A Beginners Guide to Cinque Terre

As I stepped off the train tired and worn out, I made my way to the end of the tunnel where I could see blue waters piercing ahead. I adjusted my eyes to the early morning sunlight and there before me was a view I will never forget. I could see the other small towns dotting the lush and rugged coastline, all hovering over the Mediterranean Sea. The buildings were colored only in vibrant pastel colors and all were equally as stunning. In that moment I knew that all my expectations for this place would easily be fulfilled. I looked down at the stoned pathway that lead up to the rest of the town and right there was a compass mosaic made of different colored pebbles. Slightly ironic, but I knew this is where I was supposed to be. This was my initial experience of the Cinque Terre.

If I could choose one destination that was the burning fuel for my desire to travel, it would be the Cinque Terre. This destination is unlike anything on this planet. With beautiful hiking trails along a pristine coast that lead to small villages perched upon hill tops, I think you can understand why this was a place I just had to see with my own eyes. Let’s just say, I was not disappointed. Somehow, it even surpassed my expectations.

This is definitely a trip I would suggest to all study abroad students in Europe! Especially since we spend most of our weekends in populated capital cities, it is refreshing to get away from all the chaos and explore something completely  unique. This is the kind of place that leaves you speechless and have you wanting to return before you have even left. With this being said, it can also be a bit of a challenge to get here. With just a little knowledge and planning, this spot is easily achievable for any weekend getaway. Here is a guide to help other students see the wonders of the Cinque Terre.

Background:

The Cinque Terre (five lands) is located on the Italian Riviera and is composed of 5 small villages. The names of these towns are Monterosso al Mar, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Connecting these villages are hiking trails, boats and a central train system. This stretch of National Park is also apart of the UNESCO World Heritage site. These hilltops have miles of terraces made of stone, which can be seen along the hiking trails. Seeing the Cinque Terre first-hand makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. All the chain restaurants and industrial skyscrapers are replaced with local cafes and clustered colorful buildings.

How to get there:

The closest airports to fly into would be Pisa, Florence or Genoa. This does not mean that these airports are the best bang for your buck. Check skyscanner.com to see which airport is the cheapest to fly to. I ended up flying into Milan and my train ride was only a few hours to Monterosso Al Mar. Also, if you are planning to stay in one of these cities for a day before heading to Cinque Terre like I did, make it a city you really want to see. For me, I wasn’t very interested in spending a full day in Pisa. Milan was a place I really wanted to see but I didn’t want to devote an entire weekend to it, so this was a great alternative. If you’re interested in stopping in Milan before hand, check out my blog post on my Layover in Milan!

Once you get to your designated city, you still have to take a train to get to the Cinque Terre. Look on trenitalia.com to see train times and to book your ticket. They have several different options to choose from.

When you finally arrive in the Cinque Terre, I suggest buying the Cinque Terre Card for two days. This allows you to hop on and hop off the train at whichever town you want and to also hike the main trails. Many of the trails have a fee since it is considered a National Park, but they are included with the Cinque Terre Card. It is nice to have the freedom of jumping on the train if you get tired of hiking or if the weather starts to turn on you. Not all the trails have a fee, however the main trails that are the most scenic and by the ocean do. I bought mine at the trail head in Monterosso Al Mar, but it could be purchased at the start of the main hiking trails. This 2- day pass for train and hikes will cost around 23€.

Accommodation options:

I highly suggest staying overnight at one of the five towns. Trying to see the Cinque Terre in just one day is really not enough time to get a good feel for this area. After 5 p.m. the day-trippers retreat back to the main cities and you get the magical dimly lit cobblestone streets all to yourself. Picking a town is the next decision. I stayed in Monterosso al Mar, which is supposedly the most touristy. It’s also quite a bit larger and more spread out compared to the others, which I personally liked. For me, this was a great home base with plenty of restaurants to choose from. Vernazza would be my other recommendation because the other towns might be a little too sleepy for college students. You won’t find huge hotels in these towns. You can expect to find quaint guesthouses, or cameres, as well as Inns, bed and breakfasts’, and apartments.

Hiking:

Hiking is without a doubt, the best way to see the Cinque Terre. These picturesque hiking trails have the most incredible panoramic views you will ever see. Each stretch of the hike can take a couple of hours, so I suggest you start early in the morning. Not only are the trails less crowded, but you will also get to see so much more!  Keep in mind that some of these trails can be closed due to trail restoration or weather conditions, which sadly occurs quite often. If you are feeling adventurous, get off the main trail and explore the ones that are less traveled. These are rarely closed, especially from Corniglia to Manarola. Taking the trail up into the hill tops will put you on a secluded path that mazes through vineyards, olive trees and small countryside homes. The best part of taking these trails is having them all to your self. There is nothing worse then wanting to stop and take in the beautiful scenery, but feel obligated to keep on going so you don’t hold up the never-ending line of people behind you. Some sections of the hike can feel painfully crowded with slow tourists, especially if you are visiting in the busier months. Be prepared! These hikes are not as easy as you might think, especially from Monterosso to Vernazza. This stretch can be quite challenging if you are not a hiker. Bring lots of water and a good pair of shoes!

What to eat:

Although I have dedicated a full blog post on this already, it is still important to note some of the key foods to try in this region. The first is seafood, especially the sardines. You can find these on almost all dinner menus and can be prepared several different ways. The next thing they are known for is the pesto. This sauce made of basil, garlic, and pine nuts is used on pastas, breads and sandwiches. One of the most well known food items for the Cinque Terre is the Foccacia bread. This simple snack is a type of bread that is great for a quick bite to eat while hiking. Lastly, make sure to sample the local white wine. One of my most memorable experiences was hiking through a vineyard early in the morning and then getting a glass of that same local wine later that evening.

Sardines, pesto, and white wine at dinner

When to go:

I originally wanted to see the Cinque Terre during the summer time. I was looking forward to relaxing on the rocky shores and swimming in the Turquoise waters, however this nice weather also brings a wave of tourism. I booked my trip early October hoping that the crowds would be minimal, while still having some decent weather. You have to decide what is important to you when you go. Are you more focused on the hiking or the swimming? For me, it was to hike. The summers here can be brutally hot on these hiking trails so many people would prefer to swim. It is recommended you go from mid March to early October for the best weather conditions.

So with just a little planning, you can see how any kind of traveler (whether experienced or not) can make a trip to the Cinque Terre. Don’t let this kind of “remote” destination slide past you. At the end of the day, you get to explore a place that some people have never even heard about. And that to me is what makes traveling so incredible.