Italy’s spectacular Cinque Terre, what’s not to love?

December, 2015

I’d heard so much about Italy’s rugged although stunning Cinque Terre coastline, hugged by centuries’ old colourful fishing villages – but nothing prepares you for its magical beauty and quaintness.

For some unknown reason, I never quite made it to Liguria until now…my 3rd visit to Italy.

This region is the subject of movies, paintings, and literature. Friends and family have visited Cinque Terre, but until now, these travel stories were like myths – until finally arriving in this famous and spectacular region of Italy that I’ve heard so much about throughout my life.

Extremely lucky to be travelling in Reg, we can keep costs down by staying at campsites, so Deiva Marina is our base.

cinqueterre, deiva marina, italy, motorhome, camping
The 5 villages of Cinque Terre

How to get to Cinque Terre

As a special region of Italy, it’s well-worth spending a few days here to explore everything. Deciding on the Cinque Terre train as a good mode of transport, it’s easy to travel to and from the 5 villages.

This whole area is quite expensive for train travel compared to travelling on trains in other parts of Italy. Understandably so as this is an exceptional and famous tourist area.

CInque Terre, Italy, motorhome, camping
You have arrived at Cinque Terre National Park!

Tip: The Trenitalia train timetable changed over this year for the winter as of the 13th December, with reduced times more than the previous timetable. Apparently, this is the first year the timetable changed. Even the locals are confused, angry, and not impressed, especially with reduced services.

Cinque Terre Walks

The best way to explore and fully appreciate the wonderful 5 villages of Cinque Terre is on foot, on one of the many available walking trails.

cinque terre, deiva marina, italy, motorhome, camping
Coloured lines denote the many walking trail paths

All trails are open during the summer although a couple of segments are closed during the winter.

cinque terre trails, motorhome, camping, italy
Official trekking map

I’m surprised to see tourists here this time of year on the walking trails – thought we would be the only crazy ones as it’s quite chilly. Although it’s probably nothing compared to what the high season would be like and I can only imagine how busy.


Riomaggiore

The train (€4 one-way ticket for 6 hours) from Deiva Marina to Riomaggiore takes about 30 minutes.

Arriving in Riomaggiore to do the walking trail to Manarola, which is only supposed to take around 30 minutes on this easy trail, sadly this trail is closed for the winter.

At the front of the train station, turn left and only walk a little way before you hit the town’s square. Here you’ll see locals sitting and chatting the day away – everything slows down to a very slow winter’s pace.

Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre, Italy, motorhome, camping
Stunning Riomaggiore

The seafront is pretty special and great for taking photos.


Manarola

Hopping back on the train at Riomaggiore, the short next stop is to Manarola and where to start the walking trail to Corniglia – around a one-hour walk.

Manarola, Cinque Terre, Italy, motorhome, camping
Train tunnel – Manarola

The trail between Manarola and Corniglia is also closed – not doing too well. So instead, decide to explore this village for a while.

Corniglia, Italy, motorhome, camping, sculpture
Ancient sculpture

As potentially the oldest of the 5 Cinque Terre villages, Manarola is quite a small village.

Although this is still gorgeous nonetheless and in keeping with the wonderful multi-colours of other villages in this region. Ancient homes spill effortlessly down to Manarola’s beach, which stretches along the length of this lovely village until San Lorenzo – an imposing church that dates back to 1338.

Manarola, Italy, motorhome, camping
Manarola…spectacular vista

Apart from a few locals stretching their legs and walking their hounds, not much happens along the beach this time of year.

Food

Only a quick stop for food again.

Cantina Dello Zio Bramante

Along Via R Birolli 110, this great restaurant serves good coffee (€2), delicious Pesto and Cheese Bruschetta (€3.50-5), and many more delights.

You’ll enjoy great service in a wonderful aged building. The owner’s father bought this building in 1958 when it still had massive wine barrels in the Cantina. Alas, these have been removed to make way for more seating and a different style of delectation.

Gorgeous place to eat!

cantina, CInque Terre, Manarola, Italy, motorhome, camping
Cantina Dello Zio Bramante

Corniglia

Really anxious to walk some of this beautiful rugged coastline today, we give it one last try and hop on yet another train ride. This time from Manarola to the next stop of Corniglia.

The wait time between trains is about 1.5 hours this time of year, so be prepared and factor this in your day if you’re hoping to walk some trails.

Before stretching the old legs and taking off on the long-awaited walk, try to explore some of Corniglia’s gorgeous surrounds. This whole area really is magical and something straight out of postcard imagery.

Corniglia, Italy, Cinque Terre, motorhome, camping
Corniglia

On TripAdvisor loads of reviewers whine about the many steps when you hop off at Corniglia’s train station but it really isn’t too bad. The steps are not too steep and the views along the way are suburb – why would anyone complain?

Walk from Corniglia to Varnazza

From Corniglia, the walking trail (trek) is supposed to take around 1.5 hours along the weathered coastline. Although, as we take many photos along the way, it takes us over 2 hours – but what’s the hurry? You don’t want to rush through this region.

Gorgeous olive groves, vineyards, small cottages, azure blue Mediterranean Sea, and stunning scenery awaits you on this walk, which snakes its way around Italy’s most famous coastline.

Vernazza, Cinque terre, Italy, motorhome, camping
Vernazza

As you descend the rugged cliff and down the many stone steps, the small village of Vernazza founded in 1000 AD, unfolds.

Vernazza, Cinque terre, Italy, motorhome, camping
Vernazza

Built in the 15th century as a lookout tower to protect the village from pirates, Doria Castle still stands majestically at the furthermost point of Vernazza.

Dotted with numerous multi-coloured ancient buildings stretching down to the tiny harbour, it’s all so breathtaking and picturesque – just like a timeless Renaissance painting!

Vernazza, Cinque terre, Italy, motorhome, camping
Walk with a vista – Vernazza

Sadly, with cloudy, drizzly, and dull weather, the famous colours are not as vibrant as when the sun is out, which is a huge shame  -still, it’s wonderful to be here…

Vernazza, Cinque terre, Italy, motorhome, camping
Stored for the winter

Food

A little expensive for food here and I’d hate to see what prices are like during the summer – assuming these are winter prices.

Cinque Terre Gelateria

On Via Roma 13, this is your go-to stop for an excellent gelato (€2.50 for a generous double serve cone). Be warned, you may not be able to stop at just one. Gourmet desserts rae also served, which look amazing.

Lunch Box

Stop on Via Roma 34 at this mother and son’s tiny shop, which serves “make your own” sandwiches. Very good but can be expensive as you pay per ingredient. As an example, a warmed Focaccia with just Parma ham and cheese is €4.50.

Homemade lasagne, pies, and other local delights are also on offer. No real coffee is sold – bizarre – just cold drinks.

Vernazza, Cinque terre, Italy, motorhome, camping
Another view
Vernazza, Cinque terre, Italy, motorhome, camping
Vernazza football match

Monterosso al Mare

Deciding to make the most of our stay in this beautiful region, another day of exploring and walking Cinque Terre is a must.

Today the train from Deiva Marina to Monterosso al Mare (€2.40 one-way ticket for 15kms or 75 minutes) takes about 15 minutes. The train stopped at Sestri Levante for a connecting train, which is the new winter timetable that not even the locals know about yet.

Everyone changes trains here now, regardless of the direction of travel.

CInque Terre, Italy, Monterosso, motorhome, camping
An almost clear sky – rain vs sun on the horizon!

From Monterosso’s station, walk up the road through the tunnel, then turn left to go to the town square.

Gorgeous ancient architecture and narrow alleyways awaits your every turn.

Monterosso, Cinque terre, Italy, motorhome, camping
Quaint Medieval alleyway – Monterosso

Loads of photo opportunities of locals’ sitting and chatting, which seems to be the Italian way and very sociable in this quiet town.

Monterosso, Cinque terre, Italy, motorhome, camping, church
“Death and Prayer” – San Giovanni Battista

Note:

The park fee for the walking trail between Monterosso al Mare and Varnazza is €7.50 in the summer. Although, as booths are closed during the winter, it’s free – another bonus for visiting during the cold.

I believe other walking trails between the 5 villages cost a similar price.

Monterosso, Cinque terre, Italy, motorhome, camping
Beautiful Monterosso!

Food

Didn’t indulge in too much food in Monterosso al Mare, but always time for a coffee and snack.

A Butega de Munterussu

On Via Roma 50, this tiny almost deli/coffee hole in the wall with a few tables and chairs outside, is a great stop. Good coffee (€1.70) and freshly made Focaccia (€5.00) are served.

A few other local Italian fresh delicacies are also served.


Walk from Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza

This is about a 3.2km walk from the station on the red/white walking trail. The walk isn’t easy as there are loads of steep steps going up and down.

Monterosso, Cinque terre, Italy, motorhome, camping
Descending more steps (Photo: Neil Lintern)

This walk takes you to a height of 180 metres above sea level through stunning hilly countryside, terraced vineyards and olive groves, back-dropped with calm Mediterranean azure waters – so very picturesque!

Monterosso, Cinque terre, Italy, motorhome, camping
Stunning views!

Leaving Cinque Terre

With the new winter timetable, the train (€2.70 – 20kms or 75mins) from Vernazza to Deiva Marina stops at Levante again for a wait of about 10 minutes before picking up the connecting train. Locals are also confused with the new timetable, so imagine how confused tourists are with this schedule.

Visit my Nilla’s Photography for more global images. More posts on Italy at Image Earth Travel.

Monterosso, Cinque terre, Italy, motorhome, camping
Along the Monterosso/Vernazza trail (Photo: Neil Lintern)

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48 responses to “Italy’s spectacular Cinque Terre, what’s not to love?”

  1. thetravelsofamberleejane Avatar

    Great post! Makes me want to go back already!! <3

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you!

      I live in Italy now so should make an effort to go back soon 🙂

  2. wanderinganne16 Avatar

    Such a lovely post, im getting more excited now as ill be going this coming January. I have secured my place in vernazza for 3 nights. Just one question is there any supermarket open during the winter? Hope to hear from you soon. Cheers!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you, it’s a beautiful region of Italy!
      We travelled during December and found that most restaurants, supermarkets, etc., were still open. Typically though in Italy, shops close from around 12:30 – 16:00hrs, then re-open until 20:00hrs, depending on the area. These times may also vary slightly and not all shops stick to these exact closing times.
      You’ll have an excellent time. Some of the walking paths between the villages are closed during winter so I’d check before you set off.

  3. roadtotravel Avatar

    Awesome! My first post on my blog is about Cinque terre, amazing place! Go check it out if you like!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you! Glad you enjoyed my post.
      Just tried to visit your site but says your site is no longer available. 🙁

      1. roadtotravel Avatar

        Another user told me that before, but I really do not understand why. Can you help me solving this problem? thank you very much

      2. roadtotravel Avatar

        You’re welcome! Can you please try again and see if now you are able to access our site? Thank you!

      3. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        No, I’m not able to access your site and not sure why.

      4. roadtotravel Avatar

        Sorry for boring you but we are a little bit worried! Can you tell us the lin of our site that you have? Or can you try again? Because we changed our settings now.
        Thank you very much and sorry once again

      5. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Hi again, your site is working now. However, I can’t like your post or comment (not sure if this is how you want your site).
        I’ve checked out your post and followed your site. 🙂

      6. roadtotravel Avatar

        I think we resolve the problem!!
        Can you check it?
        Thank you

  4. panandnell Avatar

    This place looks so pretty! I wish I can visit one day!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      I hope you do also as it’s a wonderful experience!

  5. David Leaf Avatar

    Pity you can’t label your towns correctly spoils a great blog!
    Manarola’s seafront
    Stunning Corniglia
    Leaving Corniglia…another spectacular vista
    Mixed them up!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Hi David!
      Glad you liked my blog and thank you for pointing the error out. I’ve just swapped the photos around and updated the post.
      Cheers,
      Nilla

  6. Eva Avatar

    What a lovely post! I need to go. I’ve heard about it but have never made it. You have a great blog. I really enjoy it and nominated you for the Liebster Award: https://upupandawaytravel.wordpress.com/2017/01/29/liebster-award-nomination-dankeschon/

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you and it’s cool you enjoyed the post! You must go, it’s a stunning part of Italy.

      Many thanks for the nomination; very humbled. 🙂 I will try to post a response in the next week or so as currently working on my post that should have been published yesterday.

  7. fareasttravelogue Avatar

    i went there last October, I visited 4 of the towns because its was already late in the evening for the last train to monterosso al mare.. so we ended up only until Vernazza. 🙂

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Did you enjoy what you saw? You’ll have to return to see more 😉

      1. fareasttravelogue Avatar

        I really enjoyed. There are so many places still to visit in Italy. Still did not post my trip. I’ll write in few days 🙂

      2. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Excellent! I also need to return. Hope it’s soon but still too many places to see here; look forward to reading more of your posts.

  8. Evelina Avatar

    Once again, nice shots! Really feels like I’m there 🙂 Ah beautiful Italy

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you! I’m glad you can live in Italy through my posts. 😉

  9. paintdigi Avatar

    Good posts. Beautiful blog. Congratulations.
    Welcome see my creations on: http://paintdigi.WordPress.com

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you and yes, I’ve checked out your beautiful digital creations; I’ll be back!

      1. paintdigi Avatar

        thank you v.m. , and welcome friend

  10. Holistic Wayfarer Avatar

    My 9-yr-old, who’s studying European history and geography, enjoyed the photos.

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Excellent, I’m happy to hear this and many thanks for dropping me a comment!
      I have many more posts on Italy to upload yet so stay tuned. Apologies for being a little slow but I’m building a replacement photography site at the moment; my current site is 5+ years’ old and dated.

  11. mar bucag Avatar

    Love it!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you Mar!

  12. voulaah Avatar

    wow so beautiful those place
    thnak you so much for good sharing
    kisses

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Hello and yes, Italy is stunning. I can’t wait to explore more now that I’m here for another 11 months!

      1. voulaah Avatar

        🙂

  13. girleccentric Avatar

    Awwwww…those places are beautiful.
    Come and carry me *sobs* I want to go there
    *dries tears*
    For a while I thought that first round stone stuff was a magnified coin.
    Lol
    Hope u had a nice time.
    Love.
    http://www.girleccentric.wordpress.com

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      It’s a beautiful area in Italy and yes, I had a wonderful time; you must go!
      The emblem does look like a coin but this is carved out of marble – amazing craftsmanship.

  14. christie jones Avatar

    Gorgeous!! Cinque Terre was one of my favorite places in Italy!! And I think you need to visit them in the summer as well (no matter how busy the trails might be:) Btw, how you ended up with the interview?.. I guess you did it:)

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      I think you’re right, any excuse to re-visit this gorgeous region of Italy! I’m right down the south now, in the beautiful toe region. Eating my way around Italy so my waistline is expanding at an alarming rate! 🙂

      I flew back home to Australia and was successful in gaining a 1-year Residency visa. If Italy doesn’t change its laws, then I can re-apply after the year for another 12 months, in Italy this time (I hope).

      1. christie jones Avatar

        Glad you have resolved with your visa! Are you planning staying longer in Italy, or move definitively?

      2. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        First year so far, still have another interview here next month.
        Plan to stay as long as I’m allowed 😉

      3. christie jones Avatar

        All the best! Fingers crossed:)

      4. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Thank you and I look forward to reading more of your posts!

  15. seasiangirl Avatar

    Fabulous! This a definitely on my Italian travel plans now so thank you so much for sharing this 🙂 x

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Believe me, you won’t be disappointed, even in the winter…spectacular! 😉

      I need to get a shift on and upload more posts but I’m starting to re-design my Nilla’s Photography site so that will take me a while.

      1. seasiangirl Avatar

        I will look forward to that 😉

      2. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Cool, no pressure. 😉

  16. Notis Stamos Avatar

    Amazing places! Straight to the top of my TO VISIT list!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Absolutely! I might just return to explore even further, now that I’m based in Italy for a while 😉

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