Italy
Cinque Terre
Italy
Cinque Terre
Updated Jun 01, 2025
Overview
Cinque Terre, meaning 'Five Lands,' is a breathtaking stretch of Italian Riviera coastline. These five colorful fishing villages cling to steep terraces, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Explore winding streets, sample local wines, and indulge in fresh seafood. Hike the famous Sentiero Azzurro trail for panoramic sea views or take a scenic boat ride between towns. Each village has its own character: Riomaggiore's scenic harbor, Manarola's romantic atmosphere, Corniglia's hilltop charm, Vernazza's lively piazza, and Monterosso's beautiful beaches.
Best time to visit. Visit Cinque Terre in late spring (April-May) or early fall (September-October). You'll enjoy mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and vibrant scenery. Summer offers warm beach weather but can be crowded. Winter is quiet but some attractions may be closed.
City stats
Population
7,000
Land area
15 sq. mi.
Currency
Euro
Year founded
1000 CE
Official langauge
Italian
English speaking
Somewhat spoken, esp. in hospitality
State/Province
Liguria
Timezone
Central European (UTC+1)
Driving side
right
Website
Google Maps link
Quick links
How to get there
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Cities within 8 hours
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Bars, pubs and nightlife
Breakfast and brunch
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Where to stay for work trips
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Average weather
Country holidays
Major annual events
Cultural tips
City details
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Nearby
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Food & restaurants
Work friendly
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 55°F - 41°F | 53°F - 38°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:45 am | 5:00 pm | 8 days 3.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| February | 57°F - 42°F | 55°F - 39°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:15 am | 5:40 pm | 7 days 2.7 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| March | 61°F - 46°F | 60°F - 43°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:30 am | 6:15 pm | 8 days 3.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| April | 65°F - 50°F | 64°F - 48°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:30 am | 7:45 pm | 8 days 3.3 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| May | 72°F - 57°F | 72°F - 56°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:45 am | 8:30 pm | 7 days 2.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| June | 78°F - 63°F | 79°F - 63°F | Sunny | 5:30 am | 9:00 pm | 4 days 1.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| July | 83°F - 68°F | 85°F - 68°F | Sunny | 5:45 am | 8:45 pm | 3 days 1.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| August | 84°F - 69°F | 86°F - 69°F | Sunny | 6:15 am | 8:15 pm | 4 days 1.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| September | 78°F - 64°F | 79°F - 64°F | Sunny | 6:45 am | 7:30 pm | 5 days 2.8 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| October | 71°F - 57°F | 70°F - 56°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:15 am | 6:30 pm | 8 days 4.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| November | 62°F - 49°F | 61°F - 47°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:00 am | 4:45 pm | 9 days 4.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| December | 56°F - 43°F | 54°F - 40°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:30 am | 4:30 pm | 8 days 3.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Celebration of the new year with fireworks, parades, and family gatherings. | Avoid travel, most places closed. | ||
| Epiphany | January 6 | Christian holiday commemorating the visit of the Magi to baby Jesus. | Limited services, but festive atmosphere. | ||
| Easter Sunday | Varies (March/April) | Christian celebration of Jesus' resurrection with church services and family meals. | Many closures, religious observances. | ||
| Easter Monday | Day after Easter Sunday | Extended Easter celebration with outdoor activities and picnics. | Some closures, but lively atmosphere. | ||
| Liberation Day | April 25 | Commemoration of Italy's liberation from Nazi occupation in World War II. | Patriotic events, some business closures. | ||
| Labor Day | May 1 | Celebration of workers' rights with parades and demonstrations. | Many closures, possible transportation issues. | ||
| Republic Day | June 2 | National holiday celebrating the birth of the Italian Republic with parades. | Patriotic events, some business closures. | ||
| Assumption Day | August 15 | Catholic observance of the Virgin Mary's ascension to heaven. | Many closures, religious processions. | ||
| All Saints' Day | November 1 | Catholic holiday honoring saints and deceased loved ones. | Some closures, solemn atmosphere. | ||
| Feast of the Immaculate Conception | December 8 | Catholic celebration of Virgin Mary's conception without original sin. | Some closures, religious observances. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Christian celebration of Jesus' birth with religious services and family gatherings. | Avoid travel, nearly everything closed. | ||
| St. Stephen's Day | December 26 | Extension of Christmas celebrations honoring the first Christian martyr. | Limited services, festive atmosphere. |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cinque Terre Walking Festival | Late March - Early April | Annual hiking event celebrating the region's trails and natural beauty. Guided walks and local food tastings are offered. | Great time to visit for outdoor enthusiasts | ||
| Festa di San Giovanni Battista | June 24 | Celebration of St. John the Baptist, patron saint of Monterosso. Features religious processions and fireworks. | Interesting cultural experience, but busy | ||
| Monterosso Lemon Festival | Mid-May | Festival celebrating the region's famous lemons. Features local products, food stalls, and lemon-themed events. | Enjoyable event, minimal travel disruption | ||
| Festa del Limone | Late July | Another lemon festival, this time in Riomaggiore. Showcases local lemon products and traditional cuisine. | Fun local event, good time to visit | ||
| Festa di Santa Margherita | July 20 | Religious festival in Vernazza honoring St. Margaret. Includes processions and evening fireworks display. | Authentic local experience, but crowded | ||
| Festa della Madonna Bianca | August 14 | Religious festival in Riomaggiore with a candlelit procession and fireworks. Honors the White Madonna. | Busy period, consider alternative dates | ||
| Sagra dei Limoni | Mid-September | Lemon festival in Monterosso al Mare. Features local lemon products, food, and cultural events. | Good time to visit, enjoy local flavors | ||
| Vendemmia | September - October | Grape harvest season in Cinque Terre. Visitors can participate in grape picking and wine tasting events. | Excellent time to visit for wine lovers | ||
| Festa di San Francesco | October 4 | Celebration of St. Francis in Corniglia. Features religious ceremonies and local food specialties. | Good time to visit, less crowded |
1 | Italians take their food seriously. Don't ask for modifications to dishes or cut pasta with a knife. Respect local dining customs and enjoy meals as they're traditionally served. |
2 | Dress modestly when visiting churches. Cover shoulders and knees, and remove hats. Some popular sites may refuse entry if you're not dressed appropriately. |
3 | Learn basic Italian phrases like 'grazie' (thank you) and 'per favore' (please). Locals appreciate the effort, even if you're not fluent. It shows respect for their culture. |
4 | Embrace the Italian concept of 'la dolce vita' (the sweet life). Slow down, savor your meals, and enjoy leisurely strolls. Don't rush through experiences like locals don't. |
5 | Tipping isn't expected in Italy like in North America. Many restaurants include a service charge. If not, rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip is appreciated but not mandatory. |
6 | Be aware of 'coperto,' a per-person cover charge in restaurants. It's standard practice, not a tourist trap. It usually covers bread and table setting. |
7 | Avoid loud behavior in public, especially on public transport. Italians generally speak softly in public spaces and appreciate when tourists do the same. |
8 | Don't drink cappuccino after 11 AM. Italians consider it a breakfast drink. Opt for an espresso after meals instead to blend in with local customs. |
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