Background
The Ligurian coast between Cinque Terre and Portovenere is a cultural landscape of great scenic and cultural value. UNESCO says the layout of the small towns and the shaping of the surrounding landscape, overcoming the disadvantages of a steep, uneven terrain, encapsulate the continuous history of human settlement in the region over the past millennium.
The listing takes in the five villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso, the town of Portovenere at the tip of the gulf, and the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto. Palmaria, 1.6 square kilometres, is Liguria's largest island, with sea caves on its western cliffs.
- Middle AgesThe villages and terraces take shape on the cliffs
- 13th c.The church of San Pietro at Portovenere
- 1997Inscribed as World Heritage
Find Your Way Around
The main parts of the site, in the order most visitors see them
- 1ManarolaThe harbour viewpoint and sunset drinks above the village.
- 2VernazzaThe harbour village.
- 3MonterossoThe beach town at the north end.
- 4Riomaggiore and CornigliaThe first village from La Spezia, and the hilltop one.
- 5Blue PathThe coast trail between the villages, where open.
- 6PortovenereSt Peter's church on the rocks and Byron's grotto, facing Palmaria.
Know Before You Go
From Wikivoyage and the GoGo guides
Five Villages by Train
From the GoGo La Spezia guide · Open the La Spezia Guide ›
- 08:30Riomaggiore90 minThe first village.
- 10:15Manarola Viewpoint90 minThe harbour view.
- 13:30Vernazza90 minThe harbour village.
- 15:30Monterosso Beach2 hrsThe beach town.
- 18:30Sunset Drinks in Manarola90 minAbove the village.
Best Time to Visit
Best months: May–Sep.
Typical highs
Climate: NASA POWER
Pair It With
Other World Heritage sites nearby, by distance
