9 Stunning Images of Cinque Terre That Will Have You Booking Your Next Trip

Sep 24, 2020

2 MIN READ

The village of Manarola, Cinque Terre © Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet

The colorful village of Manarola in Cinque Terre, Italy

I’m a packing-cube enthusiast, always trying to cram one more thing into my backpack before I hit the road. My dream trip would start in an amazing city where I can soak up the culture, followed by some relaxation in nature. Some of my favourite destinations have been Sri Lanka and Croatia. I'm originally from Canada, but since joining Lonely Planet in 2016 I’ve called Dublin home - or at least my home-base between trips.

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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.

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

Manarola village on a summer day © fokke baarssen / Shutterstock
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.

Colorful landscape view of Vernazza village © serts / Getty Images
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 the vine in Cinque Terre © Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet
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.

Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Italy © Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet
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.

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

Fresh lemons for sale in Cinque Terre © Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet
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 liquerthat is produced.

Aerial view of town in mountains towering over tranquil sea Cinque Terre SimonSkafar / Getty Images
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  Trattoria Del Billy in Manarola © Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet
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

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