If you’re planning a trip to the striking Italian Riviera coastline, you’ll have plenty of Cinque Terre Instagram spots to add to your list!

Whether you’re hitting the hiking trails, gazing at breathtaking harbor views, or soaking up old-world charm in village epicenters, it’ll be a challenge to put your camera down here.

Luckily, I’ve got you covered with the best places to get snap-happy in this photogenic region, from the northernmost village of Monterosso to the southern town of Riomaggiore and everything in between.

Here are 15 stunning Instagram spots to add to your Cinque Terre itinerary.

Vibrant colors and visually-pleasing patterns are hallmarks of high-performing Instagram travel photos. Fortunately, you’ll hit the aesthetics lottery with the eye-catching umbrellas that line Spiaggia Fegina, the most popular beach in Monterosso.

Also known as the Monterosso Public Beach, this is the largest beach in the Cinque Terre. It lures visitors in with its fine sand, lounger rentals, and terrace bars.

Spiaggia Fegina is located at Via Fegina, 19016 Monterosso al Mare.

As you cross over the beachfront promenade and head away from Spaggia Fegina in the direction of the hiking trail, make sure to stop for a photo looking down on the gorgeous view.

Here, you can get a stunning perspective of the curved beach as well as the iconic rock resembling a shark fin jutting out of the water.

Follow the directions above for Spiaggia Fegina.

If you now look in the opposite direction of Spiaggia Fegina (facing toward the hiking trail to Vernazza), you’ll see the striking Aurora Tower (Torre Aurora).

Torre Aurora is centrally located in the heart of town, dividing modern-day Fegina from Monterosso’s old district.

Aurora Tower is located at Via Bastioni, 19016 Monterosso al Mare.

While many think Monterosso is only about beaches, don’t be fooled! It also has a picturesque old town with beautiful medieval architecture and colorful streets.

Via Zuecca, in particular, is one of the most colorful Cinque Terre Instagram spots.

This street reminded me of something out of a Disney movie!

Via Zuecca is located just inland from the bus depot leading off of Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi.

Vernazza has one of the most heavily-photographed harbors in the Cinque Terre, making it one of the most popular Cinque Terre Instagram spots on this list.

However, while the harbor views are truly stunning in person, they tend to get a bit lost in photographs. That’s because “the shot” to take here is facing into the harbor where you’ll capture the colorful buildings (but lose the majestic mountains that you see in the opposite direction).

Even so, Vernazza harbor is still a favorite amongst photographers.

Vernazza’s harbor is located at the edge of town. You’ll need to walk through the village’s single central street to find it.

While Vernazza’s harbor is definitely not to be missed, the absolute best views of Vernazza are found along the numerous Cinque Terre hiking trails.

For instance, one of the all-time best Cinque Terre views is located along the hiking trail from Monterosso to Vernazza.

You’ll find this spot about 85% of the way into the hike from Monterosso. This is the first panoramic view of Vernazza you’ll see as you make your way to the village from Monterosso.

As you reach it, you’ll notice a little section where you can step down off the main path. This photo spot is framed with trees and sectioned off with a little fence.

Look for the small signs along the hiking trail pointing toward a scenic view. This view is located off to the right of the trail.

This next view is technically the same as the spot just above, but the perspective will look different.

As you continue on from the previous bird’s eye view of Vernazza for another half kilometer or so, you’ll see the trees clear and the view open up to reveal this masterpiece.

Frankly, this is one of those Cinque Terre views you really have to see to believe!

Alternatively, if you’re hiking in the opposite direction (from Vernazza to Monterosso), this will be one of the first gems you see. That’s because it’s only about 10 minutes or so from where you hop on the trail heading in the direction of Monterosso.

Follow the directions above for the bird’s eye view location. It’s about a 5-minute walk from that spot.

One of the prettiest spots in Vernazza – and one of the most Instagrammable places in Cinque Terre overall – can be accessed on the hike from Vernazza to Corniglia.

However, unlike the hike to Vernazza from Monterosso, this spot can be reached much more easily, as it’s located at the very beginning of the hike to Corniglia.

In other words, this is the perfect spot for you if you don’t want to do a full hike but still want to capture one of the best Cinque Terre views from above.

However, do keep in mind that you’ll need to ascend a few steep sets of stairs as you leave Vernazza.

That said, don’t get discouraged! Just after you make it to the top of the steps, you’ll be immediately rewarded with this beautiful view.

The path to Corniglia starts along Via M. Carattino. Shortly after, the path diverges and you’ll climb a few small sets of stairs before reaching this view.

A lot of people leave Corniglia off the Cinque Terre plan, but I think this is a mistake.

In fact, one of my best Cinque Terre tips is to visit all five villages, and Corniglia is definitely no exception.

While it’s easily the most overlooked of the five because it’s steep and lacks direct sea access, it still has plenty of beauty and charming Cinque Terre photo spots to offer.

I’d even go so far as to say that Corniglia is one of the best Cinque Terre towns and it’s my second favorite after Vernazza.

One of the town highlights is the lovely seafood restaurant, Trattoria la Lanterna, located in the center of the old town.

Trattoria la Lanterna is located at Via Solferino 2, Corniglia 19018.

To access it, you’ll need to climb a small staircase. This will lead you up to a little square above the town in front of Oratario dei Disciplinati di Santa Caterina, a small local chapel.

Another one of my favorite spots in Corniglia is Alla Marina, a charming alleyway that’s lined with pink facades.

In addition to these village shots, there are also some really mountainous Cinque Terre views in Corniglia that you may wish to capture as well.

However, most of these spots cannot be accessed directly from the center of town (unless you’re hiking). This makes them difficult to capture if you wish to be in the photos (unless you have a strong selfie game).

In any case, to check out these other views for yourself, have a look at my companion piece about the best Cinque Terre town.

Starting from Oratario dei Disciplinati di Santa Caterina, walk back down the stairs into the piazza below the chapel. You’ll then see stairs leading down to the marina path. Continue along this path until you come across this spot.

If you can only photograph one spot in Manarola, the promenade should be it! This is definitely the classic postcard view you’ve probably seen of the Cinque Terre.

If you’d like to be in your shot, you can stand at the gate and have your photographer shoot from one of the alcoves you’ll find along the promenade.

To reach the promenade, you’ll first need to walk through Manarola’s small village, which you can access by heading down the staircase after the train station platform. Once you reach the harbor, you’ll head up the pathway until you’re looking down upon this famous view.

If you’re looking exclusively to take landscape shots here, you’ll have a bit more flexibility, as you can stand by the gate and shoot over it.

Follow the directions from above.

One of the best ways to enjoy this classic Manarola view is with a highly-coveted table at Nessun Dorma. This restaurant is easily one of the most Instagrammable places in Cinque Terre.

I mean, what could be a better backdrop for your afternoon aperitif?

If you’re interested in eating at Nessun Dorma, definitely check out my ultimate guide of Cinque Terre tips. In it, I cover all of the details you’ll need to know about snagging a table and using their restaurant app.

Nessun Dorma is located at Località Punta Bonfiglio, 19017 Manarola.

I couldn’t complete this list of the most Instagrammable places in Cinque Terre without including the Riomaggiore harbor!

To be honest, this spot actually really surprised me because it seems so much larger in photographs than it does in person.

That said, it translates spectacularly on camera and is, in my opinion, the most photogenic spot on this list (compared to how it looks in person).

After you reach the end of the tunnel leading away from the train station, you’ll follow signs pointing toward the harbor (marina) that will lead you down Via San Giacomo.

One of the things I love about the Riomaggiore harbor, in particular, is the variety of perspectives you can capture here.

So before you snap your shot at the top and call it a day, make sure to head down to the water to see it from a totally unique – but equally beautiful – angle!

Head down the ramp along the harbor and make your way across the giant rocks until you find an angle you like.

That about does it for these Cinque Terre photo spots (at least until I can get back there to discover some new gems)! 

I hope this post has opened your eyes to the many beautiful views and photogenic places that await you in the Cinque Terre. After you’ve exhausted this list, I’d also encourage you to wander off the beaten path to discover some unique angles and perspectives of your own.

In addition, check out my other Cinque Terre resources:

• 50 Key Cinque Terre Tips for First-Time Visitors: The Ultimate Guide
• 3-Day Cinque Terre Itinerary: A Taste of Italy’s 5 Lands
• Best Cinque Terre Town to Stay in Based on Your Travel Style

Have you had the chance to visit these five beautiful Italian villages before? If so, what Cinque Terre Instagram spots did I miss? Let me know in the comments below!