There’s that one moment.
When a row of colorful houses suddenly appears, clinging to the cliff’s edge—and for a second, you’re not sure if you’re really there or just dreaming.
I spent an entire summer nearby, which gave me time to truly get to know this iconic stretch of coastline. You’ve probably seen the pictures. Steep hills, pastel facades, narrow alleys, and those unreal sunsets. It’s a place the internet has long since declared a must-see—and for once, it’s not exaggerating.
These five little villages—Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso—sit side by side along the Ligurian Sea, tucked between La Spezia and Genoa. Each one is different. Each one is worth slowing down for.
This part of Italy is called Cinque Terre, meaning “Five Lands”—and there’s a reason it’s on so many bucket lists.
The villages are close together. Trains run every 15 minutes, so there’s no need to rush—just hop on, hop off, and take your time. But despite the short distances, each stop feels like stepping into a new world. Different rhythm. Different light. Same sea.
Is it perfect? No. Sometimes it’s crowded. Sometimes it’s hot. And yes, there are stairs. Everywhere. But somehow, that’s all part of the charm. Like any summer memory—it’s not perfect because everything went smoothly. It’s perfect because it felt real.
Getting Around
We started from La Spezia and took the train up to Levanto. No need to squeeze onto packed trains—the next one’s right behind it.
Prefer the sea? You can also catch boats from La Spezia or Porto Venere. From the water, the villages look completely different. It’s worth seeing them from both angles if you can.
And if you love hiking: the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) takes you along the coast from one village to the next. Just make sure to grab a Cinque Terre Trekking Card, and wear proper shoes—flip-flops or flat sandals aren’t allowed, and yes, they will fine you.
In this blog series, I’ll show you why I believe each village deserves its own spotlight.
I’ll tell you where I ate the best focaccia, where I felt like I could stay forever, and why Levanto—just beyond the “official five”—felt like the perfect bonus.
Come along with me.
Let’s start where it all began for me: Riomaggiore.