15 Best Things To Do In Cinque Terre: The Complete Guide

January 17, 2025

Hanging between rugged cliffs and the crystal blue Mediterranean Sea, Cinque Terre is one of Italy’s most enchanting destinations. This string of five fishing villages along the Italian Riviera has captured travelers’ hearts with its colorful houses, dramatic coastline, and laid-back atmosphere.

From hiking scenic trails to sampling fresh seafood and local wines, discovering the best things to do in Cinque Terre will reveal something magical about this corner of Italy that keeps visitors coming back for more.

1. Take The Scenic Train Ride

The train in Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre Express train connects all five villages, offering a convenient and scenic way to travel between them. The journey between each village takes only a few minutes, but the views along the way are spectacular.

The trains run frequently throughout the day, and while they can get crowded during peak season, they remain the most practical way to village-hop.

2. Take A Boat Tour Along The Coast

Seeing Cinque Terre from the water offers a completely different perspective of these beautiful villages. Boat tours allow you to appreciate how the villages were built into the rugged cliffs and give you a sense of their historical isolation.

You can take the public ferry between villages or join a private boat tour for a more intimate experience. It’s also a great way to discover hidden coves and beaches that are inaccessible by land.

3. Join A Pesto Making Class

Pesto being made

While in the region that gave birth to pesto, why not learn how to make it yourself?

One of the best places to take a cooking class is at Nessun Dorma in Manarola. Here, you’ll learn all the local secrets about making authentic pesto using traditional methods and a mortar and pestle. The experience is made even more special by the stunning views from the teaching location.

4. Sample Local Seafood And Wine

The food in Cinque Terre is a celebration of local flavors and traditional recipes. The region is famous for its anchovies, particularly those from Monterosso, which are prepared in various ways and are nothing like what you might expect. Try them lightly fried or marinated with local olive oil and herbs.

The area is also renowned for its wine production. The steep hillside vineyards produce crisp white wines that pair perfectly with local seafood. Make sure to try the local Cinque Terre DOC white wine and the special Sciacchetrà, a sweet dessert wine that’s a regional specialty.

5. Watch Sunset From Manarola’s Viewpoint

Manarola sunset

Manarola offers what might be the most iconic view in all of Cinque Terre, especially during golden hour.

The best vantage point is along the pathway that leads to Nessun Dorma. From here, you can watch the sun set behind the colorful houses while enjoying a glass of local wine. The changing colors of the buildings as the sun goes down create a magical atmosphere that you won’t soon forget.

6. Try Local Street Food

The street food scene in Cinque Terre is all about simple, delicious flavors. Try the local focaccia, a Ligurian specialty that makes the perfect quick lunch. Don’t miss the gelato especially from Alberto Gelateria in Corniglia, known for unique flavors made with local ingredients. In Riomaggiore, grab some freshly fried seafood in a paper cone from Tutti Fritti for a true local experience.

7. Swim At Vernazza’s Harbor

View of Vernazza

Vernazza’s picturesque harbor is not just for boats, it’s also a popular swimming spot. Join locals who use the rocks as natural diving boards or simply enjoy a refreshing dip in the clear waters.

The small beach here offers a unique swimming experience with the village’s colorful houses and church tower as your backdrop.

8. Hike The Blue Trail

Among the best things to do in Cinque Terre, hiking the famous Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro) stands out as one of the most rewarding ways to experience the stunning landscape. This 11-kilometer path connects all five villages and offers breathtaking coastal views. The trail is divided into four sections, each with its own character and difficulty level.

The most famous section was historically the Via dell’Amore (Lovers’ Walk) between Riomaggiore and Manarola, though it’s important to check current conditions as trail sections can close for maintenance. You’ll need the Cinque Terre Card to access the trails, which also includes other perks like train travel between villages.

9. Visit The Local Vineyards

A vineyard in Cinque Terre

The terraced vineyards of Cinque Terre are a testament to centuries of human ingenuity. These steep, carefully maintained plots produce the region’s famous wines and are fascinating to explore. In Manarola, you can take a short walk up to the vineyards above town for spectacular views and a better understanding of the local wine-making tradition.

Many vineyards offer tours and tastings where you can learn about the heroic viticulture practiced in this challenging terrain.

10. Take A Photography Tour

Cinque Terre is a photographer’s dream, with picture-perfect views around every corner. Each village offers its own iconic photo spots. In Riomaggiore, head to the harbor for classic shots of the colorful boats against the village backdrop. Manarola’s famous viewpoint is best captured during sunset or early morning. Vernazza offers stunning views from both the trail to Monterosso and the one leading to Corniglia.

11. Go Beach-Hopping In Monterosso

Monterosso beach

Monterosso al Mare is a beach paradise in Cinque Terre. With its long sandy beach lined with colorful umbrellas and chairs, it’s the perfect place to spend a relaxing day by the sea. While most of the beach is managed by private beach clubs where you can rent chairs and umbrellas, there are also free public areas available. The clear waters and beautiful mountain backdrop make this one of the most pleasant spots to swim in the region.

12. Explore All Five Villages

Corniglia

First things first: Cinque Terre means “Five Lands” in Italian, and visiting each of these distinct villages is one of the absolute best things to do in Cinque Terre for understanding the area’s charm. Each has its own personality and highlights worth discovering.

Starting from the south, Riomaggiore welcomes visitors with its charming harbor and colorful houses built between two steep hills. The village’s unique feature is that most houses have two entrances, one at the lower level in front and another at the higher level in back.

Manarola might just steal your heart with its rainbow of pastel buildings cascading toward the sea. Surrounded by ancient vineyards, it’s often considered the most romantic of the five villages and offers some of the most photographed views in all of Italy.

Corniglia stands apart as the only village not built at sea level. Perched high on a cliff, it requires climbing 377 steps (known locally as Lardarina) to reach from the train station. The effort is worth it though, as you’ll find a quieter atmosphere and stunning panoramic views.

Vernazza, with its natural harbor and historic castle, offers some of the most picturesque scenes in Cinque Terre. Its narrow medieval alleyways lead to surprising viewpoints and hidden corners waiting to be discovered.

Finally, Monterosso al Mare is the largest of the five and the only one with a proper sandy beach. With its seaside promenade and old town charm, it’s perfect for those seeking a more traditional resort experience.

13. Take A Dip In The Mediterranean

When the Italian sun beats down, there’s nothing better than cooling off in the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters.

While Monterosso boasts the only proper sandy beach, each village offers its own unique swimming spots. In Manarola, locals and visitors alike gather at the natural swimming pool formed by the rocks below the village. Riomaggiore has a rocky beach where you can join locals diving from the rocks.

14. Explore The Villages’ Hidden Lanes

An alley in Cinque Terre

While the main streets of each village are charming, the real magic often lies in the quiet back alleys and hidden corners. Take time to wander without a specific destination in mind. In Vernazza, climb the steep staircases to find quiet medieval alleyways away from the crowds. In Riomaggiore, explore the narrow caruggi (alleyways) that wind between the colorful houses.

15. Enjoy Aperitivo With A View

The Italian tradition of aperitivo (pre-dinner drinks and snacks) takes on new meaning in Cinque Terre. Head to Nessun Dorma in Manarola or find a spot in Vernazza’s Piazza Marconi to enjoy a spritz or glass of local wine while watching the sun set over the Mediterranean.

Many bars serve local specialties like bruschetta with pesto or fresh anchovies alongside your drinks.

Have Fun!

Remember that to experience all the best things to do in Cinque Terre, you’ll need more than just a quick day trip. To truly appreciate these five remarkable villages, plan to stay at least a few days. This will give you time to explore at a relaxed pace, discover hidden corners, and experience the magic of the villages after the day-trippers have left.

Whether you’re hiking the trails, sampling local delicacies, or simply soaking in the views, Cinque Terre offers a slice of Italian paradise that will leave you planning your return before you’ve even left.

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