Cinque Terre, Italy is a very popular tourist place in Italy. Like with every popular tourist place, every careful traveler needs to be a little cautious and discern beyond the whole tourist hype. I live in Southern California and I am used with scenic coastal views and landscapes. So is Cinque Terre just a pretty place by the sea? I think Cinque Terre is unique in its blend of scenic views, climate, history and most of all Italian charm. Read on to answer this questoin: is Cinque Terre overrated ?
The gorgeous Ligurian Sea coast of Italy is home to few fishing villages known for their charm and the famous Italian “la dolce vita”. But with all the hype around this beautiful tourist attraction, is Cinque Terre overrated by any chance?
1. Cinque Terre has Amazing Natural Beauty
Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre – Colorful houses and the beautiful harbor at Riomaggiore
See my photos from Riomaggiore
This place is beautiful! If I'm just comparing the climate and the landscape, Cinque Terre looks a lot like California. But it has Italian architecture instead of Spanish modern architecture. The climate of Cinque Terre is similar to California and the landscape is similar as well, with sloping Hills canyons and sandy beaches. In Italy however the beaches are much smaller and rocky. The villages in Cinque Terre are small and their access to the water is very narrow and rocky. All in all this place is absolutely gorgeous. Looking around you you'll be able to see grape vines that stretch all around the hills and you will see the see and beautiful old Italian architecture.
Aaah…grape vines and wine. The entire mountainside of any of the 5 villages is covered with grape vines. It makes for a beautiful landscape and it makes for very very tasty wine because of the sunlight and the beautiful climate that this area experiences every day of the year almost.
2. Cinque Terre is the Essence of Italian Charm
Manarola, Cinque Terre – Beautiful view of Manarola from the nearby hill.
See my photos from Manarola
Cinque Terre is a string of five coastal villages in the Liguria province of Italy. Its proximity to the very popular region of Tuscany gives Cinque Tree beautiful weather year-round. In addition, over hundreds of years, the Italians have built small houses one next to each other along narrow canyons Al the way to the ocean. At the end of each of the Cinque Tree canyons there is a very small harbor.
3. Cinque Terre has Deep History
Vernazza, Cinque Terre – Beautiful view of the Vernazza harbor with Belforte castle and the old church tower
See my photos from Vernazza
There is a lot of history in Cinque Terre and every tour it will be able to spot it very easily in every village. Whether it is the Italian Mediterranean architecture, the old castles or the churches, history is everywhere at Cinque Terre.
Is Cinque Terre Overrated ?
Our conclusion was that Cinque Terre is definitely not overrated, but rather it is a wonderful and unique place to visit. Cinque Terre offers a lot for the tourist who takes time to enjoy and admire the sights, sounds and smells. With it's Italian charm, history and beautiful location, Cinque Terre is one of our favorite places to visit in Italy. If you plan to visit Tuscany, you will be very rewarded if you include Cinque Terre in your trip.
- Charming Tuscan Itinerary
- Charming Things to Do in Pisa
- Charming Walking Tour of Florence
- Amazing Churches of Florence
- Best Things to Do in Siena
- Best of San Gimignano
- Charming Volterra
- Best Things to Do in Lucca
- Is Cinque Terre Overrated?
Take My SMART Travel Course and learn how to plan your travel confidently through step by step videos. Save money and frustration and become a SMART traveler using my time-tested travel strategy.
Read My SMART Travel Book and learn my best travel tips from 20+ years of international travel experience in less than 40 pages. These will save you lots of money and frustration on your next trip.
I think Cinque Terre are Amazing and unique. I recommend it to all.
We loved Cinque Terre…every little village was unique and yet similar in the same way.