Guide to Cinque Terre

Lying to the south of Portofino, the five tiny villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore that make up Cinque Terre are dotted along the Italian Riveria. This 18km stretch of serrated coastline provides secluded beaches, enchanting cafés serving local specialities and a maze of crooked streets and pathways into the tumbling hills. Cars are banned from most of the Cinque Terre villages and undoubtedly the finest way to see them, as well as the coast that links them, is by foot. The Sentiero path runs through each village and in between it winds along cliff tops and down to empty beaches with breath-taking views of the rocky Mediterranean coastline.

The most northerly village, Monterosso al Mare, is the largest and most modern of the five and is home to a selection of fine hotels and picturesque beaches. Enjoy some tempting gelato and wander through the trinket-strewn stalls before sampling a chilled glass of the famous local white wine. Walking distance away is the next village, Vernazza, the only one to boast a small harbour which is spectacularly overlooked by the ruins of a castle. Its café-lined square is enclosed by tall, shabby-chic houses, perfect for a lazy afternoon on your luxury yacht charter itinerary.

Sitting beside Vernazza is the only Cinque Terre town perched above sea level in a private hilltop hideaway, Corniglia. There is a choice of either 377 winding steps or a shuttle bus leading up to the town where you will be rewarded with staggering views and the region’s finest wine. Next up is the picture-perfect village of Manarola that offers a more cosmopolitan feel than the others with a scattering of bars and restaurants in the sun-soaked piazza where you can watch the fishing boats bobbing serenely in the sea.

The path that leads to the last and most southerly village of Riomaggiore is one of Cinque Terre’s greatest joys, boasting a beautiful stretch of overhanging rocks, sweeping branches and flourishing undergrowth. The village itself embodies old-Italian charm in its crooked streets fringed by tall, narrow buildings.

If you are interested in a luxury crewed yachting vacation along this rugged section of the Italian Riviera coastline, then be sure to view all  yachts for charter in Italy and speak with your preferred charter broker about the best times to visit.