Can I Visit Cinque Terre Without a Car?
Visiting Cinque Terre without a car, is it possible?
Italy is a great country to explore on a road trip, but not everyone is comfortable driving on Italian roads. The good news is, it is easy to visit Cinque Terre without a car, Liguria is one of the best Italian regions to enjoy by train.
With five colourful coastal villages perched along the Ligurian coastline, travelling between them by train is not only convenient but also picturesque.
If you’re planning to see Italy by train, Cinque Terre should be at the top of your list, the local train line connects all five towns, meaning you can soak up the views, skip the stress of driving, and enjoy a relaxed, car-free adventure along one of Italy’s most beautiful stretches of coastline.
How to take the train in Italy
Italy is well known for its good rail connections and is a very train-friendly country in general.
The five villages are connected by the Cinque Terre Express, a regional train line running along the Ligurian coast between La Spezia (to the south) and Levanto (to the north). It stops in each of the five towns
How to Buy Train Tickets for Cinque Terre
You can buy train tickets in three ways:
At the Station
All stations in Cinque Terre and nearby cities like La Spezia and Levanto have self-service ticket machines. They usually have English options and accept both cash and cards.
Online in Advance
You can book tickets via the Trainline website or app. This is handy if you want to plan ahead and keep all your tickets in one place, your phone.
Tip: These are regional trains, so there's no seat reservation. Booking in advance saves time, but doesn’t guarantee a seat. The trains get very busy in summer.
With a Cinque Terre Card
If you’re planning to travel multiple times a day, the Cinque Terre Train Card is often better value and includes unlimited travel + access to hiking trails, you can buy these cards at the stations.
Validating your tickets
Booking via Trainline is simple as it means you don't need to validate your train ticket - something that is easily forgotten. However there are some people who prefer to purchase tickets at the station for more flexibility. In Italy, you MUST validate your tickets or you risk being fined. There are validation machines around each station which stamp your ticket, if you cannot find one, please ask a station staff member for help.
How often does the Cinque Terre Express run?
Trains run roughly every 15–30 minutes in both directions during high season (April to October), and the journey between each village is just 3 to 5 minutes. Make sure you check the train stops at every village before you board, some trains are faster and stop at certain villages only.
Do I Need a National Park Ticket to Visit Cinque Terre?
You don’t need a ticket to enter or walk around the villages themselves. However, if you plan to hike between the villages, particularly on the famous Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro), you’ll need a Cinque Terre Trekking Card or a Cinque Terre Train Card.
You can purchase either card at train stations, tourist offices, or online via the Cinque Terre National Park website
One week Liguria train itinerary
Cinque Terre is part of the Liguria region in northern Italy. The area is one of the most beautiful places in Italy and well worth exploring beyond just Cinque Terre. The ease of train travel in Liguria makes it ideal for a longer 1-week itinerary.
Days 1-2: Genoa
Genoa is the largest city in Liguria and the main entry point into the region thanks to its international airport.
Things to do in Genoa
Start your day with a stroll through Genoa’s Old Town (Centro Storico), one of the largest medieval centres in Europe. Wander its narrow “caruggi” (alleys), admire the ornate Via Garibaldi palaces, and grab a cappuccino in Piazza San Lorenzo.
In the afternoon, head to Palazzo Reale or Palazzo Rosso for a peek into Genoa’s noble past, complete with frescoes, chandeliers, and sea views.
Enjoy dinner at Osteria di Vico Palla for local seafood and Ligurian dishes, the Latte Dolce Fritto is also delicious!
For a beautiful hotel in Genoa, try the Hotel Palazzo Durazzo Suites a 5* former palace dripping in history, right in the heart of the old city.
Wake up on day 2 and visit Boccadasse, a colourful fishing village tucked within the city limits, the perfect spot by the seaside to watch the world go by before heading off to your next destination.
Days 2-4: Portofino, Santa Margherita & Camogli
Take a regional train from Genova Brignole or Genova Piazza Principe to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino station(between 30-45 minutes). The station is a short walk into town or a short bus journey into Portofino.
Hotels in Portofino
You have the option of staying in Portofino or Santa Margherita, it's important to note the two towns are directly next to eachother and a very short distance by bus or taxi.
Portofino offers two beautiful, luxury hotels - the small, boutique Belmond Mare which is the only luxury hotel in the centre of Portofino, and the Belmond Splendido, the larger Belmond property, located on a hill overlooking Portofino Bay.
Both properties are some of the best hotels in Italy (in Europe actually!), but of course that comes with a high price tag.
Hotels in Santa Margherita
In Santa Margherita you will find some beautiful, but slightly cheaper hotels. I can highly recommend Villa Gelsomino Exclusive House where I stayed last year. It is nestled by the station and offers beautiful views over the town.
For a larger resort type hotel, check out the 5 star Grand Hotel Miramare, the type oozing in old-school Riviera glamour.
Things to do in Santa Margherita and Portofino
On arrival into Santa Margherita, visit the lovely Villa Durazzo gardens. Head to Trattoria San Siro to refuel on pizza or pasta. It isn't right in the heart of the harbour, but its well worth a visit and a popular restaurant amongst locals.
If it's not too hot, and you don't mind a walk, take the seafront path to Portofino. The road is completely flat but much of it is in the sun, if you are visiting in the height of summer I wouldn't advise walking. If you are visiting in shoulder season, I definitely think it's worth doing, but take water.
There are various beaches you can stop at along the way if you fancy a rest, if you walk the whole thing in one go it takes around an hour, it's very scenic! If you don't fancy walking or it's just too hot take the bus instead.
Head straight to Castello Brown for amazing views over Portofino Bay. Entry is only €5 (take cash) and you can experience some small but lovely gardens whilst you're there.
Arrive back down into the port for golden hour and watch the low sun shimmer across the water and light up the perfectly painted buildings. Portofino is a beautiful ex-fishing village, with colourful houses surrounding a small bay.
Many visitors take day trips to Portofino, which means by golden hour/early evening, the crowds thin out and the village is admired at its best. Portofino is one of the most exclusive tourist areas in Italy, so don't expect it to be cheap, despite its small size they even host a number of designer stores such as Dior and Louis Vuitton.
For a splurge, try Ristorante Puny or DaV Mare. Otherwise, head back to Santa Margherita for more budget-friendly dinner options and an overnight stay.
Wake up and head into Santa Margherita for breakfast, the centre of town offers a number of brilliant bakeries. I recommend Panificio Dama for amazing pastries and sweet goods! They have savoury options too if you don't have a sweet tooth like me.
Once your tastebuds have been satisfied, it's time to explore. Take a quick 15-minute train ride from Santa Margherita to Camogli, a picture-perfect fishing village with colourful houses and a quieter, more local vibe.
The beach here isn't sandy, its pebbles, but is a beautiful place to relax and people watch. The town is dominated by a pastel yellow tower, and there are plenty of places along the promenade to enjoy a gelato when the sun starts getting strong.
Wander the seafront, visit Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, and enjoy a relaxing walk along the pebble beach. Try a seafood cone or sit down at Ostaia da o Sigu amazing local food. If you would rather something on the go, don’t miss Camogli’s famous focaccia!
Camogli is a great place to relax, so soak up the atmosphere whilst you can. Head back to Santa Margherita whenever you fancy it and have a slow afternoon followed by a delicious Italian meal in town.
Days 4-7: Cinque Terre
Take a regional train to La Spezia, then switch to the Cinque Terre Express to Riomaggiore (approx. 1.5 hours total). Drop your bags at your hotel or guesthouse then head out to explore!
Cinque Terre is, as the name suggests, a collection of 5 villages. Monterosso is the largest and this is where the majority of visitors choose to stay due to the variety in accommodation.
Hotels in Cinque Terre
If you are looking for a touch of luxury, then book Hotel Porto Roca, the only 4 star hotel in Cinque Terre.
Perched on a cliff’s edge with uninterrupted views of the Ligurian Sea, Hotel Porto Roca in Monterosso al Mare feels like a charming, slightly old-world retreat. It's sun-drenched infinity pool is the best place to relax in the area.
Meanwhile, the rooms are simple yet elegant, many with balconies that frame the endless blue sea.
If you are looking for a more local experience within one of the smaller villages, I recommend staying in Riomaggiore, famous for its amazing sunsets!
I really recommend Alla Marina Affittacamere, a bed and breakfast with unbeatable views of the most beautiful part of the village and out towards the sea.
There's plenty to fill your days with 5 villages to explore. I recommend focussing on two villages a day, and if you feel up to it, do atleast one of the hiking trails.
How to get around Cinque Terre
The villages are connected by a short, efficient train line that runs frequently, making it the easiest and most comfortable way to hop between them, especially in the heat of summer.
Trains take just minutes to travel from one village to the next, and a Cinque Terre Train Card allows unlimited travel for the day. For the more adventurous, boat services between the villages (excluding Corniglia, which sits higher on the cliffs) offer a scenic alternative, especially at sunset.
Things to do in Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is best explored slowly. Wander the steep, narrow streets of Vernazza, (I think this is the most underrated village in Cinque Terre), and sip a spritz on its harbourfront.
In Manarola, stroll down to the rocky cove and watch locals leap into the sea from the craggy rocks.
Monterosso, the largest village, is the place for a proper beach day, with a long strip of golden sand and bright orange parasols.
Meanwhile, Corniglia, perched atop a hill, is quieter, its cobbled lanes perfumed with the scent of fresh basil and lemon blossom, this is the village that many travellers miss.
Hiking in Cinque Terre
For those who love physical activity, Cinque Terre’s hiking trails offer the most rewarding views.
The famous Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) connects all five villages, with sections reopening after restoration works.
The route from Monterosso to Vernazza is a must, a moderately challenging walk through olive groves and terraced vineyards.
For something gentler, the walk from Manarola to Corniglia via Volastra winds through lemon groves and offers breathtaking coastal views with fewer crowds.
Before embarking on trails, make sure you are wearing sturdy footwear. Anyone in Flip flops will be turned away.
Hikers must pay a national park fee (this is included in the Cinque Terre pass) which contributes to the upkeep of the trails.
Enjoy the view and pack water!
Where to Eat in Cinque Terre
Food in Cinque Terre is unfussy, fresh and delicious, with the sea and the land shaping the menu.
In Monterosso, Ristorante Miky serves some of the region’s best seafood, with dishes like squid ink pasta and Ligurian-style fish baked under a salt crust.
Trattoria dal Billy in Manarola is a much-loved local favourite for heaping plates of anchovies, homemade pastas, and gorgeous views. oh and you can't miss Nessun Dorma, the most iconic restaurant in Cinque Terre, made famous thanks to its views. Before you go there, make sure you access the restaurant website which offers a ticket system, it'll save you waiting too long in the queue.
In Riomaggiore, grab a paper cone of fried calamari from Il Pescato Cucinato and head towards the harbour to eat it with your feet dangling over the rocks.
Day 7
On day 7 it's sadly time to go home, that is unless you have some more time off and can enjoy an extended trip! If that's the case, I advise continuing your train journey down to Tuscany, visiting beautiful wine towns such as Lucca, and of course the famous city of Florence from where you can fly home.
If you don't have time to extend, I recommend taking the train back to Genoa as the airport has great options when flying home!
This guide is fantastic—super helpful for anyone dreaming of exploring Cinque Terre without the hassle of driving. The tips on buying train tickets, using the Cinque Terre Card, and validating tickets are spot on (a step many forget!). I also love how you’ve included other gems in Liguria like Portofino and Camogli—perfect for a week-long train itinerary. And the hotel recommendations? Absolutely dreamy. Thanks for putting together such a detailed and inspiring read!
Visiting Cinque Terre without a car sounds so convenient and stress-free! Taking the train between the villages seems like the perfect way to enjoy the stunning coastline without worrying about parking or traffic. The Cinque Terre Train Card also looks like a great option for those planning to explore multiple towns and trails. Thanks for the useful tips on buying and validating tickets—this will definitely help travelers avoid any issues. Can’t wait to try this scenic train journey someday!