The five colorful fishing villages clinging to dramatic Ligurian cliffs (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso) are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy's most spectacular coastal landscapes. A day trip from Florence or Pisa is absolutely doable and rewarding.
| Distance | Pisa to Cinque Terre: 60 km; Florence to La Spezia: 130 km |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 2 hours from Florence by train; 1 hour from Pisa by train |
| Cost | €15-30 train fare + €7.50 Cinque Terre Card (for trails and trains between villages) |
Weather through the year in Italy
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Italy.
Highlights
- Hiking the Cinque Terre coastal trail between villages
- Swimming at Monterosso Beach
- Seafood lunch in Vernazza
- Photography of the multicolored buildings against the sea
Tips for visiting
- Get the first morning train from Florence to maximize time
- Avoid July-August when villages are extremely crowded
- Buy Cinque Terre Card for unlimited village-to-village trains and trail access
- Focus on 2-3 villages rather than rushing through all five