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5 Beautiful Towns in Liguria (Beyond Cinque Terre)

Looking for an alternative to Cinque Terre?? More towns beyond these 5 villages?? Here is a list of 5 beautiful towns in Liguria (beyond Cinque Terre) that will give you ideas for your upcoming travels!

5 Towns beyond the Cinque Terre

1. Cervo:

Cervo is a fantastic alternative to Cinque Terre. It is a quaint and colorful village overlooking the sea and is popular destination among the Italians. Surrounded by pretty pastel colored homes, Cervo has several tiny mysterious alleys.

The highlight of this town is Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista that overlooks the sea!

My friend Adriana aptly said, “I can’t imagine how it must be going to Sunday Mass and seeing that view every time.” 

Fun Fact: Cervo is part of “The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy” list. Closest train station: Diano

2. Dolceacqua:

Only a few kilometers from the sea is the ancient village of Dolceacqua -another great alternative to the Cinque Terre. Dolceacqua has a humpback bridge, an alley filled with umbrellas, a medieval castle and a grape that is unique to the area! 

What I most loved about it was that it was literally devoid of tourists! Dolceacqua produces a unique grape that produces Rossese di Dolceacqua wine or quite simply Dolceacqua. Highly recommend you to taste it!

Fun Fact: Dolceacqua’s bridge and castle (pic below) is from the 12th century and was painted by Monet in 1884.  Closest train station: Ventimiglia

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A view of Dolceacqua Castle

3. Finalborgo:

Another Ligurian town beyond the Cinque Terre is Finalborgo. It is also part of the “The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy” list and rightly so.

Finalborgo is an elegant town with well maintained piazze that speak of the class of its residents. Additionally, it has a castle and an Archeological museum. The town has many Bars and pretty boutiques selling cycling and hiking gear.

Fun Fact: Finalborgo has hiking trails and is a popular town among hikers from Europe. There are a lot of expensive stores selling mountain gear! Closest train station: Finale Ligure Marina

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Finalborgo centre

4. Laigueglia:

A hard name to pronounce (Laee-guay-lia), Laigueglia is another village that falls under “The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy” category. Laigueglia faces the sea and is perfect for a beach vacation. It is close to Alassio -a popular village in Liguria. 

Fun Fact: Laigueglia happens to be the shooting location of the movie Inkheart. (Have you seen it??) Closest train station: Laigueglia

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A view of Laigueglia

5. Varigotti:

Another classic beach location beyond the Cinque Terre is the tiny village of Varigotti. Invite me over if you splurge and rent one of these homes, okay?? 😉

Fun Fact: Varigotti is an expensive summer destination and sometimes it’s impossible to find a place to rent for months! Closest train station: Finale Ligure Marina

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Varigotti

Conclusion

I hope you can visit these alternatives beyond the Cinque Terre. If you need happen to visit any of these, don’t forget to share your pictures and tag me on my Instagram page!

I unintentionally went to a lot of places listed under the I Borghi più belli d’Italia” or “The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy”. To see the full list of the most beautiful villages of Italy click here. 

Read More:

5 Gorgeous Small Towns in Italy

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Head to my Instagram page to virtually explore more small towns in Italy. Check out some tours below:

85 Comments

  • […] 5 towns beyond the Cinque Terre […]

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  • […] 5 Beautiful Towns beyond Cinque Terre […]

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  • […] Cinque Terre?? Check out 5 towns beyond it! […]

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  • Pretty
    May 8, 2020 at 6:10 pm

    OMG 😍 They all look like such amazing towns!
    Definitely added to my bucket list!!
    Thanks for sharing

    Reply
    • Italophilia
      May 8, 2020 at 7:22 pm

      Thank you dear 🙂 Hope you can visit soon!

      Reply
  • Ilene
    May 5, 2020 at 8:31 pm

    Su h a wonderful post! Will have to save this for when we head back that way to explore more. Thank you!
    ouritalianjourney.com

    Reply
    • Italophilia
      May 7, 2020 at 12:38 pm

      Yay glad you liked it 🙂 Thanks for reading.

      Reply
  • Belinda
    February 11, 2020 at 1:28 am

    Hello
    This article is great thanks
    I’m
    A solo traveller and have been to Italy many times often revisiting where I live and then adding a new place or two each time.
    Have a short trip planned in September landing in Nice France for 4/5 days and would like to spend 4/5 nights in Monterosso. Yes I’ve been to Monterosso already and lived the vibe early morning and evenings as well as would like to see the villages better as was a whirlwind first trip.
    So… I fly home from Milan and have booked airport hotel for last night as need to be 6am at airport to fly back to Australia .
    My question is … I have about 5 more nights and I’m
    Keen to fin somewhere to stay either in coast or inland for those days …
    Sanremo? Portofino? Turin( which looks appealing I think)? I would love to hear what u think Please
    Regards Belinda

    Reply
    • Italophilia
      February 15, 2020 at 8:19 am

      Buongiorno Belinda! Thank you for reading. I think your travels sound very exciting!! 🙂 Since you have 5 more nights why don’t you explore Turin?? You can even club a day trip to Alba from there and enjoy the wine making region 🍷 keep me posted

      Reply
  • Logan
    July 20, 2018 at 9:53 am

    Oh my goodness, these photos gave me serious wanderlust! It’s so strange to see how the painted homes and buildings in Liguria are so similar to the painted homes in Calgari. Also, can we talk about how delicious that pasta looks!

    xo Logan
    https://peculiarporter.com

    Reply
    • Italophilia
      July 20, 2018 at 11:28 am

      Haha right?? Totally get you on the pasta. Haven’t been to Calgari but I saw google images and it’s true!! Liguria is a dream xx

      Reply
  • Stacy di Anna Pollard
    June 8, 2018 at 11:02 am

    This trip was my first visit to Liguria and I thought it was fantastic! I really enjoyed exploring a new region, although I didn’t see any of the towns mentioned here. Also, my first visit to Cinque Terre, but I was very disappointed. I agree with you, very touristy and so crowded it was impossible to enjoy Vernazza. We did have an amazing lunch, however, with a stunning view of the sea!

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    • Ishita
      June 8, 2018 at 12:03 pm

      It’s such a beautiful place run down by mass tourism. Sigh!! More places to add to your list. x

      Reply
  • bravenora1993
    May 28, 2018 at 12:56 am

    Nice pictures☺

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    • Ishita
      May 28, 2018 at 10:06 am

      Thanks:) have a great day!

      Reply
  • ecamin
    April 30, 2018 at 1:43 am

    i love these photos! these towns are all so beautiful and i love the shots of all of the covered up boats waiting out the winter!

    Reply
    • Ishita
      April 30, 2018 at 12:55 pm

      Thank you! I hope you can visit them soon

      Reply
  • Eva
    April 30, 2018 at 1:03 am

    My favourite is Camogli!! And as a kid I’ve been to Andora a few times 🙂

    Reply
    • Ishita
      April 30, 2018 at 12:56 pm

      I haven’t been to either get

      Reply
      • Eva
        May 1, 2018 at 9:48 pm

        Look up Camogli, it’s gorgeous. Portofino-kind gorgeous!!

        Reply
        • Ishita
          May 1, 2018 at 10:26 pm

          I’ve seen both online of course 😉 just not been yet.

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          • Eva
            May 2, 2018 at 12:28 am

            Maybe on your next trip? 🙂

            Reply
    • Ishita
      April 30, 2018 at 12:56 pm

      Yet

      Reply
  • IngridMadisonAve
    April 27, 2018 at 10:58 am

    Hello, I tagged you for the 3 day quote challenge: https://ingridmadisonave.com/2018/04/26/3-day-quote-challenge-day-2-2/ Looking forward to reading your quotes if you choose to participate. xx

    Reply
    • Ishita
      April 29, 2018 at 10:34 pm

      Thanks so much for the mention! I wonder why I didn’t get notified on tagging. The same happened to me last year too ;( anyway thank you again!

      Reply
  • Over By There
    April 26, 2018 at 1:41 am

    I am absolutely guilty of going straight to the Cinque Terre (and would do it again in a heartbeat!).
    Thank you for illustrating the other options out there: the architecture and pastel washes of those towns brings back many happy memories.

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    • Ishita
      April 26, 2018 at 3:08 pm

      Thanks so much for reading, there’s always a second time 🙂 They are gorgeous!

      Reply
  • Italian Kiwi
    April 25, 2018 at 9:04 pm

    I loved Cervo when I visited it a couple of weeks ago! I must make an effort to go see some of these other villages too! They’re right on my doorstep, and that’s the problem: we always say we’ll go sometime but never quite get there as the routine of life gets in the way. 😀

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    • Ishita
      April 26, 2018 at 3:09 pm

      Thanks so much Lisa. I know what you mean, we take the places nearest to us for granted often.

      Reply
  • docwillblog
    April 24, 2018 at 11:04 pm

    Thanks for this intro to these towns. Next Italian visit I promise to go beyond the Cinque Terre.

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    • Ishita
      April 26, 2018 at 3:09 pm

      Thanks for reading 🙂 happy you enjoyed them!

      Reply
  • Tanja
    April 23, 2018 at 10:22 pm

    colorful little towns,

    Reply
    • Ishita
      April 24, 2018 at 2:05 pm

      Thanks 🙂 Hope you are enjoying Udine

      Reply
  • Kelly
    April 23, 2018 at 8:10 pm

    Liguria is my soul region in Italy! I’m going out on a limb saying this because I haven’t been to every region in Italy, but I feel Liguria in my soul 😉 So much still to explore, thanks for the inspiration!

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    • Ishita
      April 24, 2018 at 2:08 pm

      🙂 Happy to help!! Keep dreaming. x

      Reply
  • a mindful traveler
    April 23, 2018 at 1:14 pm

    I totally agree with you Ishita. Liguria is so much more than Cinque Terre. I absolutely fell in love with Dolceaqua on our last visit. It’s such a hidden gem of a town, and these other 4 look just as delightful. Thanks for sharing them. P.S, love your pinterest pin 😉

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    • Ishita
      April 23, 2018 at 1:42 pm

      Very few people have been there, it really is the end of Italy and onwards towards France but I am happy we both did ….. Haha thank you, learning with each passing day 😉

      Reply
      • a mindful traveler
        April 23, 2018 at 4:13 pm

        Yes true. We were en route from France to Italy then. Great memories ❤️

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  • Coral Waight
    April 23, 2018 at 12:09 pm

    Gorgeous!

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    • Ishita
      April 23, 2018 at 2:50 pm

      Thank you Coral. I love your blog, you are such an inspiring lady! A very close friend has shifted to Melbourne from India and I’ve passed your blog to her. xx

      Reply
      • Coral Waight
        April 24, 2018 at 4:03 am

        Thanks so much for that, Ishita. Can’t travel far at the moment because I’ve got an elderly parent but one of these days I’ll get to Italy.

        Reply
        • Ishita
          April 24, 2018 at 2:05 pm

          I understand, would love to see your stories and posts from there.

          Reply
  • karenincalabria
    April 23, 2018 at 11:51 am

    Mammamia! La lista delle bellezze non finisce mai – grazie!

    Reply
    • Ishita
      April 23, 2018 at 1:09 pm

      Haha vero!! 😉 Grazie per leggere.

      Reply
  • aesha thakur
    April 23, 2018 at 11:23 am

    Such pretty quaint towns

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    • Ishita
      April 23, 2018 at 1:08 pm

      I love them too 🙂 Especially Cervo

      Reply
  • Manja Mexi Movie
    April 23, 2018 at 3:02 am

    Ooooh, so lovely, everything, but especially the door in the pink wall. 🙂 I also “collect” the nearby towns from this list of the most beautiful little towns to visit one day. I have not seen any of the towns you mention neither the Cinque Terre. I’m a bit to the south but I can see that the colour scheme continues over here. 🙂 I’m convinced Italy is just beautiful all over and lucky us who get to enjoy it.

    Reply
    • Manja Mexi Movie
      April 23, 2018 at 3:05 am

      Ooooh!! You locked the best gelato places in Rome! Cattiva!! 😀 What do we need to do you see it?

      Reply
      • Ishita
        April 23, 2018 at 1:41 pm

        Haha I made a page for my Newsletter subscribers 😉 You would have to be subscribed to access it.

        Reply
    • Ishita
      April 23, 2018 at 1:35 pm

      Isn’t it?? Thank you. Varigotti was so pretty, I can imagine how it must be in the summer. I hope you can visit them soon, the list never ends. xx

      Reply
  • Darlene
    April 23, 2018 at 1:53 am

    I love these smaller towns! I especially love the suspended umbrellas in Dolceacqua.

    Reply
    • Ishita
      April 23, 2018 at 2:01 am

      It has the prettiest streets, super quaint. No wonder Monet was inspired x

      Reply
  • pamelaallegretto
    April 23, 2018 at 1:46 am

    Wonderful post. Complimenti!

    Reply
    • Ishita
      April 23, 2018 at 2:01 am

      Aw Grazie!! ✨✨

      Reply
  • Debra Kolkka
    April 23, 2018 at 1:34 am

    Some new places for us to visit…thank you.

    Reply
    • Ishita
      April 23, 2018 at 2:00 am

      Happy to help 😉 keep me posted where you end up going.

      Reply
  • The Wayfarer
    April 22, 2018 at 11:25 pm

    I think I should start a mission to visit every village in Italy. They are all so pretty!

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    • Ishita
      April 22, 2018 at 11:58 pm

      I hear you! 😉 totally in for it!

      Reply
  • bookwormmuse
    April 22, 2018 at 9:42 pm

    How is it possible that everything in Italy looks so pretty? Is there a secret to that? It only makes me want to visit it more every time I look at the photos!
    Oh! I had a question for you! If you got the chance to live in Italy for good, would you take it?

    Reply
    • Ishita
      April 22, 2018 at 9:45 pm

      I know right?? That’s why the whole pull towards Italy. It is such an intriguing place!! And your question makes me think.. Probably for a short duration of time 🙂 But not forever. x

      Reply
  • Debbie's Travel Wows
    April 22, 2018 at 9:23 pm

    I didn’t know these towns even existed in Italy. Beautiful places – beautiful photos. More destinations for me to visit and that’s exciting! Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    • Ishita
      April 22, 2018 at 9:36 pm

      Happy to help 😉 Happy travels!! x

      Reply
  • lifeinkarolingston
    April 22, 2018 at 9:18 pm

    All those places definitely look like great place to visit! I’ve enjoyed reading it! 🙂

    Reply
    • Ishita
      April 22, 2018 at 9:19 pm

      Thank you so much 🙂 Have a great evening.

      Reply
  • france55
    April 22, 2018 at 9:12 pm

    wonderful shots. Visiting those places must be so interesting. Time is necessary to see it all. Maybe I should move to Italy .. ciao !

    Reply
    • Ishita
      April 22, 2018 at 9:14 pm

      Haha I know what you mean. I saw all of them in a span of 3 days, they are so close to each other 🙂 Happy travels! and thanks a ton.

      Reply
      • france55
        April 22, 2018 at 9:16 pm

        We spent 5 nights in Vernazza. For me it is the best of the 5 villages. But we saw them all ..and I shall keep in mind the other less known villages you are talking about here. The planet is so big..my bucket list is so long…:-)) have a great week ahead. If you have time you can read my last post on Hong Kong. Have you been there ?

        Reply
        • Ishita
          April 22, 2018 at 9:17 pm

          I agree 🙂 The planet is HUGE and Italy, even though it is a small part of it, has so much 😉 I have never been there. I will check your post now x You too!

          Reply
          • france55
            April 23, 2018 at 8:29 am

            thanks. I post every Friday ! ;-))

            Reply
  • timelessitaly
    April 22, 2018 at 9:07 pm

    Nice selection of villages. Love your photos…I feel like I could just step into one

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    • Ishita
      April 22, 2018 at 9:10 pm

      Thanks Susan 🙂 a dream….Have you been to any of these??

      Reply
      • timelessitaly
        April 23, 2018 at 7:05 am

        Can’t say that I have…I need to get out there more:)

        Reply
        • Ishita
          April 23, 2018 at 2:51 pm

          I know what you mean. If only money and time weren’t a constraint 😉

          Reply
  • Tony
    April 22, 2018 at 7:57 pm

    What an amazing list! These towns look so beautiful, it never ceases to amaze me just how many exist in the bel paese….each more incredible than the last! It would take a lifetime to explore them all, a lifetime I would love to live. In the meantime, I will take note for future trips! Thanks for sharing this wonderful list!

    Reply
    • Ishita
      April 22, 2018 at 7:58 pm

      Right?? I knew you would love this list, Tony. Our list keeps getting longer and longer and that’s what we love about Italy!! This never ending love to explore…. A lifetime indeed. <3 Happy to help 😉

      Reply
  • marilyneb
    April 22, 2018 at 7:49 pm

    I love the colours in some of those little towns – they look gorgeous!

    Reply
    • Ishita
      April 22, 2018 at 7:50 pm

      me too! They really bring the beauty of these small towns. I remember while driving to one of them, I felt as if I was stuck in time.

      Reply
  • lfpessemier
    April 22, 2018 at 7:41 pm

    I love Cervo. My artist husband and I painted there for 6 weeks and made a book of it: https://issuu.com/paintfox/docs/cervo_book We have been there many times.

    Reply
    • Ishita
      April 22, 2018 at 7:44 pm

      How wonderful is that! Do you have a special place where you stay there??

      Reply
    • Ishita
      April 22, 2018 at 7:46 pm

      Btw I LOVE your book! The paintings are so so gorgeous, they really capture the town very well. Thanks for sharing. Wish you a great day!

      Reply
  • Bake-cook
    April 22, 2018 at 7:39 pm

    Reblogged this on Cooking and Baking.

    Reply
    • Ishita
      April 22, 2018 at 7:40 pm

      Many thanks dear

      Reply
      • Anonymous
        January 19, 2020 at 1:15 am

        There is another beautifull place in Liguria, which is officially in the list of Il piu belli borghi d’Italia – 14th century village of Perinaldo, just above Dolceaqua. It is less touristic but way more beautifull and genuine. It is a place where the famous astronomer Cassini was born and local observatory bears his name. The village is also famous for its unique carcioffi di Perinaldo. When you are in Liguria next time, try to visit it, its worth the effort…

        Reply
        • Italophilia
          January 19, 2020 at 11:45 am

          Thank you for sharing. I haven’t been there but I’ll keep it on my list for next time 🙌 have a great dat!

          Reply

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