17 Gorgeous Photos of Italy’s Cinque Terre. You’re Welcome.

  • <p>One of the things Cinque Terre is most known for — other than the pesto, glorious wines and tiny towns — is the <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/2014/12/30/cinque-terre-hiking/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:hiking paths;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">hiking paths</a> that tie the five Italian villages together. They vary in difficulty and length, and visitors come from the world over to experience these world-renowned trails and relish the spectacular views. </p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i></p>
    1/17

    The view from above

    One of the things Cinque Terre is most known for — other than the pesto, glorious wines and tiny towns — is the hiking paths that tie the five Italian villages together. They vary in difficulty and length, and visitors come from the world over to experience these world-renowned trails and relish the spectacular views.

    (Photo: D Travels Round)

  • <p>Love locks find their way all over the world. This one is on the trail from Vernazza to Monterosso.</p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i><br></p>
    2/17

    That’s amore

    Love locks find their way all over the world. This one is on the trail from Vernazza to Monterosso.

    (Photo: D Travels Round)

  • <p>One of the many spectacular views along the Vernazza – Monterosso hike.<br></p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i><br></p>
    3/17

    Water, water everywhere

    One of the many spectacular views along the Vernazza – Monterosso hike.

    (Photo: D Travels Round)

  • <p>We weave up, up, up through olive groves and giant trees rooted long before our time. The air is clear, fragrant with fresh growth and bright green. I can see our destination in the distance: Monterosso.<br></p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i><br></p>
    4/17

    The climb

    We weave up, up, up through olive groves and giant trees rooted long before our time. The air is clear, fragrant with fresh growth and bright green. I can see our destination in the distance: Monterosso.

    (Photo: D Travels Round)

  • <p>We stop intermittently among the lush foliage to catch our breath. Our efforts aren’t without reward though. Once we hit the first round, we turn to face the sea and are greeted by the most picturesque view I’ve seen in my life: Vernazza laying below us.<br></p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i></p><p><b><i>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/travel/9-gorgeous-seaside-towns-in-italy-85668662097.html" data-ylk="slk:Gorgeous Seaside Towns in Italy You Have to Visit This Summer;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">Gorgeous Seaside Towns in Italy You Have to Visit This Summer</a></i></b><br></p>
    5/17

    Vernazza from on high

    We stop intermittently among the lush foliage to catch our breath. Our efforts aren’t without reward though. Once we hit the first round, we turn to face the sea and are greeted by the most picturesque view I’ve seen in my life: Vernazza laying below us.

    (Photo: D Travels Round)

    Related: Gorgeous Seaside Towns in Italy You Have to Visit This Summer

  • <p>Hiking isn’t the only way to appreciate the scenery — the views from the <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/2015/01/16/cinque-terre-water-ferry/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:water ferry;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">water ferry</a> between Vernazza and Cinque Terre certainly don’t suck.<br></p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i></p>
    6/17

    It’s not all about the hiking

    Hiking isn’t the only way to appreciate the scenery — the views from the water ferry between Vernazza and Cinque Terre certainly don’t suck.

    (Photo: D Travels Round)

  • <p>The ferry ride from Cinque Terre to Porto Venere treats passengers to views like this.<br></p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i></p>
    7/17

    Porto Venere’s colorful skyline

    The ferry ride from Cinque Terre to Porto Venere treats passengers to views like this.

    (Photo: D Travels Round)

  • <p>The <a href="http://www.cinqueterre.eu.com/en/boat-excursions" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cinque Terre water ferry;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">Cinque Terre water ferry</a> runs April through October. The ferry stops at every town in Cinque Terre, other than Corniglia (there is no water access for this town) and includes stops at Levanto, Porto Venere, as well as connections to Deiva Marina, Moneglia, Portofino and Palmaria.<br></p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i></p><p><i><b>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/travel/5-charming-italian-towns-youve-never-heard-of-101055894452.html" data-ylk="slk:5 Charming Italian Towns You’ve Never Heard Of;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">5 Charming Italian Towns You’ve Never Heard Of</a></b><br></i></p>
    8/17

    Water ferry details

    The Cinque Terre water ferry runs April through October. The ferry stops at every town in Cinque Terre, other than Corniglia (there is no water access for this town) and includes stops at Levanto, Porto Venere, as well as connections to Deiva Marina, Moneglia, Portofino and Palmaria.

    (Photo: D Travels Round)

    Related: 5 Charming Italian Towns You’ve Never Heard Of

  • <p>The stairs from Porto Venere’s pier to the shops above — our first glimpse of this UNESCO World Heritage site.<br></p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i><br></p>
    9/17

    Porto Venere

    The stairs from Porto Venere’s pier to the shops above — our first glimpse of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

    (Photo: D Travels Round)

  • <p>Everything looks just as beautiful in town as it did from the water.</p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i><br></p>
    10/17

    Porto Venere’s small-town charm

    Everything looks just as beautiful in town as it did from the water.

    (Photo: D Travels Round)

  • <p>A shop owner stands outside, greeting passersby.<br></p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i></p>
    11/17

    Snacks and Shops in Porto Venere

    A shop owner stands outside, greeting passersby.

    (Photo: D Travels Round)

  • <p>Keep your eyes open for unexpected treats, like this view of the sea from Porto Venere.</p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i><br></p>
    12/17

    The Ligurian Sea

    Keep your eyes open for unexpected treats, like this view of the sea from Porto Venere.

    (Photo: D Travels Round)

  • <p>The sweet life in Riomaggiore, the most southern of the five towns.<br></p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i><br></p>
    13/17

    Riomaggiore

    The sweet life in Riomaggiore, the most southern of the five towns.

    (Photo: D Travels Round)

  • <p>You never know what you will find tucked down little streets in <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/2014/11/21/flipkey-vacation-rentals/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Vernazza;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">Vernazza</a>.<br></p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i></p><p><b>Related: ‘<a href="https://www.yahoo.com/travel/mangia-we-ate-and-drank-our-way-through-northern-100085417332.html" data-ylk="slk:Mangia!’ We Ate and Drank Our Way Through Northern Italy;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">Mangia!’ We Ate and Drank Our Way Through Northern Italy</a></b><i><br></i></p>
    14/17

    Café culture

    You never know what you will find tucked down little streets in Vernazza.

    (Photo: D Travels Round)

    Related: ‘Mangia!’ We Ate and Drank Our Way Through Northern Italy

  • <p>A colorful pop of blue caught my eye down this street in Vernazza.</p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i><br></p>
    15/17

    A shrine in Vernazza

    A colorful pop of blue caught my eye down this street in Vernazza.

    (Photo: D Travels Round)

  • <p>A typical Italian village shot, beautiful and charming every time.</p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i><br></p>
    16/17

    A charming street

    A typical Italian village shot, beautiful and charming every time.

    (Photo: D Travels Round)

  • <p>The sunset in Vernazza…beautiful.<br></p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i></p><p><i><b>WATCH: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/travel/go-now-the-new-seventh-wonder-of-the-world-119291045517.html" data-ylk="slk:Go Now: The New Seventh Wonder of the World — That’s Empty;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">Go Now: The New Seventh Wonder of the World — That’s Empty</a></b></i></p>
    17/17

    Day’s end

    The sunset in Vernazza…beautiful.

    (Photo: D Travels Round)

    WATCH: Go Now: The New Seventh Wonder of the World — That’s Empty

<p>One of the things Cinque Terre is most known for — other than the pesto, glorious wines and tiny towns — is the <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/2014/12/30/cinque-terre-hiking/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:hiking paths;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">hiking paths</a> that tie the five Italian villages together. They vary in difficulty and length, and visitors come from the world over to experience these world-renowned trails and relish the spectacular views. </p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i></p>
<p>Love locks find their way all over the world. This one is on the trail from Vernazza to Monterosso.</p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i><br></p>
<p>One of the many spectacular views along the Vernazza – Monterosso hike.<br></p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i><br></p>
<p>We weave up, up, up through olive groves and giant trees rooted long before our time. The air is clear, fragrant with fresh growth and bright green. I can see our destination in the distance: Monterosso.<br></p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i><br></p>
<p>We stop intermittently among the lush foliage to catch our breath. Our efforts aren’t without reward though. Once we hit the first round, we turn to face the sea and are greeted by the most picturesque view I’ve seen in my life: Vernazza laying below us.<br></p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i></p><p><b><i>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/travel/9-gorgeous-seaside-towns-in-italy-85668662097.html" data-ylk="slk:Gorgeous Seaside Towns in Italy You Have to Visit This Summer;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">Gorgeous Seaside Towns in Italy You Have to Visit This Summer</a></i></b><br></p>
<p>Hiking isn’t the only way to appreciate the scenery — the views from the <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/2015/01/16/cinque-terre-water-ferry/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:water ferry;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">water ferry</a> between Vernazza and Cinque Terre certainly don’t suck.<br></p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i></p>
<p>The ferry ride from Cinque Terre to Porto Venere treats passengers to views like this.<br></p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i></p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.cinqueterre.eu.com/en/boat-excursions" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cinque Terre water ferry;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">Cinque Terre water ferry</a> runs April through October. The ferry stops at every town in Cinque Terre, other than Corniglia (there is no water access for this town) and includes stops at Levanto, Porto Venere, as well as connections to Deiva Marina, Moneglia, Portofino and Palmaria.<br></p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i></p><p><i><b>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/travel/5-charming-italian-towns-youve-never-heard-of-101055894452.html" data-ylk="slk:5 Charming Italian Towns You’ve Never Heard Of;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">5 Charming Italian Towns You’ve Never Heard Of</a></b><br></i></p>
<p>The stairs from Porto Venere’s pier to the shops above — our first glimpse of this UNESCO World Heritage site.<br></p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i><br></p>
<p>Everything looks just as beautiful in town as it did from the water.</p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i><br></p>
<p>A shop owner stands outside, greeting passersby.<br></p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i></p>
<p>Keep your eyes open for unexpected treats, like this view of the sea from Porto Venere.</p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i><br></p>
<p>The sweet life in Riomaggiore, the most southern of the five towns.<br></p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i><br></p>
<p>You never know what you will find tucked down little streets in <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/2014/11/21/flipkey-vacation-rentals/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Vernazza;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">Vernazza</a>.<br></p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i></p><p><b>Related: ‘<a href="https://www.yahoo.com/travel/mangia-we-ate-and-drank-our-way-through-northern-100085417332.html" data-ylk="slk:Mangia!’ We Ate and Drank Our Way Through Northern Italy;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">Mangia!’ We Ate and Drank Our Way Through Northern Italy</a></b><i><br></i></p>
<p>A colorful pop of blue caught my eye down this street in Vernazza.</p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i><br></p>
<p>A typical Italian village shot, beautiful and charming every time.</p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i><br></p>
<p>The sunset in Vernazza…beautiful.<br></p><p><i>(Photo: <a href="http://www.dtravelsround.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:D Travels Round;elm:context_link;itc:0" class="link ">D Travels Round</a>)</i></p><p><i><b>WATCH: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/travel/go-now-the-new-seventh-wonder-of-the-world-119291045517.html" data-ylk="slk:Go Now: The New Seventh Wonder of the World — That’s Empty;elm:context_link;itc:0;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">Go Now: The New Seventh Wonder of the World — That’s Empty</a></b></i></p>
Yahoo Travel Contributors

By Diana Edelman / D Travels ‘Round

Italy’s Cinque Terre region. Travelers flock from all over the world to soak in the wide sea views, hike the emerald-green tree-topped hills, Instagram the brightly colored homes, and stare off the cliffs into the pounding (at times) blue Ligurian Sea. This gorgeous slice of Italian seaside is one of the most renowned — and easily recognized — places in the world. Take a break from whatever your’e doing right now to escape with these beautiful photos from my recent trip.