Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre is reached by train on the Genoa–La Spezia line; the Cinque Terre Express runs from La Spezia to Levanto, stopping at each village. By car, park at La Spezia, Levanto or Monterosso and take the train — the villages themselves are largely car-free and parking is almost nonexistent.

The Sentiero Azzurro requires a Cinque Terre Card, bought at the village stations; the higher paths are free. The train day pass is separate. Check path closures after rain before you walk.

Allow two full days. One day by train gives a rushed visit to all five; two days let you walk a stretch of the path and swim.

April to June and September to October are ideal — mild, bright and less crowded than July and August, when the heat and the crowds combine. The paths are best in spring and autumn; the swimming from June to September.

Sturdy shoes for the cliff paths (the stone is slippery), a swimsuit and towel, a refillable water bottle, and a Cinque Terre Card for the paths and the train.

The villages are steep, with steps and cobbles, and the cliff paths are not accessible; the train stations have lifts at Manarola and Riomaggiore. The Cinque Terre is a difficult destination for wheelchair users.