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photo: Bruno Rijsman, CC BY-SA 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons/Cinque Terre, Italy
A short railway line along Italy’s Ligurian coast links the five famous villages of Cinque Terre, giving passengers one of Europe’s most scenic coastal journeys. From Mediterranean cliffs to Scottish moors and the Harry Potter viaduct, these routes show how unforgettable train travel can be.
The five colourful villages of Cinque Terre are connected by a single railway line running along one of the most dramatic stretches of the Italian Riviera. The route is only around 20 kilometres long, but it offers passengers a front-row seat to cliffs, vineyard-covered hillsides, and the blue waters of the Ligurian Sea.
Cinque Terre lies on the eastern coast of Liguria, between the seaside town of Levanto and the port city of La Spezia. The area is known for its five historic villages — Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso — which climb up the rugged coastline in rows of pastel-coloured houses. In 1997, Cinque Terre was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, helping turn the once-quiet fishing villages into one of Italy’s most recognisable tourist destinations. A national park was also created to protect the landscape and its natural character.
The Cinque Terre Train: Five Villages in One Journey
The local train is the easiest way to move between the villages. It follows the coastline, passing through tunnels, cliffs, and small stations that open directly onto some of the most photographed towns in Italy. During the main season, trains usually run at frequent intervals, making it possible to visit several villages in one day without relying on cars or long walks.
The journey starts in La Spezia, a historic naval city, before continuing to Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. From there, the train continues towards Levanto. The distances are short, with the ride from La Spezia to Riomaggiore taking about 10 minutes, while journeys between the villages often take only around five minutes.
Even though the route is brief, it is packed with views. Passengers travel past steep rock faces, terraced vineyards, small harbours, and the open Mediterranean. One of the most memorable parts of the journey is the contrast between the dark railway tunnels and the sudden bursts of sunlight as the train emerges beside the sea. The line also passes through historic railway infrastructure, including tunnels dating back to the 19th century.
Scotland’s West Highland Line: A Journey Through Wild Landscapes
Italy is not the only place where a train journey has become a destination in itself. In Scotland, the West Highland Line is widely regarded as one of the most scenic railway routes in Europe. Starting in Glasgow, the line heads north through remote landscapes, open moorland, and mountain scenery before reaching the Scottish Highlands.
The route passes through Rannoch Moor, one of the wildest areas of Scotland, and runs close to Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the United Kingdom. It also crosses the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, known to many travellers from the Harry Potter films. For railway enthusiasts and film fans alike, this section has become one of the most recognisable rail views in the world.
Along the way, passengers can see Loch Lomond, the Arrochar Alps, Lora Falls, and the Highland landscape that has made the route so popular with tourists.
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