Exploring Cinque Terre & Beyond 🇮🇹✨

Cinque Terre is one of those places that completely steals your heart. Picture-perfect views, colourful cliffside villages, winding cobbled streets, and seafood so fresh it practically jumps off the plate, this is Italy at its finest.

We based ourselves in La Spezia, which made the perfect starting point for our adventures. It’s ideally located right next to the Cinque Terre National Park, and the train connections are fantastic, quick, reliable, and affordable, making it so easy to hop from one village to the next.

🚂 Village Hopping through Cinque Terre

Armed with our Cinque Terre train pass, we set off to explore some of the most iconic villages:
• Manarola – A postcard-perfect dream. It’s hard to put into words just how pretty this village is, especially when the sun starts to dip and the pastel buildings begin to glow. We ended our day here with a delicious lobster linguine and wine, sat by the water watching the sun melt into the sea. Absolute bliss.
• Riomaggiore – The perfect mix of rustic charm and dramatic coastal views. It’s slightly bigger than Manarola and packed with character. The little harbour is perfect for photos, and there are plenty of places to grab a spritz and take it all in.
• Corniglia – The only village that’s not directly on the water, but it’s well worth the climb. Perched high above the sea, it’s quieter and has a totally different vibe. Think narrow alleys, sweeping views, and a more laid-back pace.

On another day, we travelled from La Spezia to Levanto, working our way back and stopping off at:
• Monterosso al Mare – The largest of the five towns and the one with the best beaches. If you’re after a swim and some sunbathing, this is your spot.
• Vernazza – Often a favourite, and for good reason. It’s utterly stunning, with a small harbour, colourful buildings and a romantic atmosphere. Even in pouring rain, this place is breathtaking.

Speaking of rain – the weather really threw everything at us! We got absolutely soaked more than once, but honestly, it only added to the adventure. There’s something special about wandering misty cobbled streets with umbrellas in hand and discovering cosy little spots to shelter with a coffee or a gelato.

🌇 A Sunset Detour to Pisa

One evening, we decided on a spontaneous trip to Pisa. We’d visited before during the day but never at night and wow, what a difference! The Leaning Tower was beautifully lit, and the crowds had thinned out, making it feel even more magical. Just off the main square are charming little bars and restaurants tucked away down side streets, perfect for a drink or dinner before hopping back on the train.

The journey from La Spezia to Pisa takes just under an hour and costs around €8, definitely one to consider if you’re staying nearby and fancy something a little different.

Cinque Terre really does offer the full package: coastal views, culinary delights, rich culture, and easy day trips to nearby gems like Pisa. Whether the sun is shining or the heavens open, it’s a place that leaves a lasting impression. 🇮🇹✨