Cinque Terre — which literally means “Five Lands”
Is this insanely gorgeous stretch of colorful cliffside villages hugging Italy’s northern Ligurian coast. After some soul-refreshing silence in a meditation retreat in Tuscany, I headed with my dear sister to Florence (or Firenze, as the locals say). There, a spontaneous connection with a charming Italian guy led me straight to the dreamy magic of Cinque Terre. He picked me up right in Florence, and off we went on this coastal adventure.
Cinque Terre is made up of five villages—Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Monterosso—but with limited time, we managed to explore three: Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Vernazza.
Riomaggiore greeted us with its postcard-perfect colorful houses stacked on steep cliffs, diving into the sparkling turquoise sea. The little harbor buzzed with colorful fishing boats, and the narrow alleys whispered stories of local life. It’s also where the famous Lovers’ Hike (Sentiero Azzurro) kicks off—a romantic, jaw-dropping coastal trail between Riomaggiore and Manarola that’s basically a love letter to nature.
Manarola? Oh, Manarola stole my heart completely. This village is pure charm, with pastel houses clinging dramatically to the cliffs and stunning ocean views around every corner. We dove headfirst into some warm, pesto-topped focaccia and tiny pizzas fresh out of a family bakery—simple, local food that tasted like a warm hug. Wandering through the stone alleys filled with pops of color felt like stepping into a fairytale.
We mostly hopped between villages by train—super easy and affordable—but if you have the time, the ferry ride and hiking trails offer some of the most epic coastal views you’ll ever see. Since we were racing the clock, the train was our trusty sidekick.
Vernazza was our grand finale—seriously, it looks like a painting come to life. The small harbor tucked between cliffs, and the Ligurian Gothic church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia overlooking the sea made it feel like a sacred little spot. We caught a sunset that set the sky on fire, sipped my very first Aperol Spritz, and soaked in that magical moment before the night and a light drizzle nudged us back to Florence.
Tips for Visiting Cinque Terre:
- Give yourself at least two days so you can truly fall in love with all five villages.
- Don’t skip the Lovers’ Hike between Riomaggiore and Manarola — it’s legendary (just check if it’s open!).
- Trains are the easiest way to get around, but ferries and hiking trails turn travel into an adventure.
- Taste all the local goodies: pesto alla Genovese, fresh focaccia, seafood, and limoncino.
- Pack comfy shoes for cobblestone streets and trails, and bring swimwear—you’ll want to jump in that gorgeous sea.
Cinque Terre is a wild, colorful symphony of nature, culture, and flavor — a dreamy escape that stays in your heart long after you leave.
