Cinque Terre

Why the Cinque Terre is special
Villages and terraced vineyards cling to the steep, craggy coastline of Cinque Terre. The villages are blessed with narrow streets, old-time charm, and a strong sense of the sea.

Cinque Terre tips and insights
Cinque Terre was once difficult to reach
Until recent times, the villages were directly accessible only by boat or mule trail. Nowadays, there is train service to each village. A daily ship-ferry service is also available (with superb views of the Cinque Terre sea-landscape). You can drive to or near some of the villages (but parking is a problem).

Trails connect the villages
You can trek between the communities on a narrow, up-and-down, 12-kilometer (7-mile) trail. The panoramic views are awesome. Some sections are challenging and not recommended for the unfit or acrophobic.

The two best villages

• Vernazza
  Most seasoned travelers believe it is the most picturesque of the villages
  
• Riomaggiore
  This is the runner-up. It's also the most touristy village.

Meaning of Cinque Terre
The name means"five lands", referring to the area's five fishing villages, which still flourish.

Location in Italy