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Cinque Terre Travel Guide

Situated approximately 80 kilometres to the south of Genoa, there exists a genuine haven for hiking enthusiasts and those searching for tranquility: Cinque Terre. This collection of five charming villages along the Ligurian coastline includes Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The Cinque Terre National Park spans an impressive 3,860 hectares and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Adjacent to this area is the Whale Sanctuary in the Mediterranean Sea, established in 1999, which serves as a habitat for fin whales, striped dolphins, and numerous other rare species of whales and dolphins. Visitors to this picturesque region can gather information at one of the "Welcome Centers." Here, tickets for Cinque Terre are available for purchase, with options that include or exclude train travel. In most instances, accessing the hiking paths incurs a fee. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a casual walker, the trails of Cinque Terre offer varying levels of difficulty, allowing everyone to revel in the breathtaking natural beauty of the rugged coastline and cascading vineyards. Each village along the path provides unique landscapes and invites visitors to indulge in local cuisine, featuring fresh seafood and regionally produced wines. As dusk falls, the villages come alive with charm, where quaint cafés and vibrant markets create perfect settings for unwinding after a day of exploration. With the sun setting over the horizon, it becomes abundantly clear that Cinque Terre is not merely a destination; it’s an experience that captures the essence of Italian life. The cosy overnight trains operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (OBB) provide a seamless connection between Munich and Vienna, making this excellent destination easily accessible.

Situated approximately 80 kilometres to the south of Genoa, there exists a genuine haven for hiking enthusiasts and those searching for tranquility: Cinque Terre. This collection of five charming villages along the Ligurian coastline includes Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The Cinque Terre National Park spans an impressive 3,860 hectares and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Adjacent to this area is the Whale Sanctuary in the Mediterranean Sea, established in 1999, which serves as a habitat for fin whales, striped dolphins, and numerous other rare species of whales and dolphins. Visitors to this picturesque region can gather information at one of the "Welcome Centers." Here, tickets for Cinque Terre are available for purchase, with options that include or exclude train travel. In most instances, accessing the hiking paths incurs a fee.

Whether you are an experienced hiker or a casual walker, the trails of Cinque Terre offer varying levels of difficulty, allowing everyone to revel in the breathtaking natural beauty of the rugged coastline and cascading vineyards. Each village along the path provides unique landscapes and invites visitors to indulge in local cuisine, featuring fresh seafood and regionally produced wines. As dusk falls, the villages come alive with charm, where quaint cafés and vibrant markets create perfect settings for unwinding after a day of exploration. With the sun setting over the horizon, it becomes abundantly clear that Cinque Terre is not merely a destination; it’s an experience that captures the essence of Italian life.

The cosy overnight trains operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (OBB) provide a seamless connection between Munich and Vienna, making this excellent destination easily accessible.

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Ciao Cinque Terre

All 360° photos and tours www.oebb360.at

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Overview

Ciao Cinque Terre

Monterosso

Vernazza

Corniglia

Manarola

Riomaggiore

La Spezia

Cinque Terre by boat

Public Transport

Imprint


Ciao Cinque Terre


About 80 kilometres south of Genoa lies a true

hiking paradise for nature lovers and for those

seeking relaxation: Cinque Terre. The five idyllic

villages on the Ligurian coast are Monterosso,

Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.

The Cinque Terre National Park covers 3,860

hectares and was recognised by UNESCO as a

World Heritage Site in the year 1997.

In the neighbouring Mediterranean Sea, there is

the Whale Sanctuary, established in 1999, which

is home to fin whales, striped dolphins, and many

rare whale and dolphin species. Travelers in this

region have the opportunity to get information at

one of the "Welcome Centers."

Tickets for the Cinque Terre, which are available

with or without a train ticket, can also be

purchased there. Access to the hiking trails is in

most cases subject to a fee.

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Monterosso


Monterosso

Monterosso marks the northernmost point of the

Cinque Terre. With around 1,700 inhabitants, it is

also the largest of the five villages. Here, visitors

can enjoy the most extensive sandy beach in the

entire region.

An attraction is the "Gigante" at Fegina Beach.

There are many hotels, bars, and restaurants,

especially in the newer part of Monterosso. The

village is divided into an old and a new section.

The border is marked by a rocky ledge, jutting

into the sea. On this rock proudly stands the

medieval Aurora Tower. Near the tower, there

is a restaurant offering an impressive view of

the old town.

The train station is located in the new part of

the village, and a tunnel, about 100 metres

long, conveniently connects it to the old town.

Monterosso serves as the starting point for the

3.6-kilometre hiking trail to Vernazza.

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Gigante


Old town of Monterosso

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Beach of Monterosso

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Colourful Monterosso

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Parrocchia di San Giovanni Battista

The Church of San Giovanni Battista (St.

John the Baptist) was built between the

years 1244 and 1307. Its facade is clad in

light marble and dark serpentine. Particularly

noteworthy is the rose window made of

white marble. Inside the church, where there

is a baptismal font dating all the way back to

the year 1360, a black-and-white colour

scheme dominates. To enhance the

impression of size and also to optimise

acoustics, the nave tapers from the altar to

the entrance.

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Oratorio Mortis et Orationis - Confraternitá dei Neri

The Church of Oratorio Mortis et Orationis -

Confraternità dei Neri, the Confraternity of

the Black Men, is located just around the

corner from the Church of St. John the

Baptist.

The church was built in the 16th century,

during the Counter-Reformation. At that

time, at least one confraternity was

established in each village. In Monterosso,

there was the Confraternity of San Croce

and that of the Bianchi (the white men).

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Vernazza


Vernazza

The lively village of Vernazza is considered the

most charming of the Cinque Terre. Near the

small harbour, there is a fine sandy beach that

always attracts numerous visitors, particularly on

sunny days. The place is very popular with

travellers, thanks to its colourful buildings and

inviting restaurants.

The narrow alleys and small squares contribute to

Vernazza often feeling crowded, especially during

the high season. The old harbour is particularly

picturesque, surrounded by colourful fishing

boats gently rocking on the waves. Here, visitors

can try fresh seafood while the scent of Italian

delicacies fills the air.

Many visitors enjoy simply lingering on the

promenade and watching the bustling activites in

Vernazza.

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Castello Doria

The fortress Castello Doria was built in the 11th century

and is considered the oldest military structure in the

Cinque Terre. The "Donjon," a round tower, offers an

impressive 360° view of the entire surroundings. Since

1979, the castle has served as an open-air museum. The

entrance fee to the tower is approximately 2 Euros. It is

particularly exciting to enjoy the sunset high above

Vernazza.

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Chiesa di Santa Margherita di Antiochia

Legend has it that a chest containing a finger bone of

Margaret of Antioch was discovered on the coast.

Consequently, a church was built in honour of the

saint, but it was destroyed by a violent sea storm.

When the chest reappeared at the exact same spot

some time later, the locals decided in the 13th century

to build a church with a view of the ocean.

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Corniglia


Corniglia

Corniglia is the only village in the Cinque Terre

that does not have its own harbour. It is located

about 100 metres above sea level. From the train

station, the village is best reached via the

Lardarina, a brick staircase with 385 steps.

Although there is a bus that connects the station

to the village, it can only transport a very limited

number of passengers.

Therefore, one either waits for the next bus (or

the one after) or undertakes the 20-minute climb

via the steps of the Lardarina. The unique

location of Corniglia not only provides

breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs and

the glittering water but also makes the village an

ideal starting point for hikes along the coast.

The hiking trails leading from here in both

directions are lined with picturesque vineyards

and olive groves.

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Manarola


Manarola

Manarola is a district of Riomaggiore and was

built in a very narrow valley. The residents had to

be extremely creative in arranging the buildings

to make optimal use of all buildable areas. This

resulted in a structure of houses that appear

interlocked and stacked on top of each other.

The year 1160, which marks the laying of the

church's foundation stone, suggests that

Manarola is the oldest village in the Cinque Terre.

Ancient Roman texts already mention

Sciacchetrà, the regional sweet or liqueur wine.

The grapes for this wine are cultivated in the

municipalities of Riomaggiore, Vernazza, and

Monterosso al Mare.

At dusk, the lights of Manarola reflect in the sea.

Visitors can catch the best view of Manarola by

turning ot the right when leaving the train

station and following the path along the ocean.

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The best photo spot in town

At the end of the path to the tip of

the northwestern peninsula of the

village lies the entrance to the

famous Nessum Dorma, a trendy

restaurant offering not only food,

but also a breathtaking view of

Manarola. If the restaurant is full,

you can climb the steps in front and

linger on the terrace above.

In any case, this area is the ideal

spot to capture the most beautiful

photos for your memory book.

Especially at dusk, during the blue

hour, the photos turn out simply

spectacular.

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Riomaggiore


Riomaggiore

The easternmost point of the Cinque Terre is also

the largest of the five villages. Here, visitors can

enjoy the sandy beach, Spiaggia di Riomaggiore.

This beach is located in the southeastern part of

the town. However, due to the coarse pebbles, it

is not suitable for small children or sensitive

individuals.

The multitude of colours of the lively tower

houses, which characterise the medieval

architecture of Riomaggiore, offers an impressive

view of the town. In the narrow and sometimes

steep alleys, visitors will find numerous shops,

bars, restaurants, and cafés. The town is also

known for its particularly large range of hotels

and other accommodation options.

Additionally, the romantic Via dell’Amore, which

has been walkable again since 2024, begins in

Riomaggiore. This coastal path connects

Riomaggiore with Manarola.

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Via dell’Amore (the Path of Love)

The beautiful Via dell’Amore attracts not only lovers but

also hikers who want to enjoy the breathtaking views

of the sparkling waters of the Ligurian Sea and the

surrounding hills. This picturesque path connects

Riomaggiore with Manarola and is known for its

romantic photo opportunities. Along the idyllic

approximately one kilometre long route, there are

numerous spots to linger.

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La Spezia


La Spezia

La Spezia is the second largest city in the region, right

after Genoa, and also serves as the capital of the

Province of La Spezia. Nearly 100,000 inhabitants live in

this city.

The Gulf of La Spezia is also known as the Golfo dei

Poeti, which translates to Gulf of Poets. Indeed, over the

decades, many writers have stayed and worked in this

area. The city is a popular starting point for trips to the

Cinque Terre. The most pleasant and environmentally

friendly way to get there is by train. Parking spaces are

extremely scarce throughout the region. With the

Cinque Terre Express, travellers can reach Riomaggiore

in just nine minutes. La Spezia is only a few kilometres

away from Tuscany. By train, a trip to Pisa takes 48

minutes and to Livorno about one hour.

The port of La Spezia is primarily specialised in container

shipping. The Gulf of La Spezia also hosts a significant

base of the Italian Navy.

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Castello San Giorgio

The stronghold bears the name of Saint George and

contains a remarkable archaeological assortment.

Exploring the ancient walls and hidden chambers of

the stronghold offers an unforgettable experience

Visitors can reach the castle from the town using a lift.

The origins of the castle date back to the year 1262.

Over the centuries, it has been repeatedly expanded

and remodelled. Today, the castle houses a Museum.

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The path to Castello San Giorgio

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Giuseppe Garibaldi


La Sirena del Golfo

Richard Wagner

Nazario Sauro

Generale Domenico Chiodo

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Museo Tecnico Navale della Spezia

The Technical Naval Museum in La Spezia houses an

extensive collection on maritime history. Notably, there

is an exhibition featuring extraordinary figureheads. In

the Marconi Hall, opened in 2017, the world's most

significant collection of originals by the ingenious

inventor is displayed.

The museum is located on the grounds of the Italian

Navy base.

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1854

Empress Elisabeth („Sissi“)

The carved and painted figurehead of the gunboat Empress

Elisabeth of the Austro-Hungarian Navy.

The Empress Elisabeth was launched in the year 1861 at the

Trieste Arsenal. The warship participated in the Battle of Lissa in

1866. The figurehead depicts Elisabeth of Bavaria, the famous

"Sissi" (1837-1898), wife of the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph.

1844

Celtic Bard

Carved from oak, painted, and gilded, the figurehead represents

the motor ship (paddle steamer) Cambria. The ship was launched

in London in 1844. In the year 1860, the Cambria was acquired by

Agostino Bertani for the Expedition of the Thousand.

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Palazzo delle Poste

Archi di Daniel Buren

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Cattedrale di Cristo Re

The Cathedral "di Cristo Re" is located directly on Piazza Europa.

Its design is particularly impressive. The cathedral was built

between 1950 and 1970. It stands out for its unique architecture

and its circular shape, which has a religious significance. The

circular layout of the Catholic church is intended to evoke the

gathering of the first Christians around Jesus.

The twelve columns in the Cathedral di Cristo Re symbolise the

twelve apostles. The inside of the cathedral is an impressive

expression of art. Large windows allow light to stream in, and

the soft colours are casting a magical play of light and shadow

on the walls. These colourful stained glass windows tell biblical

stories and give the space a spiritual atmosphere that captivates

visitors.

The intricate decorations and carvings on the walls contribute to

the solemn atmosphere, inviting visitors to pause and engage in

meditative reflection.

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La Spezia Centrale

La Spezia Centrale, the train station, is located in

the northern part of the city, on an elevated site.

The OBB Nightjets, which connect La Spezia with

Munich and Vienna, start and end here. The

harbour area is about a fifteen-minute walk away.

The path to the harbour is a gentle downhill walk;

for those who prefer to use public transport for the

return journey, there are several suitable bus

connections available.

In the harbour area, visitors can enjoy a variety of

attractions, such as cosy cafés and restaurants

offering fresh seafood and local specialities. The

lively atmosphere is shaped by the hustle and bustle

of fishermen and tourists who dock and stroll here.

A special recommendation for visitors is to take a

walk along the promenade, where you can best

enjoy the impressive coastal scenery.

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Ponte Thaon di Revel

At the end of the Costantino Morin waterfront promenade, an impressive bridge was

completed in the year 2013. Named after Grand Admiral Paolo Emilio Thaon di Revel,

the bridge provides direct access to the vibrant area of the contemporary Porto

Mirabello. The design of the bridge resembles a sailboat.

The architectural masterpiece of the Ponte Thaon di Revel not only catches the eyes of

passers-by, but also serves as a cultural link between the region's historical roots and

modern life.

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Cinque Terre by boat


Cinque Terre by boat

To reach the picturesque Cinque Terre from La Spezia,

a boat trip is a wonderful choice.

This journey over the water takes about 2 hours and

15 minutes. For photography enthusiasts looking to

capture unforgettable images, here's a tip: For the best

view of the villages, sit at the front right of the boat on

the way to Monterosso. On the return trip, sit on the

left side.

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La Spezia, Ponte Thaon di Revel

La Spezia, Porto Mirabello

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Fezzano

Portovenere, Spiaggia dell’Olivo

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Portoverene, Castello Doria

Portovenere, Chiesa San Pietro

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Le Rosse

Le Rosse

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Scoglio Ferale

On the way to Monterosso by sea, the Scoglio Ferale rises majestically from the waves.

Because it withstands the fierce south-west winds, this rock is also known as Roccia

Gagliarda (Strong Rock).

An alternative explanation for the name is based on a legend: The boat of Countess

Gagliarda, who was in love with the young Leandro, capsized at this spot. She met her

death in the sea right in front of the Scoglio Ferale. According to tradition, on full moon

nights, the silhouettes of her boat can still be seen gliding through the bay.

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Scoglio Montonaio

The small rocky island of Scoglio Montonaio is located off the pristine beach of

Monesteroli. The only access to the settlement on the hill and the beach itself is via the

Monesteroli Staircase. The Scalinata Grande, also known as Gionda (long staircase),

stretches from the top of the hill down to the beach. The descent of around 2,000 steps

requires some stamina and good balance, as the staircase is steep and has no handrail.

Currently, some sections of the staircase are being renovated and are therefore not

accessible.

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Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore - boat dock

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Manarola

Cinque Terre Express at Manarola train station

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Corniglia

Corniglia - train station and staircase into the village

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Vernazza

Vernazza

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Monterosso

Monterosso

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Public transport


Linea 02 Cinque Terre


Cinque Terre Boat Service

20

Monterosso

Vernazza

25

Corniglia*

The numbers given between the stops

represent the estimated travel times with

the Cinque Terre boat.

✴ As there is no harbour in Corniglia, the

boat does not stop at the town of

Corniglia.

10

Manarola

Riomaggiore

30

35

Portovenere

Lerici

45

La Spezia

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Cinque Terre Express


Cinque Terre Express

Genua

30

Portofino

40

4

Monterosso

The numbers given between the stops

represent the estimated travel times by train in

minutes. Departure times from Genoa vary

depending on the train station (Brignole or

Piazza Principe). The train station for Portofino

is S. Margherita Ligure.

R, RE, IC trains, as well as the ÖBB Nightjet,

operate on the route from Genoa to La Spezia,

which results in varying travel times.

3

3

4

9

Vernazza

Corniglia

Manarola

Riomaggiore

La Spezia Centrale

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Imprint


IT14_DE_CinqueTerre © 2025

The team

This e-book was made possible through the kind support of the

regional tourist offices and the OBB. German proofreading and

editorial:Martin Andergassen. English version: Katie Lang

References

Text, videos and photos by Rudolf J. Strutz unless otherwise

stated. Timetables and travel information: OBB.

Assistance from AI

Für die Bearbeitung von Bildern, wie etwa das Entfernen

unerwünschter Elemente, kommt teilweise KI-Software zum

Einsatz. Zudem können KI-Programme bei der Verbesserung der

Bildschärfe und der Rauschunterdrückung eingesetzt werden.

OBB railnet

The travel guides are also available free of charge on the OBB

online entertainment and internet portal railnet, which is

installed on all railjet, nightjet (NG) and cityjet trains.

Copyright

This book was licensed under the Creative Commons License.

Conditions of use: attribution, non-commercial, no editing and

distribution under the same conditions only as a complete

work! The use of individual photos and text is not permitted.

This eBook is available free of charge.

Links

All links provided are current at the time of publication of this

e-book. Links to tickets usually lead directly to the exhibition

location. For tickets and timetables, local public transportation

services are linked. For tours, links are provided to the Smart-

Guide services.

Logos and company names

All logos and company names are used for information

purposes only; any use outside of this e-book must be

approved by the copyright holders.

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SCOTTY mobile shows the

timetables for all public

transport and helps you plan

your travel route as best as

possible. There is also a special

version for the iPad available in

the App Store.

Book your trip online or view

the current timetable online and

directly on your mobile phone –

all this and more is offered on

the OBB booking app, which is

simple and convenient to use.

A project by:

AuVi Photos & eBooks

Rudolf Strutz

Hasengasse 33/25

1100 Wien

ebooks@oebb-ebooks.at

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