Travelling by train can be an amazing way to see the world, allowing you to explore at a slower pace, and take in the scenery while relaxing from the comfort of your seat.
However, this kind of experience often comes with a hefty price tag, so you may be surprised to find that a train route that’s often listed among the world’s most beautiful can be experienced for just £13. And you can explore five stunning coastal destinations along the way at your own pace, with historic sites, hiking trails, and much more to be found.
Cinque Terre, Italian for Five Lands, is a set of fishing villages that sit along the northwest coast of Italy known as the Ligurian Riviera. Centuries-old, and packed with old-world Italian charm, this stretch of coastline is a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its colourful houses and winding, cobbled streets. Add in lush green vineyards and spectacular stretches of beach along the turquoise sea, and Cinque Terre becomes a must-visit destination.
The Cinque Terre Express runs along the rugged coastline, with a journey between Levanto and La Spezia taking just half an hour, yet taking in views from inlets to Italian villages. The train also stops at the five villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore along the way, allowing you to get off the train and enjoy different sites at your own pace. At peak times, it runs every 20-minutes from early to late into the night, giving you plenty of flexibility.
Vernazza is often considered the prettiest of the five villages, with a classic Italian charm that tourists love. Cars are banned from its steep, narrow streets, which are lined with colourful homes and locally-owned shops complete with wooden shutters for that rustic vibe. In the harbour area, Porto di Vernazza, you can enjoy a plate of seafood pasta and enjoy the views, or head out on a boat trip to see a different view of the coast.
Monterosso al Mare is the largest of the villages, and one of the most popular with visitors thanks to its long sandy beaches. It’s also on flatter terrain, which can be a relief after a day of climbing steep cobblestone streets. Many visitors simply want to spend the day at the beach, known for its crystal clear waters, and you can either hire a chair for the day or find a spot on the free public sands. However, it’s also worth visiting the old part of town which includes the medieval Aurora Tower, and the remains of the Fieschi Castle, which once belonged to a wealthy and powerful local family.
There are also 48 hiking trails to explore along this stretch of coast, so many hikers use the train to zip to the start of one of their routes. Some trails can be tricky, so make sure you do your research before heading off. A good beginners’ trail is Riomaggiore to Manarola, which only takes about 30 minutes, and is mostly along the seafront giving you amazing ocean views.
While you can buy individual tickets at stations along the The Cinque Terre Express, if you plan to explore the area, then it’s worth picking up a Cinque Terre MS Card, which allows unlimited travel back and forth on the route. An off-peak day pass costs just €14.80 for an adult, under £13, and can be purchased at the station or online from Trenitalia.
If you’re planning a longer stay, there are also two and three day tickets priced at €26.50 and €31.50 (approximately £23 and £27). These prices are 50% of the full fare due to being off-peak, and are valid until March 13.
During peak times, a day pass costs up to €32.50 for an adult, which at just over £28, still represents good value for money. In the summer months, some hiking trails charge an access fee, but if you buy a day pass for the Cinque Terre Express, you also get access to paid hiking areas between Monterosso and Corniglia included in the price. The cost also includes access to buses in the Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre, allowing you to easily access more remote walking trails.
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