As a #Winetraveler, I have tasted wines throughout the world, from renowned destinations like Bordeaux, Rioja and Napa, to the local, statewide vineyards across the Midwestern United States; and while the quality and wine profiles differ vastly, the resulting conversations, experiences and memories are equally treasured.
However, only one place has rendered this writer and gregarious traveler without words — Italy’s Cinque Terre. In fact, I only wrote a few short lines in my travel journal from a balcony overlooking the vines with a glass of crisp Cinqueterre wine sitting nearby:
I don’t know what to say. I am utterly in love. More in love than anywhere, ever. So much, it pains me…I never want to leave.
As I sat on that balcony, with the setting sun still warm on my face and a coastal breeze bewitching me with the scent of the sea below, a familiarity stirred deep within my soul. I suddenly saw myself, decades past, waking up with a cup of coffee as I looked out over the village and laced my hiking shoes. I’d spend the day traversing the terraced vineyards overlooking the Ligurian Sea, stopping to chat with other travelers along the way. I’d then find a shady respite from which to read or write, and my evenings among friends in the cafes. As the day came to an end, I would succumb to a peaceful sleep, lulled by the gentle clanging of dishes and rustling silverware, and the last of the church bells singing their prayers. The scenes, all imaginary, were nearly tangible.
IN THIS CINQUE TERRE ITINERARY:
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Until that day, I could not have dreamt of a place both so utterly picturesque and endearingly humble. The Cinque Terre is not a showy seaside destination in Europe where people come to see and be seen; rather it’s a beguiling and intimate coastal respite for anyone with a love of the sea, the outdoors and, of course, wine.
Cinque Terre may appear on the surface to be a hard-to-reach, exotic destination in Italy. But it’s actually relatively easy to access, and can make for a pleasurable countryside drive should you choose that method of transportation.
We have navigated our way to Cinque Terre via a couple of routes. The first, and longest method is to rent a car and drive from a major city in Italy. If you’re coming from the United States, fly into Milan airport, rent a car and then drive south through Genova and along the coast to Cinque Terre. Alternatively, you can take a train or a short-haul flight into Genova, and then continue by train to Cinque Terre. You can browse current prices on flights right here and take a look at rental cars via Kayak.
Once you’re in the area, the same train you used to arrive offers transport between each of the five villages. During the core travel season (March – November), they depart the stations roughly every 20 minutes. There is a nifty and affordable train pass that grants you unlimited access to the Levanto line, eco bus routes, and all walking paths within the region.
The Cinque Terre, in Italy’s province of La Spezia, Liguria, is a group of five small, fishing villages along the coast of the Ligurian Sea: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare.
North of Tuscany and part of the Italian Riviera, the pastel-colored, stone villages are home to only about 5,000 people, and are nestled on the rocky, vineyard-lined cliffs and coasts of the Apennine mountain range. With Riomaggiore to the southeast and Monterosso al Mare to the northwest, the five villages are connected via narrow, harrowing roads; efficient, local trains; seasonal, coastal ferries; and stunning, well-traversed hiking trails.
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The coastline, villages and hillsides are part of the Cinque Terre National Park and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each of the five villages are centuries old and brimming with quaint cafes, trattorias, enotecas, harbors and dramatic vistas.
Riomaggiore is the southern-most of the five communities. Climbing up from the sea, it is best known for its Via dell’ Amore (Lover’s Path) walking path to Manarola, which, unfortunately, is closed for the time being. However, the village remains accessible via train, car and ferry. The train runs through town, with iconic coastal views to one side of the tracks and the bustling little village to the other. The main street, Via Colombo, is a steep climb brimming with shops, cafes and restaurants and from which many carruggi (narrow lanes and alleys) run throughout the town.
Winetraveler Recommendation: Take a private (but guided) hiking tour through the vines near Riomaggiore, Groppo, Manarola and Vernazza with Trekguyd. This is the perfect, immersive day trip to learn the history of the region, get outdoors and witness some amazing coastal views. When you’ve finished your hike, spend an afternoon at the seaside self-service restaurant and wine bar, A Pie de Ma, for a flight of Cinque Terre wines, a cheese plate and unbeatable terrace views.
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Often described as one of the most beautiful villages of Italy, Manarola is another seaside village dotted with fishing boats, colorful houses, and boasting incredible views from its piazzas and terraces. Believed to be the oldest of the five villages, Roman writings depicted the high-quality wine produced in the terraced hills above the village. Most renowned, is the sweet Sciacchetrà wine found only in the Cinque Terre.
Winetraveler Recommendation: During the day, consider hiring a private boat to lounge seaside with a glass of wine. Make reservations for dinner at Trattoria dal Billy – a worthwhile splurge on local specialties.
Corniglia is the only village without direct seaside access and a steep 377-step climb from the train to the village (a shuttle bus runs up as well). The quiet village sits atop a steep cliff, nestled among the vineyards. It is the mid-way point on the hike from Vernazza and Manarola, and on a clear day offers extensive views up and down the coast. A wine lover’s paradise, Corniglia is surrounded by hand-worked vineyards, which grow the grapes used in the local place-named Cinqueterre wines.
Winetraveler Recommendation: While the region is predominately known for its white wines, make sure to try the house red at Enoteca Il Pirun and feast on a delectable seafood risotto at sunset at family-owned Cecio.
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The mountainous hike between Corniglia and Vernazza is a stunning way to enter this seaside village, often regarded as the most picturesque. The trail emerges above the town, offering the best vantage point from which to photograph the pastel-colored buildings connected by descending carruggi and clothes-filled wash lines. The path winds its way down into town, which like the other villages is closed to car traffic, but unlike the others, offers the only natural port. The main street, Via Roma, winds through town and is adorned with numerous shops, eateries and features views of the terraced vineyards high above.
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Winetraveler Recommendation: After an early morning hike, stop at Il Pirata delle 5 Terre for a delightful Italian breakfast. The owners are happy to chat and make recommendations on dish selection. Just don’t ask for eggs! (Note the proud sign prominently displayed in the café states: “We do not serve eggs!!! Please, don’t ask. This is Italy! Eat our food!)
Monterosso is the largest and westernmost of the five villages and the most commercial. It offers ease of accessibility for drivers (as well as plenty of parking), numerous trains and buses and has the most hotels in the region. It is also the only village in the Cinque Terre with a true public beach strewn with colorful umbrellas and sunbathers. At the north end of the beach is the famed statue, Il Gigante. Originally built in 1910, the 45-foot piece of decorative art depicts Neptune holding waves at bay. Allied bombs from World War II and rough weather have left Il Gigante battered and without arms, but he remains a symbol of Monterosso.
Winetraveler Recommendation: Definitely book a kayak experience from Monterosso Al Mare to get out on the water and explore the coastline and its rugged cliffs from a unique perspective. Pack a picnic lunch of local meats, cheeses, fresh-made breads, and a local wine, and enjoy an afternoon at the beach following the excursion. If you have no evening plans, request a sunset kayaking experience instead which is beyond remarkable.
There are a number of options to choose from when it comes to accommodation in Cinque Terre. From quaint bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels with oceanfront views, there really is something for everybody. Here, we recommend 5 of our favorites based on past stays and some of our reader feedback. Each hotel listed is within one of the five cities we mention in this travel guide.
Cinqueterre Residence
Conveniently located at the entrance to Riomaggiore, the 4-star Cinqueterre Residence is best known for its warm staff and hillside suites with terraces.
La Torretta
Located in Manarola, La Torretta is a cozy boutique hotel, and one of our favorites for views, service, and a great breakfast.
AMARE IL MARE affittacamere
Our favorite place to stay in Corniglia, the views from Amare Il Mare are unmatched. This extremely well maintained and cute upscale hotel is clean, well-run, and comfortable. Try asking for the “Wine Room” if you’re traveling as a couple.
La Polena – Camere Vernazza 5 Terre
For modern digs and great views from your terrace suite, consider a stay at La Polena in Vernazza. It’s conveniently located near the train station and provides a delightful respite after a day of hiking and wine tasting.
Restaurant Hotel Porto Roca
The 4-star Porto Roca is situated right on a cliff face with an infinity pool in Monterosso Al Mare. The rooms are spacious, and WiFi and breakfast are both free. There’s a restaurant on the property, and you can also gain access to the beach below.
Hiking the trails in the Cinque Terre will wind you along craggy coastal rocks, through lush forests, in and out of quaint, colorful villages, and into painstakingly cultivated vineyards. Several of the trails will directly walk you through the steep hillside vineyards, terraced up and down the face of the mountain, while below lies the vibrant Ligurian Sea, an arm of the Mediterranean. It is a view every wine lover will appreciate, not only for its obvious beauty but also for the difficulty with which the vines are maintained and harvested by hand.
Wine production in the region can be traced back to Roman times and although historically producing wine as a basic commodity, the region has developed a reputation for quality white wines for which a DOC was granted in 1973. Today, the region is best known for two white wines, Cinqueterre and Sciacchetrà.
This crisp, dry white is found throughout the five villages and typically produced from two to three grape varieties: Bosco, Albarola and sometimes, Vermentino. The wines are known for their herbal freshness and citrus flavors. Depending on the winemaker, some wines will also present with a lively minerality. Cinqueterre wines are best enjoyed with the local seafood, focaccia or simply on their own.
This is the only region in the world to find this sweet, white wine made from the best grapes grown closest to the sea. The harvested grapes are dried in the sun for at least 40 days to concentrate the sugars and grape essence and then fermented slowly. The result is an amber-colored, sweet wine with flavors of honey, dried apricot and hazelnut. Served with dessert or strong cheeses, Sciacchetrà is a unique Cinque Terre gem.
Although known more for the dramatic views and iconic architecture than outstanding wines, the Cinque Terre wines are a perfect reflection of the coastal terroir, the simplicity of life in the small seaside villages, and the long-standing family tradition of winemaking. Every bottle of Cinqueterre and Sciacchetrà wines is the product of a time-honored, unique and complex cultivation process, encapsulating the essence of family, tradition, hard labor, and love of the land. Fortunately for the wine traveler, they are also fantastically refreshing post-hike and unmatched with local seafood dishes.
Take the trip!
The Cinque Terre region is an ideal wine traveler destination – perfect for couples, families, friends or individuals in search of a place of astounding natural beauty, quaint local charm, scenic walks, and delicious food and wine. However, the true gift of the region is the enigmatic effect it has on time, people and place. As you sit with a glass of wine overlooking the sea, you can’t help but feel as though this total sensory experience has taken you to the only place where this beauty, pace of life and intimacy can ever exist.
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Haha — I had to laugh about the “We do not serve eggs!” sign at that restaurant. Too funny.
Also, I didn’t realize Cinque Terre only has about 5000 full-time inhabitants. I can only imagine how some of them feel with the yearly influx of tourists. It is such a magical place — would love to visit one day. And drink the wine of course. 🙂
I just love that sign! You should definitely visit Raymond. I hope to be one of the 5,000 one day. ????
A traveler once shared her journey to Cinque Terre on my website and I’m seriously mesmerised by its charm since then. I didn’t know Cinque Terre is famous for winery too. The view on the hill is just amazing and your pics are beautiful!
I really enjoyed how this post combines recommendations for wine with travel tips for Cinque Terre. I had, of course, heard of Cinque Terre, but honestly wasn’t aware that the name came from the fact that it is made up of five villages.
Wow, the view from the balcony, the terrace, the view and the beaches, accompanying with the historic houses, good food and wine… such an amazing vibe and I agree with you – it pains me to leave that place and I would have wanted to stay there for as long as I can, too! @ knycx.journeying
@ knycx.journeying It’s always so hard to leave, thay’s why we always have to think as though we’ll be back. 😉
Katharina, so glad you enjoyed the post. And I recommend taking in each of the five villages if you have the chance. Each one is so unique and has its own energy.
Chloe the wine is a perfect accompaniment to the views and very refreshing after a day of hiking.
Such a beautiful place to enjoy some fine Italian wines.
I couldn’t agree more Vedante!
Kristy – Loved the opening paragraphs prior to the first picture. I literally felt the pull of wanting to be there; sitting on a balcony watching the sun rise and then with a bottle and a couple of glasses, watch it as it slips into the sea that evening. Thank you for sharing the experience!
Thank you Tony! It truly is a magical place.