Getting around Cinque Terre

The boat is more fun especially from a scenic view point -- however, much slower. Train is quick and easy but limited in view. Do both. Take train one way and the boat the other way. PS. From the boat you are always walking uphill.

There are also public buses that can help you see the area, and the fare is included in the 'Cinque Terre Card'. Consider taking a bus up slope and walking down. More info at the Cinque Terre information points. Buses: https://www.atcesercizio.it/en/services-for-tourism/cinque-terre/

I agree with Frank. If the boats are running, use those to see all the towns from the water as it provides a different perspective. Use the frequent local trains to return to whichever town you're based in.

Although I have not visited the Cinque Terre, I have been to the Amalfi Coast. If the two have anything in common, I would think travel by boat would be the preferred method. It seems to me that the true beauty of those areas can best be appreciated from the water. Buon viaggio!

In 2010 we hiked from Manarola to Vernazza, planning to take the train back. We did, but it was so crowded and chaotic we were sorry we chose that option. It was hard to push our way through the crowd to the ticket machine for tickets, then the fist train that came along was so crowded we couldn’t board. And we had to be kind of pushy to get on the next train. It was a miserable experience. And that was 13 years ago—-I don’t think things have improved but more likely gotten worse.

the trains were easy! only thing that confused us is that when we were returning to our RS hotel late at night from dinner the names of the stop cities changed and it was a bit confusing. but, we ended up back at our stop without any issues. the train is definitely the quicker and cheaper mode of transportation.

Lola:

In 2010 we hiked from Manarola to Vernazza, planning to take the train back. We did, but it was so crowded and chaotic we were sorry we chose that option.

More trains have been added since 2010, though trains may still be crowded sometimes. Not like they were back then.

You can't get to Corniglia by boat. It's the one town of the five where the town is up a hill from the station - there are either a zillion steps up or a shuttle bus up. Otherwise, yes, the boats (which can be very crowded, like the trains can be) offer lovely views of the towns.

Personally, if you aren't hikers, I would skip the Cinque Terre. I love the area and have been back a few times, but I like to hike. There are so many other beautiful towns in the Italian Riviera that are soooo much less crowded - why not got there instead? Why fight the Disneyland mobs of people in the Cinque Terre towns? When I go back to the CT I mostly avoid the towns mid-day and find less popular trains or places to go and spend more time in the towns late afternoon or in the evenings. But unless you are going at the height of summer, towns to the north like Camlogli, Rapallo, and Santa Margherita Ligure will be much less crowded and more pleasant places to stay. Camogli is an adorable little town. I've visited twice in May - barely anyone there. (Apparently it's mobbed in July and August with Italian tourists.)