lifts, and three hours of bike rentals. They can be purchased at the National Park information sites and at railway stations.
Instead of riding trains between the towns, many prefer hiking in order to fully absorb the surrounding scenery. The main trail is called the Sentiero Azzuro, and it spans about 11 kilometers long. Starting from Monterosso, the first leg of the hike is the hardest; the last trail between the towns of Riomaggiore and Manarola, referred to as the Via dell’Amore, a path for lovers, is the easiest stroll and is free to walk at night (it’s the only path that is lit). Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes-- the trails can get narrow, steep and rocky in some parts. If you are one of the brave, you may want to partake in some cliff diving as well. There are a few spots near Vernazza where you'll find people jumping from 30 foot heights into the Mediterranean Sea. |
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Intercity
Trains: Backpackers looking to get to Cinque Terre will likely have to schedule a train to Genoa or La Spezia. From there, backpackers can take local trains to get to any of the five villages. |
Local
Public Transportation: Trains connect the five villages, and College Backpacking recommends purchasing a Cinque Terre Card (1 day €5, 3 day €10). This card grants unlimited access to the trains, buses, and the footpath that connects the villages. Those backpacking Cinque Terre should definitely check out the footpath and its amazing views of the Italian Riviera. |
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Outdoor Activities
Cinque Terre are a paradise for the outdoorsy and adventure-seeking backpackers. In the town of Riomaggiore, check out the diving center on Via San Giacomo and swim with the dolphins in the summer. You can also rent a kayak for about €7/hr and explore the coast. Jumping off the steep cliffs is popular among the daring youngsters, especially on the Riomaggiore coast. |
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