Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport is a great airport to fly to for anyone looking for ease of access and breathtaking views. The airport is situated in an artificial peninsula and provides easy links to the main city and other nearby locations. Air Dolomiti, Albawings, ITA Airways, KLM, Ryanair, Volotea, Vueling, and Wizz Air all currently operate regular scheduled flights from the airport. Passengers wishing to travel by train can take advantage of the Flybus service operated by AMT or book themselves into a Trenitalia regional train which departs with a 15 minute frequency every day between 6.00 am and 10.00 pm. For those travelling by car, the A10 Motorway offers the closest exit being 'Genova Aeroporto'. In short, this airport allows passengers to make their way to and from Genoa with ease and style.

You wanna land in this airport if you're going to the 5 terre.

From Genova train station you can easily get to the 5 terre and any other major cities in Italy.

If you are going to the 5 terre: take a train here to La Spezia, there you will change and take a local train that will make stops in each one of the 5 terre.

To book your tickets, click the link below.

Genova Piazza Principe railway station is the main hub of the Genoa metropolitan area and an impressive milestone of Italian engineering history. The station has a remarkable architecture, with classic Italian façade combined with Romanesque features. Conveniently located in the heart of Genoa city centre, the station is used by over 66,000 passengers per day and 24 million per year. On top of that, the station currently offers several rail services like Frecciabianca, Intercity, Eurocity and regional Treni Liguriani to make it easier for passengers to reach their destinations. With its interconnectivity to Metro, bus and shuttle connections, as well as several commercial and retail services within the station complex, Genova Piazza Principe is an amazing experience when traveling through Italy!

OPTION 1: If you are looking to visit the 5 terre on foot, there a hiking train called Sentiero Azzurro. The complete route that connects all the Cinque Terre is very difficult and long so it doesn't make sense for children. But there is a family-friendly trek in the Cinque Terre, don't despair! There are many easy paths that connect two towns but you can also choose paths inside the village that allow you to visit the naturalistic area in which they are located and enjoy breathtaking views.

For the map of the trekking route, click the link below.

The best option to visit the Cinque Terre is that of the train which works very well.

Single journeys cost around 4 euros between villages and villages, so I suggest you buy the Cinque Terre Card which costs 16 euros a day and gives you the opportunity to get on and off the train where and as many times as you want.

Children under 4 are free, while rates are reduced for children aged 4 to 12. This is the solution that we have adopted to visit the Cinque Terre in three days.

The train stations of the Cinque Terre villages are located in the center and trains run every 20 minutes. So you don't have to organize or plan anything, just go to the station and get on your train which will arrive in a few minutes. But be careful, only regional trains are included in the Cinque Terre Card, so check the type of train on the board to avoid fines.

To buy tickets, click the link below.

If you are on a limited budget,instead of finding a hotel in one of the 5 terre, I recommend you stay in Levanto, which is a town just outside the 5 terre, and therefore much cheaper!

It's an excellent starting point but above all a very, very nice village! Both the historic center and the sea are child-friendly with restaurants, shops, bathing establishments and playgrounds. In this article I'm talking about Levanto and where we stayed overnight.

I absolutely advise against staying overnight in La Spezia because it has the same prices as Levanto but it's not as beautiful. It is a port city so no crystal clear sea and the historic center is not too charming.

My reccomendation to stay: Situated in the picturesque town of Levanto, Affittacamere Il Borgo is the perfect place for a getaway. It offers excellent central location to enjoy everything this beautiful spot on the Italian Riviera has to offer. Guests at Affittacamere Il Borgo are treated with a friendly and helpful staff who makes sure your stay is comfortable and enjoyable. The property features spacious and comfortable rooms that come equipped with air-conditioning and good AC. Additionally, each room is close to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bakeries, and just a few steps away from Levanto's sandy beach. Take advantage of the terrace where you can enjoy an espresso or a drink overlooking the stunning view of the Ligurian Sea. Whether it's a romantic escape or a family trip Affittacamere Il Borgo is the perfect place to be!

To make a booking, click the link below.

I suggest you dedicate the first day to discovering Monterosso a Mare, the village of the Cinque Terre that will leave you speechless with its dream sea. I consider Monterosso the least characteristic village of the Cinque Terre but certainly the one with the best beaches and sea and for families with children.

Monterosso al Mare is a comune situated in Liguria, Northern Italy. It is the largest and westernmost of the five Cinque Terre villages, giving the region its original name, "Five Lands" – the ancient charm making it the perfect destination for those seeking an unforgettable Italian experience. Monterosso's stunning sandy beach draws crowds from all over the world, but the village also offers wonderful alleyways, delicious local seafood restaurants, and unforgettable hillside panoramas. The town has preserved its medieval character, boasting stone piazzas, an impressive castle ruins, and numerous churches; its unique architecture combines Genoese, eighteenth-century and nineteenth-century elements, creating a uniquely picturesque atmosphere.Monterosso is truly the ideal spot to spend a wonderful holiday in Liguria.

The main beach of Monterosso a Mare, called di Fegina, is one of the most family-friendly but in this article you will find other beaches for children in the Cinque Terre. If you decide to visit the Cinque Terre in the summer, dedicate the right amount of time to beach life. When the train doors open you will find yourself in front of a sea it's a dream!

The second day of your itinerary to visit the Cinque Terre starts from the sea. Let's start the day relaxing. Head to Vernazza, the Cinque Terre village that I have in my heart. Get off the train, take the downhill road and head towards the sea and you will find yourself in a postcard!

Vernazza is a picturesque comune located in the province of La Spezia, Liguria, northwestern Italy. It is one of the five villages that make up the Cinque Terre region and the only natural port. Vernazza is charming, tranquil, and an ideal place to explore with its elegant houses, colorful harbor wall, and incredible history from feudal defense against pirates, to cultivation of vineyards hundreds of years ago. Visitors can take in the sights such as the Church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia, built as far back as the 12th century, the Doria Castle, and the Sanctuary of Madonna di Reggio while making their way to beautiful green hills, wineries, or fresco cycles in Padua’s 14th-century cathedrals.

The Church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia is an historical church located in Vernazza, one of the Cinque Terre towns. It dates back to the 13th century and was originally built in the Gothic-Ligurian style by the Antelami Masters, although its façade was replaced in later years. Legend has it that a box containing Santa Margaret's bones was once found nearby and the church was then constructed in her honor. Inside you can find Baroque high altars, processional chests, wooden crucifixes and two 17th century canvases. With its 40 meter tall octagonal tower crowned with ogival domes, it stands proudly overlooking the sea. If you come to Vernazza, don't forget to visit this beautiful church!

A few meters from here you will also find the most characteristic port of the Cinque Terre.

Your visit to Monterosso a Mare ends here, destination... Corniglia! Take the train back to La Spezia and get off at Corniglia. Corniglia is in fact the only village in the Cinque Terre that is located on top of a promontory and has no access to the sea. The panorama from up there is magnificent, look at the sea!

The smallest of the five villages of Cinque Terre, Corniglia is an enchanting place known for its quiet, laid-back charm. Located around 100 meters above the beautiful Ligurian Sea and boasting spectacular panoramic views from Saint Mary's Terrace, Corniglia is ideal for anyone looking for a calm respite from the hustle and bustle of their everyday life. Despite its small size, there are lots of things to do in Corniglia, including climbing the 380 steps of the iconic ‘Lardarina’ staircase to witness stunning coastal vistas, or taking a dip at the rockier swimming spots. Enjoy delicious local delicacies like pesto pasta, basil gelato, and Vernaccia di Corniglia - a type of dry white wine—for a truly authentic experience!

HOW TO GET THERE:

To reach the center of Corniglia from the train station you have two options. The most beautiful, but most demanding (especially for those with less sporty children), is to walk the Lardarina staircase. It is a brick stairway with 377 steps and 33 flights, really tiring but very fascinating. It climbs the mountain to the center of Corniglia. The second option to reach Corniglia from the station is to take the bus that leaves from the train station exit (included in the Cinque Terre Card). The choice is yours.

Once you arrive in Corniglia, get lost in its wonderful and colorful alleys, enjoy the view and taste the delicious ice cream (or granita) with Corniglia lemons.

Finish with an aperitif with a view at Bar La Terrazza in Via Fieschi 215.

Manarola is one of Italy's most picturesque coastal towns and a must-visit for anyone in the region. This quaint village lies in the renowned Cinque Terre, a stretch of five beautiful fishing villages along the dramatic Ligurian coast in northern Italy. Manarola offers stunning views of pastel coloured houses tumbling down to it's tiny harbour on the bright blue Ligurian Sea. Visitors can explore the cobbled streets and alleys that make up the town, while admiring historical churches like the 13th Century Church of San Lorenzo; visit the old waterwheel for a photo opportunity; take in the breathtaking scenery from the Manarola Scenic viewpoint; and explore the renowned Via Dell'Amore (The Way of Love) which leads to the neighbouring village of Riomaggiore. Many visitors will also savour the cuisine of this picturesque town featuring fresh seafood and locally produced Sciacchetrá dessert wine. Whether you stay in a hotel or vacation rental, Manarola is sure to delight any traveller looking for an idyllic coastal getaway.

Dulcis in fundo, go to the village of Riomaggiore, the easternmost of the Cinque Terre. From Manarola you can only reach Riomaggiore by train because the wonderful and famous Via dell'Amore (path that connected these two villages) has been closed for years due to a landslide.

Riomaggiore, located on the Italian Riviera, is a charming village that offers magnificent views and plenty of traditional activities to enjoy. Here visitors can explore the medieval Castle of Riomaggiore or take in the colorful stone houses that are stacked next to each other along the harbor filled with fishing boats. Travelers can get their heart pumping by hiking the Via Dell'Amore (The Way of Love) trail, strolling along the main street that stops at the village's picturesque harbor, or partaking in the local delicacies. Whether it's exploring the Oratorio di Santa Maria Assunta, admiring the view of the coast from the castle terrace, trying out traditional Ligurian dishes and wines, or enjoying some outdoor recreation, Riomaggiore is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a fun and relaxing vacation escape.

In Riomaggiore I suggest you visit the Church of San Giovanni Battista, the main church of the town.

The Castello di Riomaggiore in Italy is a breathtaking sight to behold. Perched atop the highest point in the village, this medieval castle offers visitors unparalleled views of the surrounding area. Constructed beginning in 1260 to protect the town from barbarian and pirate attacks, the Castello di Riomaggiore still stands tall today. Visitors to this majestic site can explore its terrace for sweeping views of the region and take in the beauty of the stunning architecture. It is truly a magnificent place to visit and anyone with an appreciation for history should make sure to check it out!

Il Borgo di Campi restaurant offers fantastic food and stunning views in the heart of Riomaggiore in the Italian Riviera. You can enjoy delicious dishes such as pesto, scampi, ravioli and many others. The charming restaurant has a sun terrace with amazing views of the coast and also offers free internet access. It is located close to the Chiesetta dell'Angelo Custode, making it an ideal spot for dinner with friends or family. For guests with mobility issues, there are plenty of stairs leading down to the hotel rooms, so please take care when navigating around the property. With great food and breath taking views, dining at Il Borgo di Campi is sure to be a memorable experience.