A practical guide for travellers exploring northern Italy between Emilia-Romagna and Liguria.
If you are planning an itinerary in north-west Italy, combining Parma and the Cinque Terre is both logical and rewarding. The two destinations offer a striking contrast between inland food culture and dramatic coastal landscapes, and travelling between them is straightforward by train or car.
This guide explains how to travel between Parma and the Cinque Terre, what to see along the way, and why La Spezia makes an excellent coastal base.
For broader trip planning, this article complements our main hub: How to Plan Your Trip to Parma.
Update for travellers: The iconic Via dell’Amore between Riomaggiore and Manarola has fully reopened, offering a safe and regulated 1 km cliffside walk with spectacular views. Access is managed via timed entry slots and requires a supplement in addition to the Cinque Terre Card.
What to See in Parma
Parma is rich in art, architecture, and gastronomy. The historic centre can be explored comfortably in two days, visiting churches, theatres, and elegant piazzas.
Food lovers may wish to explore the countryside with a Parma ham tour or a Culatello ham tour, or simply browse our guide to things to do in Parma for inspiration.
How to Get from Parma to the Cinque Terre
The most convenient way to travel from Parma to the Cinque Terre is by train. Regional trains connect Parma Centrale with La Spezia Centrale roughly once per hour. The journey takes around two hours.
From La Spezia, local trains run frequently to all five Cinque Terre villages. A day pass allows unlimited travel between villages, making it easy to explore the area without a car.
Driving is also possible via the A15 motorway and takes approximately one hour. However, during busy periods it is strongly recommended to park in La Spezia and continue by train, as parking near the villages is limited.
La Spezia: The Overlooked Gateway to the Cinque Terre
Many visitors rush through La Spezia without stopping — often to their regret. The town offers excellent food, good accommodation value, and easy access to the coast.
Looking for an authentic food experience?
Join our
Foodie’s Delight Tour – Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic vinegar & cured meats in one unforgettable day.
Visiting La Spezia or the Cinque Terre?
Escape the crowds with our
truffle hunt & vineyard tasting in Lunigiana — a perfect shore excursion from La Spezia.
For lunch or dinner, do not miss I Pescatori, located at the port. Run by the local fishermen’s cooperative, it serves ultra-fresh seafood at remarkably affordable prices. It is informal and self-service, but the quality of the food speaks for itself.
For more ideas, explore our dedicated guide to things to do in La Spezia and the Cinque Terre.
Ferries from La Spezia and Coastal Highlights
From La Spezia’s port, ferries connect to the Cinque Terre villages as well as nearby coastal gems. Ferry travel offers spectacular views and allows visitors to hop on and off at different locations.
Portovenere is a must-see. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it features dramatic cliffs, pastel houses, and the striking Church of San Pietro, perched above the sea with panoramic views over the Gulf of the Poets.
Riomaggiore to Manarola: Via dell’Amore
Riomaggiore is the first of the Cinque Terre villages when arriving from La Spezia. Founded in the 13th century, it is characterised by tall, narrow case torri — tower houses originally built for defence.
The scenic walk from Riomaggiore to Manarola via the Via dell’Amore is one of the most famous coastal paths in Italy. The trail is well maintained and easy to walk, making it accessible to most visitors.
Those interested in hiking and beaches can explore additional routes and swimming spots: Cinque Terre hiking trails and beaches in the Cinque Terre.
The Food of the Cinque Terre
Liguria’s cuisine is rooted in the Mediterranean diet, featuring olive oil, vegetables, herbs, fish, and simple preparations. Iconic local dishes include focaccia, pesto, sfarinata, and a wide variety of seafood.
Sfarinata is made from chickpea flour, water, and olive oil, baked into a soft, savoury flatbread. Seafood dishes such as frittura mista and locally farmed mussels (muscoli) are widely available.
Food Tours and Gourmet Experiences in the Cinque Terre
Food and wine experiences in Liguria include olive oil mills, vineyards, and small producers in the surrounding hills. Autumn is an ideal time to visit for olive and grape harvests.
Hiking remains one of the most rewarding ways to experience the Cinque Terre landscape, particularly along vineyard-lined trails above the coast.
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