A coastal adventure unfolds across five cliffside villages at Cinque Terre in the Italian Riviera.
Along the Ligurian coast is the picturesque seaside province of Cinque Terre, home to five historic fishing villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, all linked by ancient footpaths carved into the cliffs. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, its beauty is immediately apparent. Candy-colored houses cascade toward the sea, fishing boats rest in quiet harbors, and sunsets seem to linger out of courtesy. Visit in April, when the weather is at its most pleasant, and life unfolds at an unhurried pace, making Cinque Terre an ideal setting for a laid-back Italian adventure.
READ ALSO: 5 Road Trip Coffee Stops To Bookmark For Your Next Adventure
Monterosso Al Mare
The largest of the five seaside villages, Monterosso al Mare is defined by its wide beaches and dramatic rock formations. It is also the most developed area in Cinque Terre, as its relatively flat terrain allows for a greater concentration of restaurants, shops, and hotels. Lively and inviting, Monterosso is ideal for enjoying the beach, cooler coastal weather, and sweeping views of the surrounding cliffs.
Corniglia
Next is Corniglia, the smallest of the five villages and also the most challenging to reach. The effort, however, is well worth it. Perched roughly 100 meters above sea level, Corniglia is the only village not directly on the water. Reaching it requires either a bus ride or a climb up the Lardarina staircase, a steep ascent of 382 steps. At the top, visitors are rewarded with a village wrapped in distinctive terraced landscapes and sweeping coastal views. Less visited by tourists, Corniglia has seen minimal development, with fewer restaurants and holiday rentals. The result is a quieter, more intimate atmosphere, where daily life unfolds around longtime residents rather than crowds.
Vernazza
Famed for its breathtaking overhead views of a colorful village by the sea, Vernazza is a beautiful and relaxed place to explore. A short hike up the hill, passing quiet vineyards and local homes, leads to one of the best vantage points overlooking the town. Back in the village itself, life centers around the main piazza, where visitors linger over gelato, small plates, and generous pours of Aperol Spritz. Beyond the square, narrow streets and hidden alleys wind through the town, making it easy and delightful to get lost. Friendly street cats roam freely, a small but telling sign of how safe and welcoming the area is for pets as well.
Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore features the same colorful houses seen throughout the region, though here they are stacked dramatically atop one another. Built directly into the rugged terrain, the village has steeper paths, narrow alleys, and an abundance of stairs that lead down to its small harbor. The atmosphere is lively, with busy restaurants and shops lining the streets, and visitors sunbathing along the harbor paths by the water. The coastline here is especially striking, with jagged rock faces marked by clean, vertical edges that give the landscape a sculptural, almost rhythmic quality.
Manarola
Iconic for its cliffside buildings stacked above the sea, Manarola stood out as the most memorable of the five villages. Beyond its excellent cuisine, the town carries a strong sense of adventure. Locals and visitors alike gather along the rocks to watch cliff jumpers plunge into the water below, thrilling to observe and slightly nerve-wracking given the jagged shoreline. Manarola is also known for its beautiful sunsets.
A nearby hillside path leads to a vantage point where the fading light washes the village in dramatic hues of orange, pink, and purple. Experiencing the village early in the morning reveals another side of Manarola. Like the other towns, its small scale creates an intimate atmosphere, one where it feels as though everyone knows one another.
This article was originally published in our March 2026 issue.
Photography and travel notes by JANELLE COBANKIAT SY
