If you have ever seen a photo of bright, colorful houses sitting on a cliff above the blue sea, it was probably Cinque Terre. This place is like a fairy tale. There are five tiny villages—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—and each one is special.
Because there are no big roads, life here is slow and peaceful. You can spend your days hiking between the towns, swimming in the salty water, and eating the best pesto you’ve ever tasted. This is a place where you should put your phone away (after taking a few photos!) and just enjoy the view. Here are the best things to do in Cinque Terre for your next trip.
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1. Take the Train Between the Five Villages
The easiest way to see all five towns is by train. The “Cinque Terre Express” runs all day and takes only a few minutes to get from one village to the next. The train tracks are built right into the cliffs, and sometimes you get a quick peek of the ocean between the tunnels.
- Traveler Tip: Buy the “Cinque Terre Card.” It gives you unlimited train rides for the day and also lets you use the hiking trails. It saves you a lot of money and time.
- If you love traveling by rail, you should check out our guide on France and Italy by train.
2. Watch the Sunset in Manarola
Manarola is often called the most beautiful of the five towns. The best spot is the stone path that leads around the harbor. As the sun goes down, the orange and yellow houses start to glow. It is the most famous view in all of Italy.
- What to do: Grab a takeaway cone of fried seafood from a local shop. Walk to the viewpoint and find a spot on the rocks to watch the sky turn pink.
- This is just as romantic as the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo in our Florence travel itinerary.
3. Hike the Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro)
The best way to see the beauty of the coast is by walking. The Blue Trail connects all five villages. While you hike, you are surrounded by vineyards, olive trees, and the smell of the salty sea. The views from high up on the cliffs are something you will never forget.
- What to do: The path between Vernazza and Monterosso is very popular. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. It is a bit steep, but seeing the village of Vernazza from above is the best reward!
- Traveler Tip: Start your hike early in the morning (around 8:00 AM) to avoid the midday heat and the big crowds of tourists.
- If you enjoy mountain walks, you will also love the trails in our Chamonix adventure itinerary.
4. Relax on the Beach in Monterosso
Most of the villages in Cinque Terre have rocky shores, but Monterosso al Mare is different. It has a long, beautiful sandy beach with rows of iconic orange and green striped umbrellas. It is the perfect place to take a break and cool off.
- What to do: Rent a beach chair for a few hours. The water is very clear and calm, making it great for swimming. Afterward, walk along the “Lungomare” (the seaside path) and get a fresh lemon granita.
- Traveler Tip: Look for the “Giant Statue” (Il Gigante) at the end of the beach. It is a massive stone figure built into the rocks that looks like he is holding up the cliff.
5. Taste Authentic Pesto in Vernazza
Cinque Terre is located in the Liguria region, which is the birthplace of pesto. Here, the basil grows in the salty sea air, giving it a special flavor. Eating pasta with fresh, bright green pesto is one of the most delicious things to do in Cinque Terre.
- What to do: Order a plate of “Trofie al Pesto.” Trofie is a local hand-rolled pasta that holds the sauce perfectly. Sit at a table in the Vernazza harbor and enjoy your meal while watching the colorful fishing boats bob in the water.
- Traveler Tip: Many local shops sell small jars of fresh pesto. It makes a great souvenir, but remember it needs to stay cool!
- Interlinking: If you are a fan of Italian food, don’t miss the famous steak in our Florence travel itinerary.
6. Climb the Steps to Corniglia
Corniglia is the “quiet” village because it is the only one not located directly on the water. It sits high on a cliff surrounded by vineyards. To get there from the train station, you have to climb the Lardarina—a brick staircase with 382 steps!
- What to do: Once you reach the top, explore the narrow, quiet alleys. Because it is harder to reach, it feels more local and less crowded. Walk to the very end of the village to find a terrace with a 360-degree view of the entire coastline.
- Traveler Tip: If you don’t want to climb the steps, there is a small green shuttle bus at the train station that will drive you to the top for a small fee.
- What to look for: This village is famous for its honey. Try the “Gelato al Miele” (honey gelato) at a local shop.
7. See the Villages from a Boat
The best way to see how colorful these towns really are is from the water. When you look back at the land from a boat, you can see the houses stacked like blocks on the cliffs. It is a completely different view than walking or taking the train.
- What to do: You can take a large ferry that goes between the towns, or rent a small private boat. A sunset boat tour is very popular. Most tours include a glass of local white wine and some snacks while you cruise along the coast.
- Traveler Tip: If you take the ferry, try to sit on the right side of the boat when going north (towards Monterosso) to get the best views of the villages.
8. Walk the “Via dell’Amore” in Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore is the first village you hit when coming from the south. It is famous for the Via dell’Amore, or “Path of Love.” This is a flat, easy path paved right into the side of the cliff. It is very romantic and offers amazing views of the ocean crashing against the rocks below.
- What to do: Walk the path during the “golden hour” just before sunset. It is a very short walk, so it is perfect for everyone. At the end, head down to the Riomaggiore harbor to see the famous “red house” that everyone takes photos of.
- Traveler Tip: This path was closed for many years for repairs, so make sure to check if you need a specific reservation to walk it now!
9. Find the “Secret” Viewpoints
Every corner in Cinque Terre looks like a postcard, but there are some “secret” spots that are perfect for photos. Instead of staying on the main street, always try to walk up the small staircases that lead away from the harbor. You will find quiet balconies and beautiful views all to yourself.
- What to do: In Rioamaggiore, climb the stairs near the church of San Giovanni Battista. You will get a view of the village rooftops and the sea from above. In Vernazza, walk toward the Belforte Tower for a great look at the harbor.
- Traveler Tip: Wear comfortable sneakers! You will be climbing a lot of stairs and walking on uneven stones. Flip-flops are okay for the beach, but not for exploring the villages.
- Interlinking: For more “Instagrammable” locations, check out our list of the 10 most beautiful towns in Italy.
