Cinque Terre feels almost unreal the first time you see it. The villages look almost out of a painting. Before visiting, I saw countless photos of Cinque Terre and wondered where they were taken. Finding exact photo locations often feels surprisingly difficult.

I had a week in Cinque Terre so I was determined to find the spots of the iconic photos I saw online. This guide shares my favorite Cinque Terre photo spots and their exact location. Save this guide for your next trip to Cinque Terre. 

Thinking of planning a trip to Cinque Terre? Check out my blog post about everything you need to know before visiting Cinque Terre. 

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Location: 44.10732, 9.72556

This view of Manarola is one of the most popular Cinque Terre photos spots. It is honestly a fairly easy spot to get to. Additionally, the angle naturally hides crowds and keeps the focus on the village. That alone makes this spot a favorite. I stayed in Manarola and returned several times to this spot. It looked stunning in every kind of light, especially during sunset.

Location: 44.10748, 9.72599

This spot is not a hidden gem, and it doesn’t pretend to be. Nessun Dorma proudly claims one of the best views in Cinque Terre. They aren’t wrong. The views here feel incredible, especially at sunset. Stop for dinner or just enjoy a drink with a view. 

For an even more special experience, book their pesto making cooking class. There is nothing more iconic than learning to make pesto where it originates, while enjoying a stunning view. It is truly a bucket list experience.

Location: 44.10627, 9.72801

If you are visiting during December or January, do not miss the nativity at Manarola. Manarola hosts the world’s largest illuminated nativity scene that lights up the hillside.

Each December, the hillside glows with thousands of lights from sunset to 10pm. Locals call it the Presepe di Manarola. There are several spots where you can view the nativity, but this spot offers the clearest view of the entire nativity scene. 

Planning a trip to Cinque Terre in winter? Check out my Ultimate Guide to visiting Cinque Terre in the winter.

Location: 44.13659, 9.68140

Similar to Manarola, this photo spot of Vernazza is quite iconic. If you are able and willing to climb some stairs, this view will not disappoint. You will find this spot at the start of the Vernazza to Monterosso Blue Trail.

It takes about fifteen minutes walking uphill to get to this spot. Follow the signs for the Blue Trail towards Monterosso al Mare behind St. Margaret’s Church. This is one of my favourite hiking trails in Cinque Terre, so I recommend doing the entire route if you have time. I recommend referencing my post about the best hikes in Cinque Terre for more information.  

Please note that you will need the Cinque Terre card to get to this spot (except in winter). Read more about the Cinque Terre Card here. 

Location: 44.13815, 9.67882

If you continue another ten to fifteen minutes along the same Vernazza to Monterosso Blue trail, you will reach a stunning viewpoint. Yes, it is uphill the entire way, but it is worth it! As you ascend you will be surrounded by trees until a small clearing appears. You can’t miss it.

There will be hikers stopped here to rest and take photos. It is a small clearing, but it offers panoramic views of Vernazza. This spot is the last good view of Vernazza, so don’t rush past it. Take time to catch your breath and enjoy the gorgeous view.

Please note that you will need the Cinque Terre card to get to this spot (except in winter). Read more about the Cinque Terre Card here. 

Location: 44.09818, 9.73744

Riomaggiore offers two excellent harbor photo locations. The first is on the rocks in the harbour. It is easy to access at low tide, but high tide makes the rocks a little slippery.

I unfortunately arrived at high tide and there was a long line of people waiting to take a photo on a single dry rock. I decided against waiting in line and chose the second viewpoint from the pathway. It is much more accessible and still offers a gorgeous view.

For one of the most iconic Riomaggiore photos, consider a boat tour. Boats stop directly in front of the village for the perfect photo opportunity. You will be able to capture the classic postcard angle from the sea.

I did not do a boat tour while I was in Cinque Terre and I regret it. A friend recently visited and took this specific private tour and loved it. Her photos of her on the boat with Riomaggiore in the background are absolutely stunning.

Location: 44.14524, 9.65331

Montorosso is the largest village in Cinque Terre and the least colorful, but it still has that charm. One of the beautiful parts of Monterosso al Mare is the beach and long promenade.  A massive rock divides the beach which adds character.

I would recommend walking along the promenade either early morning or near sunset. The light feels soft, and crowds thin out. The perfect photo spot is located at the end of the promenade, close to the start/end of the Blue Trail.

Location: 44.14426, 9.64410

While you are in Monterosso al Mare, don’t miss the Giant statue. Created in 1910 by the artist Arrigo Minerbi, this Giant statue looks like it is coming out of the rocks. It is an iconic landmark in Cinque Terre and really cool to see in person.

You can reach the statue by walking to the opposite end of the promenade along Via Fegina. Once you are on the beach you will see a stone mansion near the water. As you get closer you will notice the statue carved into the rocks. It is really magnificent up close.

If you are like me and often wonder where people find the best photo spots, this guide is for you. Cinque Terre offers endless opportunities for beautiful photos. These nine locations are just a few of my favourite locations that I found.

If you have a photo spot that I didn’t include on this list, let me know in the comments. I would love to add them to this list!

Looking for more travel inspiration? You may also enjoy these posts:

5 Best Hikes in Cinque Terre

Is Cinque Terre Worth Visiting? What to Know Before You Go

Ultimate Guide to Cinque Terre in Winter