At Cinque Terre's northwestern end is the town of Monterosso al Mare. Most of the hotels in Cinque Terre are located in Monterosso, which holds the distinction of being a bit more touristy in nature than the other four towns. It also has the main beach area in Cinque Terre. The village is notable for its old town, which dates back to the 16th century and is linked to Monterosso's newer section by a tunnel.
Vernazza is located approximately 12 miles/19 kilometers from Monterosso via a winding road. Visitors can also reach each of the five towns via a scenic hiking trail.Situated at the base of spectacular terraced hillsides, Vernazza is a main port town for the region. It is accessible both by boat and car, although its remote seaside atmosphere is what many visitors come here to experience.
Surrounded by terraces and vineyards, Corniglia sits atop a rocky peninsula 328 feet/100 meters above the water. The town is located 6 miles/4 kilometers south of Vernazza by car. The center of town is accessible either by car or by a long section of steps consisting of 33 flights of stairs. The hiking trail that connects Vernazza and Corniglia is one of the more stunning parts of the coastal trail system. Quiet olive groves, a stone staircase that weaves through terraced walkways and eye-popping vistas make the two-hour walk worth the effort.
One of the smallest of the five towns, Manarola is 8 miles/12.5 kilometers south of Corniglia. With buildings dating back to the early 14th century, Manarola is believed to be the oldest of the five towns. It is perched on rocky precipices that overlook the Mediterranean. Every evening the fishermen haul their boats out of the water onto the piazza, recreating the picturesque appearance of a small fishing village. Manarola is also famous for its regional wine.
Located 4 miles/6 kilometers by road from Manarola, Riomaggiore is the southernmost town in Cinque Terre. Many of the residents work in the nearby city, La Spezia, approximately 8 miles/14.5 kilometers southeast of Riomaggiore. The town is well known for its comfortable cafés and scenic walkways. The houses are built on the rocky terraces that overlook the ocean, with the typical main street that leads to the center of the village. Riomaggiore's most famous feature is the Via dell'Amore (Lovers' Trail), a 20-minute walking trail that links the town with Manarola.
