The Cinque Terre are five colourful cliffside villages on the Ligurian coast linked by trains, boats and footpaths, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Cinque Terre are usually done as a full day from Pisa. A regional train reaches La Spezia Centrale in about 1 hour 10 minutes for about €9 (~$10), after which a local train connects the villages; a single park ticket costs €5, €8 or €10 (~$6, $9 or $12) until 1 November 2026 depending on the attendance band. The path network has varying open sections, so check the park site before walking.
| Distance | About 100 km north-west of Pisa |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1 hour 35 minutes by train |
| Getting there | Train (Trenitalia Regionale from Pisa Centrale to La Spezia Centrale, about 1 hour 10 minutes), then local train to the villages (about 25 minutes to Monterosso) |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Stazione di Monterosso al Mare, 19016 Monterosso al Mare SP, Italy |
How to get there
- Mode
- Train
- Duration
- About 1 hour 35 minutes to Monterosso
- Cost
- Pisa-La Spezia about €9 (~$10); Cinque Terre single ticket €5, €8 or €10 (~$6, $9 or $12) depending on the park band, valid 75 minutes
- Notes
- Regionale to La Spezia Centrale then onward on the coastal line; the seasonal 5 Terre Express takes about 20 minutes between La Spezia and Monterosso
- Mode
- Car
- Duration
- About 1 hour 20 minutes
- Notes
- Park at La Spezia and use the train; the villages restrict cars
Suggested itinerary
- Train to La Spezia early, take the local train to Monterosso, walk or ride between villages, swim, eat anchovies and trofie, and return in the evening.
Location
Stazione di Monterosso al Mare, 19016 Monterosso al Mare SP, Italy
44.1456, 9.6537 View on map
Highlights
- Monterosso al Mare and its beach
- Vernazza harbour
- Corniglia, the hilltop village
- Manarola viewpoint
- Riomaggiore
Tips for visiting
- Check path closures on the national park website before hiking
- Start before 08:00 to beat crowds
- Buy park train tickets at the station machines
When to visit
April-June and September-October; summer is very crowded.
Accessibility
Villages are steep with stairs; trains and the Monterosso beach are the easiest parts.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to the Cinque Terre from Pisa?
Take a regional train from Pisa Centrale to La Spezia Centrale and change for the villages; the total journey is about 1 hour 35 minutes to Monterosso.
How much does it cost?
About €9 (~$10) to La Spezia plus the local park ticket.