The Cinque Terre Italy Map

CINQUE TERRE MAP NATIONAL PARK OPEN AND CLOSED HIKING TRAILS 2017

Introduction

The Cinque Terre is a picturesque cluster of coastal villages located in the Liguria region of Italy. It is known for its colorful buildings, breathtaking views, and delicious seafood. This region has become a popular destination for travelers who want to experience the beauty of Italy’s coastline. In this guide, we will cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports in The Cinque Terre.

Top Attractions

Monterosso al Mare

The largest of the five villages, Monterosso al Mare is home to stunning beaches and a vibrant nightlife. The Old Town is a must-visit, with its historic buildings and narrow streets. Be sure to try the local wine and seafood at one of the many restaurants in the area.

Vernazza

Vernazza is one of the most picturesque villages in The Cinque Terre. The harbor is surrounded by colorful buildings, and the church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia is a must-visit. The hiking trail from Vernazza to Monterosso is one of the most popular in the area.

Corniglia

Corniglia is the only village in The Cinque Terre that is not directly accessible by sea. It is perched on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the coastline. The Church of San Pietro is a popular attraction, as is the hiking trail to Vernazza.

Manarola

Manarola is known for its brightly colored buildings and stunning views of the sea. The village is home to a picturesque harbor and a beautiful church. Be sure to try the local wine and seafood at one of the many restaurants in the area.

Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore is the southernmost village in The Cinque Terre. It is known for its colorful houses and beautiful harbor. The Church of San Giovanni Battista is a must-visit, as is the hiking trail to Manarola.

Hidden Gems

If you want to get off the beaten path in The Cinque Terre, there are plenty of hidden gems to discover. Some of our favorites include:

The Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Reggio, a beautiful church located in the hills above Monterosso.
The Castle of Riomaggiore, a medieval fortress that offers stunning views of the sea.
The Sentiero Azzurro, a hiking trail that connects all five villages and offers breathtaking views of the coastline.
The Oratorio dei Disciplinati di Santa Caterina, a small chapel in Corniglia that is home to beautiful frescoes.

Food Scene

The Cinque Terre is known for its delicious seafood and local wines. Some of the must-try dishes include:

Fried anchovies
Pesto alla Genovese
Seafood risotto
Trofie al Pesto
La Farinata, a chickpea pancake

Be sure to try the local wines, including the Sciacchetrà, a sweet wine that is made from dried grapes.

Budget-Friendly Tips

The Cinque Terre can be an expensive destination, but there are ways to save money. Some tips include:

Visit during the off-season (October to April) when prices are lower.
Stay in a hostel or camping site instead of a hotel.
Eat at local trattorias instead of tourist restaurants.
Take the local train instead of a taxi or private car.
Bring your own reusable water bottle to save money on drinks.

Outdoor Adventures

The Cinque Terre is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the best outdoor activities include:

Hiking the Sentiero Azzurro, a trail that connects all five villages.
Kayaking along the coastline.
Swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Snorkeling to discover the marine life.
Cycling along the hills above the villages.

Family-Friendly Activities

The Cinque Terre is a great destination for families with children. Some family-friendly activities include:

Visiting the Aquarium of Genoa, a world-renowned aquarium that is located near The Cinque Terre.
Taking a boat tour to discover the coastline and marine life.
Enjoying a day at the beach.
Learning how to make pesto in a cooking class.
Visiting a local farm to learn about the agriculture of the region.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

If you want to get away from the crowds in The Cinque Terre, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to discover. Some of our favorites include:

Visiting the hilltop village of Volastra, which offers stunning views of the sea.
Exploring the abandoned village of Lemmen, which was abandoned after a landslide in the 1950s.
Discovering the hidden beach of Guvano, which is accessible only by foot or by sea.
Visiting the Santuario di Soviore, a beautiful monastery that is located in the hills above Monterosso.

Natural Wonders

The Cinque Terre is home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders in Italy. Some of the must-see attractions include:

The Punta Manara Regional Nature Reserve, which offers stunning views of the sea and the coastline.
The Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre, a national park that is home to a variety of wildlife and plant species.
The Grotta di Byron, a sea cave that is said to have been a favorite spot of the poet Lord Byron.
The Spiaggia del Tino, a secluded beach that is accessible only by foot or by sea.

Vibrant Nightlife

The Cinque Terre may be a small region, but it has a vibrant nightlife. Some of the best places to enjoy a night out include:

The bars and clubs in Monterosso al Mare.
The wine bars in Riomaggiore.
The beach parties in Vernazza.
The live music venues in Manarola.
The outdoor cinemas in Corniglia.

Local Markets

Exploring the local markets in The Cinque Terre is a great way to discover the local culture and cuisine. Some of the best markets include:

The Mercato del Lunedi in La Spezia, which is held every Monday and offers a variety of local products.
The Mercato del Venerdi in Levanto, which is held every Friday and offers fresh produce and seafood.
The Mercato del Giovedi in Sarzana, which is held every Thursday and offers a variety of local products and crafts.
The Mercato della Terra in Monterosso, which is held every Saturday and offers organic and locally grown products.

Beaches and Mountains

The Cinque Terre is a region of contrasts, with stunning beaches and rugged mountains. Some of the best places to enjoy both include:

The beach in Monterosso al Mare, which is the largest in The Cinque Terre.
The hiking trail from Vernazza to Monterosso, which offers stunning views of the sea and the mountains.
The hilltop village of Volastra, which offers stunning views of the sea and the mountains.
The beach in Corniglia, which is accessible only by foot but offers stunning views of the coastline.