More about: Best Things to Do In Cinque Terre In 3 Days
Cinque Terre is a National Park in the Liguria region that groups five of the most beautiful villages in Italy: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare. These towns stand out for their colorful houses suspended on the cliffs, scenic trails and unbeatable views of the sea. If you are wondering how much time to dedicate, 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 tour Cinque Terre is by train, thanks to its speed and proximity to the historic centers. With the Cinque Terre Express you can travel unlimitedly between towns in a single day. Many travelers 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 hotel offer. Today we start with this town and end in Vernazza.
Get to know Monterosso al Mare, the largest town 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 center, a picturesque harbor and ideal areas for a summer swim if you travel to Cinque Terre during the summer You can book a kayak tour or a sunset boat ride. 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 point 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-colored houses. Stroll through its historic center and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Take a break to taste the local gastronomy
At lunchtime, try the traditional trofie with Genoese pesto or spaghetti ai frutti di mare. You can also book a gastronomic tour or a gnocchi and pesto cooking class in Riomaggiore to immerse yourself even more in the flavors 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 located at the beginning of the trail to Monterosso. It is a 15 minute climb that offers a spectacular view of the town. Remember that 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 by visiting the Doria Castle, an ancient fortress with a standing tower from which to watch one of the most beautiful sunsets in Cinque Terre. The entrance fee is about 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 center. 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 streets full of color, go down to the port and have a wine at the famous Nessun Dorma overlooking the sea. If you are interested in wine, you can also book a wine tasting. Don't forget to walk along Via di Mezzo and try an authentic focaccia.
Walk along the famous Via dell'Amore
Before reaching Riomaggiore, walk along the famous Via dell'Amore, the easiest and most romantic stretch of the Sentiero Azzurro. This trail connects Manarola with Riomaggiore by the sea.
Discover Riomaggiore, the last of the villages that make up the Cinque Terre
Riomaggiore is characterized 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 an excursion 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 when 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 excursion from Riomaggiore. Book a Cinque Terre boat tour from La Spezia for a scenic option. Explore the Gulf of Poets, its harbor, Byron's Cave, St. Peter's Church and Via Capellini, lined with bars and stores.
End the trip with a last stroll and a nice dinner
Close your itinerary with a stroll through La Spezia, visiting the harbor, the Thaon di Revel Bridge, Piazza Garibaldi, its cathedral or the Medieval Castle of San Giorgio. If you stay in one of the villages of Cinque Terre, take the opportunity to say goodbye with a sea view and a good dinner.