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.
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The travel guides are also available free of charge on the OBB
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Copyright
This book was licensed under the Creative Commons License.
Conditions of use: attribution, non-commercial, no editing and
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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.
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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