Our Cinque Terre Map

The Cinque Terre, a name that translates to Five Lands, is one of Italy's most romantic treasures. This slice of heaven takes a few delightful ingredients: ancient, picturesque villages; hillsides overlooking the azure Mediterranean Sea; olive groves and terraced vineyards; and awe-inspiring mountain scenery combine to create a buffet for the senses.

The five villages that make up the Cinque Terre are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Each of them clings tenaciously to the rugged Ligurian cliffs; all of them, except Corniglia, dip a toe or two into the sparkling sea, and their colorful buildings wind along little lanes, climb the hills, and peak at the nearby sea shore.

The whole coastline? A UNESCO gem—and honestly, once you set foot here, you’ll understand why without anyone telling you. Cliffs drop like they’re showing off, terraced vineyards cling to the hills like they’ve been there forever (because they have), and olive trees sway like they own the place. Below it all, the Ligurian Sea shimmers in that impossible shade of blue—the kind that makes you forget to take a photo because you're too busy just staring.

Here, time plays tricks on you. Past and present swirl together like pesto and pasta—you can’t tell where one ends and the other begins. It’s that magic that gets under your skin, the kind that stays long after you’ve left.

And if I’m being honest? Cinque Terre isn’t just one of the most beautiful spots in Europe. It’s the one. The one that makes your heart ache in the best way. So if Italy is calling your name—and it should be—then listen. Because this? This is where you go to fall in love with the country all over again.

Now, because I know you're going to want to get lost in all this beauty (the good kind of lost), I've put together a little something for you: a Cinque Terre map, hand-picked with love. Scroll down a bit and you'll find it waiting.

Trust me — this isn't just any map. It'll point you straight to those storybook villages that look like they tumbled out of a painting; the cozy little hotels that feel more like home than home does; and those sneaky-hidden beaches where the water practically calls your name. You'll find everything shown and much more in our Comprehensive Cinque Terre Guide.

For those with an appetite for Italian beach adventures, my Ligurian Beach Guide is a must.

The Cinque Terre: The Towns to Visit

Monterosso al Mare

Biggest of the five, and oh, does it know how to make an entrance. Picture this: a gorgeous stretch of sandy beach, a lively promenade buzzing with that happy holiday energy, and behind it all, a medieval maze of narrow streets just begging you to wander. The churches here? Beautiful. The vibe? Effortless. But let's talk about what really matters, the seafood. Fresh off the boat, still tasting like the sea. Do yourself a favor: order the catch of the day and thank me later.

Vernazza

If there's one village that'll steal your heart before you've even set foot in it, it's Vernazza. Many say it's the most photogenic of the five, and honestly, they're not wrong. A tiny harbor that looks like it was painted by someone in love, a lively little piazza where time slows down, and up above, the ruins of Doria Castle keeping watch like an old guardian. Grab a gelato, sit by the water, and don't you dare leave without trying the pesto; it's the real deal here, the kind that makes you close your eyes when you taste it.

Corniglia

Now this one's a little different, and that's exactly why we love it. While the others dip their toes in the sea, Corniglia sits proudly up on a cliff, looking down at the water like it owns the view. And what a view it is. The heart of the village? Largo Taragio, a sun-drenched square where the cafes spill out and the locals gossip over espresso. It's quieter up here, more intimate, the kind of place where you sit, breathe, and feel like you've discovered a secret.

Manarola

You've seen the photos, you know the ones. That bell tower and those pastel-colored houses stacked like a child's dream, all tumbling down toward the sea. Manarola is pure poetry. The little harbor is perfect for a lazy afternoon dip, and when the sun starts to dip? Oh, that's when the magic happens. Soft golden lights flicker on in the winding streets, and suddenly the whole village feels like a love letter. Bring your camera — but don't forget to just be there too.

Riomaggiore

Last but absolutely not least, Riomaggiore, the southern gateway to this incredible coast. If you're a hiker, this is where your adventure begins, right at the start of the famous Sentiero Azzurro trail that strings all five villages together like pearls. But even if you're not lacing up your boots, the village itself is a treasure, a postcard harbor, a main street full of character, and little shops tucked into every corner selling handmade crafts and local goodies. It's authentic, it's raw, and it's the perfect place to start falling in love with the Cinque Terre.

Tours & Adventures on the Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre Map

FAQ on Getting Here & Getting Around

Cinque Terre: An Insider's Journey through the Cinque Terre - click here.

If you are visiting the Cinque Terre, then make the time to visit another magnificent seaside town a little further along the coast. It is called Portofino; here are the details. Then there's Tellaro; I kept it for last because only those who've scrolled all the way down to here deserve to be let in on the secret.

But that's not all Italy has to offer. If you're hungry for more Italian adventures, don't forget to check out our Amalfi Coast guide.