Cinque Terre Towns: 4 Day Itinerary
- Laura
- May 27
- 7 min read
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If you love Italy and the outdoors, put the Cinque Terre towns on your list of must-visit vacation destinations. The four day itinerary described in this post is one Randy and I used on a trip to the region. Our article includes tips on where to stay, how to get around, and a traveler-tested itinerary filled with the best things to do in Cinque Terre, Italy.
The five fishing villages of the region (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare) lie in a UNESCO-protected national park and marine sanctuary. Nestled along the Ligurian Sea, the Cinque Terre towns are connected by hiking trails that run through terraced gardens built into the steep terrain.
The colorful fishing villages, panoramic footpaths, and sparkling Ligurian Sea result in an unforgettable natural setting. So much so, that overcrowding is a consequence. Our Cinque Terre itinerary includes tips for managing the crowds and making the most of your time in the region.
CINQUE TERRE TOURS & INFORMATION
For more information on the area, read our Italy Travel Guide: Cinque Terre and Things to Do in Cinque Terre articles. For ideas about the Cinque Terre tours we reference in this itinerary, click on these links:
CINQUE TERRE MAP
GETTING AROUND THE CINQUE TERRE TOWNS
In addition to the Cinque Terre towns being linked by footpaths, they are also connected by train, roads, and ferry. The best ways to get around the Cinque Terre towns are:
By foot: Hiking between the Cinque Terre towns is why many people travel to the area. Also, while in the village centers, walking is the best way to get around. The terrain is hilly and rocky. Visitors should expect lots of stairs and upward climbs.
By Train: Local Cinque Terre trains link the 5 villages. In Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, and Monterosso the train stations are a short walk to town. In Corniglia, visitors must walk up 383 steps (or take a bus) to reach the village. Be aware, the trains can get very crowded. Click here for train pricing.
By Ferry: Between April and October, ferries run between the Cinque Terre harbor towns (not Corniglia). Traveling by ferry boat a fun, beautiful way to hop between towns. However, ferries do not run as frequently as the trains (and can also be crowded). Click here for ferry pricing.
By Road: It is possible to drive to the Cinque Terre towns, but not recommended. The roads between villages are narrow and winding, and visitors must park in paid lots outside of town as only local traffic is allowed in the villages.
WHERE TO STAY IN CINQUE TERRE
Although hotels in the Cinque Terre towns can be expensive, we recommend staying in one of the villages (rather than commuting in each morning). Experiencing the villages in the morning and evening – with less crowds – will give you a better understanding of the region’s culture and amazing beauty.
Our top picks for where to stay are in the villages of Manarola and Vernazza. Both picturesque towns have many small, affordable pensiones (boarding-house-stlye accommodations). If you prefer a resort-style lodging, look in Monterosso al Mare.
CINQUE TERRE HOTELS
Due to high demand, we advise making hotel reservations at least 12 months in advance. Also, book lodging close to the train station or with porter services unless you are able to tote your luggage up steep hills and stairs.
Here are a few well-reviewed Cinque Terre hotels to consider:
Hotel Marina Piccola - Manarola
Hotel Porto Roco - Monterosso Al Mare
Casa Cato - Vernazza
TIPS FOR MANAGING THE CROWDS
Before deciding on travel dates, check the Italian calendar for holidays.
Avoid the summer months of July and August.
Buy a Cinque Terre train card for the length of your stay to avoid ticket lines.
Avoid the trains between the hours of 11am and 4pm
Tour village centers before 11am and after 4pm to avoid the worst of the crowds. Plan to hike or do organized tours during these hours.
Shop in the evening when the piazzas are lively, but not packed.
Make reservations for all sit-down meals.
Book a hotel away from the village’s main streets (where day-trippers likely won’t wander).
CINQUE TERRE ITINERARY: 4 DAYS
Need to Know Info:
Currency: Euro
Language: Italian, but English is widely spoken
Dress: Casual. Wear shoes or sandals with sturdy soles in and out of town.
Hike Essentials: Be aware the trails can be steep and narrow with slippery rock and sheer drop-offs. Take caution if you have vertigo or ill health. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, and bring plenty of water.
Opening Hours: Many businesses do not open until 10am and close for a few hours in the afternoon. Some stores close on Sundays. The dinner hour starts around 8pm; restaurants will typically take reservations for 7pm and after.
Cinque Terre Itinerary Day 1
Take the train to Vernazza. Spend the morning completing the 3.6 km portion of the Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzuro) that runs from Veranzza to Monterosso. The hike runs along hillsides past cliffs and terraced vineyards. Plan for a 1.5 to 3 hour outing depending on your level of fitness and the number of photo-stops you make. Click here for a private guided trek.
This afternoon, relax on Monterosso Beach. Rent a lounger and umbrella at a beach club (or lay a towel at the free beach). Walk to Il Gigante rock and the Neptune statue at opposite ends of the beach. Rent a paddleboard and paddle around the shore, or reserve a guided kayak tour.
Later in the day, when the crowds have thinned, tour Monterosso. Explore Old Town and the churches of San Giovanni Battista and San Francesco. Have dinner in town and stroll the bars along the beach and Via Roma.
Cinque Terre Itinerary Day 2
Take the train to Riomaggiore and spend the morning walking the village. Meander through the shops of main street. Near the top of town, tour the Church of San Giovanni Battista of Riomaggiore and Castello di Riomaggiore.
Before leaving town, have lunch at A Pie de Ma. The terrace of the restaurant overlooks the famous Via dell’Amore (Path of Love). Enjoy pasta, sandwiches, and local seafood.
Next, follow the signs to the Via dell’Amore Footpath. The beautiful 1 km cliffside path runs between the villages of Riomaggiore and Manarola along the Ligurian Sea (reservation and ticket required).
After arriving in Manarola, enjoy a pre-booked boating excursion. Spend the afternoon speeding up and down the coast. Swim, and explore the caves, coves, sea creatures, and hidden beaches of the Pelagos Marine Sanctuary.
When the afternoon crowds dissipate discover pretty Manarola. After strolling main street, head into the hills past rows of colorful villas. If Chiesa de San Lorenzo is open, tour the church.
Later in the afternoon, when the sun begins to dip, use the walkway by the harbor to amble up to the Nessun Dorma Restaurant for an aperitivo and drink (best sunsets in Cinque Terre). For dinner, make a reservation at Trattoria dal Billy in the Manarola hills.
Cinque Terre Itinerary Day 3
Take the train to Corniglia. Spend an hour or two exploring town. Walk to the Corniglia view point and see the Chiesa di San Pietro and Capella dei Flagellati.
Next, hike a 3.5 km portion of the Blue Trail from Corniglia to Vernazza. Get ready for lots of stairs and breathtaking coastal views. Plan on 1.5 – 3 hours depending on your level of fitness and photo-stops.
In Vernazza, have lunch by the harbor, then explore the gorgeous village. Trek the main piazza, climb up to Doria Castle (small admission fee). If it is open, take a look inside the Church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia.
This afternoon, indulge in a wine tasting tour or a cooking class. Or, in the evening, take sunset boat cruise.
Cinque Terre Itinerary Day 4
Take the train to Monterosso al Mare and buy a day pass for the ferry (try and make the first ferry of the day). Stay on the ferry past each of the Cinque Terre towns until you reach Portovenere. This lovely little town is sometimes referred to as the “sixth” of the Cinque Terre towns.
We adore Portovenere. Spend the day getting to know Old Town, the Loggia of St Peter, Doria Castle, and the other medieval treasures the town has to offer. Enjoy the long promenade by the harbor and great shops in town.
When you are finished, take the ferry back to Cinque Terre.
We hope you enjoy this itinerary of the Cinque Terre towns as much as we did, Laura and Randy
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