The Cinque Terre: A Village For Every Mood

Take a day trip from Florence to Cinque Terre and experience five moods in one day.

Italy’s Cinque Terre is renowned as one of the most beautiful places in Europe, and even theworld. The five villages, connected by the same precarious location clinging to the ruggedand beautiful coastline, are equally charming in their own way and everyone who visitsprobably secretly has their favourite.

For those considering a day trip from Florence to Cinque Terre, there’s actually no need todo any research to choose a favourite, but if you’ve never been to this gorgeous area youmight want to know what joy you’re in for…

Five Villages, Five Moods

If you’re holidaying in Tuscany, the opportunity to take a day trip from Florence to CinqueTerre is one that shouldn’t be missed. Whether you undertake the entire walk (and train ride)between all five of the villages or not, however much or little you do see will be trulymemorable. Here’s what you have to look forward to.

Monterosso

As the largest of the five, Monterosso is naturally the busiest as well. It’s very well facilitatedwith lots of hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops. The beautiful sandy beach is the biggestand best of all five and there are deck chairs and umbrellas to hire. Monterosso has a livelyand very friendly ambience and is quite clearly defined by its old and new sections – so it’sboth touristy and historically preserved. Mood: lively.

Vernazza

Vernazza is considered by many to be the most picturesque of all the villages, with its lovelycove protected by a natural rock pier. Rather than hotels, the accommodation is mainly inbed and breakfasts and private houses. There’s a gorgeous piazza encircled by bars, cafesand restaurants, and the pastel-coloured houses that creep up the steep hill from the portmake this a much-photographed little place. Overlooking the village is the medieval Belfortcastle. Mood: romantic.

Corniglia

Corniglia is the least touristy, but don’t think that means it’s not as gorgeous. Unlike the otherfour, it’s not actually built jutting out into the ocean, but on a hillside – with no access fromthe sea. It has a long history of agriculture dating back to the Roman times, with thesurrounding landscape defined by terraces of vineyards and olive groves. While it feels (andlooks) more like an inland town than a seaside one, Corniglia is charming in its preservationof traditional life. Mood: local.

Manarola

Manorola sits high on the rocks of the coast, with its jumble of houses wedged in tight. Itseems almost plucked from the pages of a picture book, with its miniature harbour, tinycentral piazza and steep, winding streets leading down to the sea. While the ‘beach’ isvirtually non-existent, the water in the harbour is deep very close to shore, so it’s wonderfulfor swimming. Mood: enchanting

Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore is reached by the ‘Via dell’Amore’ (Lover’s Lane) from Manarola and is a fittingfinale to the journey along the cliffside trail. It’s the quietest and most laidback of the villages,characterized by traditional stone houses with their aspects facing out to the ocean. Thesmall natural harbour curves in between the rocks and pretty coloured houses are perchedright on the edge of the sea. Mood: laidback.

Travel from Florence to Cinque Terre

So there you have it: a village for every mood! The good news is you can experience allthose moods on a day trip from Florence to Cinque Terre. When you’re planning yourholiday, whatever you do, don't leave this off the itinerary.

Author Plate 

Mauro Bramante is the Director of WalkAbout Florence, an independent business offeringunforgettable tours and excursions around Italy including day trips from Florence to Cinque Terre. Whether you want to ride a Vintage Vespa, try the famous Chianti wine or getcooking with fresh local ingredients, Mauro`s company promises excitement, adventure andabove all, fun. If you`re keen to experience the magic of Italy with the help of somepassionate and knowledgeable tour guides, look no further than WalkAbout Florence foryour next getaway.

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