Discover Unspoiled Villages Near Cinque Terre, Italy
In 1997, Italy’s five stunning Cinque Terre villages were awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status, celebrating their rugged coastal location and traditional lifestyles. However, this recognition led to an overwhelming influx of global visitors, transforming the once tranquil villages into bustling hotspots.
If you’re seeking an unspoiled getaway on the Italian Riviera, you’re in luck. This article highlights five charming villages near the Cinque Terre that have managed to retain their serenity despite the rising tourism.
Porto Venere
Located just a few kilometers down the coast, Porto Venere is sometimes considered the sixth village of Cinque Terre. It boasts the same pastel-colored waterfront houses and picturesque coastal views. Originally established by the Romans, it’s strategically positioned between the stunning Cinque Terre coast and the bay of La Spezia.
This fortified village features the Castello Doria and watchtowers, while its vibrant seafront tower-houses once created a formidable defensive wall. Moreover, the area is renowned for its association with Romantic poets, including Byron and Shelley, lured by spectacular views that span from the distant Apuan Alps to the dwarfing island of Palmaria.
Getting there is straightforward; while Porto Venere lacks a direct train connection, buses and boats from La Spezia provide convenient options.
Tellaro
Standing beside Tellaro’s harbor feels like stepping back in time, as this village remains mostly untouched by tourism. Its narrow streets and charming atmosphere provide an authentic experience reminiscent of what the Cinque Terre may have felt like before mass tourism.
The village exudes quaintness, with tiny fishing boats along the slipway and balconies adorned with prickly pear cactuses. The pastel-pink Chiesa di San Giorgio serves as a focal point, steeped in legends of a giant octopus that once rang its bell to warn inhabitants of an approaching pirate raid.
Tellaro is roughly 15 kilometers east of La Spezia, making a car essential for access.
Montemarcello
For those craving an escape from modern tourism, Montemarcello lies a few kilometers further, perched atop the Caprione promontory. Its elevated position provides stunning views of the Bay of Poets and the marble mountains of Carrara. The village’s history dates back to Roman times, characterized by narrow alleyways and remnants of 15th-century walls.
A scenic walk from the village leads to breathtaking viewpoints, and longer hiking trails through olive groves and Mediterranean shrubland connect Montemarcello with Tellaro below.
Accessing Montemarcello requires a car, located just a few kilometers past Tellaro.
Framura
Framura is not merely a village; it’s a dreamy assemblage of hamlets cascading down toward the sea. The area showcases crumbling palaces adorned with sculptures and frescoes, enveloped in wisteria blossoms that fill the air with a sweet scent.
Visitors can enjoy an adventurous journey through a 5-kilometer trail converted from an old railway line, connecting Framura to Levanto. This flat route meanders through historic tunnels, leading to the picturesque seaside town of Bonassola, home to lovely sandy beaches and delightful cafes.
Framura station lies on the train line between La Spezia and Sestri Levante, with hourly services allowing for easy access.
Sestri Levante
Sestri Levante, elegantly situated on a peninsula between Cinque Terre and Genoa, boasts pastel-hued villas adorned with intricate architectural details. With two distinct beaches – the luxurious Baia delle Favole and the charming Baia del Silenzio – it’s a popular summer destination for Italians.
Although lively, the narrow streets of the old town offer a variety of shops and restaurants, notably those serving exquisite pesto pasta originating from nearby Genoa. The Punta Manara trail is an excellent choice for escaping the crowds while enjoying breathtaking views over the coastline.
Sestri Levante is easily reached via the train line connecting Genoa and La Spezia, with frequent services available.
