Cinque Terre

Written by Alexander Kopp, Marika Maslanka
03/09/2025
Vibrant houses on a cliff overlooking the ocean in Cinque Terre, Italy. Stunning coastal scenery.
Chait Goli, Pexels

Cinque Terre offers a picturesque journey through five coastal villages, each clinging to steep cliffs and boasting vibrant, colorful architecture. It is a destination celebrated for its spectacular sea views, extensive hiking trails, and the opportunity to experience local Ligurian cuisine and wine.

While overall Cinque Terre can be crowded, especially during peak times, opportunities for social interaction can be found in the lively evening atmospheres of villages like Monterosso and Corniglia, which feature various cafes and restaurants. Manarola is also noted for its vibrant swimming spots near the harbor where both locals and visitors gather. The atmosphere is generally more suited for enjoying a glass of wine at sunset rather than a party scene.

Top 6 Things to do in Cinque Terre

Activities encompass scenic coastal hikes, exploration of picturesque villages, boat excursions, and authentic culinary experiences.

1. Hike the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) and Alternate Paths

The Sentiero Azzurro provides a remarkable experience, winding through terraced vineyards and olive groves with breathtaking sea views, connecting the five villages. While the popular Via dell'Amore section between Riomaggiore and Manarola has recently reopened in 2024, the coastal path between Manarola and Corniglia remains closed due to landslides. However, an alternative inland route via Volastra offers equally stunning vistas, taking approximately 2.5 hours and presenting a moderate challenge. The trails between Monterosso and Vernazza (about 2 hours) and Vernazza and Corniglia (about 1.5 hours) offer varied terrain, from steep climbs to gentler stretches, showcasing the dramatic beauty of the region. It is always recommended to check the current trail status before embarking.

Cost: Access to the paid sections of the Blue Trail requires a Cinque Terre Card. A 1-day Trekking Card costs €7.50, potentially rising to €15 on high-peak days. For those planning to use the train extensively, a 1-day Cinque Terre Train Card, which includes trail access and unlimited train travel, ranges from €18.20 to €32.50, depending on the season and specific peak days. Two-day and three-day options are also available at varying prices.

Transport: The trails are designed for walking. For connections between non-contiguous open sections of the Blue Trail or to bypass closed sections, the Cinque Terre Express train is highly efficient, stopping at all five villages. The Cinque Terre Train Card covers these train journeys.

2. Explore the Five Distinct Villages

Each of the five villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare – possesses a unique character worth discovering. Riomaggiore captivates with its vibrant, tightly packed houses and a charming small harbor. Manarola, often seen as an iconic postcard view, invites strolls through its ancient streets and offers fantastic photo opportunities from viewpoints above the harbor. Perched high on a cliff, Corniglia offers panoramic sea views and a quieter atmosphere, accessible via the Lardarina staircase (377 steps) from the train station or a local bus. Vernazza boasts a picturesque natural harbor, a lively main piazza, and Doria Castle for commanding coastal views. Monterosso al Mare, the largest village, provides the only extensive sandy beaches in Cinque Terre, ideal for sunbathing and swimming, alongside a delightful old town to explore.

Cost: Wandering the villages is free. Small fees may apply for entry to specific historic sites like Doria Castle.

Transport: The Cinque Terre Express train is the most convenient way to travel between villages, with journeys typically lasting only a few minutes. Ferries also connect Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, offering stunning sea views (Corniglia is not accessible by ferry).

3. Take a Boat Tour or Kayak Along the Coast

Experiencing Cinque Terre from the sea provides a unique perspective of the colorful villages clinging to the dramatic cliffs. Numerous boat tours depart from various villages, often including swimming stops in crystal-clear waters and opportunities to explore hidden coves inaccessible by land. Sunset tours are particularly magical, offering unforgettable views as the sun dips below the horizon. For a more active adventure, renting a kayak allows for independent exploration of the coastline, paddling at your own pace and finding secluded spots.

Cost: Ferry services offer a cost-effective way to see the coastline, with a 1-day unlimited pass for adults costing around €41-€42, and afternoon tickets at approximately €28. Group boat tours typically range from €85 to €150 per person for a 2.5 to 3-hour excursion. Private boat tours start from around €380 for 2 hours. Kayak rentals are available from about €10 per hour for a single kayak or €20 for a double, with full-day options also available. Guided kayak tours usually cost around €70-€80 for 2 hours.

Transport: Boat tours and kayak rentals are available from the harbors of Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, as well as from nearby towns like Levanto, La Spezia, and Portovenere. Ferries also run frequently between these coastal points.

4. Indulge in Ligurian Culinary Delights and Wine Tasting

Cinque Terre is a haven for food lovers, celebrated for its fresh Ligurian cuisine. Sampling local focaccia, often enjoyed as a snack, is a must, as is the region's famous pesto. Fresh seafood is a staple in the coastal villages, offering delicious dining experiences. Wine tasting presents an opportunity to appreciate the unique 'heroic viticulture' of the area, particularly the local Cinque Terre DOC white wines and the sweet Sciacchetrà. In Manarola, the Nessun Dorma offers not only incredible views but also pesto-making experiences, providing a hands-on immersion into local culinary traditions. Many local enotecas and wineries, such as Cantina Cheo in Vernazza or Buranco Winery in Monterosso, host tastings and tours.

Cost: The cost of meals varies greatly depending on the restaurant. A pesto-making experience, such as those found at Nessun Dorma, is a paid activity, though the exact price is variable and often part of a package. Wine tasting tours typically range from €20 to €50 or more per person, often including small bites of local fare.

Transport: These experiences are typically enjoyed within the villages themselves, requiring no special transport beyond walking or the inter-village train/ferry if moving between towns.

5. Relax at the Beaches and Swim in the Sea

While the rugged coastline means most beaches are pebbly, the opportunity to cool off in the clear Ligurian Sea is always inviting. Monterosso al Mare is distinctive for having the most extensive sandy beaches, with both public areas and private lidos where sunbeds and umbrellas can be rented for a comfortable day by the water. Manarola and Riomaggiore also offer popular swimming spots around their rocky harbors, where locals and visitors gather to jump into the sea. Vernazza has a small, often crowded, pebbly beach by its harbor. Seeking out less conventional spots, such as the area below Monterosso's 'Il Gigante' statue or small coves accessible by kayak, can offer a quieter swimming experience.

Cost: Access to public beaches is free. Renting sunbeds and umbrellas at a private lido in Monterosso can cost approximately €25 for two sunbeds and a parasol for the day. Kayak rentals for independent exploration typically start from €10 per hour.

Transport: Beaches are generally within walking distance of the village centers or train stations. Monterosso's main beaches are directly opposite the train station. To reach more secluded swimming spots, renting a kayak or joining a boat tour might be necessary.

6. Witness a Sunset over the Ligurian Sea

One of the most captivating experiences in Cinque Terre is watching the sunset. As the day ends, the sky transforms into a canvas of warm hues, casting a golden glow over the colorful villages and the shimmering sea. Manarola is particularly renowned for its spectacular sunset views, with many visitors gathering near the harbor or along the scenic walk to the Punta Bonfiglio viewpoint to capture this magical moment. Riomaggiore's marina and the Via dell'Amore trail also provide exceptional vantage points. In Vernazza, the Doria Castle and the main piazza by the harbor offer stunning backdrops for an evening aperitif as the sun descends.

Cost: This experience is free, though one might choose to enjoy it from a waterfront restaurant or bar.

Transport: Prime sunset viewing spots are typically within easy walking distance within each village. For a unique perspective, a sunset boat tour offers unparalleled views from the water.

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