More about: Best Things to Do In Cinque Terre In 3 Days
Cinque Terre is a National Park in the Liguria region that groups together five of the most beautiful villages in Italy: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare. These towns stand out for their colourful little houses suspended on the cliffs, panoramic paths and unbeatable views of the sea. If you're wondering how much time to spend here, three days is ideal, and to get there you can book an excursion to Cinque Terre from Florence or Milan.
Day 1: Discover Monterosso al Mare and picturesque Vernazza
The best way to get around Cinque Terre is by train, thanks to its speed and proximity to the historic centres. With the Cinque Terre Express you can travel unlimitedly between towns in a single day. Many travellers choose to stay in La Spezia, where it is possible to book an excursion to Cinque Terre from La Spezia, although Monterosso also has a good range of hotels. Today we start in Monterosso and end in Vernazza.
Get to know Monterosso al Mare, the largest village in Cinque Terre
Monterosso is the largest and most populated of the five villages, with the longest beach in the area. It has a charming historic centre, a picturesque harbour and ideal areas for a summer swim if you are travelling to Cinque Terre during the summer You can book a kayak tour or a sunset boat trip. Don't miss the Church of San Francesco, the Church of San Giovanni Battista and the Villa Montale.
Take a horseback ride in Monterosso
Another different experience is to book a horseback riding tour in Monterosso to enjoy the natural environment by the sea with a professional guide. Ideal for relaxing and taking pictures with postcard views.
Make your way to your next destination, Vernazza
After Monterosso, the next stop is Vernazza, which you can reach by train, on foot or by boat. This seaside town is famous for its central square, the Church of Santa Margherita and its pastel-coloured houses. Stroll through the old town and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Take a break to taste the local gastronomy
For lunch, try the traditional trofie with Genoese pesto or spaghetti ai frutti di mare. You can also book a food tour or a gnocchi and pesto cooking class in Riomaggiore to immerse yourself even more in the flavours of Liguria.
Continue your walk and climb up to a very special viewpoint
After lunch, walk to the port and climb up to the famous viewpoint at the beginning of the trail to Monterosso. It is a 15 minute climb that offers a spectacular view of the town. Remember you will need the Cinque Terre Card to access most of the trails.
End the day watching the sunset from Doria Castle
Close the day with a visit to the Doria Castle, an ancient fortress with a standing tower from which to watch one of the most beautiful sunsets in Cinque Terre. Entrance costs around €2.
Day 2: Take a route to visit Riomaggiore, Manarola and Corniglia
The second day will take you to the remaining three locations: Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Cinque Terre has a lot to offer and this day proves it.
Start the day in the highest village of Cinque Terre, Corniglia
Corniglia is the only one of the five without direct access to the sea, and also the quietest. After climbing the Scalinata Lardarina of almost 400 steps or taking the minibus included in the Cinque Terre Card, you will reach its historic centre. The views from the top are breathtaking, with the Church of San Pietro and the Church of Santa Caterina standing out.
Visit Manarola, the next stop on your tour
Manarola is one of the jewels of Cinque Terre. Enjoy its narrow, colourful streets, stroll down to the harbour and sip wine at the famous Nessun Dorma overlooking the sea. If you're interested in wine, you can also book a wine tasting. Don't forget to stroll along Via di Mezzo and try an authentic focaccia.
Walk along the famous Via dell'Amore
Before reaching Riomaggiore, take the famous Via dell'Amore, the easiest and most romantic stretch of the Sentiero Azzurro. This path connects Manarola with Riomaggiore by the sea.
Discover Riomaggiore, the last of the villages that make up the Cinque Terre
Riomaggiore is characterised by its picturesque quay, the Church of San Giovanni Battista and the Riomaggiore Castle. If you plan to spend the night in Cinque Terre, take the opportunity to watch the sunset from its cove or book a cooking class.
Day 3: Take a trip to another of Liguria's treasures, Portovenere
If you travel to Cinque Terre for two days or tour Cinque Terre in one day you should focus on the five villages. But if you have more time, you can make an excursion to Portovenere, another of Liguria's treasures.
Enjoy your visit to Portovenere
You can reach Portovenere by bus from La Spezia, by ferry or even on a guided tour from Riomaggiore. Book a Cinque Terre boat trip from La Spezia for a scenic option. Explore the Gulf of Poets, its harbour, Byron's Cave, St Peter's Church and Via Capellini, lined with bars and shops.
End the trip with a last stroll and a pleasant dinner
Close your itinerary with a stroll through La Spezia, visiting the harbour, the Thaon di Revel Bridge, Piazza Garibaldi, its cathedral or the Medieval Castle of San Giorgio. If you're staying in one of Cinque Terre's villages, take the opportunity to say goodbye with a sea view and a nice dinner.