Visit Cinque Terre – La Spezia
Visiting the Cinque Terre by camper is a unique experience that combines the freedom of a road trip with the beauty of five villages suspended between sea and sky. In this guide, you’ll find practical tips on where to stop, how to get around, what to see, and what to taste to fully enjoy this stretch of Liguria — a National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stopovers and overnight stays
Wild parking is prohibited or heavily restricted in almost all the villages of the Cinque Terre. The terrain is steep and the roads are narrow, so the best option is to stop in the nearby towns.
Recommended areas
ATCMP Camper Stop Area
Via Valdilocchi, 19136 La Spezia (SP)
An excellent base for visiting the villages by train.
PHONE: +39 01871875303
WEB: https://sites.google.com/mobpark.it/camperpark
GPS: 44.108872, 9.861651
🅿️ Levanto Camper Area – Via Nostra Signora della Guardia, 19015 Levanto SP
Small, roadside, and unfortunately expensive, but only a two-minute walk from the train station. The water disposal area is a bit inconvenient.
GPS: 44.174311, 9.618243
Getting Around
The most convenient and sustainable way to explore the Cinque Terre is by train: it connects Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore in just a few minutes.
From Levanto or La Spezia, regional trains depart every 15–20 minutes (a daily “Cinque Terre Card Train” ticket is available at the stations).
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Levanto–Bonassola–Framura cycle path is one of the most scenic in Italy: 6 km of illuminated tunnels and sea views.
Those who love hiking can explore the trails of the Cinque Terre National Park, such as the famous Sentiero Azzurro, which connects all five villages (paid access, some sections may be seasonally closed).
“…and of course, you can’t leave without buying a souvenir.”
“breathtaking views along the trails”
Points of Interest (PoI)
Visiting all five villages in a single day is possible, but be prepared — the terrain is full of ups and downs, and the train stations can get very crowded. If you’re coming from far away and only have one day, you simply can’t skip it. However, if you can stay for several days or return to the Cinque Terre another time, our advice is to focus on two or three villages at most.
1
Riomaggiore
The southernmost village, with its harbor and steep alleys descending to the marina. It’s a charming ancient fishing village characterized by its typical terraced structure, with colorful tower houses built vertically and cascading down toward the small harbor. From its train station begins the famous Via dell’Amore (the “Path of Love”), a pedestrian trail recently reopened that connects it to Manarola. The area is also renowned for its terraced vineyards, which produce the Cinque Terre DOC wines.
📍GPS: 44.099837, 9.743641
2
Manarola
A hamlet of the municipality of Riomaggiore, it is considered the oldest of the five villages. Famous for the Via dell’Amore and for its iconic sunset photos featuring pastel-colored houses perched above the sea. Like the other villages, it is surrounded by terraced vineyards and olive groves, where the renowned local dessert wine, Sciacchetrà, is produced.
📍GPS: 44.108758, 9.733277
3
Corniglia
orniglia is the central and smallest of the Cinque Terre villages, but it stands out for its unique position: it is the only one of the five that does not face directly onto the sea. Perched on a steep rocky promontory about 90 meters high, it is surrounded by vineyards arranged on traditional terraces. A small perched gem, accessible via a long staircase or by bus from the train station — ideal for those seeking tranquility and authentic views.
📍GPS: 44.122794, 9.709603
4
Vernazza
Vernazza is often considered the most characteristic and iconic village of the Cinque Terre, as well as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.” It overlooks a small natural bay, with pastel-colored houses clinging to the rocky spur that descends toward the sea, creating a postcard-perfect scene. The heart of the village is the picturesque Piazza Marconi, the only square in the Cinque Terre that opens directly onto the sea. Here, village life revolves around cozy bars and restaurants, and the small harbor where traditional fishing boats gently sway.
📍GPS: 44.136736, 9.685353
5
Monterosso al Mare
Simply Monterosso to the locals, it is the westernmost and largest of the Cinque Terre villages. It stands out from the others for one key feature: it has the widest beaches in the entire park. The village is divided into two parts by a promontory crowned by the Aurora Tower:
Fegina (New Monterosso) — the area near the train station, home to the long and comfortable Spiaggia di Fegina, the only relatively large sandy and pebbly beach in the Cinque Terre, very popular among seaside tourists. Here you’ll also find the famous Statue of the Giant (a sculpture of Neptune erected in 1910).
Old Monterosso (Borgo Antico) — connected to Fegina by a pedestrian tunnel, it preserves all the charm of a traditional Ligurian village, with narrow carrugi (alleys) and colorful houses.📍GPS: 44.136736, 9.685353
Seasonal Events
Lemon Festival
Where: Monterosso
When: May
What: A celebration dedicated to the symbol of the Riviera — the lemon.
Feast of Saint John the Baptist
Where: Riomaggiore
When: June
What: Processions and local performances
Illuminated Nativity Scene
Where: Manarola
When: December/January
What: The largest and most spectacular illuminated nativity scene in the world.
Vernazza Grape Harvest
Where: Vernazza
When: September
What: Traditional grape harvesting on the sea-view terraces.
Typical Dishes and Local Products
The most iconic dish is Trofie al Pesto Genovese, made with DOP basil, pine nuts, pecorino, and Parmigiano cheese.
Trofie al Pesto Recipe
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 350 g fresh trofie pasta
- 50 g basil leaves
- 30 g pine nuts
- 50 g Parmigiano Reggiano
- 20 g Pecorino cheese
- 1 garlic clove
- 100 ml extra virgin olive oil
- >Coarse salt to taste
Wash and dry the basil leaves. Crush the garlic and pine nuts in a mortar (or blend gently). Add the basil, cheeses, and finally pour in the olive oil slowly.
Cook the trofie in plenty of salted water and toss them with the pesto, thinned with a little cooking water.
If you’re still hungry, try the Acciugata di Monterosso (anchovy dish) or Muscoli Ripieni — stuffed mussels from La Spezia.
Useful Tips
Visiting the Cinque Terre by camper requires a bit of planning, but it offers one of the most stunning landscapes in Italy. Don’t be tempted by the idea of driving through the villages — it’s logistically impossible. Even with a scooter, getting around can be tricky; the train remains the most comfortable (though often crowded) option.
Plan your stops in the nearby towns, take advantage of the train connections, and enjoy each village at a relaxed pace.
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May 1, 2025
