You might have heard Cinque Terre described as the lesser-known alternative to Italy’s Amalfi Coast . Both comprise a group of towns made up of pastel-hued buildings clinging to the side of the cliff-face. But where the Amalfi Coast is refined and luxurious, set up to cater to jet-setting clientele, Cinque Terre is altogether more rustic, and better suited to hikers than it is posers.
Located on the north-west coast of Italy, it is the name given to a string of five villages – Monterosso, Manarola, Vernazza, Corniglia and Riomaggiore – which have gained a reputation for their stunning scenery and remoteness. Indeed, part of the Cinque Terre's appeal is that it’s so difficult to reach – it requires at least two different trains from Pisa. Once you are there, it’s strictly no cars, which means more trains or long walks between the villages await you.
This goes some way to explaining why there’s a lack of five-star stays here in contrast to its southern cousin. Instead, you'll find a handful of small, boutique hotels, each with their own family-run charm. Those who feel more at home amongst the yacht-crowd can always stay up the coast at Portofino and hire a boat to visit Cinque Terre, which are best seen from the water anyway.
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