Cinque Terre by Foot, Train, and Sea: A Slow Journey Through Five Timeless Villages

There are three beautiful ways to experience Cinque Terre, and I had the joy of sampling them all:

• Hiking, for the immersive, slow-travel magic of walking ancient cliffside paths between the villages. I did this over two rewarding days.

• By train, which effortlessly connects all five towns in minutes through mountain tunnels.

• By boat, offering the most cinematic views—with pastel towns rising from the sea like painted dreams.

My advice? Mix and match. Spend a day hiking if you’re up for it, then let the train or boat give your legs a break while you soak in different perspectives of this unforgettable stretch of coast.

Each village offers something unique:

• Monterosso al Mare – The largest, with a sandy beach and easygoing seaside charm.

• Vernazza – Quintessentially photogenic, with its charming harbor and medieval tower.

• Corniglia – Quiet and cliff-perched, with sweeping views and a peaceful, local vibe.

• Manarola – Steep vineyards, colorful houses, and a reputation for dramatic sunset photos.

• Riomaggiore – Bustling and vertical, perfect for catching golden hour over the marina.

Planning a longer trip? Cinque Terre pairs beautifully with a visit to Florence and the Tuscany countryside. I’ve written personal guides to both, filled with tips, hidden gems, and itineraries that can help you build a seamless Italian escape.

Relax, unpack, and let the sea welcome you

After a scenic train ride from Florence—with a quick connection at La Spezia—I arrived in Monterosso al Mare, my home base for the next three days in Cinque Terre. Monterosso is the northernmost and most accessible of the five villages, and it’s also the most beach-friendly—a gentle entry point into this rugged coastal wonderland.

Monterosso is unique among the five towns for having a true sandy beach, complete with colorful umbrellas, sunbeds, and a laid-back Riviera vibe. While the other villages boast dramatic harbors and rocky swimming spots, Monterosso offers a place to kick off your shoes, stretch your legs, and let your soul catch up with your journey.

That first evening, I did exactly what I needed to after a few busy days in Florence: nothing at all. I wandered the promenade, let the salt air tangle my hair, dipped my feet in the sea, and watched the sun dip below the horizon in a watercolor blaze of orange and pink. A glass of crisp Ligurian white wine in hand, camera slung over my shoulder—this was the perfect reset before the more active adventures ahead.

Tip: If you're staying in Monterosso, arrive early enough to enjoy golden hour on the beach. There are plenty of waterfront bars and cafes where you can sit back and savor the slower pace. It's a great way to start adjusting to the rhythm of Cinque Terre.

Monterosso → (2.2 Miles) Vernazza → (2.5 Miles) Corniglia

Energized after a restful evening in Monterosso, I set out early for one of Cinque Terre’s most iconic experiences: hiking the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) from Monterosso to Corniglia, passing through Vernazza along the way.

The trail begins with a steep ascent out of Monterosso, but the reward comes quickly—sweeping views of terraced vineyards, bright green hills, and the endless blue of the Ligurian Sea. I was soaking in the Tuscan sun (with plenty of water and sunscreen!) and pausing often at scenic overlooks to breathe in the coastal beauty and snap photos of the colorful villages clinging to the cliffs.

By late morning, I had descended into Vernazza, the most photographed of the five towns—and for good reason. With its charming harbor, pastel buildings, and medieval tower, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger.

I grabbed a seat at a shaded piazza café and ordered a delicious wood-fired vegetarian pizza, perfectly paired with a glass of chilled local white wine. While I opted for a meatless meal, seafood lovers will find no shortage of freshly caught options—from anchovies and calamari to seafood pasta dishes made with the morning’s haul.

No matter what you eat, don’t skip the gelato. Vernazza has several excellent gelaterias where you can cool off with a scoop (or two). I recommend pistachio or lemon for a refreshing midday treat.

After lunch, I climbed back onto the trail toward Corniglia, the only village not directly on the water. The route is quieter and slightly more forgiving, winding through olive groves and vineyards with dramatic cliffside views.

Corniglia has a peaceful, local feel, and I spent the rest of the afternoon exploring its narrow streets and scenic terraces. As the sun dipped lower, I caught the train back to Monterosso, tired but thrilled by a day of hiking, views, and vibrant village life.

Tip: Wear good hiking shoes, carry water, and take your time. The trail between Monterosso and Corniglia is physically demanding in spots, but it's one of the best ways to truly experience the wild, rustic charm of Cinque Terre.

Corniglia → (2.2 Miles) Manarola → (.9 Mile) Riomaggiore → Monterosso (by boat)

My third and final day in Cinque Terre brought together everything I had come to love about this region—scenic hiking, cliffside cafés, spontaneous swims, and unforgettable views from the sea.

I started the day by taking the train from Monterosso back to Corniglia, this time to hike the second half of the Blue Trail. After climbing the famous Lardarina staircase—over 350 steps that connect the station to the town—I treated the climb as a perfect warm-up. From there, I set off on the trail toward Manarola.

This stretch felt different—quieter, more reflective. The trail snakes along the cliff edges, offering long stretches of open sea views, punctuated by wildflowers and ancient dry-stone walls. By midday, I had arrived in Manarola, and settled at a cliffside café for small bites and a simple lunch. The view was striking: terraced vineyards rolling down into the sea, waves crashing far below.

Then came one of the most refreshing highlights of my entire trip: I changed into my swim trunks and headed down to the harbor of Manarola, where the rocky cove invites you in like a natural pool. The water was crystal-clear, deep blue, and incredibly invigorating—the perfect contrast to the dusty trail. I swam, floated, and let the cliffs rise around me like a painting come to life.

After drying off in the sun, I continued the journey to the fifth and final town, Riomaggiore. Arriving by foot felt almost ceremonial—a fitting conclusion to this epic walk. Riomaggiore has perhaps the most dramatic “tangle” of homes, rising in layered pastel chaos up the steep ravine. I spent the early evening wandering, photographing golden light on colorful shutters, and soaking in the town’s vibrant yet peaceful energy.

Rather than returning by trail or train, I chose to end my journey by boat—and what a finale it was. As the ferry pulled away from Riomaggiore, it slowly cruised past each town, stopping briefly and giving me a chance to see them all from the sea. With the sun dipping low, each village appeared like a dream—glowing with soft light, reflected in the water, timeless and serene.

By the time I stepped off the boat in Monterosso, my heart was full and my camera roll overflowing.

Tip: For a truly magical experience, take the late-afternoon boat ride from Riomaggiore back to Monterosso. It’s one of the few ways to see all five towns in one sweeping view—and watching them emerge from the cliffs in the golden light is something you'll never forget.