We spent a few days in Cinque Terre, and we loved it! And yes, it can be very crowded. And hot. And humid. But, there are reasons why it’s so popular!
We were scared that it wouldn’t live up to its hype, but for us, it really did. The Cinque Terre area offers a lot, so if you have time to spare, we’d definitely recommend staying here for more than a day.
About Cinque Terre (+ map)
The Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a stunning coastal area located in northwest Italy, within the region of Liguria. It consists of five colorful villages, in order from north to south: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
It’s a very popular area in Italy, and for a reason!
Travel tip: The easiest way to go between the Cinque Terre villages is by train. If you plan to use them more, a Cinque Terre Card might save you some money!
Best Things To Do in Cinque Terre
All the villages of Cinque Terre are absolutely beautiful and unique in their own way. However, they’re also quite similar to one another.
So, do you need to visit every village in Cinque Terre? Probably not. However, we personally enjoyed exploring every village and discovering what makes each one unique, as well as taking hikes between them. So, if you have time, we’d suggest the same!
Here is our list of the top things to do in Cinque Terre for an unmissable experience.
QUICK INFORMATION
- Our favorite eSIM for Italy – click here for a 10% discount!
- Hotel with amazing sunset view – Ai Pesci Hotel Riomaggiore
- Unmissable experiences:
1. Do at least one hike in Cinque Terre
We’ll start with our absolutely favorite and best thing to do in Cinque Terre – hiking between the towns.
Seriously, this is an absolute highlight of our Cinque Terre trip, and we highly recommend you do at least one hike here, as well!
The hiking trails offer stunning viewpoints of the towns that you can’t get otherwise.
The hikes between towns in Cinque Terre are not necessarily difficult, but do not underestimate them, as most involve quite a few stairs and uneven terrain. And if you’re visiting in the summer months, the heat and humidity will definitely not help. However, it is worth it!
- Find our list of best hikes in Cinque Terre (with map, photos, and trail descriptions)
Our favorite hike in Cinque Terre is the one from Corniglia to Manarola (read our complete hiking guide), but that’s also the longest and (maybe) the hardest one. The easiest one is the hike from Vernazza to Monterosso.
2. Boat trip – a different perspective of the Cinque Terre towns
If you’re not up for hiking or just want a different perspective of the Cinque Terre coastline, going on a boat trip is a must!
We would recommend doing a sunset boat tour like this one, which takes you through all the towns during that gorgeous golden glow. The tour also includes wine and snacks. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins!
Name something more picturesque than sipping wine while on the boat overlooking the Cinque Terre coastline, bathed in the golden sunlight!
Travel tip: The sunset tour is also a great way to avoid crowds while watching the sunset! Book your tour here.
However, if you want to do more swimming, we suggest taking the day tour. It’s equally beautiful, plus you get to swim at peaceful places that are not crowded.
3. Watch the sunset in Riomaggiore
Cinque Terre is a place with absolutely stunning sunsets.
While each village has its own unique way to enjoy the sunset, watching the sunset in Riomaggiore is undoubtedly the best! You can see the town and the sun setting into the water at the same time.
While beautiful, it is also very crowded. However, you can watch it from a viewpoint or rocks down below for a bit more privacy. Please note that the rocks may be inaccessible depending on the strength of the waves that day.
Insider tip: Stay in this hotel in Riomaggiore and you’ll have a stunning terrace with a view to enjoy without the crowds! 😉
4. See more of Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore is one of the most picturesque villages in Cinque Terre and a must-visit! The village is slightly tucked away inside the hill, with tall and colorful buildings squeezed together.
As already mentioned, sunset here is a must-experience, but be sure to walk through the town as well.
Stroll down the narrow Via Colombo, Riomaggiore’s main street, for some delightful local eateries and shops.
Don’t miss the beautiful Church of San Giovanni Battista, a perfect spot to soak in the local culture. We really liked the square around the church. The local atmosphere felt so lovely at the time of our visit, plus the views from there are nice as well.
You can also continue the walk to the Riomaggiore castle for some more views. The small castle has an entrance fee of 2 EUR (cash only). There’s not much to see in the castle, though, except the view, so you decide if it’s worth it for you.
For beach time, head down to Riomaggiore Beach (Spiaggia di Riomaggiore), a wide beach (for Cinque Terre standards) with big stones. Just before the official beach, there are some small rocky parts where you can also take a spot to sunbathe and swim. They’re pretty lovely spots, but tend to fill quickly.
The area around Riomaggiore’s marina is also great for swimming, but even more so for cliff jumping.
5. Explore Manarola
Manarola might be one of the most colorful villages in the Cinque Terre, and our favorite! The village really pops out of the coastline and is nicely visible from multiple hikes and spots in Cinque Terre.
While the Manarola viewpoint, which deserves a separate section next, is absolutely stunning, we also thoroughly enjoyed strolling through the Old Town and Manarola’s incredibly picturesque backstreets.
Be sure to check out the beautiful Chiesa di San Lorenzo on a small square, where you’ll see a yellow clock tower, just opposite the church, and a great viewpoint of Manarola – a bit different perspective.
If you like to enjoy a meal with a view, then the famous restaurant Nessun Dorma is the perfect spot for you. For many, this is the top experience in Cinque Terre, as you can enjoy delicious food while taking in a breathtaking view of the coastline.
Tip: Join the virtual queue on their app (reservations are open only on that day from 3:30 pm). Otherwise, you won’t be able to get a table.
On the other hand, if you’re searching for a cheaper option, you could just use one of the free picnic tables right above the Nessun Dorma restaurant with some takeaway food from the town.
Want to do something fun in Manarola? Join this loved pesto-making class!
And, of course, don’t miss the marina and surrounding area for some refreshing swimming or even try your hand at cliff jumping for an adrenaline rush!
6. Manarola Viewpoint
Manarola is one of our favorite towns in Cinque Terre, and while we loved exploring the backstreets, this viewpoint deserves its own place as one of the best things to do in Cinque Terre, as we don’t want you to miss it.
Manarola Viewpoint is best visited just before sunset, when the whole town is bathed in golden light. Stunning!
Although it may be a bit busy, we’ve noticed that people tend not to stick around for long here, as it’s more like a photo stop. Plus, there’s enough space around as well.
7. Go on a wine tasting experience
The Cinque Terre region is popular for wine, and you’ll see lots of vineyards surrounding the villages.
The main wines to try are the Cinque Terre DOC (produced using a trio of white grape varieties: native Bosco and Albarola, blended with Vermentino, a grape commonly cultivated in the coastal zones of Liguria, Tuscany, Sardinia, and Corsica) and Sciacchetrà DOC (a sweet dessert wine).
You can easily try the most popular wines in the restaurants or local enotecas (wine shops) in each village.
But if you love wine, it would be a shame not to join a wine tasting experience.
During a typical wine tasting experience, you are guided through a selection of local wines, often paired with regional delicacies like olives or focaccia. You’ll learn about the winemaking traditions and techniques that have been passed down through generations, plus tour the vineyards.
Highly recommended: Limoncino and Wine tasting with an ICONIC VIEW
You get to tour the lemon grove with an absolutely breathtaking view and try limoncino, sweet lemon-infused liquor (similar to limoncello, but more popular in Southern Italy), and wine. Check the availability and price.
8. Learn how to make local dishes (paired with wine tasting)
Learning how to prepare authentic Ligurian dishes by taking a cooking class in Cinque Terre is undoubtedly one of the best experiences to enjoy during a visit to this stunning coastal region of Italy.
The most popular cooking class in Cinque Terre is the iconic pesto-making class. This is usually a short but super fun class, paired with wine tasting as well (win-win). Book here.
There are also longer classes, where you can make fresh pasta from scratch or gnocchi with the iconic pesto sauce, as well as make a dessert (such as tiramisu). Check it here.
Not only do these classes provide hands-on experience with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, but they also foster a deeper appreciation for the culinary arts and the vibrant culture of Cinque Terre.
And the best part – you get to eat everything you make at the end, of course!
9. Explore Vernazza: viewpoints, harbour & the beach
Vernazza is a beautiful village in the Cinque Terre, renowned for its picturesque viewpoints. You’ll recognize it easily by its three main features: the round tower on one side, the bell tower on the other, and a charming harbor and colorful buildings that cling to the cliffs.
Probably the best thing to do in Vernazza is to visit its stunning viewpoints. One viewpoint overlooks Vernazza harbour, and the other offers a dramatic view of a cliff lined with pastel houses and a castle tower rising above. No wonder Vernazza is the most beautiful Cinque Terre village for many.
It’s worth noting that these viewpoints are located at the start of paid hiking trails, which means they require a Cinque Terre Card. However, if you go early or late in the day (outside working hours), you can access them freely!
P.S. You can enjoy limoncino and wine tasting from a very similar vantage point to one of the best viewpoints in Vernazza! Check it out here.
If you love enjoying views with a meal, then you must also visit La Torre restaurant. The view is breathtaking, especially for sunset. But do make a reservation ahead of time, as it’s one of the most popular restaurants in Cinque Terre.
Out of the other things to do in Vernazza, don’t miss Doria Castle, perched on a hilltop just a short (but steep) walk from the village. It’s a historic fortress, now mostly in ruins (except for the tower), where you can soak in stunning views of the coastline. Entrance is 2 EUR (cash only).
After exploring the castle, head down to the charming harbour, where the colorful fishing boats bob along the water – perfect for some picturesque photos and a leisurely stroll.
Finally, take a moment to visit the Church of St. Margaret of Antioch, a beautiful little church with a lovely façade that adds to the village’s charm.
And let’s not forget the beach! It’s a great spot to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy a refreshing swim. The further away, rocky part of the beach looks perfect for a dip! And it’s still shallow enough.
10. Enjoy the beaches
Cinque Terre beaches are not your classical beaches. They’re a bit rougher, usually very rocky with (sometimes) rough sea, especially outside the main summer months.
However, they certainly have charm and crystal-clear water, making them perfect for a refreshing swim on hot days.
They are also perfect for cliff jumping!
If you want a more classic beach with sunbeds and a more gentle sea, you should head to Monterosso al Mare, the main beach town of Cinque Terre. The price for two sunbeds with an umbrella is approximately 40 EUR, but there’s also a free area where you can put your towel freely.
For more unique beaches, head to Manarola or Riomaggiore – we’re talking big rocks or stone beaches. They’re also perfect for jumping into the water if that’s what you like.
Corniglia also has a lovely beach, although you have to lower yourself down from the town to reach it.
11. Go kayaking
Kayaking is one of the unmissable things to do in Cinque Terre. We saw several kayaking groups during our Cinque Terre trip, and they all seemed to have a great time! We hope to be able to do it on our next visit, as last time we simply couldn’t fit it into our schedule!
Check out this best-reviewed kayaking tour and reserve your spot today!
12. Explore Corniglia
Corniglia is the most underrated Cinque Terre village. It’s the only one sitting very proudly on top of a hill (unlike others), in the middle of all the other villages.
This made Corniglia a very popular photo subject during our hikes there, as it was popping out from endless angles! 😁
It’s less visited than all the other villages in Cinque Terre, partially due to the lots of stairs from the train station (but it’s really not that bad!). However, it’s pretty small, so it can still feel very crowded.
Top tip: You can catch a bus from the train station right up to the village (included in Cinque Terre Card).
The best thing to do in Corniglia is just to stroll around the town and take in the breathtaking views. Check out the Chiesa di San Pietro (church) and the Oratorio dei Disciplinati di Santa Caterina in the city center. There is also a small piazza with cute cafes.
And if you’re looking for the beach, there actually is one down from the cliff! Follow the handprinted signs saying ‘Al Mare’, or put this point in your Google Maps. It takes approximately 10 minutes to reach it from the city center, but it involves a lot of stairs.
There is also a cute bar/restaurant here, Marina di Corniglia. So, there is, in fact, a beach in Corniglia, contrary to what many people say!
You don’t need much time in Corniglia as it’s really small, so don’t skip it if you have time!
13. Explore Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the villages, is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant promenade. It is your go-to place in Cinque Terre for proper beach time.
Monterosso consists of the old and new Monterosso. The new part (also called Fegina) is basically the big beach area and promenade with the train station, and then there’s the old part where you’ll find the main attractions, a small square with lots of restaurants, and the harbour and small pebble beach.
Most of the beaches here are private beach clubs (known as ‘lidos’). You basically have to pay to enter and use the loungers and umbrellas. The prices for two loungers and an umbrella are usually between 30 and 40 EUR.
There is, however, a small free part of the beach where you can freely lay your towel.
From the beach and promenade, take a scenic walk towards Torre Aurora tower (now a restaurant & a bar with some of the best views in Monterosso).
Afterwards, continue the path and head up to the San Francesco d’Assisi statue for a fantastic view. You can even see other Cinque Terre towns in the distance. Then, continue to the Capuchin Monastery, and finish off at the cemetery for extra views of Monterosso al Mare.
We also liked exploring the old town with narrow, colorful streets full of restaurants, cafes, and shops. Plus, make sure to stop by the black and white marble church of St John the Baptist (Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista) and Oratorio dei Neri.
More great tours in Cinque Terre
Awesome Cinque Terre Tours we bookmarked:
Best Hotels in Cinque Terre
For the best experience, we recommend staying in one of the five towns of Cinque Terre (Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, or Riomaggiore).
Which one exactly to choose depends on what kind of experience you’d like:
- Monterosso al Mare – the largest town, best and biggest beaches, vibrant nightlife
- Affittacamere Alle 5 Terre (rooms with balcony, helpful hosts)
- Affittacamere Alle 5 Terre (rooms with balcony, helpful hosts)
- Vernazza – a quieter atmosphere with breathtaking views
- Hotel Gianni Franzi (great location, nice views & breakfast included)
- Hotel Gianni Franzi (great location, nice views & breakfast included)
- Corniglia – perched on a hill, provides a more authentic feel
- Affittacamere Il Timone (great views)
- Affittacamere Il Timone (great views)
- Manarola – perfect for casual strolls in its many streets
- Alla Porta Rossa (rooms with great view and balcony/terrace, helpful host)
- Alla Porta Rossa (rooms with great view and balcony/terrace, helpful host)
- Riomaggiore – perfect for stunning sunsets and a romantic vibe
- Ai Pesci Hotel Riomaggiore (incredible sunset views)
For cheaper hotels, Levanto or La Spezia are also great options (connected with frequent trains to the main towns).
Levanto is also a popular choice if you’re looking to stay at the campsites while in Cinque Terre.
- Cinque Terre hotels get booked out fast, so be sure to book yours in advance! Check more hotels here.
Best time to visit Cinque Terre
You can visit Cinque Terre year-round. However, you’ll have the best experience typically between late March and October.
It’s worth noting that summer months in Cinque Terre can be very hot and humid, plus it’s super crowded. Visiting in spring and autumn is better for hiking, exploring, and experiencing the towns with fewer crowds.
Although don’t be fooled, there are day trips to Cinque Terre from many parts of Italy, so it can be super crowded during the peak hours of the day, even in shoulder season.
In the winter months, many hotels and restaurants will be closed, and (potentially) the trails too, so we’d recommend avoiding Cinque Terre during this time.
How to get to Cinque Terre
To reach the stunning Cinque Terre villages, several transportation options are available.
The most convenient way is by train, as the region is well-connected by rail, with frequent services from major cities like Florence and Pisa.
If you’re traveling from further away, flying is a great option. The nearest airports to Cinque Terre are Pisa International Airport and Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport, both of which offer car rental and shuttle services to the villages.
Final thoughts
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Cinque Terre and would love to return again!
Hopefully, this guide has helped you plan your trip to Cinque Terre. 🥰 If you have any questions or updates, feel free to leave a comment below and help fellow travelers.
