Cinque Terre by plane

he most nearest airports to La Spezia are: "C. Colombo" (international) in Genoa (111 km) and "G. Galilei" (international) in Pisa (84 km). But if you are looking low cost fly to Cinque Terre you can also check airports of Milano, Parma and Bologna. In airports you can rent a car or, what is better, take a train.

Cinque Terre by train

As the main reference point is usually taken the train station of La Spezia. You can take a regional train that stops in every village of the Cinque Terre (every 40-50 min) or go for a walk through the city of La Spezia to the dock to take the motor ship. Some trains from La Spezia doesn`t stop in all towns, going regularly only in Monterosso, because it is a big resort town. We suggest you to buy the Cinque Terre CARD (day pass or more days) if you want to travel with comfort the full day between the Cinque Terre. The Card expires at midnight and don`t forget to stamp it at one of the yellow machine (in 2012 all machines were upgraded, now they are blue) in the train station before your departure. You can consult website Trenitalia to know Cinque Terre train schedule and ticket prices or you can take the list in the tourist centers, which are located in all railway stations of the Cinque Terre. Personally I use my smartphone application named "Orari Treni", it is very comfortable. 

Cinque terre by car

We should warn you that car is not the best plan to visit the Cinque Terre. Firstly, roads are winding and twisted and also way often goes downhill and then goes steep uphill. Also, there are only a few area for parking, because centers of the towns are closed to private traffic. These reasons should discourage you from using the car, taking into account that it's lots simpler to visit this area by train, hiking or boat. But if nevertheless you want to travel by a car, you always can rent a car (p.s. to rent a car in Cinque Terre go to the site of Hertz and Sixt - check for best price):You can travel to the Cinque Terre by car from La Spezia by the State Route Nr. 370 "Litoranea delle Cinque Terre". The main highway exit is "LA SPEZIA – SANTO STEFANO DI MAGRA" on the motorway A12 Genova - Livorno or A15 Parma - La Spezia. From the gate, keep on for La Spezia and when you arrive in the city keep on along the seaside looking the signs for Portovenere - CINQUE TERRE. At some point these two routes divide: you can proceed up the hill in direction to Riomaggiore - Manarola.

Best time to visit Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre are known for their landscape and hiking trails, which in winter and fall are not always accessible due to very heavy rainfall. If you like the sea then ideal time to visit the Cinque Terre starts from mid-May to mid-September. If you are interested in hiking - it starts earlier, from mid-March to mid-October. In the winter Cinque Terre are famous for the biggest Presepe in the world. Also, La Spizia, like all Italian cities, is beautifully decorated during the winter holidays. Important! Also keep in mind that peak holiday seasons in Italy is in August, especially for the week which had 15. This week will cost you three times more expensive. 

Chiesa di Santa Margherita

Vernazza's tiny harbour is a delight, so perfectly quaint you'll think you've wandered onto a film set. The small waterfront piazza is watched over by the harbourside gothic church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia complete with bell tower which has stood here since 1318.

Via dell'Amore

The Via dell'Amore (Lovers' Lane) is a well-paved coastal path linking Manarola with Riomaggiore (1km/0.6mi). Studded with picnic areas and stone beaches embedded in the cliffside, it affords stunning ocean views. At either end, steps lead up from the train station to the path - checkpoints along the way ensure no one sneaks by without a valid trail pass.
The Via dell'Amore is part of the 12km-long (7.4mi) sentiero azzurro (blue trail) that runs the length of the coast between Monterosso and Riomaggiore. Unlike Lovers' Lane, which is flat, well-paved and suited to walkers of all abilities, the rest of the footpath is only for the sure-footed and well-equipped.

Torre Guardiola

Bird life and local flora can be seen from the Torre Guardiola, a nature observation and bird-watching centre located on Fossola Beach, immediately southeast of Riomaggiore marina. From the centre a botanical walking trail leads along the coast.

May
The Lemon Feast, in Monterosso al Mare

The Lemon Feast is an annual event held on the Saturday preceding Ascension Sunday, celebrated with a contest of the biggest local lemon, a contest of shop windows decorated with the most beautiful lemons, as well as live music throughout the day.

June
Corpus Christi in Monterosso al Mare
Celebrated yearly on the second Sunday after Penacost. During the afternoon, the streets and alleyways of the historic center are ornately decorated with lovely designs all created by numerous colorful flower petals on which the evening procession crosses over.

August
Fireworks in Monterosso al Mare
A spectacle of lights set off from the beach over the sea.

September
Band Festival in Monterosso al Mare
A musical event in which bands from all over Italy participate.
Walnut Tournament in Monterosso al Mare
Traditional game recovered from days long gone. It is played in the streets of the historic center.
The Salted Anchovy and Olive Oil Feast in Monterosso al Mare
Celebrated each year over the second weekend of September.

• Hotel Villa Steno, Monterosso al Mare

                                              Ranked #1 of 33 hotels in Cinque Terre

• La Scogliera, Riomaggiore

                                            Ranked #2 of 33 hotels in Cinque Terre

• Hotel Pasquale, Monterosso al Mare

                                            Ranked #3 of 33 hotels in Cinque Terre

• NiRia, Riomaggiore

                                             Ranked #4 of 33 hotels in Cinque Terre 

• Albergo Marina, Monterosso al Mare 

                                              Ranked #5 of 33 hotels in Cinque Terre

• La Colonnina Hotel, Monterosso al Mare

                                          Ranked #6 of 33 hotels in Cinque Terre