Le Cinque Terre (the five lands) are a group of five picturesque villages along the coast surrounded by terraced vineyards, olive groves, and forests. The villages can be reached on the train that runs between La Spezia and Genoa or by ferry from La Spezia, Portovenere, Levanto (the next village up the coast toward Genoa where there’s also a train station), as well as other Italian Riviera villages.
There are popular hiking trails between the villages as well as in the scenic hills above them. One can easily blend one or two hikes between the villages with a few minute rail ride between others, hence have time enough to visit all of them in one day.
The Cinque Terre region is very popular with Americans and is crowded in summer. Spending the night in one of the villages is a good way to experience the charm without the huge crowds since the majority of visitors only experience Cinque Terre as a ‘day trip’. Lodging is very limited….but worthwhile if you can land a room, since evenings are quieter. I strongly recommend that room reservations be secured many months in advance if you plan on overnighting in Cinque Terre. Simple 3 star hotels, generally family owned and operated, will cost Euro160 per night for two in high season including breakfast. For one of the few 4 star options requiring a 2-3 night minimum, add another Euro 100 per night.
The little bitty cove beaches are packed with sun bathers. Umbrellas and chaise lounges are available for rent each day, but don’t expect much peace or quiet or private space, though it is festive and colorful.
All of the villages have shopping and dining options, Monterosso al Mare being the largest .. offers the most services for visitors, including a little nightlife in high season. And Monterosso is accessible by car..though you will not want to explore Cinque Terre via car once you arrive.
Enjoy these charming fishing villages soon, as civilization is encroaching on these once very isolated hamlets.
Journeys Viaggio 
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