Things to do in Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre is a dream destination where colorful villages, breathtaking views, and rich history come together. Whether you're planning to hike the stunning trails, ride the scenic trains, or just soak in the views, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences. In this guide, I’ll share my personal journey through this beautiful region, along with tips on how to navigate the area, the best ways to get around, and everything you need to know to make the most of your time in Cinque Terre. Let’s dive in!
As the name suggests, Cinque Terre is made up of five villages, but there’s so much more to explore in this stunning region. I spent five days there, so I didn’t have time to visit every village. However, what stood out to me is how unique each village is. Some offer beautiful beaches perfect for relaxing, while others are charming spots to spend the day wandering through narrow streets and soaking in the scenery.
In this article, you will find prices as of September 2024. Please bear in mind that the prices might be higher during peak season, aka summer.
La Spezia
I stayed in La Spezia since it's a larger city with more affordable accommodation, but keep in mind that you’ll need to take transport to reach the beaches. Train tickets cost around €5-10. You can also purchase a Cinque Terre Card for unlimited rides, but I found it wasn’t worth it, especially since the weather wasn’t great and the ferries weren’t operating. There’s plenty to do in La Spezia—numerous restaurants and cafes, an old fort, a pier, and much more to explore.
Manarola
Manarola is one of the most picturesque villages in Cinque Terre, known for its colorful houses clinging to the cliffs above the sea. The famous Lover’s Lane (Via dell'Amore) offers a scenic walk with breathtaking views. Manarola is not the best place for sun bathing and swiming, but it’s perfect for wandering around and watching the sunset.
Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso is the largest village in Cinque Terre. If you have ever seen cute orange umbrellas at the beach, it has probably been photographed here. The town has several beaches, so you can pick whichever you like. The beach in Monterosso is a shingle beach, so you might want to get some flip flops or crocks as it’s not pleasant to walk on those stones.
Prices: 40€ for 2 sunbeds + umbrella. A bucket of Aperol Spritz - 20€, Pizza Margharita - 10€
Levanto
Levanto is another village in Cinque Terre, and its beach is much simpler compared to Monterosso (no fancy Instagram-worthy umbrellas here). The prices are also much more affordable, nearly half of what you'd pay in Monterosso. The beach is sandy, which is really nice to walk on. If you want to chill by the beach without breaking the bank, you should take a closer look at Levanto.
Prices: 22€ for 2 sunbeds + umbrella
Vernazza
When I visited Vernazza, it was a bit crowded. If you’re after that perfect postcard view, you’ll need to hike for it. Vernazza doesn’t have a traditional beach—just rocky areas where you can relax and even swim. I climbed up the Vernazza Tower for some stunning views of the village. It was way too hot for an actual hike.
How to explore Cinque Terre
⛴️ By Ferry
Ferries run frequently from Levanto, La Spezia, and Portovenere, stopping in Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. While they serve all the villages, ports can close due to weather conditions. Corniglia, the only village without water access, isn’t on the route. Service runs from April to November. I took the La Spezia to Monterosso ferry—no stops along the way due to weather. It was €25 for a one-way ticket—pretty pricey, but the views made it worth it.
🚂 By Train
The best way to get around Cinque Terre is by train. The Cinque Terre Express runs every 20 minutes, stopping in Levanto, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore, and La Spezia. It’s fast, convenient, and operates from early morning until late at night. You can get train tickets and Cinque Terre Cards at any train station in Cinque Terre, Levanto, and La Spezia or online via the Trenitalia website or app. The prices vary from 5 to 10 euros.
🥾 By Hiking
If you're up for an adventure, hiking across Cinque Terre is a great option. There are several routes to choose from, and exploring the region on foot gives you the best views of the villages.
You can check all the hiking trails here.
Tips
The closest airports to Cinque Terre are Pisa, Genoa, and Milano Malpensa. You can reach Cinque Terre by train in under 3 hours from any of these airports.
If you’re looking for a sunbed, make sure to get to the beach early (especially if you're visiting during peak season).
Bring comfortable shoes. Whether you’re hiking or exploring the villages, the cobbled streets and rocky paths require comfortable footwear (I wore Crocks everywhere; 10/10)
If you want to save money, visit Cinque Terre in mid-September. The water is still warm and the villages are not crowded. You can also find great Airbnb deals
If you’re planning to use the train often, consider buying the Cinque Terre card. Treno MS Card includes access to the paid hiking trails plus unlimited train travel on the Levanto–Cinque Terre–La Spezia line. Prices range from €19.50 to €32.50 for a one-day pass, with multi-day options available.
Take a ferry ride. For a unique perspective, take the ferry between the villages. It’s a scenic way to see Cinque Terre from the water and avoid the crowds on land.
Don't forget to try the local food. Cinque Terre is known for its fresh seafood, pesto, and focaccia. Be sure to try these local specialties in the villages for an authentic experience.
Enjoy your stay & happy travels!
Yulia
