About Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is a collection of five beautiful coastal towns on the Italian coast of the Italian Riviera. The towns of Cinque Terre are Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. We recently did a day trip to the Cinque Terre on our trip to Italy and I have to be honest, it was a long day and you would feel rushed if you tried to visit all five towns. Although we visited the five briefly, my suggestion would be to choose two or three to spend your time! In this Cinque Terre Travel Guide we will explain how to get to Cinque Terre, where to stay in Cinque Terre, what to do and where to eat in Cinque Terre.
How to get to Cinque Terre
For our Cinque Terre tour, we traveled from Florence, about 2.5 hours one way by train and transfer. We took the train from Firenze SM Novella to Pisa Centrale and transferred to La Spezia Centrale which is a connecting station and the 5 Terre Express stops.
When you go to Cinque Terre
High season in Cinque Terre is usually from April to October. We were there at the end of April for a weekend and it was really busy, but not unbearable! Although I generally recommend traveling during the season, you will want to visit Cinque Terre during the warmer months so that you can enjoy all that it has to offer, such as beaches, hikes, and tours. ‘streets without cold or dampness. I think the deal is good for the crowd. I would shoot for the shoulder season, like April, May, September or October, so the crowds aren’t bad, but you still have good weather!
You can also go on a day trip to the Cinque Terre, but honestly, it is better to see these beautiful towns for at least a few days and see them by staying on the steps of your house.
Things to do in Cinque Terre
High season in Cinque Terre is usually from April to October. We were there at the end of April for a weekend and it was really busy, but not unbearable! Although I generally recommend traveling during the season, you will want to visit Cinque Terre during the warmer months so that you can enjoy all that it has to offer, such as beaches, hikes, and tours. ‘streets without cold or dampness. I think the deal is good for the crowd. I would shoot for the shoulder season, like April, May, September or October, so the crowds aren’t bad, but you still have good weather!
You can also go on a day trip to the Cinque Terre, but honestly, it is better to see these beautiful towns for at least a few days and see them by staying on the steps of your house.
Go kayaking
If the water is calm and warm, renting a kayak or a boat in Riomaggiore is the best way to enjoy these wonders away from the crowds. It is wonderful to explore the waters of the Marine Protected Area by kayak along the Cinque Terre coast. From Riomaggiore you can fly to Manarola and Vernazza and it’s beautiful to see the small villages on the sea, there are beautiful caves and you will reach deserted beaches. Kayak tours are also organized from Monterosso.
You will sail with a guide along this beautiful sea around Vernazza and the hidden Guvano Beach, where you will stop to snorkel in the turquoise waters. More exciting things can continue to travel in Riomaggiore. For an evening tour, try the sunset option at the wine and food stop. Both experiences are for all levels of kayakers and include the use of great kayaking equipment.
Take the road from Volastra to Corniglia
Travelers love it here. You can walk between the villages of Cinque Terre, which is good if you like to travel and if you have enough time.
We recommend a trip from Volastra to Corniglia which is a hidden gem. Take the minibus from Manarola to Volastra (10 minutes). The route begins in the small town of Volastra, 335 meters above sea level. It’s a tough hike on a narrow path through a terraced vineyard.
The journey takes about 2 hours, but is very beautiful and rewarding. Next to the sea, you will also find beautiful vineyards and beautiful villages. There are pubs along the way if you need a break before reaching Corniglia. The last part of the journey is under the forest, it must be a relief on a hot summer day. Don’t forget proper footwear (no flip flops), water and sunscreen.
Go to Corniglia
Corniglia is the only town in the Cinque Terre that is not directly on the sea, in fact it rises on a rocky cliff more than a hundred meters high. This small town is surrounded by vineyards on the Ligurian plain. To reach Corniglia, you have to climb Lardarina (377 steps) or take a bus from the airport.
It is the only town in the Cinque Terre that cannot be reached by the sea. Corniglia is a beautiful coastal town and doesn’t enjoy the crowds like other towns. There are narrow streets with houses in the beautiful pastel colors of Liguria. Follow the main road to the viewpoint of Corniglia. Here we recommend having lunch at Bar La Terza Terra, a beautiful little gem with a unique view from the terrace and excellent food. If you have time, take the road from Corniglia to Vernazza (1.5 hours) which is one of the most famous routes in Cinque Terre. Unobstructed view of Vernazza port.
Aperitif at Nessun Dorma, Manarola
Manarola is one of the most beautiful towns in the Cinque Terre, located on the slopes of the dark rocks, with a small harbor and beautiful houses. Head to the docks after a long hike and enjoy a refreshing dip in the ocean or just watch the intrepid mountain climbers.
One of the most popular places to watch the sunset is in Manarola when the town is bathed in beautiful orange. Enjoy an aperitif or dinner at Nessun Dorma, a romantic bar overlooking Manarola. Try the tricolor bruschetta, cheese and meat dish or melon and prosciutto. It is one of the most romantic sites in Cinque Terre, perfect for couples. Download the Nessun Dorma app and you can queue up for your table while roaming the city or lounging by the water.
Even better, Nessun Dorma also offers a variety of pesto tasting classes to join. Pesto sauce is a local specialty made with basil, parmesan, olive oil, garlic, pine nuts and salt. These classes are very popular, so book in advance.
