CINQUE TERRE

If you’ve been to the Amalfi Coast, you might be expecting Cinque Terre to be somewhat similar, but they couldn’t be more different. The villages of Cinque Terre are more rustic, natural, and smaller as the total population combined is less than 5,000 people. Despite their small size, they pack a big punch in terms of charm. It’s their originality and beauty which has made them a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The 10 Best Things to Do in Cinque Terre

1. Stroll Through the Five Villages
Explore Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare. Each village has its own charm, from Riomaggiore’s colorful harbor to Vernazza’s lively piazza.

2. Hike the Famous Trails
Cinque Terre is known for its scenic hiking paths. The Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro) connects the villages and offers incredible sea views. For a challenge, try the trail from Monterosso to Vernazza.

3. Take in the Views from Manarola
Manarola is one of the most photographed spots in Italy. Walk to the viewpoint near Nessun Dorma for the iconic postcard shot.

4. Relax on Monterosso’s Beach
Monterosso al Mare has the only sandy beach in Cinque Terre—perfect for a swim or sunbathing after sightseeing.

5. Enjoy a Sunset Boat Tour
Seeing the villages from the water is unforgettable. Book a small boat or join a sunset tour to experience Cinque Terre’s coastline from a different angle.

6. Taste Local Pesto and Seafood
Try trofie al pesto, anchovies from Monterosso, and a glass of local Sciacchetrà wine at a trattoria overlooking the sea.

7. Wander Through Vernazza’s Harbor
Vernazza’s picturesque harbor is a must-see. Stop for gelato or an aperitivo while you watch the boats come and go.

8. Visit the Churches and Castles
Check out San Giovanni Battista in Monterosso or the Doria Castle in Vernazza for a touch of history and incredible views.

9. Go Wine Tasting in the Hills
Cinque Terre’s steep terraces produce unique wines. Book a vineyard tour to sample local varieties and learn how wine is made here.

10. Capture the Perfect Photos
Bring your camera! Whether it’s colorful facades, rugged cliffs, or turquoise water, Cinque Terre is full of photo opportunities at every turn.

Where to Stay in Cinque Terre

You won’t find any large resorts in Cinque Terre. The accommodation options are mainly small boutique hotels, B&Bs, and apartment rentals. My husband and I stayed at a charming little B&B in the heart of Monterosso, which I highly recommend.

Although we had a bit of trouble locating the manager and had to wait about 30 minutes to check in, the experience was worth it. Our double room, complete with a private bath, was small but very clean, air-conditioned, and tastefully decorated. We enjoyed our mornings on a small terrace off our room, enjoying the beautiful weather and complimentary breakfast that included freshly squeezed orange juice, fresh fruit, yogurt, coffee, and a homemade sandwich.

My favorite part of the stay was the amazing (and large) rooftop terrace, a perfect place for enjoying a glass of champagne while watching the sunset. We enjoyed this space tremendously both nights that we were there.

The Five Villages of Cinque Terre

Each of the five villages are very different. We stayed in Monterosso and were happy with our decision. All of the villages are fairly small, but Monterosso is the largest, so there is more to do and see, as well as more restaurant options. If I went back for a second visit, I would opt to stay in Vernazza in order to have a different experience. Here’s a brief snapshot of each:

Corniglia

The only village not directly on the sea, Corniglia sits atop a cliff and is accessed by climbing a few hundred stairs or taking the shuttle bus. If you have any mobility issues, Corniglia is likely not for you. If you’re looking for a very serene getaway that enjoys stunning views, you’ll love Corniglia. The village population is approximately 150.

Manarola

Like Vernazza, Manarola is known for its colorful houses stacked along the cliffside. For those interested in hiking the villages, Manarola offers some very scenic options. Manarola is small, but has a good energy, and quite a few dining options. The village population is approximately 350.

Monterosso al Mare

The largest village in Cinque Terre, Monterosso is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, historic churches, and vibrant old town. Monterosso has an old town and new town, connected by a tunnel. The village population is approximately 1,500.

Riomaggiore

The southernmost village, Riomaggiore, is characterized by its steeply stacked houses and narrow streets. It’s a great starting point for exploring the Cinque Terre National Park and offers beautiful sunset views. The village population is approximately 1,600.

Vernazza

The most picturesque of the villages, Vernazza has a beautiful harbor, quaint little streets, and brightly colored houses. You’ll likely get your best photos in Vernazza. The village population is approximately 1,000.

You may be surprised to know that the small villages of Cinque Terre are among the most popular destinations in Italy, getting an estimated 2.5 million people per year. So, keep that in mind as you make travel plans, and consider visiting in the shoulder months of May or late September/October.

As for the ideal length of stay in Cinque Terre, I would suggest that 2 nights is sufficient. Also, be sure to book well in advance.

How to Get Around in Cinque Terre

Train

The train is the fastest and easiest way to travel between villages, taking only a few minutes to travel between villages. Cinque Terre Express train runs every 20 minutes and stops in Corniglia, La Spezia, Levanto, Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Tickets can be purchased at every station.

It should be noted that the village of Corniglia is not located directly on the seafront, so while there is a train stop, it does require walking or taking a shuttle bus up from the station.

Car

Getting around in Cinque Terre by car is not an option, as there is very little driving in the area, as most areas are pedestrian zones. The only cars you will see are delivery vehicles and the likes.

Walk

A great way to travel between villages is to hike one of the many trails between them. The views are beautiful. Some trails are more difficult than others, and there are a couple that require you to purchase a trail pass. Read more about the trail hikes here.

Ferry

The Cinque Terre Ferry Boat system is also a good way to travel between villages. While more costly than the train, it is a more scenic way to commute between them. The ferry schedule changes frequently and the current version with any updates can be found here. The ferries do not run in the winter months.

Keep in mind that these charming villages often have small, winding streets with minimal signage. So, you might get directions like this: “Get off the train and walk through the tunnel, then turn right after the bright yellow building with pink trim. Go past the pizzeria on the left, turn right just after the Pasticceria, and keep walking until you see the restaurant Il Piccolo Diavolo. You’ll see us on the right side in the blue house, across from the leather shop.” Brian and I had a good giggle as we maneuvered through winding paths, pulling our luggage along cobblestone, while trying to find the landmarks along the way.

Where to Eat in Cinque Terre

La Cantina del Pescatore located in Monterosso, is a great little place to grab lunch. They do a great bruschetta made with homemade focaccia, creamy mozzarella, locally made pesto, and a fresh tomato mix. You’ll also find a selection of nice Ligurian wines, as well as some Italian specialties drinks like limoncello and Aperol spritz.

San Martino is a cozy restaurant with limited seating, so you might experience a short wait. While the menu isn’t extensive, everything they offer is excellent, from delicious salads and fresh seafood to homemade pasta dishes. It’s a great place to dine in Monterosso.

Useful Tips for Cinque Terre

Train Schedule – Be sure to check the train schedule before traveling to another village in the evening. You don’t want to risk getting stranded and having to hike home in the dark.

Validate Tickets – Be sure to validate your train ticket. They do actively check for tickets and there are big fines for not validating them.

Comfortable Clothing: The villages of Cinque Terre have winding streets, steep steps, and can get pretty hot, so be sure to dress in light layers, bring sunglasses, and wear comfortable shoes.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is one of those places that truly lives up to the hype. Whether you’re hiking scenic trails, exploring colorful villages, or sipping wine as the sun sets over the Ligurian Sea, every moment feels unforgettable. While the area can get crowded, planning ahead and visiting during the shoulder seasons will make your experience much more enjoyable.

If you’re looking for a destination that combines natural beauty, authentic charm, and a slower pace of life, Cinque Terre is the perfect choice. Just remember to pack your walking shoes, book accommodations early, and give yourself time to simply soak it all in—you’ll leave with incredible photos and even better memories.