Cinque Terre On Your Own

Take the ferry from one gorgeous village to another in Cinque Terre, all of which lies within Cinque Terre National Park, an area that UNESCO has deemed a World Heritage site.

After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a meandering drive toward Manarola, one of five villages in Cinque Terre, whose name means “five lands.” Upon arriving, you will pause at a terrace that presents a spectacular view of the sea and the village, a tumble of brightly colored houses clinging to a terraced slope. You will then receive a map of Cinque Terre and a complimentary ferry ticket that allows you to cruise from village to village.

Where you go over the next four hours or so will be entirely up to you. The largest and closest of the villages to Manarola is Riomaggiore. It too has been built into a steep rocky hillside, affording magnificent views of the sea. Points of interest include a 13th-century castle and the Oratory of St. Mary Assumption, which holds a 15th-century triptych.

To the north, you will find Vernazza, arguably the most photogenic of the villages. The main square is a great place to start exploring, as the Church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia stands here overlooking the natural harbor.

You might also cruise to Monterrosso, the northernmost village. If so, be sure to visit the convent between the old town and new town. Corniglia is the only village that you can’t access, as it doesn’t have ferry service.