It all began with a missed train and an accidental bottle of lemoncello. I was fresh off a Mediterranean cruise, armed with Google Translate, a pair of very determined sandals, and high hopes of hiking between the famously photogenic villages of Cinque Terre.
I had planned a perfectly timed adventure through all five… or so I thought. Fast forward to me clinging to a terraced vineyard slope in Corniglia, woozy with citrus liquor (thank you, friendly local lady on the train), and vowing to never again underestimate Italian hills or Italian hospitality.
The good news? I lived to tell the tale—and now, I can’t wait to help you choose which of the Cinque Terre villages is right for you. Spoiler alert: there are five main ones, but I’ve added two bonus gems that cruise-goers often miss.
Wait—Seven Villages?
Yes, traditionally Cinque Terre (Italian for “Five Lands”) refers to the celebrated quintet: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. But let me let you in on a local secret: neighboring Portovenere and Levanto—though technically outside the official “Cinque”—are just as breathtaking and often less crowded. Think of them as Cinque Terre’s charming cousins who bring dessert to family dinner.
The 7 Villages of Cinque Terre Compared
| Village | Vibe | Ideal For | Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monterosso al Mare | Beachy & Resort-like | Sunbathers, families, foodies | Can feel tourist-heavy in summer |
| Vernazza | Romantic & Scenic | Photographers, couples, romantics | Gets crowded mid-day |
| Corniglia | Hilltop & Quiet | Hikers, introverts, scenic seekers | 385 steps from train station (!) |
| Manarola | Charming & Colorful | Sunset lovers, wine enthusiasts | No proper beach, just rocks |
| Riomaggiore | Bustling & Authentic | Budget travelers, social butterflies | Feels vertical; lots of stairs |
| Portovenere | Historic & Grand | History buffs, off-the-beaten-track explorers | Not directly connected by Cinque Terre train |
| Levanto | Laid-back & Local | Surfers, families, chill-seekers | Lacks the famous verticality (if that’s your thing) |
Insider Tips for Cruise Travelers
- Time Your Visit Wisely: Most cruise ships dock in La Spezia—meaning hoards descend mid-morning. Beat the rush by catching an early train (before 8:30 AM) or linger in village cafés until the midday crowd ebbs.
- Wear Proper Shoes: Those “adorable” sandals will not be adorable halfway up the trail to Corniglia. Think grip, comfort, and perhaps a touch of waterproofing (very on-trend for ferry landings).
- Hidden Wine Cellars: In Manarola, there’s a hole-in-the-wall enoteca named “Ardoino” where I once stumbled upon a local SciacchetrĂ tasting. The owner paired it with anchovy bruschetta, and I nearly proposed marriage.
- Try the Cinque Terre Card: It covers unlimited train rides between villages—and access to hiking trails. Buy it at La Spezia Centrale train station or online in advance.
Village Vibes — A Deeper Dive
Monterosso: The Beach Lover’s Paradise
Monterosso is the only village with a long sandy beach—and yes, sun loungers and umbrellas galore. Think Amalfi Coast flair meets Ligurian hospitality. Great for weary cruise-goers needing a sun-soaked nap or a killer plate of seafood pasta. Just watch out for midday prices—they know you’re off a ship, and they charge accordingly.
Vernazza: The Postcard Diva
If you’ve seen a travel magazine cover shot of Cinque Terre, it’s probably Vernazza. The harbor, pastel-colored buildings, and medieval tower serve drama in the best way. Get a cone of fried calamari from the tiny stand near the harbor and climb to the Doria Castle for panoramic views—and at least a dozen jealousy-inducing Instagram stories.
Corniglia: For the Hill Huggers
No beach, no ferry access, and 385 serpentine steps from the train station—it’s a natural crowd filter. But oh, the reward! Quiet stone streets, sweeping views, and the best espresso I’ve ever had in a town square no larger than your average cruise cabin. Don’t skip it; earn it.
Manarola: Sunset Central
This peach-and-pink cliffside stunner is best visited in late afternoon. Sip local white wine from a cliffside bar (try Nessun Dorma), watch the sky do its watercolor thing, and pretend you’re in an Italian romance film. No one will blame you.
Riomaggiore: Buzzing & Budget-Friendly
Riomaggiore is where you’ll find backpackers, accidental musicians, and alleyways with secrets. It’s loud in a lively way and serves up street food like fried seafood cones and focaccia pizzas. It’s also where I once accidentally joined a wedding procession—but that’s another story.
Portovenere: The Underrated Queen
This stunner offers dramatic cliffs, the legendary Byron’s Grotto, and ancient churches that put history lessons to shame. Bonus: your MSC or Royal Caribbean shore excursion likely won’t stop here, which means fewer selfie sticks. Reach it by ferry from La Spezia or via a long but unforgettable trek from Riomaggiore.
Levanto: Peaceful & Practical
Not officially part of the Five, but it earns its place. Levanto is larger, with better amenities, a solid beach, and low-key evening markets. Great base for those looking to relax without wrestling a million people for gelato.
Pros & Cons Summarized
- Pros: Cinque Terre offers unparalleled scenery, distinct personalities in every village, jaw-dropping photography, and mouthwatering local specialties (think pesto and anchovies like you’ve never imagined).
- Cons: Steep stairs, mobility challenges, seasonal crowds, and minimal air-conditioning in many restaurants. Also, forget driving; cars are as welcome here as diets on a gelato tour.
Bonus Tips to Surprise & Delight
- BYO Reusable Water Bottle: Every village has ancient stone fountains—yes, the water is fresh, cold, and perfectly potable.
- Take the Ferry at Least Once: The views from the sea are cinematic. Even if choppy waters aren’t your jam, it’s worth a short leg between towns.
- Try Farinata: A savory chickpea pancake served hot—find it in village bakeries. Pair with a cold glass of local Vermentino wine and thank me later.
- Local Rule: Don’t order a cappuccino after 11 a.m. It’s considered a breakfast drink. Want to blend in? Go for espresso or macchiato.
So… Which Village is “You”?
If you crave comfort and cocktails—head to Monterosso. Romantics and Instagram savants, meet Vernazza. Hikers? Corniglia is calling. Culture nerds go for Portovenere, while sunset-chasers should sprint to Manarola. And Riomaggiore? That’s for those who like their vacations with a side of music and mischief.
The Final Word
Whether you day-trip from your cruise or linger a few nights beyond your itinerary, Cinque Terre will surprise you—in the best possible way. It’s not just about the views (though, seriously, wow). It’s about how each village offers its own flavor, its own rhythm, its own delicious detour from the usual cruise circuit. So get off the gangway, grab that backpack, and pick your “terra.” Or better yet, try all seven. Just maybe skip the lemoncello until after your hike.
