Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso has a traditional Italian market where you can buy specialty foods from the Italian fishing village, local wines, traditional clothing, and crafts. When you arrive in Monterosso, visitors first take a stroll on Fegina Beach, then head to local restaurants to taste fresh anchovies and other fishing village delicacies. The town also has many lounges and bars where you can enjoy coffee or wine while taking in the beautiful scenery of Monterosso.
Vernazza
Vernazza, nestled under terraced vineyards and lemon groves, is the most exquisite and lively town among the Cinque Terre. The town's most famous attraction is the Church of Santa Margherita, built in 1318. On the rocks by the sea on the other side of the harbor, there are ruins of an 11th-century castle, which are worth visiting. The main street of the town is Via Roma, which runs from the seaside square straight to the train station. Visitors can leisurely stroll along the stone road of Via Roma, browsing the craft shops and restaurants on both sides.
Corniglia is perched on coastal cliffs and is the highest village among the Cinque Terre. The four-story buildings painted in vibrant colors contrast sharply with the gray-black rocks, adding a beautiful hue to the village's dramatic geographical location. The main street, Via Fieschi, is lined with charming shops, and at the end of the street, there is a viewing platform offering magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea. Another highlight of Corniglia is the Church of St. Peter, built in the 14th century, featuring Ligurian Gothic architecture. Inside the church, there is an intricately carved marble rose window, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient artisans.
Similar to Corniglia, Manarola is also built on rocks. There is no beach, no port, but it has the iconic colorful houses of the Cinque Terre, making it the most popular spot for tourists to take photos. When the weather is good, many people sunbathe on the platform and surrounding rocks. Manarola is the town with the most vineyards in the Cinque Terre, and sciacchetrà is a famous local dessert wine that you must try!
The main street of the town is called Via C. Colombo, lined with various restaurants, small shops, and souvenir stores. Riomaggiore is the only village in the Cinque Terre with a harbor, where fishing boats and tourist boats for Cinque Terre sea tours often dock. The cliffs on both sides of the harbor are filled with buildings of varying heights, and the colorful paint on their exteriors adds a charming atmosphere to the harbor. A short walk south from the harbor along a path leads to Lover's Beach, where you can see vegetation and seabirds, enjoy beautiful sunsets, go snorkeling, or rent a canoe or kayak. The most famous attraction in Riomaggiore is the Via dell'Amore (Path of Love), located between the villages of Riomaggiore and Manarola, known as 'the most romantic coastal path in the world.' Along the Path of Love, you can see declarations of love written by couples and love locks firmly attached to the railings. However, the Path of Love is occasionally closed, so be sure to check the Cinque Terre National Park website in advance to avoid disappointment.
