Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from La Spezia to Monterosso al Mare in Liguria, Italy.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is April to June and September to October.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with no car (this is a drive-free route).

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Coastal, Scenic, Food & drink, Drive-free, Beach.

Cinque Terre Without a Car: La Spezia to Monterosso by Train and Ferry

Q: How long is the Cinque Terre Without a Car: La Spezia to Monterosso by Train and Ferry route?

This route takes 8 days taking in 7 stops.

1

La Spezia

1 night

The practical start: a working harbour city with fast mainline trains from Florence, Pisa and Genoa, plus ferries to Portovenere and the villages. Spend the first night here to buy your Cinque Terre Card, sort tickets and ease into the coast before the small villages fill your days.The practical start: a working harbour city with fast mainline trains from Florence, Pisa and Genoa, plus ferries to Portovenere and the villages. Spend the first night here to buy your Cinque Terre Card, sort tickets and ease into the coast before the small villages fill your days.

Recommendations

2

Portovenere

1 night

Often called the sixth village, this UNESCO harbour is reached by a short ferry south from La Spezia. Tall pastel houses line the quay below a 12th-century castle, and the striped Gothic Church of San Pietro sits dramatically on the headland. Swim at Byron's Grotto, then take the direct ferry on to Riomaggiore.Often called the sixth village, this UNESCO harbour is reached by a short ferry south from La Spezia. Tall pastel houses line the quay below a 12th-century castle, and the striped Gothic Church of San Pietro sits dramatically on the headland. Swim at Byron's Grotto, then take the direct ferry on to Riomaggiore.

Recommendations

3

Riomaggiore

1 night

The southernmost of the five villages and many people's favourite first sight, with steep lanes of stacked houses tumbling to a tiny fishing harbour. It is the start of the restored Via dell'Amore path to Manarola and a fine spot for sunset drinks on the rocks above the boats.The southernmost of the five villages and many people's favourite first sight, with steep lanes of stacked houses tumbling to a tiny fishing harbour. It is the start of the restored Via dell'Amore path to Manarola and a fine spot for sunset drinks on the rocks above the boats.

Recommendations

4

Manarola

1 night

Perhaps the most photographed village, framed by terraced vineyards that produce the local Sciacchetra dessert wine. Walk the easy seafront loop to the Nessun Dorma viewpoint for the classic photo, then watch the colours glow at dusk. The short Via dell'Amore path connects it back to Riomaggiore.Perhaps the most photographed village, framed by terraced vineyards that produce the local Sciacchetra dessert wine. Walk the easy seafront loop to the Nessun Dorma viewpoint for the classic photo, then watch the colours glow at dusk. The short Via dell'Amore path connects it back to Riomaggiore.

Recommendations

5

Corniglia

1 night

The quiet one: the only village without a harbour, perched high on a clifftop between vineyards. Reach it by the 382-step Lardarina staircase or the shuttle bus from the station. Far fewer people stay overnight, so evenings are peaceful, with wide sea views and good gelato along the single main lane.The quiet one: the only village without a harbour, perched high on a clifftop between vineyards. Reach it by the 382-step Lardarina staircase or the shuttle bus from the station. Far fewer people stay overnight, so evenings are peaceful, with wide sea views and good gelato along the single main lane.

Recommendations

6

Vernazza

1 night

The prettiest natural harbour on the coast, with a small piazza of cafes opening straight onto the water and a ruined watchtower above. The coastal trail north to Monterosso begins here and gives some of the route's best clifftop views. Book a harbourside table for dinner and watch the boats come in.The prettiest natural harbour on the coast, with a small piazza of cafes opening straight onto the water and a ruined watchtower above. The coastal trail north to Monterosso begins here and gives some of the route's best clifftop views. Book a harbourside table for dinner and watch the boats come in.

Recommendations

7

Monterosso al Mare

2 nights

The largest village and the only one with a proper sandy beach, split between the modern Fegina seafront and an old town of churches and lemon trees. Two nights let you slow down: swim, hire a sunlounger, eat anchovies the local way and take short day trips back to any village you want to see again before leaving.The largest village and the only one with a proper sandy beach, split between the modern Fegina seafront and an old town of churches and lemon trees. Two nights let you slow down: swim, hire a sunlounger, eat anchovies the local way and take short day trips back to any village you want to see again before leaving.

Recommendations

Cinque Terre Without a Car: La Spezia to Monterosso by Train and Ferry