The picturesque villages of Cinque Terre are one of the Italian Riviera's top attractions, drawing in crowds of tourists every year. But if your own journey to Italy is a long way off, why not enjoy these gorgeous photos.

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: articles/in-content-top
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "cinque-terre-italy-travel"
}

Editor's note: Please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government advice.

A woman stands in front of the beautiful village of Cinque Terre.
Manarola village on a summer day © fokke baarssen / Shutterstock

Manarola

This village boasts the colorful buildings and crystal waters that make Cinque Terre famous, but grapevine-covered Manarola is famous for its sweet Sciacchetrà wine.

A colorful sunset in Vernazza in Cinque Terre.
Colorful landscape view of Vernazza village © serts / Getty Images

Vernazza

Famous for its beautiful harbour and caruggi (narrow streets), Vernazza also boasts cafes and epic sea views.

Grapes on a vine at a vineyard in Cinque Terre.
Grapes on the vine in Cinque Terre © Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet

Vineyards

Oenophiles and casual sippers will flock to Cinque Terre's many vineyards, where you can sample the region's famed wines.

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: articles/in-content-middle
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "cinque-terre-italy-travel"
}
An evening view of the village of Vernazza.
Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Italy © Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet

Epic Seaviews

The five fishing villages of Cinque Terre climb up onto the hillsides, meaning epic seaviews are around every corner.

LPT_Extras_118.jpg
The village of Manarola, visible through the vines © Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet

Scenic Walks

While you're sure to be charmed by the villages, the hikes between them will give you ample chance to admire the incredible scenery.

  • placement: native
  • path: articles/in-content-native
  • possible size: [f, l],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "cinque-terre-italy-travel"
}
A bowl full of lemons.
Fresh lemons for sale in Cinque Terre © Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet

Lemons and Limoncino

The region, and particularly the village of Monterosso, is known for its lemon groves - and the limoncino liquer that is produced.

Town in mountains towering over tranquil sea in Cinque Terre.
Aerial view of town in mountains towering over tranquil sea Cinque Terre SimonSkafar / Getty Images

Epic Coastlines

If anything can take your gaze away from the gorgeous villages of Cinque Terre, it's the epic rocky coastline that drops off into crystal waters.

Seafood spaghetti at a beautiful trattoria in Cinque Terre.
Seafood Spaghetti at Trattoria Del Billy in Manarola © Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet

Delicious Seafood

What better place to sample fresh seafood than some of the world's most beautiful historic fishing villages?

Read more:

Italy’s fabulous five: planning your visit to the Cinque Terre
The 7 best hikes in Italy
Alternative Cinque Terre: five beautiful and unspoiled Italian Riviera villages

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: articles/bottom
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "cinque-terre-italy-travel"
}

Explore related stories

Bolivia

Food

Can visiting lesser-known places offer a better travel experience?

Jul 28, 2020 • 6 min read

Read more articles