Cinque Terre is a wish-list destination. The sea, hills, vineyards, food, hiking trails, beaches and villages create a magical blend for millions of holiday makers every year.
If this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, then keep reading. In this Essential Cinque Terre Travel Guide (for first-time visitors), you’ll find practical information to help plan your trip to this beautiful part of Italy.
This travel guide to Cinque Terre includes helpful information and tips on the following:
- Things To Do in Cinque Terre
- Accommodation in Cinque Terre
- What and Where to Eat in Cinque Terre
- How Many Days in Cinque Terre
- When to Visit
- What to Bring to Cinque Terre
- Getting To and Around Cinque Terre
- The Cinque Terre Card
- Budgeting For a Cinque Terre Holiday
I have assumed that if you’re looking at this Cinque Terre travel guide, you already know a little about Cinque Terre and the 5 Towns and that you’re at the exciting point of locking in a plan and making your bookings.
If you're short on time, then our premade itineraries are a ‘MUST HAVE' covering everything from unmissable sights, activities, where to eat, cultural highlights, and transport tips with timing, directions, and maps.
Things To Do in Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre, with its breathtaking beauty and popularity, can get crowded, especially during peak season.
To guarantee your spot on popular activities and tours, you will need to book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Hiking Trails
One of the best ways to experience Cinque Terre is by hiking its scenic trails. The SVA – Blue Trail (Sentiero Verde Azzurro) is the most popular and links the towns along a scenic coastal path.
Dozens of other trails lead to secluded coves, vineyards, and ancient hamlets in the hills.
The Cinque Terre National Park website and welcome centers have useful maps and information about the trails.
The terrain in Cinque Terre is steep and precarious. On rainy days, the paths can be closed. The storms often cause damage and can remain closed for several weeks while the terraced walls and footpaths are repaired. The Cinque Terre National Park posts up-to-date information on the status of the paths on their website.
There are also guided tours that include walks through the local vineyards and wine tastings to experience the local farming and cultural heritage.
Water Activities
Four of the five Cinque Terre villages boast picturesque harbors, offering a variety of boat tours and water activities for visitors to enjoy, so I can’t have a travel guide to Cinque Terre without mentioning the water excursions!
Boat Tours
The best boat tours include a cruise along the coastline, photo stops, a chance to swim, and sometimes there is a glass of bubbly and snacks onboard.
Seeing the five villages from the sea is a WOW experience!
We’ve taken a few of the boat tours that cruise around the coast. It’s one of those moments that you don’t want to miss, and you’ll feel compelled to take 35 photos of the same thing!
Kayak Tours
If you want a more physical excursion, then you can’t beat the local kayak tours to explore the coastline.
Not only do you get to see off-the-beaten-path places and avoid the crowds that plague the more obvious sights. You also work up an appetite and get to eat guilt-free pasta!
The Shark Cave Kayak Tour is one of the best ways to escape the mass tourists. This tour includes a paddle to secluded spots and a refreshing swim at one of the isolated beaches along the coast.
You will also be educated by a local guide who will introduce you to the importance of this Cinque Terre Marine Protected Area to the coastal biodiversity and protection of marine mammals that visit the area.
Keep your eyes wide open because this stretch of coast is visited by passing dolphins and occasionally goose-beaked whales and sperm whales.
Fancy getting out on the water without any fuss? Check out these kayak trips with no experience needed!
Carnassa Tour – Kayak Tour from Monterosso: Imagine paddling for a couple of hours from Monterosso, heading towards Vernazza. It's a really fun way to see secret caves, amazing waterfalls, and feel that incredible coastline up close. You don't need to be a pro – just hop in and enjoy the ride!
Cinque Terre dal Mare – Kayak Tour from Riomaggiore: These guys really love the sea, and they take small groups out to a secluded, hidden cave by kayak. You get plenty of time to soak up those classic Cinque Terre views and chill in the scenery. Plus, they stop at a natural pool where you can jump in for a swim and have a snorkel!
Want to be your own captain? You can also rent kayaks at a few spots if you feel like exploring at your own pace.
Liking the sound of Cinque Terre so far? Excited about experiencing the best of this amazing place?
Then you’ll love our easy, affordable, and ready-made Cinque Terre itineraries.
Visit Cinque Terre with local insights.
We include a visit to 3 towns, suggestions for lunch, aperitivo & dinner. Also includes wine and cultural tour options, self-guided sightseeing routes, cultural and historic notes, and where to take iconic photos.
Beaches
Unlike other beach towns in Liguria, Cinque Terre isn't best known for being a beach lover’s paradise. But there are a few places you can relax and swim.
The most convenient and largest beach is Fegina Beach at Monterosso. This long sandy beach is popular with families and tourists looking to take a break from sightseeing.
You should also stroll to the end of the beach and check out il Gigante (The Giant) statue, which has become a symbol of Monterosso.
There is also a small beach at Piazza Guglielmo Marconi in Vernazza.
You can swim in the other towns too, but they don’t have beaches as such. Instead, at towns like Riomaggiore and Manarola, you’ll find large rock platforms for sunbathing, and access to the refreshing water requires an adventurous spirit and a jump or a dive!
Sightseeing in The Cinque Terre Villages
Anyone coming to Cinque Terre for the first time, or tenth time, will do some sightseeing around the villages.
The five villages all share a common beauty and charm. But, each of the five villages are unique and can’t be compared to the others!
- Monterosso is known for its beautiful beaches, waterfront restaurants, and lively atmosphere.
- Vernazza is famous for its colorful houses, picturesque harbor, and energetic vibe.
- Corniglia is perched on a hill and offers stunning panoramic views and a warm local welcome.
- Manarola is renowned for its romantic setting, superb restaurants, and delicious wine.
- Riomaggiore is the most colorful village and a great place to explore the narrow alleyways.
Strolling around the villages you can experience history at every turn.
Take your time to explore the alleyways, piazzas, museums, castles, and churches where you can learn more about the region's past.
Historical buildings that are worthy of a stop include:
- Castle of Riomaggiore
- The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Reggio, Vernazza
- The Church of St. John the Baptist, Monterosso
- The Sanctuary of Montenero
There are also shops to buy trinkets and local artisanal products like artwork, pottery, and jewelry.
It’s easy enough to walk around the villages by yourself. But you can really add texture and depth to your experience with a certified and experienced guide. The guides are often locals and will share a more intimate understanding of the history, culture, and traditions of Cinque Terre. Plus, they’ll take care of planning and logistics so you can focus on enjoying the experience.
Accommodation in Cinque Terre
Types of Accommodation
Don’t look for the common branded hotels that you are familiar with. Those don’t exist in Cinque Terre. The towns are just too small (and old) for large-scale hotels.
Instead, you’ll find smaller hotels, guesthouses (known as affitacamere) and apartments.
Accommodation Pricing
There are many exceptional places with a boutique-style experience but expect accommodation prices similar to 5-star stays in major cities like Rome and Milan.
Even so, if you book early, and follow our accommodation guide, you can still find good accommodation, for your budget.
We typically use one of the booking platforms for accommodation. When we’re traveling in Asia, I like to use Hotels.com.
But in Europe, Booking.com often has the best choice and pricing.
Where to Stay
If you’re here for just a couple of days, then staying in one of the five towns is the best way to experience Cinque Terre.
For a longer holiday, you may want to stay in one of the nearby towns around Cinque Terre. Towns like Levanto and La Spezia have better connectivity to other parts of Liguria, Tuscany, and around the Gulf of Poets.
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Eating in Cinque Terre
What to Eat in Cinque Terre
Italy's culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry, woven with regional flavors, centuries-old traditions, and a deep respect for local ingredients.
While pizza and pasta undoubtedly hold a special place in the hearts of many, there's so much more to discover.
Each region in Italy has its own unique dishes, reflecting local ingredients and traditions.
Liguria is a coastal region with fertile land and a mild climate. The region is known for seafood and the use of fresh herbs and flavors in their cooking.
Foods that originate or are commonly eaten in Liguria include pesto, fried seafood, stuffed mussels, seafood pasta, and anchovies (locally caught) and are prepared in multiple creative and delicious ways!
Where to Eat in Cinque Terre
There is no shortage of restaurants and cafes. Of course, some are better than others. In my other article, ‘The Five Towns Explained’, I’ve shared a few of the best restaurants in each village.
For a quick pick, here are our favorite restaurants where you can indulge in fantastic traditional cuisine:
Riomaggiore: Il Grottino is a small intimate setting, serving fresh and well-presented seafood. Top off your meal with their decadent tiramisu and enjoy the feeling of a satisfied belly.
Manarola: Da Aristide. We have fond memories of eating at Da Aristide after a long hike from Vernazza. Da Artiste serves generous pasta and has seafood front and center!
Corniglia: A Cantina da Mananan is traditional, unpretentious, and serves fresh seafood with careful attention and rustic hospitality.
Vernazza: Il Gambero Rosso raises the bar with their seafood specialties. Seasonal dishes include lobster and octopus. Located in the main piazza, this restaurant does well to maintain high standards in a place with a constant flow of tourists!
Monterosso: La Cantina di Miky. Despite its relaxed atmosphere, La Cantina di Miky offers professional service and beautifully presented dishes. Don't miss their mouthwatering anchovies in lemon, a local delicacy that will leave you craving more.
Food and Wine Experiences
Here are some food and wine experiences you may like
Cinque Terre’s history is intertwined with its farming and fishing cultural heritage. Food and wine were important commodities that were traded to the wealthy Genovese.
Even today, the seafood, wine, olives, and lemons are considered some of the finest in Italy.
When we travel, our experience of a country’s food can forge special memories. I still yearn for the ramen I ate in Kyoto from a tiny backstreet noodle bar. There’s never been oysters as heavenly as the ones I savored in Edinburgh and the Moreton Bay Bugs in Australia are sweeter and more succulent than any lobster I’ve tasted. ANYWHERE!
If you’re the same, and food is an important part of your vacation, then you’ll be impressed with the variety of wine and foodie experiences where you can learn about and appreciate local specialties.
The pesto-making classes, winery tours, and Italian cooking schools have become very popular, and you can find these experiences throughout Cinque Terre, La Spezia, and the Gulf of Poets region.
How Many Days Do You Need in Cinque Terre
With so much to see and do, you could easily spend a week here and not get bored.
But in reality, most overseas tourists come to Cinque Terre as part of a bigger holiday to Italy or Europe.
If you already have a busy itinerary, and may never come back to Italy, then you should try and squeeze in a day to visit Cinque Terre. But be warned. It doesn’t matter how fast you walk; you won’t see everything.
How many days do you need in Cinque Terre? This will depend on your style of travel, what activities you want to do, and your budget.
If you’re really short of time, then a 2-day visit will get you acquainted, without it feeling like a smash-and-grab.
But in reality, a 3-day visit is what I recommend as a minimum. In an ideal world, aim for more than 3 days to give yourself a chance to relax into your vacation and taste a little of the famous la dolce vita!
If you’re lucky enough to come to Cinque Terre for three days, then you’ll want to experience all the must-see and do things. Which is why we’ve created multi-day itineraries.
You can expect to cover all five Cinque Terre villages, but equally breathtaking town of Portovenere, in the beautiful Gulf of Poets.
Included are all the must-see sights, things to do, where to eat, cultural and historical notes, AND options to match your pace and mood.
Best Time to Visit Cinque Terre
The best time to visit will depend on what type of activities you would like to do and if those things are weather-dependent.
Hot weather is good for sunbathing but bad for sightseeing and hiking. July and August are also very popular months to visit Italy, and the tiny Cinque Terre villages reach capacity.
You can still side-step the really crazy crowds during summer by avoiding the Italian public holidays.
Conversely, Cold weather is good for hiking, but the colder months are also stormy, and many businesses are closed.
In the low season, the Cinque Terre villages can be very quiet. You should consider staying nearby in La Spezia, which is busy all year round, even in winter.
I think most people would therefore agree that the best time to visit is when the weather is warm and dry. Weather forecasting isn’t my forte, but May, June, and September typically fit the bill.
May and September temperatures are around 20oC (64oF). June is a little warmer. During these months, the Ligurian Sea is warm enough for a refreshing dip, hiking in the hills is a pleasure and the towns are lively.
What to Bring to Cinque Terre
If you decide to stay in Cinque Terre, then pack light! The towns are hilly, and many accommodations don’t have lifts.
You should also plan according to the time of year. What I mean is bring insect repellent and sunscreen in summer, and an umbrella and raincoat in Autumn!
Other things that are specific to Cinque Terre include:
- Refillable water bottle: There are free drinking fountains throughout Cinque Terre and Italy. Not only will this save you money, but you can avoid unnecessary plastic.
- Daypack: For carrying essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, and your phone/camera.
- A compact microfiber towel: You’ll have the flexibility to take a dip in between sightseeing and hiking!
- Hiking poles: Optional, but can be helpful for the steep sections of the hiking trails.
- Closed-toe walking shoes: If you plan on doing any of the hikes in the Cinque Terre National Park you are required to wear suitable shoes.
Getting to Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is in the Ligurian region within a few hours of major cities and airports.
- Rome to Cinque Terre is around 4 hours
- Florence to Cinque Terre is around 2.5 hours
- Milan to Cinque Terre is around 3.5 hours
- Venice to Cinque Terre is around 4.5 hours
Imagine starting your day at the Colosseum and ending it with an aperitivo in Cinque Terre! That’s not just a loopy idea. It’s a possibility, with Italy’s high-speed train network.
The Freccia trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciaargento, and Frecciabianca) truly unlock the best of Italy in a comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable way.
You can search routes and make bookings directly with Trenitalia (the network provider). Or use Omio for flexible currency options and multi-language searching.
The nearest city to Cinque Terre is La Spezia, which is conveniently connected to the rest of Italy. The transport connections between La Spezia and Cinque Terre are also excellent!
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La Spezia to Cinque Terre
By Train
Traveling by train in Italy is very common and is generally safe. If you arrive by train, then your connecting station will most likely be La Spezia Central.
Savvy Travel Tips: You can buy train tickets online. We typically use Omio or Trenitalia to reserve our tickets in advance. You can also book at the train stations, but trains can get booked out, and tickets are cheaper if you buy in advance!
The most convenient way to reach Cinque Terre from La Spezia is on the Cinque Terre Express train from La Spezia Central train station.
Insider Tip: You can buy an all-day ticket (Cinque Terre Multi-Service Card) for the Cinque Terre Express.
The Cinque Terre Express is easy to use, runs regularly, starts early in the morning and stops late in the evening. The train stations are small, easy to use and the journey time between villages is just a few minutes!
By Ferry
Another preferred transport option is the public ferry that runs between the end of March and the beginning of November. On a sunny day, it is by far the best way to travel to Cinque Terre. But late last year, rough seas played havoc with the ferry schedules. So, it isn’t the most reliable method of transport.
Most ferries leave from La Spezia. But there are also ferries from Lerici, Portovenere, Rapallo, and other ports along the coast near Cinque Terre.
Insider Tip: Ferries are scenic but slow. If you only have a day here, then you’ll see a lot more of the five towns if you travel by train.
By Road
Even though Cinque Terre is in a mountainous area. There are scenic coastal roads that lead to each of the five towns. So driving is possible, but parking is limited, especially during peak season.
The Cinque Terre Card
There are three types of Cinque Terre Card:
The Cinque Terre Multi-Service Card is available to purchase online.
- Cinque Terre Trekking Card: For access to the Blue Hiking Trail
- Cinque Terre Multi-Service Card: Includes the Trekking Card plus all-day train travel on the Cinque Terre Express. If you have at least 2 towns to visit in one day, then it's good value for money.
- Cinque Terre Card Plus: Includes all-day train travel on the Cinque Terre Express, access to the paid hiking trails, and entry to the Via dell'Amore (Path of Love).
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The Cost of a Cinque Terre Holiday
Cinque Terre is considered one of the top 10 destinations to visit in Italy!
So, you’ll be right in assuming that “cheap” and “Cinque Terre” are not words you’ll find in the same sentence. However, you can be savvy and budget for your trip to keep your costs under control.
We live here and have a pretty good idea of the actual costs (using post-COVID inflation as our new baseline).
I’ve done a full cost analysis including accommodation, food, excursions, transport, and gelatos!
If all you need is a bottom line, then you’re looking at around €240 per person per day!
Wrap Up
This essential Cinque Terre travel guide answers the main questions you’ll have when planning your trip here. Do you have other questions? Use our comment section below to get in touch!
Our Insider Guide blog is dedicated entirely to the Ligurian Riviera around La Spezia and Cinque Terre. We love to share our local knowledge and hope you enjoy our content and draw inspiration from our articles.
Other Cinque Terre Posts
FAQ
Is English spoken in Cinque Terre?
Cinque Terre is accustomed to having English-speaking tourists. In this major tourist zone, there is usually someone around who can speak English. Most restaurants and shops have English-speaking staff (all of varying levels).
Is it easy to get around Cinque Terre?
Yes! Absolutely. The Cinque Terre Express train and public ferry are regular and easy to catch. The villages are small and it’s hard to get lost around the towns.
You can buy maps of the hiking paths, and the trails are usually well-signed and marked with the trail number.
Is Cinque Terre family friendly?
For young families with prams, your options are limited. The towns and the national park require walking up hills and stairs. If you still feel compelled to visit Cinque Terre, then consider staying close to the beaches at Monterosso or Levanto.
La Spezia is also a very family-friendly base with lots of accommodation and affordable parking.
For families with older children, Cinque Terre is a good choice. There’s plenty here for all the family including beaches, water activities, hiking, sightseeing, and tours.
Is Cinque Terre suitable for elderly visitors?
It really depends on your level of fitness and strength.
The villages are hilly and even if you’re fit, the stairs in Cinque Terre are no joke. Of course, you can avoid the stairs, but you’ll miss large parts of each village.
Hiking is also difficult but still manageable if you are steady on your feet. Last year Justin’s 70 year old Mum visited, and we hiked from Vernazza to Monterosso. We took it slow, enjoyed the views, and returned by train. It was a challenge, but she thoroughly enjoyed the day.
If you’re coming here and have a low level of fitness and strength, my advice is to avoid the trains and use the public ferry service. You can visit 4 of the villages and access the towns directly from their harbor.
You’ll enjoy a more relaxed day out and the views from the ferry are extra special!
Is Cinque Terre safe?
Italy and Europe are known for pickpockets and thieves who target tourists. Cinque Terre can be especially busy and it’s easy to become distracted taking photos and enjoying your day.
I don’t hear much about crime against tourists in this area. But, you could become a target if you’re not vigilant.
Keep belongings safely tucked out of sight and don’t flash your cash!
How do you avoid getting ripped off?
It’s safe to say that tourists everywhere are an easy target for unscrupulous shopkeepers, eateries, and taxis.
The best way to avoid getting taken for a ride is to know the cost before committing to making a purchase. You can ask for a price list or ask the vendor to write down the price.
