2 days exploring the (new) Cinque Terre
After our short getaway to Portofino last August, we decided to go 50 km further to Levanto. The starting point to discover the national park of Cinque Terre , known for its 5 fishing villages with multicolored houses stacked on the cliff face.
Located on the Italian Riviera in Liguria, the villages of Cinque Terre They are: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Access by car is particularly difficult on the winding roads; therefore it is recommended to stay in Levanto or La Spezzia, the two main towns located on both sides of this stretch of coastline. Accommodation is significantly cheaper than in the villages. Cinque Terre.
As soon as we arrived at Levanto, We went looking for a hotel or a campsite at the last minute. (an early August weekend, good luck!) Bingo, the hotels were all way out of our budget! We had no choice but to find a campsite! And that’s at the campsite Albero d’Oro We were lucky enough to have the last available spot and we almost paid nothing: 30€ per night (the highest seasonal rate). In the end, we actually got along quite well, right? Normally we only camp in unusual places. (where in case of extreme emergency) as in the article we had written about The 5 most unusual campsites in France.
Head to Cinque Terre!
2 years ago, we had already come to spend a few days in Cinque Terre; we had chosen to travel by car between each village and were quickly disappointed! Once there, we were advised to travel either by train from Levanto or on foot, following one of the many hiking trails between each village. And we finally opted for the train and the pass. « Cinque Terre Card Train « , the most convenient way.
This time, as it was very nice and very hot, we chose to go to only two of our favorite villages and spend the day there; we took the time to swim and stroll through the narrow streets of the villages. Vernazza and of Manarola !
Vernazza
Manarola
Getting around in Cinque Terre
Here is the The Holy Grail for your stay in the Cinque Terre : the Cinque Terre Card Train!
The map Cinque Terre Card Train It allows you to travel unlimitedly on regional trains on the route La Spezia – Cinque Terre – Levanto + unlimited access to all the trails in the park!
- Adult price: 1 day Cinque Terre Card Train: 12 € // 2 days Cinque Terre Card Train: 23 €
- Price (4 to 18 years old)1 day Cinque Terre Card Train: 7,30 €
- Free for children aged 0 to 4 years
You can also travel to Cinque Terre:
- by boat by taking the river shuttle (departing every hour)
- by bike from Riomaggiore to Levanto
- on foot by taking advantage of the many trails (More information here)
Click on the map to see all the means of transport in Cinque Terre and feel free to leave us comments if you have any questions!
Finding a campsite in the Cinque Terre
Find and book your campsite in Levanto :
- Camping Albero D’Oro
- Camping Cinque Terre
- Camping Pian Di Picche
- Camping Aquadolce
- Camping San Michele
Our tips for a trip to Cinque Terre
- We offer you 25 euros on your first booking on the site Booking.com by clicking here
- We offer you 35 euros on your first booking on the site d’Airbnb.com by clicking here
Ideas for activities to do in Cinque Terre
Comments
Florence
10 August 2019
Magnificent, it is unconditionally one of the most beautiful holiday destinations!
Very useful article that I will use for my next trip. Thank you very much. 🙂
Kenza from http://travelwithkenza.blogspot.fr/
It’s very touristy down there; what is the low season in this wonderful place? I prefer to take a tour in low season.
Baladeur
25 October 2014
I have been to Cinqueterre 4 times and it is always magical. The camping in Levanto is, in my opinion, the best compromise. The hiking trail that connects Monterosso to Riomaggiore is a must (although now its access is regulated and paid). On the other hand, it is beautiful and sometimes sporty (it goes up a lot). You need to plan the day by combining the return train to Levanto (there are many of them) or by boat. Don’t forget to go to Porto Venere near La Spezia. It is beautiful but not in summer (it’s a bit like St Tropez and it’s difficult to park).
Share it
20 October 2014
Super comprehensive article! With the colorful houses and the sea view, the setting looks really beautiful. It’s really convenient to have the details of the transportation fees and the map to find a campsite more easily. With all the trips you make, a small photo album to give as a gift for Christmas to your loved ones would be an original idea. Feel free to add anecdotes for each country for a personalized gift!
Nice job with the Quechua tent 🙂 In the end it served its purpose and I’m kind of like that too, always preparing for the «worst» in case «the best» isn’t possible! Nice photos too, I don’t know the area at all but I really like its architecture!
This is a region that is on my list… I absolutely have to take my husband there!!!
Sandrine Isenbart
6 December 2019
The 5 Lands are part of the trips I want to take in my life.
Thanks for these useful tips 🙂
Italy… It’s gorgeous!
I can't wait to see this part of the country 🙂
At night it must be EVEN more beautiful, I imagine?