Things to do in Cinque Terre

A string of five centuries-old coastal villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline, Cinque Terre — meaning five lands— is set amid dramatic coastal scenery. In each of these five ingeniously constructed villages, you’ll be enticed to see pastel-coloured houses and vineyards clutched to steep terraces, and harbours filled with a wide variety of fishing boats. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997, Cinque Terre’s five villages are linked by The Sentiero Azzurro cliffside hiking trail along a six -mile stretch of the Italian Riviera.

Ingrained in antiquity, the history of Cinque Terre dates back to the early medieval period and while much of the villages’ architecture remains well-preserved; it is the steeply terraced cliffs dissected by fields and gardens, which gives it the charm and ability to transport you 200 years back in time, to a simpler, more idealistic version of Italy! In fact, the scope and grandeur of the low stone walls of the Cinque Terre can be compared to the Great Wall of China.

Did you know that these five enchanting villages offer a plethora of activities for the intrepid travellers? From a laid-back day out at the rocky Guvano beach to hiking the rugged mountain trails including the ‘Path of Love’, to savouring traditional Italian cuisines loaded with fresh seafood and lots of basil, there are so many places to sightsee and plenty of activities to do in this dreamlike Italian destination.

Know before you go

Half the fun exploring the magical villages of Cinque Terre lies in its relative inaccessibility. While the local trains best serve the area, it is not recommended to pay a visit at these magical villages by car.

What’s more; the peak season in Cinque Terre starts from the first weekend after Easter and continues till October. While it gets quite busy and crowded from May through August, it is highly recommended to book a room at least three months in advance.

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