Five colourful villages perched above the Mediterranean, vertiginous trails and terraced vineyards: the Cinque Terre are the jewel of the Italian Riviera. Here is how to turn them into an exceptional escape from Monaco.
Five villages clinging to the cliffs, sorbet-coloured houses tumbling towards a turquoise sea, terraced vineyards and trails suspended between sky and Mediterranean: visiting the Cinque Terre means discovering one of the most beautiful treasures of the Italian Riviera. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ribbon of Ligurian coast lies just a few hours from Monaco, making it an ideal escape to extend a stay on the French Riviera. In this complete guide, you will find everything you need to plan your visit: how to get there, which villages to explore, the most beautiful hikes, the famous Cinque Terre Card and the best time to go.
The Cinque Terre, jewel of the Italian Riviera
The Cinque Terre, literally “the five lands”, form a spectacular stretch of the Ligurian coast, in the province of La Spezia. Five former fishing villages - Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore - follow one another over a dozen kilometres, linked by the sea, the railway and a network of ancient footpaths.
Since 1997, the area has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and forms a protected national park. What makes the site unique is the harmony between people and a rugged landscape: generations of farmers carved the mountainside into thousands of terraces held up by dry-stone walls, where vines and olive trees ripen. Here there are no major roads or traffic: you travel on foot, by train or by boat.
For travellers staying on the Riviera, the Cinque Terre offer a striking contrast with the urban elegance of Monte-Carlo: a raw, authentic and photogenic setting where time seems to stand still.
How to reach the Cinque Terre from Monaco
Let us be honest: the Cinque Terre are not just around the corner. They lie about 250 kilometres from Monaco, which makes for a full day trip or, better still, a one or two-day escape. The good news: the journey follows the Riviera and is easy to organise, whether you choose the train or the car.
By train, the most relaxing option
The train remains the most restful way to reach the Cinque Terre. From Monaco station, a five-minute walk from the Port Palace, you travel to Ventimiglia then Genoa, before continuing towards La Spezia or Monterosso. Depending on connections, the journey takes between five and six hours, which makes an overnight stay the smarter way to enjoy the region fully.
Once you arrive, everything revolves around the Cinque Terre Express, the local line linking the five villages between La Spezia and Levanto. Trains run roughly every twenty minutes and cover the distance from one village to the next in just a few minutes. It is the backbone of any visit.
By car, for freedom on the road
By car, allow about three and a half hours from Monaco via the A10 motorway, heading towards Genoa then La Spezia. Be aware: the Cinque Terre villages are almost entirely closed to traffic and parking is scarce and expensive. The best strategy is to leave the car in La Spezia or Levanto, then switch to the local train. To reach the region in comfort, our guests often prefer a private transfer or a chauffeured car, services you can book among our exclusive services.
💡 The concierge's tip
“ Set off early in the morning to enjoy the villages before the groups arrive, and save Manarola for the end of the day: it is at sunset that its colourful facades catch fire. When staying at the Port Palace, your concierge can arrange a private transfer to La Spezia to spare you the connections. ”
The five villages to discover
Each of the five villages has its own character. Visiting them all in a single day is possible thanks to the train, but taking the time to savour two or three remains the finest approach. Here is what sets them apart.
Monterosso al Mare
The largest and most northerly of the five villages is also the only one with a true sandy beach, lined with parasols. Split between a medieval old town and a more recent seaside quarter, Monterosso appeals to those who love swimming and lazing in the sun. Do not miss the Giant statue, carved into the rock at the end of the beach, nor the salted anchovies, a local speciality famous throughout Liguria.
Vernazza
Often named the most beautiful of the five, Vernazza unfolds its small natural harbour surrounded by colourful tower houses and crowned by the Doria castle. The little square facing the sea, its café terraces and the church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia make up one of the most famous postcards in Italy. Climb up to the castle for a sweeping view over the rooftops and the fishing boats.
Corniglia
The only village set high on the hillside, with no direct access to the sea. To reach it from the station, you must climb the 382 steps of the Lardarina, or take the shuttle bus. This effort keeps the crowds at bay: Corniglia is the most peaceful of the five, with its narrow lanes, its panoramic Santa Maria terrace and its 180-degree views over the coast.
Manarola
Probably the most photographed village in the Cinque Terre. Its houses, stacked in a cascade above a rocky cove, offer an unforgettable spectacle at dusk, when the stone turns orange. Manarola is also the heart of the local vineyards and the production of Sciacchetrà, the region's emblematic sweet wine. The little Punta Bonfiglio path offers the best viewpoint.
Riomaggiore
The southernmost village, and often the first you discover arriving from La Spezia. Riomaggiore lines its ochre and pink facades along a valley that runs down to the tiny harbour. It is here that the famous Via dell'Amore, the “path of love” carved into the cliff towards Manarola, begins. At dusk, the terraces facing the harbour make it an ideal spot for an aperitif.
What to do in the Cinque Terre?
Beyond strolling through the lanes, the region lends itself to many experiences. Here are the must-dos for a successful visit.
Hiking the Sentiero Azzurro
Hiking in the Cinque Terre is the signature of the place. The Sentiero Azzurro, or “blue trail”, links the five villages along the cliffside, offering continuous panoramas over the sea and the terraced vineyards. Some sections, such as the Via dell'Amore between Riomaggiore and Manarola, are short and accessible; others, such as the Monterosso-Vernazza stretch, call for good shoes and a little stamina. Always check whether the trails are open before setting off, as some close after bad weather.
Exploring the coast by boat
Seeing the villages from the sea completely changes the perspective. Maritime shuttles connect the Cinque Terre from May to October, and offer magnificent colours at the end of the day. It is also a pleasant alternative to the train when you want to avoid the crowds.
Swimming and savouring Ligurian cuisine
The coves of Riomaggiore and Vernazza, as well as the beach at Monterosso, invite you to swim in summer. At the table, Liguria delights: pesto alla genovese, soft focaccia, fritto misto from the sea, Monterosso anchovies and, of course, Sciacchetrà to enjoy at sunset. Connoisseurs gladly accompany their plate with a glass of local Cinque Terre white wine.
☉ Good to know: the Cinque Terre Card
Two options exist in 2026. The Trekking Card (from 7.50 EUR/day) gives access to the national park's paid trails and the village buses. The Treno MS Card (from 19.50 EUR/day) adds unlimited journeys on the Cinque Terre Express between Levanto and La Spezia. New for 2026: the Via dell'Amore is now included in both cards, with no separate ticket. The card can be bought at the village stations or online on the official website of the Cinque Terre National Park.
When to visit the Cinque Terre?
The best time to visit the Cinque Terre runs from late spring to early autumn. May, June and September offer the best balance: mild weather, a sea that is still swimmable and more reasonable crowds than at the height of summer.
July and August remain splendid, but the villages and trails can be very busy in the middle of the day. If you travel in high season, favour early-morning departures and late afternoons to enjoy golden light and quieter lanes. In winter, the atmosphere is peaceful but many businesses close and some boats do not run.
How many days to plan and how to organise your visit
One day is enough for a first glimpse of the five villages thanks to the Cinque Terre Express, but two days let you hike, enjoy a swim and watch a sunset over Manarola without rushing. The distance from Monaco is, moreover, an invitation to turn the day trip into a mini-escape.
Many travellers choose to set up their base on the French Riviera, with its incomparable elegance and services, before heading off to explore the Italian Riviera by day. From the Port Palace, our boutique hotel on Port Hercule, you can easily reach the finest sites of both Rivieras. After a day in the Cinque Terre, there is nothing like returning to the comfort of a suite facing the yachts and a dinner with a view on the sixth floor.
To extend your discovery of the Italian Riviera, explore our guides to visiting Portofino, San Remo or the medieval village of Dolceacqua.
Port Palace Monaco
Make Monaco your base on the Riviera
Our suites facing Port Hercule offer a gentle return after a day in the Cinque Terre. Views over the yachts, a dedicated concierge and dinner with a panorama on the sixth floor.
Book your stayFAQ: your questions about the Cinque Terre
What is the best way to visit the Cinque Terre?
The train is the ideal solution. The Cinque Terre Express links the five villages roughly every twenty minutes, with no parking worries. Combine it with a few hiking sections on the Sentiero Azzurro and, if possible, a maritime shuttle to vary the viewpoints.
How many days do you need to visit the Cinque Terre?
One day allows you to discover the five villages by train. To hike, swim and enjoy a sunset without rushing, plan for two days. Given the distance from Monaco, an overnight escape is often the most enjoyable formula.
Which is the most beautiful village in the Cinque Terre?
Vernazza, with its natural harbour and castle, is often named the most beautiful. Manarola, the most photogenic at sunset, rivals it for the title. The best thing is to form your own opinion by visiting both.
Do you need a Cinque Terre Card?
It is strongly recommended. The card gives access to the national park's paid trails, including the Via dell'Amore, and the Treno version includes unlimited journeys on the Cinque Terre Express. It is the most practical and economical option for a day's visit.
Conclusion
Plunging cliffs, colourful villages and fragrant trails: visiting the Cinque Terre is one of the most beautiful experiences the Italian Riviera has to offer. Just a few hours from the Principality, this UNESCO gem lends itself wonderfully to an escape from the French Riviera. By choosing Monaco as your starting point, you combine the authenticity of Liguria with the refinement of an exceptional stay. Pack your walking shoes and your camera, and let yourself be carried away by the magic of the five lands.
