Local Guide
Ready-made itineraries, real travel times and the advice we give our guests in person. Written by someone who lives here, not copied from a guidebook.
How much time do you have?
They all start from Real Rooms and use public transport only. None of them needs a car.
It's the formula we recommend most often: you see everything without rushing and without changing accommodation.
Cinque Terre
Train times calculated from La Spezia Centrale, a two-minute walk from us.
The closest and the most photographed: vertical houses tumbling down to a tiny harbour. The best light is at sunset, from the rocks to the right of the port. The climb to the castle is worth it for the view.
For many the most beautiful. The scenic path from the cemetery gives you the classic postcard view. It's the heart of Sciacchetrà production, the sweet wine of the terraces.
The only one that doesn't touch the sea: it sits on a headland 100 metres up. From the station you climb the Lardarina, a stairway of 382 steps, or take the shuttle. That's exactly why it's the quietest of the five.
The most elegant natural harbour on the coast, with the church of Santa Margherita right on the water and the Doria castle above. The little seafront square is the place for a break.
The largest, and the only one with a proper equipped sandy beach. It splits into the old village and Fegina, the seaside area. Monterosso's salted anchovies are a Slow Food presidium: try them.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside the Cinque Terre, but far less crowded. The church of San Pietro on the point, Byron's Grotto and the colourful houses of the carruggio. From La Spezia it's reached by boat from Molo Italia or by local bus.
Transport
The Cinque Terre Express links La Spezia to Levanto, stopping in all five villages, with frequent departures in high season. It's fast, never stuck in traffic, and stops in the centre of every village.
Boats to Portovenere, the Cinque Terre and Lerici leave from Molo Italia, an 8-minute walk away. Seasonal service, suspended in rough seas: always check the same morning.
Two versions: the Trekking Card covers the paid trails and the Park buses; the Train Card adds unlimited trains between Levanto and La Spezia. The Via dell'Amore requires a separate supplement.
The Cinque Terre villages have restricted traffic zones, narrow streets and few expensive parking spaces. If you come by car, leave it in our private car park and travel by train: it's quicker and cheaper.
On foot
You only really understand the Cinque Terre by walking among the terraced vineyards.
The coastal route linking the five villages. Some sections require the Cinque Terre Card, others are free. The Monterosso–Vernazza stretch is the hardest and also the most spectacular.
The short, level path between Riomaggiore and Manarola, carved into the rock above the sea. Limited access with a supplement: book ahead in peak months.
The high ridge above the villages: quieter, wider views, almost always free. For confident walkers with a full day.
About 6 hours of walking along the ridge, with views over the whole gulf. The finest hike in the area for those with the legs and experience.
In the water
The only wide, equipped sandy beach in the Cinque Terre. The easiest choice with children.
Small pebble coves between the villages, reachable only on foot or by boat. Few facilities, plenty of peace.
The island facing Portovenere: clear water and Pozzale beach. Frequent ferries in season.
Across the gulf: quieter beaches, calm water, excellent beach clubs. Family-friendly.
Ligurian Cuisine
Order these and you'll eat like a local.
Liguria's signature dish. Real pesto is raw, bright green, made with DOP basil from Prà.
The local speciality: mussels stuffed with bread, egg and mortadella, cooked in sauce. You won't find them elsewhere.
Salted, with lemon or fried. A Slow Food presidium, and you can tell.
The Ligurian savoury breakfast. Chickpea farinata is eaten hot, straight from the oven.
The everyday dry white and the rare sweet wine from the terraces, for the end of the meal.
Lunch 12:30–14:30, dinner from 19:30. Outside these hours many kitchens are closed.
From Someone Who Lives Here
Book Direct
We recommend calling us directly for an immediate answer. Otherwise fill in the form: we normally reply within 30 minutes with availability and a quote.
