The cinque terre
and
portovenere
The Garden of Eden by the Sea
Imagine an ideal place: beautiful, romantic and timeless, where an idyllic, almost utopian way of life thrives; a place where Nature and human activity can both flourish and coexist in perfect harmony, nestled between the sea and the land, and surrounded by a breathtaking, dreamlike landscape.
Well, this place might just be the 'Cinque Terre' (the 'Five Lands') and the charming town of Portovenere! And they're not in the realm of utopia at all — they actually exist along the coast of the Ligurian Riviera, Italy!
The Cinque Terre are five ancient maritime villages of incredible beauty, precious gems embedded along an 11 km stretch of rugged coastline in the Eastern Ligurian Riviera.
A bit further south, the town of Portovenere is actually an extension of such coastal tresure and, therefore, is also known as the 'Sesta Terra' ('the Sixth Land').
Since 1997, the Cinque Terre villages, their surrounding area and the town of Portovenere, located at the eastern edge of Liguria Region, have been designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This recognition highlights their unique landscape and their exceptional cultural, historical and architectural merit.
These ancient villages trace their roots back to the late Roman Era. The architecture of their historic centers is a testament to their rich history, with buildings and styles that reflect the various periods and influences that have shaped them through the centuries.
In medieval and Renaissance times, like many other coastal towns in Liguria, the Cinque Terre witnessed battles, invasions and conquests, while today their legacy speaks of peace and work in symbiosis with the environment — a precious reminder of cultural and natural heritage.
The famous 'Sentiero Azzurro' ('Blue Trail') twists and turns along the hills overlooking the coastline, offering a scenic hiking route that connects the five villages to each other.
Here, you can stroll and enjoy picturesque views of nature, where vineyards and olive trees are cultivated on the characteristic stone-walled terraces on the steep hills overlooking the sea.
On this challenging terrain, the ingenious monorail system that helps local farmers navigate the slopes showcases the remarkable blend of tradition and modern solutions in this unique landscape.
The entire site is also home to a Protected Natural Area that encompass both the mainland and the coastal marine environment, preserving its timeless and enchanted atmosphere that evokes dreamlike emotions.
The Cinque Terre are:
Monterosso
Monterosso is the largest of the five villages and the only one to have a wide, sandy beach. It's divided into two distinct parts: the old town and the new Fegina area, connected by a short tunnel.
The old town preserves a classic Ligurian charm with its narrow streets and colorful houses, while Fegina boasts a long seafront promenade and the famous Statue of the Giant, a massive stone sculpture of Neptune, one of the village's symbols.
Its expansive beach and more modern feel make it the most accessible and family-friendly village of the Cinque Terre.
Vernazza
Vernazza's charming cove and small marina, surrounded by colorful houses, create a quiet and welcoming atmosphere.
On the rocky promontory, the ancient tower of the Doria Castle overlooking the sea stands as a historic sentinel over the village.
The castle's ruins can now be visited and offer a breathtaking view of the village and the Ligurian Sea.
Here, occasionally, exhibitions and cultural events are also hosted.
On the opposite side of the cove, the unique octagonal bell tower of the Church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia rises from the rocks, contributing to what is arguably one of the most iconic views of the Cinque Terre.
Corniglia
Perched on a promontory about 100 meters above the sea, this is the only village of the Cinque Terre that does not have direct access to the sea.
To reach the village from the train station, visitors can climb the "Lardarina," a long brick stairway with 382 steps.
Its unique position offers a distinctive perspective, with a panoramic terrace providing a spectacular 360-degree view of the other four villages and the stunning coastline while the vineyards cultivated on the characteristic stone-walled terraces create a surrounding backdrop.
Manarola
Manarola rises directly from the rocky coastline and clings to the hillside, creating an enveloping vertical landscape.
Here, the whole village is surrounded by the typical terraced vineyards that descend the slopes to the sea. The renowned D.O.C. wine 'Sciacchetrà' is produced here and is a top-notch local product.
Among the colorful houses, the "gozzi," the typical Ligurian fishing boats, are pulled ashore and dot the pedestrian streets, creating a picturesque and poetic scenery, while the small harbor is a favorite spot for swimming and diving in the crystal-clear waters.
Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore, with its colorful, tower-like houses clinging to the rocky coast, stands out for its dramatic vertical landscape.
The village's main street, Via Colombo, is a lively thoroughfare of shops and restaurants that winds its way down to the small, picturesque marina, where the typical gozzi—the traditional Ligurian fishing boats—are pulled ashore, adding a charming and authentic touch to the streets.
It's the ideal starting point for excursions into the surrounding green hinterland and the renowned 'Sentiero Azzurro' (Blue Trail).
The first section, a 1-kilometer path to Manarola known as the 'Via dell'Amore' (Way of Love), is famous for its romantic atmosphere and breathtaking views.
Along the way, it's not uncommon to find locks on the railing, left there by couples as a seal of their commitment.
[Who knows whether their commitment would have actually lasted as long as the locks...]
And then... there's Portovenere
Located just south of the Cinque Terre, the enchanting town of Portovenere is known as 'the Sixth Land' due to its inclusion in the same UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with its islands.
The town boasts a rich history ‒ tied to the Maritime Republics of the Renaissance period ‒ with a picturesque harbor lined with a distinctive row of tall, colorful houses and an imposing medieval fortress, the Doria Castle, watching over the village.
At the very tip of the promontory stands the striking Church of San Pietro, a landmark that has inspired countless artists and poets, including Lord Byron, who found inspiration in the dramatic landscape of the Gulf of Poets.
The 'città vecchia' ('old town' ‒ the older part of it), with its charming maze of narrow streets, is nestled behind the colorful facades of the coastal houses overlooking the Bay of Poets, a name it earned because it was frequented and loved by English Romantic poets like Lord Byron, who even dedicated a poem to the town.
The Bay of Poets is a charming place for swimming, diving and rowing; the Arpaia Grotto, located in the rock of the promontory, is also known as 'Lord Byron's Grotto', because the famous English poet is said to have found inspiration here for his literary works and used to swim in this stretch of sea.
Portovenere is named for the goddess Venus (Venere, in italian), to whom a temple stood on the promontory in Roman times.
On that same location overlooking the sea, stands today the beautiful Romanesque Church of San Pietro, dating back to the 6th century.
Dominating the hills is the Doria Castle, a medieval fortress from the 12th century, from which you can admire a stunning panorama of the Gulf of Poets and the Ligurian Sea.
On the island of Palmaria, located beyond the bay, lies the Portovenere Regional Natural Park, featuring magnificent hiking trails and breathtaking views.
A unique Exploring Experience
Each village has its own unique personality and characteristics, all tied together in a magical atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era.
In these preserved and protected places, the fortunate residents can still live a peaceful and healthy lifestyle, far removed from the frenzy and the chaos of big cities.
At the same time, the ancient villages are vibrant and welcoming to visitors, and this constitutes also an important local resource.
Fresh seafood, local products and DOC wines, are a must-try, and the fairytale-like setting, with outdoor restaurants for dinner and aperitifs, is a treat for the spirit.
All of this makes the Cinque Terre one of Italy's most attractive destinations.
Most hotels are family-run and are located in historic buildings.
In Riomaggiore and Manarola there are many apartments and B&Bs available near the harbors, with sea views.
In Corniglia, you'll find them nestled in the midst of nature, surrounded by hills and close to hiking trails.
But you can also stay in the nearby Levanto, to the west and La Spezia to the east, and from there depart for your day-trip to visit the villages.
The Entire Cinque Terre and Portovenere area is highly accessible by train: the railway line between Levanto and La Spezia passes through the 5 villages in just a few minutes, especially during peak season, with the 'Cinque Terre Express' service, which also stops in Portovenere.
Additionally, you can take advantage of the regular boat services along the coast, which allow you to enjoy unforgettable views of these enchanted dreamlike places.
Home in Travel invites you to explore this beautiful area, in partnership with local services and accommodation providers.
This collaboration allows us to continue creating new engaging content about wonderful localities around the World, while also presenting you the best opportunities to explore them.