How to Get from Milan to Cinque Terre: Your Friendly Travel Guide

Travel options from Milan to Cinque Terre

By Train: The Easiest & Most Scenic Route

If you love relaxing journeys with stunning views, the train is your best bet. Trains from Milan to Cinque Terre are fast, convenient, and let you soak in the Italian countryside along the way. There are two ways:

1. Start at Milano Centrale, the main train station, and hop on a high-speed Frecciarossa or Intercity train heading to La Spezia Centrale (the gateway to Cinque Terre). The ride takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, and from La Spezia, you’ll switch to a local Cinque Terre Express train, which stops at all five villages — Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.

2. Start from Milano Centrale to Monterosso al Mare. Monterosso al Mare is the first village in Cinque Terra.

Discover the Colorful Villages of Cinque Terre: A Friendly Guide

Cinque Terre—Italy’s dazzling string of five seaside villages is a dreamy escape where colorful houses cling to cliffs, vineyards cascade down hillsides, and the Mediterranean sparkles under the sun. Each village has its own charm, from bustling harbors to quiet, car-free lanes. Let’s explore these postcard-perfect gems one by one!

Monterosso al Mare: The Sunny Gem of Cinque Terre

Picture this: golden sand between your toes, a cone of lemon gelato in hand, and pastel-colored houses glowing in the Mediterranean sun. Welcome to Monterosso al Mare – the beach lover’s paradise in Cinque Terre! As the largest and most accessible of the five famous villages, Monterosso offers that perfect mix of Italian coastal charm and laid-back vacation vibes.

What makes Monterosso so special? For starters, it’s the only Cinque Terre village with proper sandy beaches – a rare treat along this rugged coastline. The town naturally divides into two delightful parts: the historic Old Town (Monterosso Vecchio) with its maze of narrow lanes and medieval charm, and the more modern Fegina area where you’ll find the best beaches and resort-style amenities.

The heartbeat of Monterosso is undoubtedly its sparkling shoreline. Fegina Beach stretches along the waterfront with rows of colorful umbrellas and clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming. Prefer something more secluded? Wander towards Punta Corone to discover hidden rocky coves where you can dip into the sea in peace. Water lovers can rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the dramatic coastline from a different perspective.

History whispers through Monterosso’s stone-paved alleys. Don’t miss the striking black-and-white striped Church of San Giovanni Battista in the Old Town, or the 16th-century Aurora Tower standing guard over the sea. The giant Neptune statue on Fegina Beach has become an iconic photo spot – perfect for that classic Cinque Terre vacation snap! For breathtaking views, hike up to the hilltop cemetery or tackle the famous Sentiero Azzurro trail that connects to neighboring Vernazza.

Foodies rejoice – Monterosso is a culinary dream! This is where you’ll taste the freshest anchovies, prepared the traditional way with lemon or fried to crispy perfection. Liguria invented pesto, so ordering trofie al pesto here is basically mandatory. Waterside restaurants like Ristorante Miky serve incredible seafood pasta dishes, while cozy enotecas offer tastings of local Sciacchetrà wine. And let’s not forget the lemons – sip limoncino as an aperitivo or cool off with tangy lemon granita at a beachside kiosk.

As evening falls, Monterosso transforms into a magical sunset paradise. The Old Town harbor becomes the perfect spot to watch the sky turn pink and gold, cocktail in hand. For nightlife (by Cinque Terre standards, at least!), the bars along the waterfront keep the vibe going with live music and refreshing spritzes.

Practical tip: Monterosso makes an ideal base for exploring all of Cinque Terre. The train station connects easily to other villages, and you’ll appreciate having more hotel options and amenities after day-trippers leave. Whether you choose a cozy guesthouse in the Old Town or a seaside hotel in Fegina, you’ll wake up to the sound of waves and the scent of salty sea air.

Monterosso al Mare is that rare destination that offers both relaxation and adventure, medieval history and beachy bliss. It’s where you can spend your morning hiking cliffside trails, your afternoon swimming in crystalline waters, and your evening feasting on seafood as the waves lap nearby. More than just a stop in Cinque Terre – it’s the perfect Italian seaside escape that will steal your heart and keep you coming back for more. So pack your sunhat, charge your camera, and get ready to experience la dolce vita at its most delicious!

Vernazza: The Most Photogenic Harbor

With its natural harbor, pastel buildings, and lively piazza, Vernazza is often called the prettiest village. Climb the Doria Castle for panoramic views or wander its narrow alleys full of artisan shops.

• Must-see: The Church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia right by the sea and the hidden Belforte Bar for sunset drinks.
• Eat & drink: Grab pesto focaccia (a Ligurian staple!) at Batti Batti’ or seafood pasta at Gianni Franzi.
• Best for: Photography, romantic strolls, and enjoying the buzz of a working fishing village.

Corniglia: The Quiet Hilltop Escape

Unlike its seaside sisters, Corniglia sits high on a cliff—no direct sea access but incredible views! To reach it, you’ll climb the famous “Lardarina” (382 steps) or take a shuttle from the train station.

• Must-see: The terrace of Santa Maria Belvedere for sweeping coastal views and the Oratory of the Disciplinati with its striking black-and-white stripes.
• Eat & drink: Try the local sciacchetrà wine at Bar Terza Terra or homemade gelato at Alberto Gelateria.
• Best for: Peaceful stays, wine lovers, and those who prefer fewer crowds.

Manarola: Cinque Terre’s Picture-Perfect Postcard Village

Imagine candy-colored houses tumbling down a rugged cliffside, emerald vines cascading toward sapphire waters, and the scent of fresh pesto drifting through sun-dappled alleyways. Welcome to Manarola – arguably the most photogenic and romantic of all Cinque Terre villages. This tiny fishing hamlet packs an enormous punch with its dramatic scenery, mouthwatering cuisine, and that magical golden-hour glow that turns every corner into a masterpiece.

What makes Manarola so irresistibly charming? It’s that perfect balance of authentic Italian atmosphere and jaw-dropping beauty. Unlike its larger neighbor Monterosso, Manarola retains an intimate, storybook quality where every winding pathway leads to another breathtaking vista. The village clings precariously to black volcanic rock, with pastel buildings stacked like Lego blocks above a tiny but lively harbor where fishermen still bring in their daily catch.

The heart of Manarola beats at its picturesque marina, where locals sun themselves on smooth boulders between swims in the crystalline waters. For the iconic view you’ve seen on every travel poster, follow the path toward Nessun Dorma bar – that cliffside perspective of the entire village is worth the short hike. At sunset, this spot becomes pure magic as golden light bathes the colorful facades and the first lights twinkle on like scattered stars.

Food here is a celebration of sea and soil. Family-run trattorias serve paper cones filled with crispy fried seafood to enjoy by the water. Don’t miss trying trofie al pesto – the local twisted pasta with basil sauce that originated in these hills. For the ultimate dining experience, Trattoria dal Billy serves seafood so fresh it might still remember the Mediterranean, while the cliffside bar Nessun Dorma offers panoramic views with your aperitivo.

Manarola’s real magic reveals itself when the day-trippers leave. As evening falls, the village transforms into a peaceful haven where the only sounds are waves lapping against rocks and the occasional clink of wine glasses. Stay overnight to experience this intimate side of Cinque Terre – perhaps in one of the village’s charming guesthouses where your window opens directly to sea breezes and the melody of distant church bells.

Beyond its good looks, Manarola offers delightful adventures. The famous Via dell’Amore (Lover’s Lane) coastal path starts here, though check if it’s open after recent landslides. Vineyard walks above town reveal why this area produces such exceptional white wines – sample the local Sciacchetrà dessert wine for a true taste of tradition. And between November and January, don’t miss the world’s largest nativity scene illuminating the entire mountainside with thousands of twinkling lights.

Manarola doesn’t try to impress – it simply exists in its perfect, colorful authenticity, inviting you to slow down and savor la dolce vita. Whether you’re sharing a bottle of wine as the sun dips below the horizon, swimming in that impossibly blue water, or getting lost in the maze of vine-covered passageways, this tiny village has a way of etching itself into your heart. It’s not just a destination – it’s that feeling of stumbling upon something so beautiful it takes your breath away, then realizing you never want to leave.

Riomaggiore: Cinque Terre’s Lively Cliffside Charmer

Imagine waking up to the sound of fishing boats bobbing in a tiny harbor, their colorful hulls reflecting in the morning sun as you sip your cappuccino on a terrace clinging to the cliffs. Welcome to Riomaggiore – the southernmost and most vibrant of the Cinque Terre villages, where steep cobbled streets buzz with local life and every turn reveals another breathtaking sea view. This is Cinque Terre with an extra dose of personality – a working fishing village that’s managed to keep its authentic soul while welcoming visitors with open arms.

What makes Riomaggiore so special? It’s got that perfect mix of rugged charm and lively energy. Unlike its more polished neighbors, Riomaggiore feels refreshingly real – laundry flutters between pastel houses, weathered fishermen mend their nets by the water, and the scent of frying seafood mingles with the salty sea breeze. The village tumbles dramatically down a ravine to the sea, with houses stacked like a child’s building blocks in every shade of yellow, pink and ochre. At night, when the lights come on and reflect in the dark water, it’s pure magic.

The heart of Riomaggiore is its tiny but mighty harbor, where you’ll find locals sunbathing on smooth rocks between dips in the crystal-clear water. For the best swimming spot, follow the path to Fossola beach – a hidden cove with deep blue waters perfect for cooling off after exploring. Adventurous souls can rent a kayak to paddle along the dramatic coastline, discovering secret caves and getting that picture-perfect view of the village from the water.

Food here is a celebration of the sea. Join the locals grabbing paper cones of fritto misto (mixed fried seafood) from hole-in-the-wall shops to eat by the water. For something more substantial, family-run trattorias like La Lampara serve spaghetti allo scoglio loaded with whatever the boats brought in that morning. Don’t miss trying the local anchovies – Riomaggiore takes its pesce fresco seriously. And for the perfect sunset aperitivo? Head to A Piè de Mà for a spritz with views that’ll make your Instagram followers green with envy.

What really sets Riomaggiore apart is its nightlife – by Cinque Terre standards at least! As evening falls and other villages quiet down, Riomaggiore’s bars come alive with the clink of wine glasses and chatter in multiple languages. It’s the perfect place to meet fellow travelers over a bottle of local white wine before heading to Osteria del Colombo for live music that often spills out into the tiny piazza.

But Riomaggiore isn’t just about the buzz – it’s also your gateway to quieter adventures. The famous Via dell’Amore coastal path technically starts here (though check if it’s open), and hiking trails lead up through fragrant lemon groves to breathtaking viewpoints. For something truly special, take the boat to nearby secluded coves when the midday crowds arrive. And between November and January, don’t miss the spectacular hillside nativity scene that lights up the entire valley with thousands of twinkling lights.

Staying overnight in Riomaggiore means experiencing the village’s dual personality – the energetic daytime buzz giving way to peaceful evenings when you can have entire sections of the harbor practically to yourself. Whether you choose a cozy room with a sea view or a charming apartment tucked into the hillside, falling asleep to the sound of waves is pure magic.

Riomaggiore doesn’t just show you Cinque Terre – it lets you live it. It’s the village where you’ll find yourself lingering over long lunches, making friends at the enoteca, and discovering that perfect little corner no guidebook mentions. More than just a pretty face, Riomaggiore is Cinque Terre with its sleeves rolled up – working, fishing, cooking, and living with a vibrancy that’s utterly contagious. It’s the kind of place where one sunset view from the castle ruins might just convince you to extend your stay… and we wouldn’t blame you one bit.