Cinque Terre Guide: A Colour Lover's Journey Through Italy's Coastal Villages

Cinque Terre had been on my wish list for a long time and finally, with the children grown up, my husband Mike and I escaped for four nights to explore this beautiful stretch of the Italian coastline together.

As an interior designer, I am always inspired by colour, architecture and the way places make us feel. Cinque Terre offered all three in abundance.

Flying into Pisa, we headed straight to the train station before travelling via La Spezia to Monterosso, one of the five villages that make up Cinque Terre. Staying at the elegant Hotel Porto Roca, we were spoilt with views overlooking an endless horizon of sea and sky. The addition of a pool and wonderful restaurant made it easy to switch off from everyday life.

Travel is often one of my greatest sources of design inspiration and Cinque Terre felt like a masterclass in colour. The faded terracottas, soft pinks, buttery yellows and weathered shutters have evolved naturally over time, creating palettes that feel beautifully balanced rather than forced. Walking through the villages reminded me that some of the most successful colour schemes are inspired by the landscape around them. 

Each morning we set off early, hiking the coastal paths between the villages while the air was still cool. Climbing steep hillsides, following winding paths and stopping often to take in the views. The walks weren't always easy. Some of the climbs were very challenging, but the views from high above the coastline were unforgettable. Looking down over colourful buildings, vineyards and tiny harbours was worth every step.

We mixed train journeys with walking and managed to visit all five villages during our stay, although many visitors choose to travel by train or ferry between them.

As we explored each village, I found myself constantly stopping to admire the colours. Soft terracottas, faded pinks, buttery yellows and warm oranges sat against the deep blue sea. Every corner felt like a painting.

By lunchtime, our reward for a challenging few hours on the trails would begin in a beautiful restaurant with yet another stunning view. We alternated between fresh pesto, warm focaccia, melon and Parma ham. With an Aperol in hand, it felt like the perfect reward before an afternoon swim and a slower pace of life.

Monterosso was our base, and each evening we returned to watch the sea become completely still as the sun began to set. Looking out across the water with nothing but blue on the horizon felt wonderfully peaceful.

No schedules. No rushing. Just colourful villages, breathtaking views, delicious food and time together.

Our Four Night Cinque Terre Itinerary

Cinque Terre translates as "Five Lands" and is made up of five beautiful villages connected by train, ferry and a network of coastal walking paths.

Monterosso al Mare is the largest village and where we chose to stay.

Vernazza is often considered the prettiest, with its picturesque harbour.

Corniglia sits high above the sea amongst vineyards.

Manarola is famous for its colourful houses cascading down towards the water.

Riomaggiore is the southernmost village, with pastel-coloured buildings clustered around a narrow harbour.

Day 1

After an early flight from Bristol to Pisa and then a series of train journeys taking around 1.5 hours, we arrived at Hotel Porto Roca at around 2pm. We settled in with lunch by the pool and a view that immediately made us realise this trip was going to be special.

We spent the afternoon exploring Monterosso, wandering through the old town, along the beach and through the local shops. As the largest of the five villages, Monterosso has plenty of restaurants, a small supermarket and a lovely relaxed atmosphere.

This was also the perfect time to organise our train tickets and walking pass for the following day. If you plan to hike the coastal paths, an early start is essential before the heat builds later in the day.

Dinner at the hotel included local specialities such as anchovies, homemade pesto pasta and regional wines.

Day 2

We walked the famous coastal path from Monterosso to Vernazza, enjoying our first taste of the spectacular views that make Cinque Terre so special. After wandering around the harbour and exploring the village, we caught the train back to Monterosso before treating ourselves to fresh pesto and warm focaccia for lunch.

Day 3

We took the train to Riomaggiore and walked the famous Lovers' Lane to Manarola, stopping for a leisurely coffee before continuing by train to Corniglia. After climbing the 400 steps from the station, we explored the village before walking on to Vernazza, where a long lunch overlooking the harbour felt well deserved.

Feeling completely exhausted after the day's walking, I took the boat back while Mike tackled the final stretch on foot to Monterosso.

Day 4

We took the train to Manarola and tackled the long, steep climb out of the village. I won't pretend it was easy; at times it felt pretty brutal! But once we reached the top, the walk along the ridge through the vineyards towards Corniglia was breathtaking.

After lunch in Corniglia, we caught the train back to Monterosso for one final evening by the sea.

Day 5

Up early to catch the train back to Pisa Airport for our flight home. It's worth checking the train times carefully, as the faster intercity trains can save a considerable amount of travel time.

Looking back, combining the coastal walks with the train was definitely the best way to experience Cinque Terre. We managed to visit all five villages while enjoying some of the most spectacular views of the coastline. Some of the climbs were hard work, but every single one was worth it.

Top Tips for Visiting Cinque Terre

• Purchase a Cinque Terre hiking pass if you plan to use the walking routes. You can buy this on its own or combined with train travel.

• Wear good trainers or walking shoes. The paths are steep, uneven and more challenging than many people expect.

• Take a small rucksack with water, suncream, a hat and swimwear if you plan to cool off after a walk.

• June was warm, but the sea breeze helped keep temperatures comfortable. Even so, we were very happy to reach each village and find a shady lunch spot.

• The train journey between villages takes only a few minutes and services run regularly throughout the day.

• The ferry is also worth considering as it offers a completely different perspective of the villages from the sea.

• The villages become busy during the middle of the day. We often preferred restaurants slightly away from the main squares where there was a little more space and a slower pace.

• And finally, gelato is absolutely essential.

I came home with tired legs and far too many photos. It reminded me how much colour, texture and place influence the way we experience our surroundings.

What places have inspired your own colour story? I'd love to hear about them, whether it's a treasured trip or a corner of your own home that's captured your imagination.

And if you're looking for help translating those inspirations into a home that feels personal and considered, I'd love to help.