14 Unforgettable Things to Do in Cinque Terre (From a Repeat Visitor)

There are A LOT of fantastic things to do in the Cinque Terre…as I’ve discovered from repeated trips there.

But what I love about these tiny Italian Riviera villages and the surrounding National Park (aside from the jaw-dropping beauty and to-die-for pesto) is that you can easily plan a full schedule or simply laze the day away by the sea or dedicate yourself to just one of the Cinque Terre villages. Either way, it amounts to loving your visit.

To help you plan what to do in the Cinque Terre, I’ve put together this guide based on my own travel experiences. I hope you’ll see that it’s a mix of ways to feel like you’ve “seen” the Cinque Terre while still taking the time to really enjoy what makes this beautiful destination on Italy’s Ligurian coast so special.

1. Explore the Five Villages.

Five villages make up the Cinque Terre. They are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.

If you do nothing more than walk through the villages to enjoy the tiny streets and breathtaking scenery, dip your toes in the water, and sit for a long lunch in a piazza overlooking the village or harbor, you’ll have had an unforgettable day in the Cinque Terre.

For a bit of context, Monterosso is the only village with a true beach. So if you’re hoping for a sun lounger and some sand, this is your spot. Vernazza and Manarola are thought of as the prettiest villages. I won’t argue with that but, after visiting the Cinque Terre a few times, I wonder how it’s possible to choose!

Corniglia is quieter because it doesn’t have direct water access and, to get to the village from the train station, you have to climb many flights of stairs or wait for a shuttle bus. (On the other hand, it’s also where my favorite gelateria in the Cinque Terre is…)

Riomaggiore is the southernmost village and is known for its beautiful rocky harbor, red, orange, and yellow colored buildings, and the re-opened Via dell’Amore, a coastal path with incredible seaside views.

So whether you plan to spend a day or a few days, focus on a few villages or see them all, you’ll love the Cinque Terre.

2. Hike the Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro).

The five Cinque Terre villages are connected by the Sentiero Azzurro, or Blue Trail. This path winds along the cliffside and into each village. It’s the most famous hiking route in Cinque Terre National Park and, if you’re able, I highly recommend hiking at least one section of the trail.

I’ve hiked this trail between Monterosso al Mare and Vernazza and between Vernazza and Corniglia. The sweeping Mediterranean views and birds-eye vantage point overlooking these villages is spectacular. Along the way, you walk through sections of forest and you get to see some of the area’s famed terraced vineyards up close.

In many cases, you’ll have to climb stairs to get to the more level path above. But once you’re there, the path is mostly level and for all ability levels. Start as early as you can to avoid the heat and as many people as possible to make it easier if you need to take breaks along the way.

Also, it’s important to wear sneakers or hiking shoes with good grip. (You can be stopped or fined for wearing flip-flops.) Bring water and refill them once you get to one of the villages at a refilling point. And get a Cinque Terre Card in advance to avoid a line. You’ll need it for trail access.

ProTip: Unfortunately, the Blue Trail between Corniglia and Manarola has been closed since a landslide in 2012. (I’ve explained about the alternative trail below.) And bad weather or unsafe trail conditions can cause other sections to close. Always check the status of the trail online or with a park office before hiking.

3. Walk the Trail to Corniglia’s Terraced Vineyards.

Even though the section of the Blue Trail between Corniglia and Manarola seems to be closed indefinitely, you can walk along a trail above Corniglia via the tiny village of Volastra, before eventually heading down into Manarola.

This hike climbs up through the trees and into the terraced vineyards before opening up to breathtaking coastal views and a birds-eye look at the villages. You can start the hike from either Corniglia or Manarola but the initial stone-stair climb is a bit less strenuous by starting from Corniglia.

Along the way, you can stop at one of the small bars and cafes close to or in Volastra before continuing to Manarola.

Altogether, this one-way trip is roughly 4 miles and takes about 3 hours, especially if you make a stop to eat, rest, and take photos. I recommend doing all of the above!

This trail does flatten out in sections but is more of an intermediate hike because of the climb and descent at the start and end of the trail. It’s also a bit narrow in spots so if you don’t love heights it can be unnerving at times.

Even so, I loved hiking this trail on my second trip to the Cinque Terre! The views are incredible and it’s generally less crowded than the Blue Trail.

4. Watch the Sunset at (or near) Nessun Dorma in Manarola.

An aperitivo at Nessun Dorma to watch the sunset is one of the Cinque Terre’s most popular things to do. The restaurant sits on the cliffside facing the pastel-painted village of Manarola. With the sunset out over the sea, the light reflects off the tiny village and its harbor creating one of the most postcard-perfect views in all of Italy.

As you might imagine, getting a table at Nessun Dorma isn’t easy, especially in the peak summer season. Tables are first come first serve. To get on the list, you need to download the Nessun Dorma app, follow the instructions, and be ready when it’s your turn. The restaurant offers pesto classes which need to be reserved in advance also through their app.

But even if you don’t get a table, you can still watch the sunset and take photos from the cliffside in and around Nessun Dorma. Plan to get there at least 30 minutes before the sunset (especially in the summer) to get a spot. This experience is on everyone’s Cinque Terre bucket list.

5. Join a Pesto-Making Class.

Liguria is known for its Pesto just like Naples is known for pizza. You can’t visit here without tasting it, but you’ll be hooked from the first taste. So, it’s a good idea to learn how to make it the right way.

Cooking schools and locals can teach you how to use the mortar and pestle to pound the fresh basil with garlic, pine nuts, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and olive oil pressed from olives in Liguria’s cliffside groves until the texture and flavor is just right.

If you’d like to do this, look for super-local experiences. It’s a fun and authentic way to spend your time in the Cinque Terre while directly giving back to the local community.

ProTip: Book these classes in advance! Spots fill up fast, especially in the summer.

6. Take a Boat Along the Ligurian Coast.

The Cinque Terre villages are even more beautiful from the water…if that’s even possible! It’s from this vantage point that you see how incredibly these villages are built into the cliffs.

There is a ferry service that runs between the villages (except for Corniglia because it doesn’t have direct water access) and other towns like Portovenere, La Spezia, and Levanto. Depending on the ticket you buy, day passes let you hop on and off as many times as you want throughout the day. There are also round trips and one-way tickets for single boat trips.

You can also book a guided or private boat tour. These give you options like spending the whole day on the water, stopping at swimming coves and sea caves, and food and drink experiences at sunset.

ProTip: Bring sunscreen and a hat. The sun is strong and you’ll have limited shade out on the water.

7. Explore Vernazza’s Harbor & Climb to Castle Lookout.

Vernazza has the prettiest harbor in the Cinque Terre. There’s a small sandy beachfront and a protective jetty where you can swim or just watch the fishermen work from their boats.

It’s worth it to walk up to the tower of the Castello Doria for the spectacular harbor and sea views alone. The tower was built in the 11th century and, although not much of the original fortification is left, you can imagine what it must have been like to be up here on the look out for pirates.

Try to visit Vernazza’s harbor area earlier in the day or come back in late afternoon. The piazza overlooking the harbor and the streets around it are very busy at lunchtime.

8. Photograph Riomaggiore’s Marina.

While Manarola looks picture-perfect, Riomaggiore’s beauty comes from its colorful and rocky harborfront.

I love to walk down to the rocks around the edge of the harbor. From the left side, you’ll have a beautiful vantage point looking back at village houses and the small boats moored in the water.

Take some time to explore along these rocks. There are some pathways that’ll take you down closer to the water. It’s also a fantastic spot to sit for a few minutes just to take in the scene.

9. Walk the Via dell’Amore.

The Via dell’Amore is a flat and paved walkway between Riomaggiore and Manarola. The path winds along the coastline for about .6 of a mile for incredible views of the sea and the cliffs.

The path had been closed for many years, but it reopened in 2025. Currently, it’s only possible to walk the path one-way from Riomaggiore to Manarola.

Depending on the type of Cinque Terre card you have, most people will need to buy the ticket supplement to walk along this section of trail. Everyone needs to reserve a timed-entry. You can find all the information and reserve your time slot here.

10. Enjoy the Beach in Monterosso al Mare.

Monterosso is the only Cinque Terre village with a true beach.

Fegina Beach is in the newer part of the village right in front of the train station. If you’ve seen photos of a Cinque Terre beach this is it. There’s a private section where you can rent an umbrella and chair and a public section for anyone who wants to sit on their own towel.

The main promenade is behind the beach. There are places to eat, drink, and get gelato.

If you walk further along the promenade towards Monterosso’s old town and past the tunnel, there’s another beach area with public and private sections.

In most cases, you can rent a lounge chair for a full or half day. You should book in advance if you can at a place like this. Otherwise, arrive first thing in the morning to see what, if anything, is available.

11. Taste the Local Cinque Terre Wines.

The terraced vineyards you see in the Cinque Terre aren’t just for show! 😉

There are Cinque Terre DOC white wines made from the Vermentino, Bosco, and Albarola grapes. Some of the wines are dryer and some are sweet like the Sciacchetra dessert wine.

What I love is how unique these white wines are. The Cinque Terre is a small area and there are only so many vines that can grow along the cliffs. Some of the bottles are produced by small farmers who make only a couple of thousand bottles each year.

Do a wine tasting. Or just have a glass later in the afternoon paired with some cheese and olives for an aperitivo while you sit in one of the village piazzas after all the day-trippers have left.

12. Kayak & Snorkel Along the Coast.

This is such a unique way to enjoy the Ligurian Sea. You get to see coves, small waterfalls, and sea caves that are impossible to see from land and sometimes not even accessible on a bigger boat.

I’d recommend going with a guide, even if you’re an experienced kayaker. Local guides know the best places to swim, snorkel, and see the rocky cliffs and caves. They’ll also know how to read the conditions and steer you away from any areas with tricky currents.

This kayak tour, for example, is 2-3 hours depending on the option you choose. It starts in Monterosso and guides you along roughly 2.5 miles of coastline towards Vernazza. Along the way, you’ll pass through smaller bays and coves. It’s a great way to get away from the crowds and experience the Cinque Terre at a different pace.

13. Hike the Vineyard Trail Above Manarola.

If you’re an experienced hiker and your goal is to explore as many of the terraced hillsides in the Cinque Terre as possible, don’t miss this hike.

This challenging trail known as the Via Beccara (Trail #531) connects Manarola and Riomaggiore. “Trail” is a bit misleading since it’s actually a steep climb up hundreds of steps that have been ruggedly built into the hillside. Once you’re at the top, it’s another long set of stairs leading you down into whichever of the two villages you’re heading towards.

All in, you’ll climb almost 700 feet up before heading back down again. Depending on your speed and ability, the hike will take about an hour.

The trade off is the spectacular sweeping views of the Mediterranean, a few villages, and the stunning Ligurian coastline. If you’re lucky, you might even see some of the farmers working among the grape vines.

ProTip: It’s essential to have water so make sure your bottle is full before you leave from Riomaggiore or Manarola. I recommend doing this hike in the morning or later in the afternoon. There’s hardly any shade so a midday climb on a hot summer day means you’ll be the next piece of fried fish in one of those paper cones! (Be sure to try one of those while you’re here!)

14. Visit the “Sixth” Cinque Terre Village.

What a lot of visitors to the Cinque Terre don’t realize is there are other villages nearby that have all of the charm of the Cinque Terre villages but with a fraction of the visitors.

My favorite of these is Portovenere, nicknamed the “sixth” Cinque Terre village. Portovenere is part of the Cinque Terre UNESCO designation but it’s not connected by the Cinque Terre train so less people visit.

Instead, you need to take a boat or bus from La Spezia or other points in the Cinque Terre. You can also hike from Riomaggiore or drive (although parking is tricky).

Once you get there, you’ll see right away how gorgeous Portovenere is! The harbor is lined with pastel buildings. There’s a medieval gate that leads you to the main street through the village.

Don’t miss seeing the Church of San Pietro sitting on a slab of rock and surrounded on three sides by the sea. You might also want to swim in Byron’s Grotto, hike the trails around the Castello Doria, or take a boat across to the Isola Palmaria to swim and hike.

Important Cinque Terre Tips

I’ve put together a complete guide with things to know if you’re visiting the Cinque Terre for the first time. The Cinque Terre is overly popular and planning for your visit is an absolute must so you don’t leave feeling disappointed.

Avoid Visiting in Summer If You Can.

I know this might be easier said than done. But, you’ll absolutely have a more enjoyable visit if you go in April, May, September, or October.

In summer, there is a crush of people unlike anything you might have experienced before and the temperatures are at their hottest.

It takes longer to get around. Hiking trails are crowded. Restaurants, activities, and hotels are booked solid. And you’ll wonder how to even fit on a train platform, never mind get on the first train you see.

Spring and fall will still have people but the biggest crowds will have thinned and the temperatures will be more comfortable. In September and into early October, the water is still warm enough for swimming.

Book Restaurants, Experiences, and Hotels Ahead of Time.

This is especially true during the peak summer season, but I recommend booking as much as possible in advance no matter when you plan to visit.

It’s the best way to guarantee you can see and do the things you want, whether that’s take a sunset boat tour or have lunch at a restaurant with a view.

Buy the Cinque Terre Card for Hiking & Train Access Online.

Skip the line at the train station in La Spezia and buy your Cinque Terre card online. I’ve seen it wrap out of the station towards the street.

There are different Cinque Terre cards depending on what your plans are. Even if you don’t plan to use the trains throughout the day, you’ll need a card to hike on the trails of Cinque Terre National Park.

Start Your Day Early.

This is doubly true if you plan to hike. Go before everyone else does so you can hike without jostling your way through big groups of people and tours.

Even if you don’t plan to hike, starting early gives you a head start on the day-trippers. You can spend time in one of the villages like Monterosso before most people arrive. Plus, mornings are cooler and more comfortable overall, with better light (and less people) for photos.

Check Trail Conditions and Wear Proper Shoes.

Look online to check for any trails that might be closed or ask park officials before setting off. And even though you might think of the Cinque Terre as a beach destination, flip-flops are a big no-no on any of the trails.

You can be fined thousands of Euros for inappropriate shoes or turned away from the hiking trail before you even start.

Whatever You Do, Don’t Drive.

For the most part, the Cinque Terre is a No-Car Zone. Even in the highly limited areas for cars, parking is almost non-existent and comes at a high cost.

If you have a car because your Cinque Terre visit is one stop on your Italy road trip itinerary, stay in La Spezia where you’ll find more hotels that offer (paid) parking and public (paid) lots.

Where to Stay in the Cinque Terre

Staying in one of the Cinque Terre villages comes with pros and cons that you might not realize if you’ve never visited before.

First the bad news…Hotels and B&Bs in one of the villages typically cost more than staying just outside the Cinque Terre, like in La Spezia. Parking is scarce (and that’s being generous). And some accommodations can only be reached on foot by walking uphill or climbing stairs…with your luggage.

But there’s a tremendous upside to staying in one of the villages. You get to enjoy the village where you’re staying before the day-trippers arrive and after they leave. This may seem like a small thing but when you visit in summer, these few precious hours will likely be the best of the day. And no matter how convenient La Spezia is, it cannot match the sea views and ambiance of the Cinque Terre villages themselves.

If you need a hotel in La Spezia with parking, take a look at the Poet’s Hotel. Otherwise, the hotels below would all be unforgettable options if you want to stay in one of the Cinque Terre villages.

Ready to Visit the Cinque Terre?

Don’t stress too much about what to do in the Cinque Terre.

You can’t go wrong whether you want to hike, swim, or simply sip wine and eat pesto overlooking the sea.

Use this guide to decide the things you want to do, book what needs to be booked, and get excited to visit the gem of Liguria and one of the most amazing places in all of Italy.

Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions about visiting the Cinque Terre.

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