Cinque Terre is a National Park in Italy’s Liguria region that has five of the cutest Italian villages.
The towns Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are all perched on the cliffside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
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If you’re planning on visiting Italy soon and are wondering “is Cinque Terre worth visiting?“, our guide should help you decide whether you should add it to your itinerary or not.
Here is why Cinque Terre should be (or shouldn’t be) on your Italy bucket list.
Reasons To Visit Cinque Terre: The Pros
Cinque Terre is one of the most beautiful places in Italy. The villages of Cinque Terre are absolutely stunning.
They are located in a UNESCO World Heritage Site and have been voted as one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world.
The villages are all different and each has its own unique charm. Below you’ll find all the reasons why you should visit Cinque Terre.
The Weather
The weather in Cinque Terre is perfect. The temperatures in Cinque Terre are moderate all year round.
In the summer, the average temperature is around 26 degrees Celsius (79 Fahrenheit). And in the winter, the average temperature is around 10 degrees Celsius (50 Fahrenheit).
The best time to visit Cinque Terre is in the spring or fall. The weather is still nice and the crowds are not as bad as in the summer.
If you can handle the heat, then, you’ll love Cinque Terre during summertime.
The Seaside Towns
Cinque Terre is made up of five picturesque seaside towns. Each town has its own unique charm and character.
- Monterosso al Mare is the largest town and has a beautiful sandy beach.
- Vernazza is the most popular town and is known for its picturesque harbor.
- Corniglia is the smallest town and is located in the middle of the Cinque Terre region.
- Manarola is one of the most colorful towns and is known for its beautiful flowers.
- Riomaggiore is the southernmost town and is the most romantic of the five towns.
Want To Visit Cinque Terre?
Make sure to book a stay in one of the best hotels in Cinque Terre.
Best hostel: The 5 Terre
Best mid-range hotel: MADA Charm Apartments
Best luxury hotel: La Vista di Marina by The First
The Food
Cinque Terre has great food and wine. The Liguria region is known for its pesto sauce, focaccia bread, and seafood.
And of course, you can’t visit Cinque Terre without trying the local wine. The region produces some of the best white wine in Italy.
Some restaurants offer romantic locations with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Hiking
One of the best things to do in Cinque Terre is to hike the trails that connect the villages. You can walk between all the villages in Cinque Terre in about 5 hours.
The trails offer stunning views of the villages, the Mediterranean Sea, and the surrounding mountains.
We recommend you get a Cinque Terre Card to get access to the trails. The card also includes free access to the local trains and buses.
Things To Do
If you’re into hiking or photography, you’re going to love your time in Cinque Terre. But if you’re after a white sandy beach, you might be disappointed.
Cinque Terre is not the place to go for beach holidays. The beaches are small and pebbly, and there are no sun loungers or umbrellas unless you go to Monterosso al Mare.
Although, Monterosso is very crowded. In fact, it was our least favorite village when we visited Cinque Terre.
If you’re looking for things to do in Cinque Terre, we recommend taking a boat tour, hiking the Cinque Terre trail, and trying the local food!
But keep in mind that 2-3 days in the area should be enough. Check exactly how many you’ll need in Cinque Terre.
The Unique Scenery
Cinque Terre is one of the most unique and scenic places in Italy. The villages are located on the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
And the colorful houses make for some great photo opportunities. You can admire the views from different viewpoints, or from the sea (on a boat or ferry).
The Cons of Visiting Cinque Terre: Reasons To Skip It
Now that we’ve covered all the reasons why you should visit Cinque Terre, let’s take a look at a few reasons why you might want to skip it.
The Crowds
Cinque Terre is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. The villages can get very crowded, especially in the summer.
If you’re looking for a place to relax and escape the crowds, Cinque Terre is not the place for you.
That said, you can avoid the crowds by staying in Corniglia, the smallest village in Cinque Terre. Located right in the middle, you’ll get all the peace and quiet you need.
It might get busier during the day, but chances are that you’re going to be in other villages exploring.
It Can Be Expensive
Cinque Terre is a bit more expensive than other parts of Italy. The villages are small and there are not many cheap hotels or hostels. And the restaurants in Cinque Terre are not cheap either.
If you’re on a budget, you might want to skip Cinque Terre or stay in La Spezia.
The Lack Of Nightlife
Cinque Terre is a very quiet and sleepy place. There are no nightclubs or bars in the villages. If you’re looking for a place to party, Cinque Terre is not the place for you.
In fact, Cinque Terre seems to be a good destination for couples. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, Cinque Terre might be the perfect place for you.
It’s Not Family-Friendly
Cinque Terre is not the best place to visit if you’re traveling with young children. There are no playgrounds or kid-friendly activities in the villages. And the hiking trails can be a bit challenging for young children.
During our trip to Cinque Terre, we saw many families with young kids.
Keep in mind that all the hiking trails have lots of stairs and that Corniglia train station is at the bottom of the hill, meaning that you’ll need to climb lots of stairs to access the village at the top.
The Final Verdict: So Is Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?
Overall, Cinque Terre is a beautiful and unique place that is worth visiting if you’re interested in hiking or photography. The villages are charming and the scenery is breathtaking.
However, Cinque Terre can be crowded and expensive, so it might not be the best place to visit if you’re on a budget or traveling with young children.
We traveled to Cinque Terre in June 2022, and we loved it. As we prefer to avoid the crowds, we stayed in Corniglia, the quietest and smallest town in Cinque Terre.
It made our time in Cinque Terre more special.
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