Overview
Cinque Terre is absolutely gorgeous and so picturesque at every turn, offering endless stunning photo opportunities and viewpoints. At some point, we had to stop ourselves from taking photos as we already had too many. 😀
In this guide, we’ll highlight the best photo spots we found during our 3-day trip to Cinque Terre, organized by towns for easier navigation.
Need help getting professional photos of yourself? Hire an experienced Cinque Terre photographer for a photoshoot.
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Vernazza – Cinque Terre Photo Spots
Vernazza is a beautiful village in the Cinque Terre, renowned for its picturesque viewpoints. You’ll recognize it easily by its three main features: the round tower on one side, the bell tower on the other, and a charming harbor and colorful buildings that cling to the cliffs.
1. Vernazza Waterfront Viewpoint on the hiking trail to Monterosso
The Vernazza Waterfront Viewpoint is one of the most popular and most Instagrammable photo spots in Cinque Terre. And rightfully so. It really is beautiful as it overlooks Vernazza harbour from above.
Bonus: You can enjoy limoncino and wine tasting from almost the same viewpoint as this one! Check it out here.
How to get there:
This Vernazza viewpoint is located very soon after the official trail from Vernazza to Monterosso starts. From the church, start climbing up the side of Monterosso and follow the narrow, steep path with many stairs.
It should take about 15 minutes max to reach this photo spot from the center of Vernazza.
Since this is a paid hiking trail (7.5 EUR Cinque Terre Card), there is a checkpoint a few minutes before it. However, if you arrive before 9 am or in the late afternoon, there’s no one at the checkpoint/booth. Read more about it in our Vernazza to Monterosso hike guide.
Best time to take photos:
Early morning to avoid crowds, late afternoon/sunset for the best lighting conditions.
However, at sunrise, the whole town is still in shadow as the sun rises behind the mountains. So, there won’t be light for sure until 2-3 hours after sunrise.
We took our photos around 9 am, at the start of June, and parts of Vernazza were still not in the sun, as you can see. We just couldn’t wait anymore, as we really needed to start the hike to Monterosso.
Good to know:
This spot seems to be changing a lot over the years. Currently, there is a fence around, which doesn’t appear in some older photos from years before. It might even get fenced off with time, but even if that happens, the view from literally 1m higher (just above the photo spot) is equally beautiful.
And if you continue your walk a few meters forward, you can get a nice perspective as well.
2. Vernazza harbour
The charming Vernazza harbour is another great photo spot in Cinque Terre. The colorful fishing boats bob along the water with the church in the background – a perfect, picturesque scene.
Best time to take photos:
Late morning or just before sunset for the best lighting conditions.
We took ours around noon, as when we came for sunrise, everything was still in shade (of course). There were lots of people around noon, but with little patience, it’s not that hard to take photos here. 😊
3. Vernazza Rocks
After photographing boats in the harbour, continue your walk towards the rocks at the end. You’ll get a great perspective of Vernazza here, looking directly towards the village.
And you can jump in for a swim after. 😊
Best time to take photos:
More or less anytime except early morning when the whole town is still in shade.
4. Vernazza Peninsula Viewpoint on the hiking trail to Corniglia
The Vernazza viewpoint on the way to the start of the hiking trail to Corniglia offers a dramatic view of a cliff lined with pastel houses and a castle tower rising above. It’s absolutely gorgeous and definitely is one of the best viewpoints in Cinque Terre.
How to get there:
There are actually two cool spots to take photos of the Vernazza Peninsula. One (the free one) is on the corner, about 80 meters before La Torre restaurant (it’s hard to miss this corner spot as you’ll get a nice opening to Vernazza), and the second one (paid one – Cinque Terre Card) is just after the checkpoint for Vernazza-Corniglia hiking trail.
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Best time to take photos:
Morning or just before sunset for the best lighting conditions.
If you come too soon before sunset, it will be a bit hard to photograph it since (depending on the time of year), you’ll be photographing directly into the sun.
We did our photos around noon. We were here about 2 hours before sunset the first time, but the light was hitting the lens directly, so we decided to return. I wish we managed to come before noon, but oh well. 😁
Good to know:
If you love enjoying the views with a meal, then you must also visit La Torre restaurant, one of the most Instagrammable restaurants in Cinque Terre. The view is breathtaking, especially for sunset. But do make a reservation in advance, as it’s one of the most popular restaurants in Cinque Terre.
5. Vernazza from Monterosso hike
Some of the best Cinque Terre photo spots are definitely from the hikes. You get stunning perspectives of the towns that you can’t get otherwise.
This is one of our favorite photos of Vernazza, taken somewhere mid-way along the Vernazza to Monterosso hiking trail.
Best time to take photos:
We took ours late morning, and it looked so pretty!
Riomaggiore – Cinque Terre Photo Spots
Riomaggiore is one of the most picturesque villages in Cinque Terre. It is slightly tucked away in the hills, with tall, colorful buildings squeezed together.
6. Riomaggiore Panoramic Viewpoint
Riomaggiore’s Panoramic Viewpoint is one of the best sunrise spots in Cinque Terre and an unmissable photo spot.
It offers a beautiful perspective of Riomaggiore, especially at sunset, when you can see the sun set into the water. It’s the best spot to watch the sunset in Cinque Terre.
Insider tip:
Enjoying the best sunset view - privately 😍
How to get there:
Located on Via Giocomo street, just before La Conchiglia Bar.
Once you get to Riomaggiore harbour, it’s honestly hard to miss this spot.
Best time to take photos:
Honestly, any time. But early morning, if you want photos without people (but the town is still in shade), and just before sunset (for the best sunset view in Cinque Terre).
Good to know:
If you plan to come for sunset, come at least 30-60 minutes sooner to get a good spot.
7. Riomaggiore Rocks
Rocks in the harbour in Riomaggiore are a great spot to take photos from a different perspective.
The rocks on the side, just under “the wall” viewpoint, are the easiest to access. This is another excellent spot to watch the sunset in Cinque Terre.
If the waves are peaceful, you can also walk to the rocks sheltering the harbour. The perspective from there is stunning, but when we visited, the waves were crashing on them a bit too much for our taste. 😁 You can get a similar perspective as from Vernazza rocks.
How to get there:
You can access it directly from the Riomaggiore harbour or take the stairs leading down just before La Conchiglia Bar.
Best time to take photos:
Any time, but for sunset if you want golden light and want to watch the sunset, or early morning, if you want photos without people (however, the town is still in shade).
Good to know:
If you plan to come for sunset, come at least 30-60 minutes sooner to get a good spot. It’s very busy at sunset.
Manarola – Cinque Terre Photo Spots
Manarola might be one of the most colorful villages in the Cinque Terre, and our favorite! The village really pops out of the coastline and is nicely visible from multiple hikes and spots in Cinque Terre.
8. Manarola Overlook Viewpoint
Manarola Overlook Viewpoint is one of the best Cinque Terre sunset spots and the best viewpoint of Manarola.
Honestly, we don’t believe you can walk here without taking a photo, as it’s just so gorgeous!
How to get there:
Once you get to Manarola harbour, the town will be on your left, and you’ll see the path on the cliff on the right. Just follow that right path, and it’s there. It’s impossible to miss!
Best time to take photos:
Any time, but Manarola Viewpoint is best visited just before sunset, when the whole town is bathed in golden light.
Good to know:
Although it may be a bit busy, we’ve noticed that people tend not to stay long here. Plus, there’s enough space around as well.
We took our photos at the corner, just before the path turns onto the other side of the cliff, as it’s the widest space there.
9. Wall leading to Manarola
A path with a wall leading to Manarola is another of our favorite photo spots in Cinque Terre. We really love this perspective!
How to get there:
From Manarola harbour, follow the path to the cemetery. You’ll notice this wall on the path before you get to the cemetery.
Best time to take photos:
Any time, but the best is in the late afternoon or just before sunset, when the town is bathed in golden light.
10. Manarola main street – Via Renato Birolli
Manarola’s main street, Via Renato Birolli, is one of the coolest-looking streets in Cinque Terre and a great photo spot. Since the buildings behind it are so tall, it looks really cool.
Best time to take photos:
Any time, if you don’t mind people in the photos. But early to late morning for emptier streets, and late afternoon towards sunset for beautiful light.
We did our photos in the late morning.
11. Manarola Upper Town Viewpoint
Manarola Upper Town Viewpoint is one of the “hidden” or at least not-so-obvious photo spots in Cinque Terre. We stumbled upon it by accident while exploring every backstreet of this town (as we already mentioned, we really enjoyed Manarola 😁).
It has one of our favorite views in Cinque Terre.
How to get there:
You can reach the Upper Town viewpoints of Manarola by following the Via Belvedere from the main street (Via Antonio Discovolo). Make sure to turn around for the first view.
Then continue uphill, and once you reach a small square, turn left onto Via A. Rollandi. Not long after going up some stairs, the second view will open up.
If you’re coming from the Church of San Lorenzo, descend Via A. Rollandi and then onto Via Belvedere.
Check Out More Cinque Terre Guides 👀
12. Above Manarola Vineyards Viewpoint
We stumbled upon this incredible view as we were finishing the Corniglia to Manarola hike. It offers a high view of Manarola together with vineyards.
We loved it because we hadn’t seen this perspective much, so it quickly became one of our favorite photo spots in Cinque Terre.
How to get there:
From Manarola harbour, follow the path to the cemetery, and then from there just follow the path until you reach the higher part of the vineyards. Beware, there’s a lot of steep stairs involved!
Best time to take photos:
Any time, but Above Manarola Vineyards Viewpoint is best visited in the late afternoon or just before sunset, when the whole town is bathed in golden light.
Good to know:
The Corniglia to Manarola hike is one of our favorites in Cinque Terre. Read more about it in our hike guide.
13. Above Manarola on the way to Volastra Viewpoint
As we already said, hikes in Cinque Terre really offer the best viewpoints and photo spots, so this is your sign to do at least one!
- Read next: Our guide to hikes in Cinque Terre.
This is another beautiful Manarola viewpoint we stumbled upon, as we were finishing the Corniglia to Manarola hike. You’re completely above Manarola, and see it from an entirely different perspective. Plus, the flowers all around (especially the yellow ones) make the whole scene even more picturesque!
It’s another Cinque Terre Viewpoint we loved since we hadn’t seen this perspective much.
How to get there:
You’ll naturally end up on this spot if you follow the hiking trail from Manarola to Corniglia (or the other way around). Otherwise, please refer to our map.
Corniglia – Cinque Terre Photo Spots
Corniglia might be one of the most underrated villages in the Cinque Terre. It’s the only one sitting very proudly on top of a hill (unlike others), in the middle of all the other villages.
This made Corniglia a very popular photo subject during our hikes there, as it popped out from every angle! 😁
14. Close-Up Viewpoint of Corniglia
The Close-up Viewpoint of Corniglia is the best Corniglia viewpoint, easily accessible without hiking.
How to get there:
The spot we took our photo from is just outside Corniglia’s center, if you follow the Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzuro) to Vernazza. We naturally passed it during our hike to Vernazza.
However, you can also access a similar spot from the main road leading into Corniglia. It’s almost the same perspective, but a bit wider, so if you want to be in the photo, it’s easier from that spot. We marked both on our Travel Map.
15. Manarola view from Corniglia
Another cool viewpoint in Corniglia is just a bit outside the center. It offers the best view of Manarola in the distance and shows why Cinque Terre is so unique.
How to get there:
We were wandering around Corniglia (it’s pretty small, so it’s not that hard 😁), and stumbled upon it. We marked the spot in the Travel Map so that you can find it easily.
16. Corniglia stairs on the hiking trail to Manarola
Now, our favorite Corniglia viewpoint, and one of our favorite photos from Cinque Terre – Corniglia stairs on the hiking trail to Manarola.
To be fair, this hiking trail offers quite a few amazing viewpoints of Corniglia, but this one, on the stairs just before turning the corner into the forest, is our favorite.
How to get there:
Simply follow the sign for this hiking trail, and you should find it. It’s soon after leaving Corniglia, and it should take you about 15 minutes from the center to reach it. For more details, check our Corniglia to Manarola hiking guide.
Planning an active trip?
Don't risk it without travel insurance
We never travel outside our home countries before getting travel insurance. And sure, we don’t count on anything happening. But it can when you least expect it! 🤕
For example, Arijana twisted her ankle just because she took a wrong step when going down completely normal stairs. 🤦♀️
In those situations (and hopefully nothing worse), travel insurance comes in handy so you don’t have to pay the medical costs.
Plus, since it costs about 3 USD/EUR per day, it’s not a crazy expense, and definitely not something to ignore. 😷
17. Corniglia in the background on the Corniglia to Vernazza hike
As we said, hikes have the best and most unique photo opportunities in Cinque Terre. This viewpoint of Corniglia, with the cliff it stands on and the turquoise sea, is definitely one of the best.
How to get there:
This spot is located midway on the Corniglia to Vernazza hiking trail. For more details, check our Corniglia to Vernazza hiking guide.
Monterosso al Mare – Cinque Terre Photo Spots
Monterosso al Mare is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant promenade, and that’s the most photographed part of Monterosso. However, there’s also the ‘old Monterosso’ part with old buildings, cute restaurants, and bars.
18. The Monterosso Postcard – Beach with Parasols
This viewpoint is THE PHOTO of Monterosso al Mare and one of the best photo spots in Cinque Terre. It shows a beautiful, long beach with a small rock in the middle and lots of perfectly positioned parasols.
How to get there:
This one is really hard to miss. It’s a max 5-minute walk from the train station.
Put ‘Scoglio di Monterosso’ in Google Maps. From there, search for a small area on the side of the road with lots of benches. That’s your spot.
Best time to take photos:
From late morning onwards, when the sea is popping with color.
19. San Francesco d’Assisi statue Viewpoint
Head up to the San Francesco d’Assisi statue for a fantastic view. You can even see other Cinque Terre towns in the distance.
Bonus Cinque Terre Photo Spots
20. Views from the sunset boat cruise
Some of the best photos in Cinque Terre can be taken from a sunset cruise, which takes you through all the towns during that gorgeous golden glow.
Plus, the cruise also includes wine and snacks! Name something more picturesque than sipping wine while on the boat overlooking the Cinque Terre coastline, bathed in the golden sunlight! Reserve your spot here (free cancellation).
We didn’t have time to do it, since we wanted to do as many hikes as possible, and now we’re sad we didn’t squeeze it in somewhere. So don’t repeat our mistake!
Great experience + top photos
Sunset Boat Cruise 🌅
Best time to take photos:
Sunset is the absolute best time for this! However, a boat trip during the day can be nice too. 😊
21. Levanto Street with Castle
We found this beautiful photo spot in Levanto, which is not part of Cinque Terre, but it is one of the towns you can base yourself in to explore the area (La Spezia is the other).
- Must read: Best Cinque Terre Hotels (hotel & area guide)
Map of Photo Spots & Viewpoints
As you explore the villages, you can use our Cinque Terre Photo Spots & Viewpoints Map to move between them more easily. Bookmark it (click/tap the star icon) and use it later in your Google Maps app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually, the best times to take photos are around sunrise and sunset. However, in Cinque Terre, the sun rises behind the mountains, so depending on the time of year and the town, it can take 2-3 hours for the towns to get any light.
On the other hand, to avoid crowds in the most popular spots, like Riomaggiore, it’s best to come early in the morning.
For the best light, the time around sunset is ideal in Cinque Terre.
Tips
- While some of these photo spots might be busy, a bit of patience goes a long way.
- You can visit most of these Cinque Terre photo spots in one day, but if you plan to hike as well, we recommend staying at least 2 days.
- Either way, we recommend buying a Cinque Terre Card for easy movement between the towns. To see which type of Cinque Terre Card you need and the prices, check our guide to Cinque Terre Card.
- Want professional photos of yourself? Hire an experienced Cinque Terre photographer for a photoshoot.
Final Thoughts
We didn’t specifically go to these Cinque Terre spots for photos, so you’ll see that many of the photos didn’t have ideal lighting. However, we really enjoyed our time and took plenty of photos we love, and that are great memories for us, even if the light wasn’t perfect. 😁
Have a great time in Cinque Terre, and happy photo spot hunting!
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