The Cinqueterre is Italy’s smallest National Park: with its colorful fishermen-villages and its hiking paths surrounded by vineyards, this small area has truly exploded in the past 5 years, with already over 4 million visitors in 2023. The Park became part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1997 and ever since then it has seen an exponential growth in the number of international tourists. But why does everyone want to see it?

“Cinqueterre” means “five lands” – or “towns” if we translate the medieval term – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are all urban centres built around the eleventh century by migrating populations. In fact, driven by hunger and worsening weather conditions, many decided to leave the mountainous area of Val di Vara and turn to the coast. Here they found tons of empty land… But mostly hills, which didn’t make these farmers’ lives easier. They decided to stick around anyway and build terraces, covering most of the hill sides, and making it possible to cultivate this land. By the 1300s this area was already renowned for wine production and in the 15th century it was first given the name it has today.

The connections between the five villages, via train and hiking paths, are actually quite recent, but it’s exactly what has made this mass tourism possible. I can’t deny the beauty of the Park, or the history and the quality of its local products, but it is extremely sad seeing these quiet towns taken over by tourists. During peak season the trains are packed, the hiking paths are far from enjoyable and the locals are rightfully annoyed. Even with great and efficient infrastructure, there is simply not enough space for all these people. So you may ask: “Where should I go instead?”

The Cinqueterre villages are called “borghi” in Italian – this term refers to small, authentic villages, usually fortified and dating back to the Middle Ages. Italy has over 5000 of them over its territory, with even an organization that includes the most beautiful ones… so it’s safe to say there are plenty of choices! 

• Vietri sul Mare is a perfect option if you are planning to visit the Southern part of the country: this town is situated at the very beginning of the Amalfi Coast, in a less touristy area, and it’s connected both by train and by boat to big cities like Naples. It’s also known as the “city of ceramics”, so it’s perfect to find amazing souvenirs!
• Next up is Sapri, found in the same region of Naples (Campania), but just a short train ride away from the unknown region of Basilicata! The Gulf of Policastro is incredibly beautiful, with unique drops over the Tyrrhenian Sea and amazing hiking paths. If you go here, a must see is also the city of Maratea!
• Puglia used to be the main summer destination for Italians, but more and more international tourists have discovered its charm. My suggestion is to stay in the northern part of the region, near the Gargano National Park – little towns like Monte Sant’Angelo or Vieste will easily steal your heart. The only downside of this destination is the lack of public transport: you will need a car to explore this area properly!

And if you don’t want to deviate too far from Liguria and the Cinqueterre area, my advice is to opt for an accommodation in Lerici or Tellaro, a little bit further away from the crowds! You can still take day trips into the Cinqueterre National Park from here, but you can opt for less busy hiking paths and to explore the beautiful Gulf of the Poets by boat. 

As always, feel free to contact me for specific advice and remember that the first consultation is free!