Cinque Terre

travel wonder in Italy

Why the
Cinque Terre
is special

Photogenic villages and terraced vineyards cling to the steep, craggy coastline of Cinque Terre.

Tips & insights on the

Cinque Terre

The name means "five lands", referring to the area's five fishing villages.

Those villages are blessed with narrow streets and old-time charm.

Until recent times, they were directly accessible only by boat or mule trail. Nowadays, there is train service to each village. A daily ship-ferry service is also available (with superb views of the Cinque Terre sea-landscape). You can drive to or near some of the villages (but parking is a problem).

Hikers trek between the communities on a narrow, up-and-down, 12-kilometer (7-mile) trail. The panoramic views are awesome. Some sections are challenging and not recommended for the unfit or acrophobic.

Vernazza is the most picturesque of the villages. Riomaggiore is the runner-up (though it is the most touristy).

View my other gold,

silver & bronze medal

winners in Italy

My Italian

phrase guide

for travelers

What every visitor should know.

Italian cuisine guide

I hope your Italy travel dreams come true - and that 

my Cinque Terre page helps you enjoy your vacation, tour or trip

Web page ©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications