Cinque Terre, located on the rugged coast of the Italian Riviera, is a stunning and unique travel destination renowned for its picturesque landscapes, colorful villages, and breathtaking coastal views. “Cinque Terre” translates to “Five Lands”, referring to the five small seaside towns that make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. This area was even the inspiration for the setting of the Disney film, “Luca”. It truly is one of the most beautiful places in Italy. I’ve been numerous times myself and am excited to share the best things to do in Cinque Terre!

Is Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?

I get this question a lot and…absolutely! I’ve traveled to over 40 countries and Cinque Terre is still one of my favorite places to visit.

Here’s why you need to visit Cinque Terre!

1. Scenic Beauty: The rugged coastline of Cinque Terre is characterized by steep cliffs, terraced vineyards, and crystal-clear waters, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.
2. Colorful Villages: Each of the five villages has its own unique charm and character, with brightly colored houses perched precariously on cliffsides. Exploring the narrow, winding streets of these villages is like stepping back in time.
3. Hiking Trails: Cinque Terre is renowned for its network of hiking trails that meander through vineyards, olive groves, and along the coastline, offering breathtaking views at every turn. The most famous trail is the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail), which connects all five villages.
4. Local Cuisine: The region is famous for its fresh seafood, pesto sauce, and Ligurian specialties. Visitors can enjoy delicious meals at local trattorias and seaside restaurants, accompanied by regional wines such as Sciacchetrà.
5. Cultural Heritage: In addition to its natural beauty, Cinque Terre boasts a rich cultural heritage, with historic churches, castles, and ancient fortifications scattered throughout the region. Visitors can explore these landmarks to learn more about the area’s history and traditions.
6. Relaxed Atmosphere: Despite its growing popularity, Cinque Terre has managed to retain a laid-back and authentic atmosphere. Visitors can unwind and soak up the Mediterranean lifestyle, enjoying strolls along the waterfront and lazy afternoons by the sea.

Cinque Terre vs Amalfi Coast

I personally prefer Cinque Terre over the Amalfi Coast. The Amalfi Coast is known for its upscale resorts, luxury hotels, and high-end dining options while Cinque Terre is known for its rugged coastline, colorful houses, and terraced vineyards. Don’t get me wrong…the Amalfi Coast is definitely worth a visit, but I prefer to visit Cinque Terre between the two. There is also more variety of things to do in Cinque Terre! Keep reading for the best things to do in Cinque Terre!

How to Get to Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is on the Ligurian Coast of Italy and is located between the cities of La Spezia to the south and Levanto to the north. If you’re flying into Italy, chances are you’re flying into Milan or Rome. Train travel is the best way to get to and around Cinque Terre as there is a train station at each of the five villages and it’s about a 5-minute ride from each town. I suggest getting the Cinque Terre Treno MS Card which allows for unlimited train travel between the La Spezia, the Cinque Terre villages, and Levanto.

• Milan: You can take a train from Milano Centrale (Milan’s main station) to Monterosso which is the northernmost of the five villages. From Monterosso al Mare you can take a train to any of the other villages.
• Rome: You can take a train from Roma Termini (Rome’s main station) to La Spezia which is south of the Cinque Terre. From La Spezia, you can easily take a train to any of the five villages.
• Florence: In terms of major cities, Cinque Terre is located closest to Florence. If you’re coming from Florence, you can take a 1.5-hour train from Firenze Campo Marte to La Spezia.

Tip: I suggest downloading the Trenitalia app if you plan to visit Italy! It is a super useful app and allows you to purchase train tickets, find train schedules, and even track the location of trains.

The Towns of Cinque Terre

As mentioned earlier, five coastal villages make up Cinque Terre. Each of them are different and have their own unique characteristics. You definitely have to visit each of them! Don’t make the mistake of skipping any one of them. Here’s an overview of each of the five villages of Cinque Terre!

Starting from north to south…

Monterosso al Mare:

• The largest of the five villages.
• Divided into two distinct parts: the old town and the new town.
• Features a long sandy beach, making it a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming.

Vernazza:

• Often considered the most picturesque of the Cinque Terre villages.
• Characterized by a small natural harbor surrounded by pastel-colored buildings.
• Features a medieval castle, the Castello Doria, offering panoramic views of the village and coastline.
• The main square, Piazza Marconi, is lined with cafes and restaurants, ideal for enjoying local cuisine.
• Offers access to hiking trails, including the famous Sentiero Azzurro.

Corniglia:

• Unique among the Cinque Terre villages as it is situated on top of a promontory, not directly on the sea.
• Accessible by climbing a long staircase (or shuttle bus from the train station).
• Known for its terraced vineyards and panoramic views of the surrounding coastline.
• Features a tranquil atmosphere with fewer tourists compared to other villages.

Manarola:

• Famous for its colorful houses perched on steep cliffs overlooking the sea.
• Features a picturesque harbor where fishing boats can often be seen.
• Offers a scenic walking path along the cliffs, providing stunning views of the village and coastline.
• Known for its locally produced wine, particularly the sweet Sciacchetrà dessert wine.

Riomaggiore:

• The southernmost village of Cinque Terre.
• Offers a rocky beach where visitors can relax and swim in the clear waters.
• Known for its vibrant atmosphere, especially during sunset when the cliffs and buildings are bathed in golden light.

Where to Stay in Cinque Terre

If you’re planning a trip to Cinque Terre in the summer, I highly recommend booking your accommodation early! Don’t worry, I have done all the hard work and put together a guide on where to stay in Cinque Terre broken down by village and for all types of budget.

Here are some of my top picks:

• Monterosso al Mare: Hotel Porto Rocca
• Vernazza: Casa Catò
• Corniglia: Affittacamere Le Terrazze
• Manarola: La Torretta Lodge
• Riomaggiore: Crêuza de Mä

To see the full list of where to stay in Cinque Terre, check out my article here.

Best Things to Do in Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre offers numerous activities and experiences for visitors to enjoy its stunning coastal landscapes, charming villages, and delicious cuisine. Here are some of the best things to do in Cinque Terre:

1. Explore each of the five coastal villages

Needless to say, you need to visit all five villages of Cinque Terre. Each of the five villages in Cinque Terre has its own unique charm and attractions. Wander through the narrow streets, admire the colorful houses, and visit local shops and cafes. Highlights include the harbors of Vernazza and Riomaggiore, the medieval churches of Manarola and Corniglia, and the castle in Vernazza. Keep reading for the best things to do in Cinque Terre!

2. Hike the Cinque Terre Trails

The Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) is a network of hiking trails that connects all five villages of Cinque Terre. The trails offer breathtaking views of the coastline, terraced vineyards, and the Mediterranean Sea. The trail is well-marked with signs indicating distances and difficulty levels. It’s suitable for hikers of all skill levels, although some sections may be steep and rugged. The full hike from Monterosso al Mare to Riomaggiore is 7 miles (11 km) and takes about 5-6 hours to complete, depending on your pace and any stops along the way.

You don’t have to do the full trail as you can opt to do shorter portions of the Blue Trail. The trail takes you through each of the five villages so you can pick a village to start and stop. Here are the most popular short trails:

• Riomaggiore to Manarola (known as Via dell’Amore): Due to landslides, this trail has been closed for a while but will reopen July 2024.
• Monterosso to Vernazza: 3.5 km long moderate hike, takes 1.5 – 2 hours, depending on the number of stops you make.
• Vernazza to Corniglia – 3.5 km long and it takes about 1.5 – 2 hours to complete.

Note: You need a Cinque Terre Trail Pass to access the trails.

3. Relax on the Beach in Monterosso

Cinque Terre boasts several beautiful spots where visitors can soak up the sun and swim in the crystal-clear waters. If you’re looking for an actual beach, I recommend Monterosso al Mare. It has the largest beach in Cinque Terre and there are even beach chairs available for rental. Monteresso al Mare’s beach is known as Spiaggia di Fegina and it is just steps away from the Monteresso train station.

4. Go on a Boat Tour

A great way to see Cinque Terre is by boat! Boat trips offer stunning views of the villages perched on the cliffs, hidden coves, and secluded beaches. Sunset cruises are great for capturing unforgettable views of the coast bathed in golden light!

Book one of these highest-rated Cinque Terre boat tours below!

5. Enjoy lunch with a view at Nessum Dorma

One of the most iconic views in Cinque Terre can be enjoyed over bruschetta and drinks. Nessum Dorma offers an amazing panoramic view of Manarola while serving delicious small bites including bruschetta, charcuterie platters, and local wine. Dining here is one of the best things to do in Cinque Terre and its popularity has soared over the last few years! I highly recommend getting on the wait list right at the opening time the day of.

Tip: Download the Nessum Dorma app to get in line virtually when the restaurant opens. They don’t take reservations.

6. Take a Pesto Making Class

Pesto sauce is a staple of Ligurian cuisine, and it’s often served with pasta dishes such as trofie or trenette. Locals in Cinque Terre and the surrounding area have been making pesto for generations, using traditional methods passed down through families. Many restaurants and trattorias in Cinque Terre feature pesto on their menus, often served with freshly made pasta or drizzled over grilled fish or vegetables.

7. Try Cinque Terre Wine

Did you know that Cinque Terre has terraced vineyards along its cliffs? Winemaking here is no feat and you have to try the local wines. There are two main local wines: the Cinque Terre DOC and the Sciacchetrà DOC.

Check out this highly-rated wine tour in Cinque Terre!

8. Enjoy the calm in Corniglia

Corniglia is not like the other towns…and for better and for worse. First, unlike the other towns, to get to the center of Corniglia you have to climb up 365 steps. At the same time, it is the least visited and where to get away from crowds and enjoy the calm.

Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets of Corniglia and admire its charming pastel-colored houses, ancient buildings, and picturesque squares. Visit the Church of San Pietro and enjoy the panoramic terrace overlooking the sea. Unlike the other villages, Corniglia is situated on a cliff overlooking the sea, providing stunning views of the coastline.

9. Visit Doria Castle in Vernazza

Doria Castle is perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the village of Vernazza. Its strategic position provides panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding landscape. The castle dates back to the 11th century when it was built as a defensive structure to protect the village from pirate attacks. Today, Doria Castle is open to visitors who can explore its historic premises and enjoy panoramic views from its ramparts. You can climb up to the castle via a series of steps and pathways and take in breathtaking vistas of Vernazza and the surrounding coastline.

10. Enjoy apertivo at Piazza Marconi in Vernazza

Piazza Marconi is the main square in Vernazza and you can enjoy views of Vernaza’s picturesque harbor. The square is relatively small but bustling with activity. Colorful buildings, shops, cafes, and restaurants surround the square, giving it a vibrant and lively atmosphere. It is a great spot to enjoy apertivo at the outdoor seating at the cafes and restaurants, making it an ideal spot for people-watching and soaking up the village ambiance.

11. Swim in natural pools in Vernazza and Manorola

Although Monterosso is the only village with a real sandy beach, you can still sunbathe and swim in natural pools in both Vernazza and Manarola. The Vernazza and Manarola Harbor are great places to swim and sunbathe.

12. See the sunset in Manarola

Watching the sunset in Manarola is a magical experience. Manarola offers several vantage points from which to watch the sunset but my favorite is the viewpoint near Nessun Dorma. Make sure to get there early to secure a good spot. After the sun has set, stick around for twilight, when the sky takes on a deep blue hue and the lights of the village start to twinkle. It’s a magical time to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the peacefulness of the evening.

13. Try a seafood cone at Tutti Fritti in Riomaggiore

In Cinque Terre, particularly in the village of Riomaggiore, it’s common to find local seafood delicacies served in a cone-shaped container. These seafood cones are a popular and convenient way to enjoy fresh seafood while exploring the picturesque coastal villages. Tutti Fritti is a great place in Riomaggiore to get fried seafood including fried fish fillets, shrimp, calamari rings, and other seafood items.

14. Climb on the rocks in Riomaggiore

One of the best views in Cinque Terre can be seen from the rocks in Riomaggiore. Head to the harbor of Riomaggiore and climb up some steps that will lead you to the path to the rocks! The view from the rocks is fantastic and you’ll get a great view of Riomaggiore.

15. Put your photography skills to the test

Cinque Terre is a stunning destination and a photographer’s dream! Put your photography skills to the test as you travel around the five coastal villages. Here are some of my favorite photo spots in Cinque Terre!

Thanks for reading! Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below.

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