The scenic European train journey that only costs £4 – with beautiful sea views and rainbow houses
A SHORT train journey in Italy has been labelled one of the "most scenic" in Europe.
Gazing out of the window is one of the best ways to kill time on train journeys, with some routes far more enjoyable than others.
One trip that rail experts and enthusiasts seem to love is along a stretch of the Italian coast, and it takes just 25 minutes to complete.
The Italian Riviera is home to colourful buildings, stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and one of Europe's most scenic trains.
Located along the Italian coastline in northern Italy, the Cinque Terre is a string of five villages, including Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
Most holidaymakers to the Cinque Terre are daytrippers from nearby Genoa and La Spezia, which means attempting to pack all five villages into just one day.
Read More on Italy
The route can start in either direction, but most holidaymakers begin their journey in Riomaggiore, with the Italian train stopping at each of the stations, before arriving in Monterosso.
It takes roughly five minutes to travel between each of the stations in the Cinque Terre.
Holidaymakers who've managed to nab a window seat can expect seaside views overlooking crystal-clear waters and ragged cliffs.
Other views include glimpses of the Cinque Terre's colourful buildings and green fields where farmers grow olives, grapes, and basil.
The short Italian train route has been dubbed one of Europe's most scenic by Interrail, who included the route in a round-up of the continent's best scenic train journeys.
A statement on their : "Italy’s most popular scenic rail trip may be short, but it sure is sweet!
"As the train hugs the coastline you feel as if you’re floating across the water, from one picture-perfect village to another."
Holidaymakers have also raved about the views on social media.
Meanwhile, TikTok user posted a view of their journey on a train trundling through the Cinque Terre.
The footage showed waves crashing against the rock faces, as the sun was setting in the sky.
One-way tickets cost €5 (£4.30) per person, but most holidaymakers opt to purchase the Cinque Terre Pass for €18.20.
The Cinque Terre Pass gives visitors unlimited access to train travel between the five towns as well as a hiking pass.
Train tickets can be purchased on the Trenitalia website.
While the views may be beautiful, other holidaymakers noted a few downsides to the bucket-list trip.
During the peak season, visitors can expect lengthy queues at train stations and packed trains filled with other tourists, meaning that the picturesque surroundings are blocked from view.
The easiest way to reach the Cinque Terre is via Genoa - the region's capital city.
Both Ryanair and British Airways operate direct routes to Genoa, and flights cost £21 for a one-way ticket.
The town of Vernazza is a 90-minute drive away from Genoa, but the site can also be reached via a train from Genoa to Vernazza.
We've found return train tickets for £20 for a full-paying adult.
Meanwhile, Via dell’Amore (a walking route between the Italian towns) is set to reopen later this year.
The one-kilometre walking trail previously connected the towns of Riomaggiore and Manarola.
After the route first opened to tourists in 1931, it became popular with holidaymakers thanks to its picturesque views and flat path.
But after a landslide in September 2012, Via dell’Amore, which is also known as Lovers' Lane, closed to the public.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
According to the , the UNESCO World Heritage Site is set to reopen in July 2024, if the restoration work is complete.
The five towns that form the Cinque Terre also inspired the landscapes and settings in the hit Disney film Luca.