Things to Do in Cinque Terre
- Laura
- Apr 29
- 7 min read
This post may contain affiliate links. To learn more about our affiliate links and cookies policy, please see our Terms & Conditions page.
Our Working Joe Travel blog post is packed with ideas for things to do in Cinque Terre, Italy. The fishing villages of the “Five Lands” are connected to one another by a maze of mountain paths and the sea. Traveling to this picturesque region of the Italian Riviera is a spectacular assault on the senses.
The best things to do in Cinque Terre are simple and visceral: Taste the wine and fresh seafood; listen to the gentle lap of the Ligurian sea; smell the lemons growing on terraced gardens; be cooled by the ocean winds; see the striking pastel-colored houses of the Cinque Terre towns.
This article will help introduce you to the sensory balm that is the Cinque Terre (Five Lands). For more information on how to get to the region, the weather, local trains, and the best time to go read our Italy Travel Guide: Cinque Terre Towns blog post.
WHERE TO STAY IN CINQUE TERRE
The five villages of the Cinque Terre (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare) are located in the La Spezia province of northwest Italy. If your budget allows, we recommend staying in the village of Manarola or Vernazza.
Manarola and Vernazza are, in our opinion, the prettiest villages. Both are easily accessible by train or ferry with many restaurants, accommodations, and easy access to hiking. If you decide stay outside of Cinque Terre, look at lodging in the transportation hub of La Spezia.
CINQUE TERRE HOTELS
Due to Cinque Terre’s popularity, we advise making hotel reservations at least 12 months in advance. Also, book lodging near the train station or with porter services unless you are willing 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
Hotel Luna di Marzo - Riomaggiore
Casa Cato - Vernazza
CINQUE TERRE MAP
CINQUE TERRE TOURS
If you only have one day in the region, consider a guided excursion to get the most out of your time. These Cinque Terre tours originate in other locations:
THINGS TO DO IN CINQUE TERRE
Discover the Five Cinque Terre Towns
Although close in proximity, each of the Cinque Terre towns has a distinct personality. Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, and Monterosso are harbor towns. Corniligia sits on a hill overlooking the Ligurian Sea.
The entire region has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its unique cultural value. Any trip to the region should begin with a tour of the Cinque Terre towns. The villages are small. Their main streets, churches, piazzas, winding alleys, and scenic overlooks can be seen in 1-2 hours each.
Visitors can travel between the Cinque Terre towns on a local train or by ferry. To see the villages on an organized excursion, try these Cinque Terre tours:
Hike the Cinque Terre’s Blue Trail
Hiking between the Cinque Terre towns is the reason most people travel to the National Park. The villages are linked by a series of trails snaking over the rugged hillsides that rim the sea. Trekking tours are a popular way to see the trails like this Cinque Terre Trek & Tour.
It is about 7 miles from one end of the Cinque Terre National Park to the other with no more than 3.5 miles between any village. The most well-known hiking path is the Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzuro) which connects all five towns. We suggest hiking the following portions of the Blue Trail:
Monterosso to Vernazza: 2.2 miles; 1.5 hours, moderately challenging
Corniglia to Vernazza: 2.1 miles, 1.5 hours, moderately challenging
Corniglia to Manarola: 1.7 miles 1 hours, moderately challenging
TIP: Be aware the trails can be steep and narrow with slippery rock and sheer drop-offs. Take caution if you have vertigo or impaired health. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, and bring plenty of water.
Take a Boat Ride
A boat ride by catamaran or zodiac (gommone) is one of the best ways to experience the Cinque Terre. Sailing along the gorgeous turquoise water, experience the villages from a different perspective and get up close to the many caves, waterfalls, and hidden coves of the coast (pirate territory!). On many trips, there are opportunities to swim.
Here is a sampling of Cinque Terre boat tours:
Tour a Vineyard and Sample Local Wine
Even if you are not a wine connoisseur, it is fascinating to learn about how farmers have cultivated grapes on the narrow terraces of the Cinque Terre for 1000 years. Vineyard tours are popular in this area. Or, you can drop in at informal “degustazione di vini” (wine tasting) and sample the local Veraccia (white wine) at bars in town.
Here is a sampling of Cinque Terre wine tours:
Enjoy the Sunset
A highlight of any day in the Five Lands is sunset when the Cinque Terre towns become bathed in a lovely orange hue. As the sea sparkles in the fading light, it’s a great time to enjoy a drink and aperitivo by the water. Great places to watch the sunset include Riomaggiore harbor or at the Nessun Dorma Restaurant overlooking Manarola Harbor.
Here is a sampling of Cinque Terre tours that take in the sunset:
Have a Beach Day
While the Cinque Terre towns are not regarded as traditional beach resorts, taking an afternoon to relax by the water is a great way to soak in the atmosphere and local culture.
To spread out on a sandy beach, head to Monterosso. There is a free public beach and several beach clubs with loungers and umbrellas for rent. Behind Monterosso’s beach there is a boulevard with eateries, pubs, and shops.
Other fun places to go to enjoy the water are in Vernazza and Manarola. Both towns have rocky harbors where sunbathers lay out their towels. Iron ladders connect the rocks to the sea. Vernazza has a small pebble beach. In Manarola, young people enjoy jumping from the “cliffs.”
This Cinque Terre tour includes a swim and beach itinerary: Boat Tour with Swim Stops at Secluded Beaches
Visit Manarola for a Photoshoot
Don’t leave Cinque Terre without taking time for a proper photoshoot. Each of the village’s has spectacular viewpoints and photo-worthy landscapes. Randy and my vote for best picture-taking location goes to Manarola.
Just north of town there is a paved walkway that runs along a cliff (leading up to the town cemetery). You only need to walk a couple hundred yards to get phenomenal views of Manarola with its pastel villas and dramatic rock formations. Time your session for the late afternoon when the sun drops low in the sky. You don't need to hire a photographer. Just find a pretty spot, and flag someone down.
Here is a sampling of Cinque Terre tours that focus on photography:
Visit the Cinque Terre Chapels and Sanctuaries
Each village in the Cinque Terre has at least one small church. These parishes are open to the public when services are not in session, and are free to visit. Some date back to the 13th century. In addition, each town has a Marian shrine that watches over the village’s inhabitants. The sanctuaries can be accessed via the Cinque Terre trail network.
Get Active in a Marine Sanctuary
The Ligurian Sea is part of the Pelagos Sanctuary for marine mammals. In these waters there are many species of fish, dolphins, and whales. Wild life viewing and water sports are a huge past time in the Cinque Terre.
Travelers will find many opportunities to rent kayaks and paddleboards from kiosks along the waterfront in the Cinque Terre towns. There are also several snorkeling and dive outfits that operate in the area. Here is a sampling of Cinque Terre tours that feature water sports:
Enjoy the Local Cuisine
In the Cinque Terre fish features prominently on every menu as well as lemons, grapes, olives and other local produce. Whether dining on a patio overlooking a cliff or by the waterfront, the food will most certainly be fresh. Many area restaurants have been in families for generations; some offer cooking classes and demonstrations.
Here is a sampling of Cinque Terre tours that highlight local foods:
Visit Doria Castle in Vernazza
Vernazza is known as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. For a bird’s eye view of Vernazza’s medieval central piazza and traditional Gozzo fishing boats, climb to Doria Castle. There is a small entrance fee to tour the tower and stone ramparts.
Walk the Via dell’ Amore Footpath
The Via dell’Amore Footpath is a cliffside path that runs between the villages of Riomaggiore and Manarola. Local myth maintains that the path is a meeting place for young lovers. Along the gorgeous 1 km stretch, there are handrails and benches that look out at the Ligurian Sea. Opening hours and the need for a timed entry ticket varies throughout the year (see the National Park website for more information).
Lace up your hiking boots and get new batteries for the camera, Laura and Randy
For more information on Italy travel, read our blog posts on:
IF YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE, PIN IT!
Comments