Bright sunshine, sheer cliffs, ancient fishing villages, flourishing vineyards: the Cinque Terre is one of the most fascinating tourist destinations in Liguria. In this article we will cover how to reach this wonderful area of the Ligurian coast by train, from Genoa, Milan and Florence. Let’s find out what to do and what to see in one of the most picturesque locations in Italy.
Departure from Genoa
Being very close to the Cinque Terre, the city of Genoa is undoubtedly one of the most convenient starting points to reach this destination. Regional trains from Genoa to La Spezia stop at all the stations in the Cinque Terre area, allowing you to get off in any town in the area.
The train ride from Genoa to the Cinque Terre takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Connections are very frequent, with trains leaving about every 30 minutes throughout the day. Tickets can be purchased directly at the station or in advance online to avoid queues.
Departure from Milan
Reaching the Cinque Terre from Milan requires a few more hours of travel time. However, it is an option not to be discarded. The train route usually involves a change at La Spezia, from where regional trains depart for the various stations in the Cinque Terre.
The total travel time from Milan to the Cinque Terre is about 3 hours and 30 minutes. Trains depart from Milan Central Station to La Spezia, from where you will need to take a regional train to your final destination.
Again, we recommend that you buy your Trenitalia tickets in advance on the Forex Exchange website to avoid queues and stress.
Departure from Florence
The Cinque Terre can also be reached by train from Florence. Again, the route usually involves a change at La Spezia, with total travel time ranging from 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours.
Trains depart from the Santa Maria Novella station in Florence to La Spezia, from where you will need to take a regional train to your final destination in the Cinque Terre. Again, purchasing tickets online is a recommended option to ensure a worry-free trip.
What to do and see in the Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre are an earthly paradise, with picturesque villages perched on cliffs overlooking the sea. Be sure to walk along the scenic paths that connect the five villages – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. These paths, such as the famous Sentiero dell’Amore (Path of Love), offer breathtaking views of the crystal clear waters and the colorful houses of the surrounding villages. Stroll through the narrow, characteristic streets of each village, visit the churches and castles, and enjoy the delicious local cuisine of fresh fish and local produce. Don’t forget to swim in the hidden coves and rent a boat to admire the Cinque Terre from the sea.
Visiting the Cinque Terre: some useful tips
If you are planning to visit the Cinque Terre, be sure to wear comfortable footwear suitable for the rugged terrain. Many of the local roads are narrow and uphill. Also consider exploring the villages during the week to avoid the weekend crowds. Be sure to bring a water bottle and camera to capture the breathtaking views of this enchanting stretch of Italian coastline. Also remember that to learn more about the secrets of this fascinating region, you can always take advantage of Forexchange’s audio guide. The audio content, available in 7 languages, will provide you with historical and cultural information about the main points of interest in each of the five villages. You can download the audios and listen to them whenever and wherever you want, even without a network connection.
If you prefer to explore the area with an experienced guide, Forexchange offers day tours of the Cinque Terre. These tours will allow you to discover the main sights in comfort and safety, without having to worry about travel arrangements. Travel in comfort and without worries with Forexchange.
Photo Credits:
Luca Casartelli, Pixabay