Is Cinque Terre Worth Visiting? My HONEST Opinion! Italy, 2024

If you’re wondering whether Cinque Terre is worth visiting or not, you’re in the right place! We added Cinque Terre to our eight-week Italy road trip last autumn, and I’m here to tell you exactly what we thought…

…which is, I don’t think Cinque Terre is worth the hype, and it’s definitely not somewhere worth visiting for any longer than a few days. I’m going into more detail on this below to explain exactly what I mean and why.

However, I also want to note that we thought Cinque Terre was a stunning place to visit. It is perfect for hikers, wine lovers and nature enthusiasts, thanks to the national park in which it sits. It also has a quirky character and vibrant atmosphere, which we loved. 

So it’s not all bad!

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Uncover The Honest Truth & Reasons Behind Whether Cinque Terre Is Worth Visiting Or Not!

In this guide, I’m sharing with you my honest opinion as to why I don’t think Cinque Terre is worth visiting, or at least worth visiting as a singular destination. I’m also including the following:

• Reasons why it is worth visiting
• Reasons why it’s not worth visiting
• A brief description of the five villages of Cinque Terre
• Practical information on the best day trips, how to get there, where to stay, and how to explore the villages if you still feel like you have to go.

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Is Cinque Terre Worth Visiting? Our Experience

The short answer is no. Cinque Terre is not worth visiting… if you don’t like crowds, hiking, hiked-up prices and seeing the same things over and over again.

The long answer is a little more complicated. 

Before we left for Italy, I had Cinque Terre on the itinerary as a must-visit destination. It’s been on my bucket list for a while, and I’ve read so much information on how breathtaking it was: the colourful houses built into the cliffs, the delicious food, the local vineyards and, of course, the unbeatable scenery. It sounded like heaven.

So, in the end, Jack and I planned five days in Cinque Terre, but we only stayed for three.

The problem was that Cinque Terre was so busy that it became unpleasant. We even abandoned Vernazza, staying all of ten minutes before beelining for the train – the crowds were unbelievable. 

Keep in mind that we visited during the off-season in October. I dread to think what peak season would have been like!

We met some of the rudest hospitality employees in the whole of Italy. The prices had skyrocketed, and really, the whole experience became very repetitive. The villages look the same, feel the same and sell the same; there’s not much uniqueness between them.

Cinque Terre is no longer a hidden gem, which is a shame because the landscape is spectacular. However, the secret is out, and it’s become a very busy tourist hotspot, which ultimately ruined the experience for us. 

Contradictory to popular belief, it’s not somewhere that I think is a must-visit destination. And, if you don’t like hiking, I defo don’t recommend visiting, as the hikes are what makes it worth visiting!

On the other hand, I understand why it’s somewhere you want to visit. I’ve been in your shoes, and if this is the case, three days at the absolute most is what I suggest. I do think Cinque Terre offers a unique experience, especially if you’re travelling as a couple because it is romantic and if you enjoy hiking. 

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Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance

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Reasons Cinque Terre Is Worth Visiting

With all of the above said, I want to share with you the positive things about Cinque Terre first because there are reasons why it’s regarded as a top holiday destination, and I don’t want to be biased! 

The Scenery Is Stunning

Instead of following the popular Blue Trail (which is the path connecting the villages at the coast level), we took the High Path (AV5T/Path 1). On our last day, we walked from Riomaggiore to Port Venere, which was incredible.

From the High Mountain Path, we had some of the most incredible views over Cinque Terre National Park. We passed through vineyards and heathland, scrambled over rocks and walked peacefully through misty forests. 

The best part was that there were hardly any other hikers. It was a stark contrast to the bustling villages we had experienced the day before. 

The High Mountain Pass runs through the entirety of Cinque Terre National Park, and I highly recommend walking at least a section of it. (Section 1/a and 1/e are the best!) We did the final stretch, which was 13.5 km. Honestly, the scenery was breathtaking.

⭐ Pro tip >> If you don’t fancy that, then the Blue Trail, which currently runs between Monterosso, Vernazza and Corniglia, is the most popular hiking route in Cinque Terre. Keep in mind a section is closed between Corniglia and Manarola due to a landside (Scheduled to be re-opened in Summer 2024).

The Atmosphere Is Perfect For Couples

One thing Cinque Terre didn’t falter in was a lively and romantic atmosphere, particularly in the evenings.

There was a nice vibe in Monterosso and Corniglia during the day. It’s the perfect place for a three-day visit if you don’t mind crowds, with plenty of cafes and restaurants to keep you entertained, beautiful viewpoints and swimming spots.

If you’re travelling as a couple, the atmosphere in the afternoon/evening in Cinque Terre is a winner. It’s much calmer after the day trippers have left and perfect for romantic evenings enjoying the scenery.

I will note that Cinque Terre isn’t the place for boozing and partying; instead, it’s a glass of wine at sunset kind of place. If you’re after a party, you’ll be disappointed with Cinque Terre!

⭐ Pro tip >> Sunset over the Riviera is another reason Cinque Terre is worth visiting and witnessing the changing shades over the villages is truly spectacular. Join this golden hour boat tour and witness the incredible panoramic views from the water during sunset.

The Vineyards & Wine

Cinque Terre’s vineyards have a unique, organic feel due to the challenging terrain. The winemaking process is defined as “heroic viticulture” because everything from maintenance to harvesting must be done by hand. 

There are many vineyards along the Blue Trail and a handful accessible on the high Path. However, I recommend even non-hikers venture along the path a little way to witness the rugged landscape and stop by a vineyard. 

The region offers two main wine varieties – the dry white Cinque Terre DOC and the sweet Sciacchetrà DOC. There are several wine bars throughout the villages, and tours are available for a more in-depth experience. 

⭐ Pro tip >> This vineyard tour is a popular option, offering a short hike and wine tasting with stunning panoramic views from Vernazza.

The Villages Are Beautiful

All five of Cinque Terre’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites are truly beautiful. The way they have been constructed into the steep cliff face and along the uneven terrain is astonishing. They are wonderful to look at from afar, with pastel hues making them even more dreamy.

I certainly think Cinque Terre has great scenic value.

The largest of the villages is Monterosso al Mare, which is the only one that didn’t feel too crowded and had a nice atmosphere. It was my favourite, alongside Corniglia and Manarola, which were beautiful and quirky. If you’re visiting for a day trip, these are the three I recommend.

⭐ Pro tip >>This is a great place to head out on a sunset cruise, take a kayak tour or a Cinque Terre boat trip. There are plenty of nice restaurants along the waterfront with panoramic views, and be sure to have a local wine tasting!

If you still want to visit Cinque Terre, you’ll need a little background info on the five villages:

MONTEROSSO AL MARE

Monterosso al Mare was the first village we visited and spent the most time. We arrived in the afternoon and enjoyed the rest of the day on the beach and exploring the surrounding area. 

This is the only village which has a decent sandy beach and a more resort-style feel. It’s split into two areas, with the “old” town at one end and the beach or “new” town at the other, known as Fegina. The train station is easily accessible.

You’ll find the start of the Blue Trail here. 

In the old town, stroll through the winding streets and visit the 14th-century Parrocchia di S. Giovanni Battista and Oratorio dei Neri (the Church of the Dead). Afterwards, head to the 13th-century Aurora Tower, the Church of St John the Baptist and the Capuchin Monastery.

VERNAZZA 

Vernazza is considered the prettiest village in Cinque Terre, but it’s also the busiest. If you choose to visit Vernazza, go before the day trippers and lunchtime crowds arrive; early morning or late afternoon is best.

It’s a long village with a natural harbour and a small stretch of sand. The old town, from what we saw, would have been nice without the crowds. There were numerous alleys leading further into the village and plenty of stores.

You’ll be able to get some beautiful shots in Vernazza from multiple scenic points, such as from Doria Castle, the harbour, and above the village. Don’t forget to visit the 14th-century Ligurian-Gothic Santa Margherita d’Antiochia.

⭐ Pro tip >> Take a short hike with panoramic views from Vernazza and treat yourself to a wine tasting with local snacks.

CORNIGLIA

The other one of my favourite villages in Cinque Terre, Corniglia, is a mission to get to, which I guess is why it’s less busy. With 33 flights and 383 steps from the train station, many people are put off, but I think it’s worth the climb as it was a remarkable village and one not to be missed.

In the early afternoon, we noticed it becoming a little crowded since it’s the endpoint (or starting point) of the current Blue Trail. But with its narrow streets, cafes and hilltop position, it’s a stunning place and a good early lunchtime spot.

The best thing about Corniglia is the beautiful views, and there are a couple of scenic points to check out. Visit the Piazza Taragio – the main square – and the Chiesa di San Pietro. At the very end of the village, there is also another viewpoint overlooking the coastline.

MANAROLA

In my opinion, Manarola is also one of the top three villages to visit in Cinque Terre. It’s a village with a beautiful marina, multiple spots for swimming amongst the rocks and superb hilltop views. 

It actually has one of the best viewpoints in Cinque Terre – Manarola Overlook Viewpoint (Google Maps). You might have to queue to get the perfect shot, but it’ll be worth it. 

Some other sites to visit include the small medieval stone church of Chiesa di San Lorenzo and its yellow clock tower. Check out this pesto-making class in Manarola, too!

You can do a loop from the train station along Via A. Rolland to the church and then head to the central piazza along Via Antonio Discovolo and onto Via Renato Birolli, which will take you to the sea.

⭐ Pro tip >> There is a nice 20-minute circular walk that crosses through the Manarola vineyards, starting at San Lorenzo Church. It’s the Blue Route trailhead, but walk straight towards the sea rather than follow Trail 6P into the hills when it turns right (Google Maps). 

RIOMAGGIORE

We didn’t spend too long in Riomaggiore, arriving later in the day. The crowds had dispersed, and it was a nice change of pace, but we were super tired from our hike along the High Mountain Pass that we didn’t stay for too long.

Nevertheless, Riomaggiore was a charming village with a slightly more playful atmosphere.

There is a 3.5 km circular hike to the 11th-century Santuario di Nostra Signora di Montenero from Riomaggiore (Google Maps). This is where we picked up the High Path to Porto Venere, but you can circle back down to the village. It’s a steep hike, and you’ll need to be relatively fit. The views from the top are fantastic.

Closer to town, check out the beautiful views from Castello di Riomaggiore. This village is also great for vineyard tours, boat trips and kayak tours. Be sure to visit the two churches: Church of San Giovanni Battista, a Gothic church and Oratorio di Santa Maria Assunta, also known as Chiesa dalla Compagnia, a 16th-century church near the castle.

THE BEST WAY TO VISIT THE VILLAGES

There are two main ways to travel between the Cinque Terre Villages. We did a combination of both, which I think is the best way.

You can either hike or catch the train. You can also catch a bus, and it is possible to drive; however, cars are restricted to residents only in certain areas. The easiest way is by train. 

Multiple trains run throughout the day between La Spezia and Levanto, stopping at all the villages. A single journey costs €5 no matter how far you go. 

To save money, consider purchasing the upgraded one-day Cinque Terre Card, which can be used as a train pass. The upgraded card costs €18.20 and includes unlimited travel on the Cinque Terre line. If you plan on making more than three single journeys in a day, it’s worth it.

The same Cinque Terre Card is a one-day pass, which you will need to purchase if you plan on hiking the Blue Trail. It costs €7.50 and includes the use of the local buses, wifi and toilets.

⭐ Pro tip >> You could also jump on the ferries, although this is not a cheap option. We caught the ferry from Porto Venere to Riomaggiore on our last day, and it cost €18. The train would have been cheaper although the views from the water were perfect and worth every penny. We bought our tickets at the ticket booth in the marina.

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Reasons Cinque Terre Is Not Worth Visiting

That said, I don’t think Cinque Terre is a “must-visit” destination, so let’s dive deeper into the reasons I gave as to why Cinque Terre isn’t worth visiting.

It’s Crowded

The number one reason not to visit Cinque Terre is the crowds. I thought that if we visited in October, we would miss the hordes of tourists, but I was mistaken. Even in the off-season, Cinque Terre is a busy place. The only village which wasn’t overflowing with tourists was Monterosso al Mare, probably because it’s the biggest, but even it was still busy.

The villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Vernazza (the worst) were terrible and ruined the experience. During the day, it wasn’t a peaceful place, as it’s often represented. Instead, it’s a loud and brash place with people shouting, queues for restaurants and crowded viewpoints. 

Even the train was unbearable during the day, standing like squashed sardines and being pushed along the platform. There didn’t appear to be any organisation, and it was a free fall all; if you’ve experienced the London Underground at rush hour, you’ll know what I mean.

It’s Overpriced

Our trip to Cinque Terre was one of the most expensive parts of our Italy road trip. Although we managed to find budget alternatives, we ate out less than planned. Even the souvenirs were pricer in comparison to other touristy areas. 

Accommodation, food and drink is by far the most expensive part of Cinque Terre, and you’ll be paying around €18 for one dish and a glass of wine. That said, wine is very affordable; you’ll pick up a good bottle for €6. 

We were lucky because we were travelling in our campervan, but accommodation is the biggest expense due to the small size of the villages and the high demand.

A budget of €100 a day per person will give you a decent mid-range holiday in Cinque Terre. Which I think is a bit expensive for a mid-range holiday in Italy.

⭐ Pro tip >> There’s also a Cinque Terre tourist tax, which you’ll have to pay between 1 March and 31 October. It costs €2 per person per day and capped at three days.

It’s Repetitive

In truth, you don’t need to visit all of the villages as they are very similar. I agree they may all have their own quirks. However, they are repetitive. 

The layout and look of the villages are alike, and once you’ve visited a couple, there really is nothing new to see. We also noticed the same merchandise being sold in every village, the same menus and the same clothing stores. 

The problem is FOMO (fear of missing out). Right?

I felt like I had to visit them all, so we did. But in reality, we would have been better off splitting our time between two or three villages. Which ones do I recommend? Monterosso al Mare, Corniglia and Manarola were my favourites and where I wish we’d spent more time.

⭐ Pro tip >> There is also Porto Venere, which deserves a mention. Although not technically in the 5 Terre, it is somewhere I think that’s worth a visit. It’s less crowded, more affordable and just as pretty, if not more so.

It’s Unfriendly 

I’m sad to say that Cinque Terre is an unfriendly place. We had a few mishaps, but there are a couple that stand out. 

We experienced a very rude lady at the ticket desk where you buy the pass for the Blue Trail in Monterosso al Mare and another lady in Porto Venere shouting at me not to take a photo of her stall. Fair enough, but ask me politely not to take a photo.

This was the opposite of the friendliness we experienced in Piedmont, where we had just spent two weeks. The locals in Piedmont were so friendly we felt at home; it’s certainly somewhere to consider visiting if you haven’t already! 

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How To Get To Cinque Terre 

If you would rather spend a few more days at Cinque Terre National Park, then an overnight trip or three days at most is what I recommend. There are numerous ways to reach the villages depending on your travel style.

Campervan

We went in our campervan and stayed in laybys along the road. We had stunning views over the water and managed to find spots close to the bus stop. For us, this was a fun way to travel around Italy, but for Cinque Terre, it is not campervan-friendly. 

The roads are narrow, winding and steep. Campsites are overpriced, and in hindsight, I would have skipped Cinque Terre from our itinerary. Instead, I advise leaving Cinque Terre for a separate trip or staying in nearby towns such as Levanto and catching the train.

Overall, we had a great time in the campervan around Cinque Terre, but it wasn’t as easy as we had imagined.

Train

The trains run frequently from the main cities to the outer towns near Cinque Terre. You’ll have to make a couple of transfers to get to the villages, but it is by far the easiest and most affordable way to get to Cinque Terre.

We like to use Trainline to purchase train travel, and they work throughout Europe. I find if I book my tickets ahead of time, they are sometimes cheaper, and I can also get an e-ticket so I don’t need to find the paper ticket at the train station. 

For example, from Florence, you will pay about €18 for a single journey to Cinque Terre, stopping at Pisa – La Spezia – Monterosso. The journey takes about three and a half hours, so it can be done in a day, although an overnight visit is better.

If you’re in Genoa, you can be in Cinque Terre in about one hour and a half; perfect for a day trip and only costs €10 for a single journey.

Plane

The closest airport is in Genoa. But Pisa also has an international airport, as does Florence. From the airports, the quickest way to Cinque Terre is by train, but you could also arrange for a private transfer.

Generally, we use Skyscanner when searching for flights as they compare multiple airlines. Check your flight prices below and see if you can find a good deal for your dates!

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Ideas On Where To Stay In Cinque Terre

Most of the traditional hotels are in Monterosso, although there aren’t many, with few in the other villages. Instead, you’ll find Airbnb rentals and guesthouses.

If you are thinking of spending the night in Cinque Terre, I recommend Monterosso as it’s the most convenient, or Riomaggiore, for the same reason. I wouldn’t suggest moving accommodations as it’s unnecessary, and the check-in/check-out times can cause issues.

Monterosso

• Zia Letizia Bed And Wine (Guesthouse): – Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.
• Monterosso Al Mare: Casa Magonza (Apartment): Check and review prices on Vrbo/Airbnb.
• MìaChì (Hotel): Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.

Riomaggiore

• Orto al Mare Room Rental (Guesthouse) – Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.
• House with Terrace on the Marina (Apartment): Check and review prices on Vrbo/Airbnb
• Locanda Ca Da Iride (Hotel): Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.

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FAQs: Is Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?

In Summary: Is Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?

Although I found Cinque Terre to be stunning and a great place for hiking, I don’t believe it’s worth visiting as an exclusive holiday destination due to the crowds, high prices, and lack of uniqueness between the villages. 

My honest opinion on whether Cinque Terre is worth visiting or not is not to go. Instead, visit Porto Venere and take a day trip into the villages or head to the north end of the Italian Riviera.

There are many other places in Italy and along the Italian Riviera which are just as pretty and not as busy. We stopped by a few places: San Remo and Portofino stand out as interesting and beautiful places, although Portofino was not so great for campervans.

However, if you still feel as if you have to visit Cinque Terre (which I get ’cause I was the same), I recommend going for a day trip, overnight or three days at most and definitely have it as part of a larger Italy itinerary.

Despite the negatives, the UNESCO site’s stunning scenery and beautiful villages are reasons for visiting Cinque Terre; just don’t spend too long there!