One of the reasons I love cruising is that you can wake up somewhere completely different every day.

On my recent trip aboard Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas, one of the ports I was most excited about was La Spezia, the gateway to the stunning villages of Cinque Terre.

If you've ever seen photos of colourful houses clinging to dramatic cliffs above turquoise water, chances are you've already seen Cinque Terre.

It had been on my travel wish list for years, and I'm so pleased I finally got to experience it.

Even better, I discovered that it's incredibly easy to explore independently if you know how.

As always, I wasn't just visiting for myself—I was there to find out the best way for my clients to experience it too.

Here's everything I learnt.

What is Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre literally means "Five Lands" and is made up of five beautiful fishing villages along Italy's Ligurian coastline:

• Riomaggiore
• Manarola
• Corniglia
• Vernazza
• Monterosso al Mare

Each village has its own personality, but they all share colourful buildings, tiny harbours, narrow streets, fantastic restaurants and some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Europe.

It's no surprise that the area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Can you visit independently from a cruise?

Absolutely—and for many people, I actually think it's the better option.

Our ship docked in La Spezia, and from the cruise terminal it's around a 20-minute walk to La Spezia Centrale railway station. The walk is straightforward and mostly flat, making it an easy route for most people. Once at the station, you can buy a Cinque Terre Train Card, which at the time of my visit cost €29.50 for the day.

This gives unlimited train travel between all five villages. The trains are frequent, easy to use and far quicker than trying to drive between the villages. For confident travellers, it's an excellent alternative to booking an organised shore excursion.

Should you book the ship's excursion instead?

As with most ports, there isn't one right answer—it depends on your travel style.

I'd recommend the cruise line excursion if you:

• Prefer everything organised for you.
• Feel nervous about travelling independently.
• Have limited mobility and would like additional support.
• Simply want a stress-free day without worrying about train times.

However, I'd recommend going independently if you:

• Like exploring at your own pace.
• Want flexibility over how long you spend in each village.
• Enjoy discovering hidden cafés and viewpoints.
• Are comfortable using European trains.

This is exactly the sort of advice I love giving my clients before they travel. Everyone is different, so the "best" option isn't always the same for everyone.

How many villages should you visit?

Technically, you could visit all five. Personally, I wouldn't. We visited three villages, and I felt that was the perfect amount. Trying to squeeze in all five would have meant spending more time on trains than actually enjoying each place. Instead, we were able to wander through the streets, stop for photographs, browse the little shops and simply enjoy the atmosphere. Sometimes slower travel really is better.

My favourite part of the day

The thing that struck me most wasn't any one landmark. It was simply wandering. Every corner seemed to reveal another colourful building, another tiny harbour or another perfect viewpoint.

It really is one of those destinations where you don't need a long sightseeing checklist. Just exploring is enough.

A word about accessibility

This is probably my biggest piece of advice. Cinque Terre is absolutely beautiful. It is also surprisingly hard work. The villages are built into the cliffs, which means there are lots of steep hills, steps and uneven pathways. If you have mobility issues, use a wheelchair or push a buggy, it's important to know that some areas will be challenging.

That's not to say you can't visit—but it's definitely something I would discuss with clients before recommending the itinerary. One of the biggest benefits of booking with a Travel Counsellor is that I can help match destinations to your individual needs rather than assuming every port suits every traveller.

When is the best time to visit?

If I'm honest, I probably wouldn't choose to visit in the height of summer. Even during my visit, the villages were incredibly busy. The narrow streets can quickly become crowded, particularly around the railway stations and harbours. Personally, I think April, May, September and October would be the perfect months.

The weather is still warm enough to enjoy wandering, but with a little more space to appreciate the scenery.

Food and drink

One of my favourite things about Italy is that it's almost impossible to eat badly. Every village has cafés, gelaterias and little restaurants tucked away in narrow streets. Whether you're looking for fresh seafood, homemade pasta, pizza or simply a cold drink with a sea view, you'll be spoilt for choice. My advice? Don't rush.

Find somewhere overlooking the harbour, order lunch and enjoy the atmosphere. Sometimes the best holiday memories come from doing very little at all.

Back onboard Legend of the Seas

After a full day exploring, we headed back to the ship. This was actually the first time I tried the Windjammer buffet. There was an impressive amount of choice, with cuisines from around the world and plenty of fresh options.

Would I choose it over a speciality restaurant every evening? Probably not.

But after a busy day ashore, it was exactly what I wanted—quick, relaxed and with something for everyone.

My top tips for visiting Cinque Terre

If you're visiting on a cruise, here's what I'd recommend:

• Leave the ship promptly if you're exploring independently.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes—you'll thank yourself later.
• Travel light, as you'll be climbing steps and getting on and off trains.
• Carry water, especially during the summer months.
• Don't try to visit all five villages in one day.
• Allow time simply to wander rather than rushing from one attraction to another.
• If travelling with young children or anyone with mobility concerns, speak to me before booking so we can decide whether this itinerary is the right fit.

Would I recommend it?

Without hesitation. Cinque Terre was one of the highlights of my trip aboard Legend of the Seas.

It's colourful, authentic, scenic and feels completely different from many other Mediterranean ports.

Would I go back? Absolutely.

But next time, I'd choose the shoulder season, spend longer in each village and perhaps even stay for a few nights rather than trying to fit everything into one day.

That's the beauty of travelling—you always leave with somewhere new on your wish list.

If you're thinking about cruising the Mediterranean and would love to include Cinque Terre on your itinerary, I'd be delighted to help. Having experienced both the ship and the destination myself, I can help you decide whether to book an organised excursion or explore independently, recommend the best itineraries and make sure your cruise is tailored to the way you like to travel.