Cinque Terre Towns: 1 Day Itinerary
- Laura
- 7 hours ago
- 6 min read
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See the Cinque Terre towns in one amazing day. In this post we outline a realistic Cinque terre itinerary that will allow you to see each of the 5 towns and experience two iconic hikes. If your time is limited, we’ll show you the best things to do in Cinque Terre, Italy in one day.
Our Cinque Terre itinerary – 1 day begins in Corniglia and ends in Manarola with stops in Vernazza, Monterosso, and Riomaggiore. The itinerary includes two Blue Trail hikes and utilizes the Cinque Terre train and ferry for transport. The entire region is only about 7 miles from end to end. You can see a lot in a day if you’re organized – and keep moving.
In addition, we outline modifications to the route for those who need a shorter day, are visiting in winter, or just prefer a more relaxed pace. For more information on the Cinque Terre Towns read our Things to do in Cinque Terre article.
A BIT ABOUT THE CINQUE TERRE TOWNS
The Cinque Terre (Five Lands) are a group of ancient fishing villages nestled along the Ligurian Sea in the Italian Riviera. For centuries, the only way to travel between villages was by foot or mule via footpaths that wind through the terraced gardens of the local terrain.
Today, even though the Cinque Terre towns are linked by train, road, and ferry; trekking between the villages is still a hugely popular activity. Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, and Monterosso are harbor towns; Corniglia sits on a rocky hilltop. All lie within the Cinque Terre National Park; a unique cultural area with UNESCO World Heritage status.
TRAVELING TO THE CINQUE TERRE? CHECK OUT THESE TOURS
GETTING AROUND THE CINQUE TERRE TOWNS
This Cinque Terre itinerary – 1 day utilizes the local Cinque Terre train and ferry.
Cinque Terre Train
Purchase tickets online or in the La Spezia or Levanto stations (entry points to the 5 villages). The trains run frequently from around 4am until 11pm.
Purchase a single access ticket or Cinque Terre Card (several types). As you tailor this itinerary to your needs, evaluate which ticket will be most cost effective for you. Caution: Remember to validate your ticket and don’t try to ride for free on the crowded trains – fines are expensive. Check out train prices here.
Cinque Terre Ferry Boats
The Cinque Terre ferry boats run along the coast between March and November. Stops are made in the harbor towns of Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, and Riomaggiore (roughly every hour).
Purchase tickets for the ferry at the booths near the ferry dock in each town. Purchasing tickets online in advance is not recommended as ferry schedules can be suspended due to inclement weather or high waves. You can purchase a point to point ticket or all day pass.
Cinque Terre Walking Tour
The Cinque Terre towns are small. Don’t stress about getting lost. There is some signage and you can see most landmarks just by looking around (or asking someone nearby).
In town, the pedestrianized lanes are a mixture of asphalt and stone. Expect lots of stairs, uphill climbs, and uneven terrain. For those with mobility issues; Corniglia and Vernazza have relatively flat town centers and walks from the train station. Wear shoes with sturdy soles.
Cinque Terre Hikes
Our Cinque Terre 1 day itinerary includes two hikes:
Corniglia to Vernazza: This portion of the Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro) is rated moderately difficult on the National Park site. Along the trail there are many steep sections, slippery rocks and sheer drop-offs. Take caution if you have vertigo or impaired health. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, and bring plenty of water.
Via dell'Amore: this portion of the Blue Trail is rated as easy.
THINGS TO DO IN CINQUE TERRE
CINQUE TERRE MAP
CINQUE TERRE WALKING TOUR: 1 DAY ITINERARY
1: Corniglia (8:00-8:45am)
Take the Cinque Terre train to Corniglia and arrive by 8am. At the train station, ride the shuttle bus up to town. Walk through town to the Corniglia viewpoint for vistas of the Ligurian Sea. Along the way, look for Chiesa di San Pietro and Capella dei Flagellati (the churches will likely be closed). Then, head to the entrance to the Blue Trail at the edge of town.
2. Corniglia to Vernazza Blue Trail Hike (8:45-10:45am)
Hike a 3.5 km section of the Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzuro) from Corniglia to Vernazza (entry fee). The dirt trail runs across the arid hillside with panoramic views of the sea. Halfway there, walk thru the village of Prevo. Then, descend via a long stairway into Vernazza.
3. Vernazza (10:45-12:45)
Slow down and spend the next two hours exploring beautiful Vernazza. Stroll the colorful waterfront with its central piazza and traditional Gozzo fishing boats. Enjoy lunch by the water. Then, make the short hike up to Doria’s Castle (entry fee) for unsurpassed Mediterranean views. Stop in at the Church of Sainta Margherita di Antiochia if it is open.
4. Cinque Terre Train to Monterosso (1:00pm)
Time you train ride from Vernazza to Monterosso al Mare so you arrive by 1pm.
5. Monterosso al Mare (1-2:30pm)
Explore the resort town of Monterosso. If you enjoy churches, walk to nearby San Giovanni Battista and San Francesco. Otherwise, spend your time by the beautiful beach. At one end is Il Gigante rock; at the other end, a massive stone statue of Neptune. Walk along the sand, the promenade that abuts it, and nearby Via Roma for food, drinks, and gifts.
6. Cinque Terre Ferry to Riomaggiore (2:30-3:15pm)
Time the 45 minute ferry ride from Monterosso to Riomaggiore so you arrive by 3:15pm. Sit back and enjoy this portion of the day. Relax as you glide in and out of the ports at Vernazza and Manarola. Keep your camera handy for great shots of the villages.
7. Riomaggiore (3:15-4:30pm)
From the ferry dock, walk to main street and meander through the village. Shop as you make your way to the Church of San Giovanni Battista and the Castello di Riomaggiore lookout.
8. Via dell’Amore to Manarola (4:30-5pm)
Locate the entrance to the Via dell’Amore (Path of Love) by the Riomaggiore train station. The stunning 1 km cliffside path is part of the National Park’s Blue Trail. The paved track runs between the villages of Riomaggiore and Manarola along the Ligurian Sea (reservation and timed ticket required).
9. Manarola (5-8pm)
We saved the best for last! Pretty Manarola has so much color and character. Walk the town’s long and chaotic main street up to the hills and the San Lorenzo Church. Then, descend through Manarola’s alley’s back to the waterfront.
ROUTE MODIFICATIONS
For a Shorter Day
Save 2 hours and 45 minutes by eliminating a visit to Corniglia and the Corniglia to Vernazza Blue Trail hike. (Best for anyone with impaired mobility or vertigo.)
In the Winter Months
In the winter months (November – April) when the ferry is not running, take the train from Monterosso to Riomaggiore. Also, check ahead to make sure the Blue trail portions of the itinerary are open.
For a More Relaxing Day
Eliminate the Corniglia to Vernazza and Via dell’Amore hikes. Take the train to Monterosso and begin your day there. Then, ride the ferry to Vernazza, Manarola, and Riomaggiore disembarking in each port town, and reboarding in the same location at your leisure.
Enjoy your day in the Cinque Terre towns, Laura and Randy
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