Cinque Terre Itinerary: 3 Days exploring Liguria’s famous villages on the Italian Riviera.
A 3 day itinerary, visiting the 5 villages of Cinque Terre: Monterosso al Mare, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Riomaggiore. Discover the beaches and the walking trails, and the local cuisine. Find out how to reach the Liguria Region in northwest Italy, specifically how to get around the Cinque Terre by train and ferry boat, and why it’s best to stay in one place and take day trips.
Whilst it’s not exactly off the beaten track anymore, the Cinque Terre is still the most beautiful part of the Italian Riviera. A special destination with brightly-coloured houses that cascade down hillsides overlooking the Ligurian Sea, five medieval villages protected by castles and ramparts in a picture postcard setting.
The Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which became famous thanks in part to the thousands of photos posted on Instagram, and more recently Walt Disney’s film ‘Luca’ – you’ll find the ‘five lands’ even more stunning in real life. In fact, the entire Ligurian coastline and particularly Cinque Terre National Park are must-sees if you’re planning a holiday to Italy.
If you have your heart set on seeing this unique part of Italy, continue reading our 3-day Cinque Terre itinerary (you’ll find ideas on places to visit in northern Italy, that you can fit into a longer Italian vacation as well).
Cinque Terre Itinerary overview
- 1. Monterosso al Mare
- 2. Manarola
- 3. Corniglia
- 4. Vernazza
- 5. Riomaggiore
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Olivia Windsor suggests this practical 3-day Cinque Terre itinerary based on her first-hand experience and knowledge of living in this part of Italy.
- Cinque Terre Itinerary overview
- 3-Day Cinque Terre Itinerary
- Planning a trip to Cinque Terre
- Italian Destinations to Combine with Cinque Terre
3-Day Cinque Terre Itinerary
How to see Cinque Terre in 3 days
When planning a vacation to the Cinque Terre villages, I recommend spending at least three days here. Although the five villages are located close to one another, you’ll want to slow down and absorb the culture, and the trip will simply be too rushed with less time. Monterosso, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Riomaggiore are all worth seeing, don’t skip any of the villages, they are part of the World Hertitage list.
If you want to see more of the Italian Riviera while you’re here, make it a seven day trip and go southwards to Portovenere, or northwards to Portofino and Genoa, the capital of Liguria. For those looking at two weeks in Italy, combine this 3-day Cinque Terre itinerary with Rome or a tour of Tuscany.
Here’s my plan for how to spend the perfect three days in the Cinque Terre.
Cinque Terre Itinerary: Day 1
Monterosso al Mare
The best place to stay in the Cinque Terre itself is Monterosso al Mare. This is the largest of the five ‘villages’. In fact, Monterosso is a small town so you’ll find a wider choice of hotels and holiday apartments, and it’s fairly easy to reach by road. Arriving by train is actually a better way to get here – this saves on car hire, there’s no stress about parking, and you can enjoy the scenery of the Ligurian coastline as you roll by.
Monterosso railway station is opposite the main beach. The tourist information bureau (on the ground floor) conveniently offers a luggage storage service (summertime). You can also purchase a 3 day Cinque Terre Express Train Pass here, for unlimited rail and bus travel between the villages, together with a Trekking Card (necessary for walking trails linking Monterosso to Vernazza and Vernazza to Corniglia in high season).
You’ll be given a free map, advice on which sections of the Sentiero Azzurro (the 12 km walking route which links the 5 villages), are presently closed, and suggested itineraries for the many other paths through the area.
Originally a fishing village, the old part of Monterosso was walled in the Middle Ages to prevent pirate attacks – you can see fortified villages across the Mediterranean, from Croatia, to Greece, and Spain, but none are quite like this!
Built on the sides of a steep ravine which cuts down to the sea, the fishermen who lived here centuries ago painted their houses in vivid colours, beacons to guide the sailors home in misty weather. You’ll see similar dwellings at Burano Island in Venice Lagoon, Caselsardo and Bosa on Sardinia, and even the cute town of Villajoyosa in Spain.
In all five Cinque Terre villages, the historic centres are pedestrian only, and this heightens the feeling of stepping back into the past.
What to do in Monterosso
A tunnel cut into the rockface connects the two sides of Monterosso, the ‘new town’ and the medieval neighbourhood, which are divided by a headland.
Monterosso’s Fegina beach is the longest stretch of sands in Cinque Terre. Rent a sun umbrella and lounger from a beach club and soak in the atmosphere of the Italian Riviera, or find a space on a free public section to lay out your towel. Summertime is hot and sunny, spring and autumn the sea’s rather chilly but the beaches are mainly sheltered.
After you’ve enjoyed some beach time and your first swim in the Ligurian Sea, you’ll be ready for lunch. Focaccia is one of the specialties in Cinque Terre, a flat bread made with local olive oil and fresh herbs, get a slice from the bakery for a quick and budget-friendly snack! For a thirst-quenching drink, ask for a glass of homemade limonata.
The Cinque Terre hillsides are tiered with olive groves, lemon orchards and vineyards. So take advantage to do some wine tasting while you’re here. Enoteca Internazionale is the oldest winery in Monterosso, and a good choice to try the local wines, cheese, cold meats, and tasty little anchovies.
Walk off the calories exploring Monterosso this afternoon, it’s siesta time and much quieter. So what is there to see? The Monterosso Giant is an iconic landmark, a huge stone statue of Neptune on the searocks at Fegina beach. Historic sites worth visiting include San Giovanni Battista parish church, and Aurora Tower.
Meanwhile, Monterosso al Mare Convent is a spiritual sanctuary run by Capuchin Friars, on top of the headland. It’s worth the walk up just to see the panoramic vistas over the bay. Further away in the hills, Nostra Signora di Saviore Sanctuary can be reached by bus. Otherwise, you can walk there along the woodland trail (a great alternative to the beach).
While there are plenty of gift shops and boutiques to browse in the old town streets, it’s worth checking out Fabbrica d’Arte pottery store where you can watch local artisans creating unique pieces of stoneware, terracotta and porcelain ceramics.
Trattorias, ristorantes and osterias, there are some lovely eateries in Monterosso so dress up and dine out in Italian style this evening. Restaurants typically have outdoor terraces for al fresco dining with a seaview. Michelin star Miky Restaurant is famed for an exquisite cuisine using local produce, one of the best places for fresh Ligurian fish and seafood, as well as homemade pastas and sauces, and desserts.
Cinque Terre Itinerary: Day 2
Visit Manarola and Corniglia
On day 2 of your Cinque Terre itinerary, it’s time to see Manarola and Corniglia, breathtaking beautiful villages where you’ll learn more about local cuisine!
Take the Cinque Terre train to Manarola
Hop on the ‘express train’ that connects the Cinque Terre villages and head to Manarola on the second day of your itinerary. The journey between Monterosso and Manarola by train is 20 minutes.
Fancy a hands-on lesson in local cuisine this morning? Book a ‘pesto experience’ at Nessun Dorma, the top eatery in Manarola. Liguria is famous for pesto and it’s so easy to create by yourself! Start by picking fresh basil from the garden, then in the cooking class you’ll learn the trick of creating the popular sauce. Afterwards, savour lunch on the seaview terrace with a glass of Cinque Terre wine.
Inspired after a wonderful morning, take some time to wander the streets of pretty Manarola snapping some pics. There is a pier you can jump off to go swimming in the sea, a great way to cool off in summer.
Walk up the hill to see the Church of San Lorenzo and panoramic views over the coast. There are plenty of restaurants and cafés in the village, and little souvenir shops.
Spend an evening in Corniglia
Return to Monterosso al Mare to freshen up and then take the train to Corniglia for a change of scenery and to capture the sunset. This is the smallest village in the Cinque Terre, and the only one that is not beside the sea. Corniglia is perched on a cliff overlooking the coast, and the other four villages can be seen from here. The best viewpoint is near the main square.
Essentially peaceful when the daytrippers have left, Corniglia makes a lovely setting for an evening meal.
Monterosso to Corniglia is only 15 minutes on the Cinque Terre Train. Corniglia station is on the coast but there are shuttle buses up to the village or you can walk up the steps. Trains run until late in high season, but you might want to double check the schedule for return times to Monterosso.
Cinque Terre Itinerary: Day 3
Discover Vernazza and Riomaggiore
Walk the trails of Cinque Terre on day three, taste real artisan Italian ice cream, and explore the picturesque villages of Vernazza and Riomaggiore.
Walk the Cinque Terre trail from Corniglia to Vernazza
Get up early on day three, and jump on the train to Corniglia again. Explore the clifftop village in the sunlight, enjoy a cappuccino and then set off for a morning walk along the best trail in Cinque Terre, the Sentiero Azzurro.
The highest and most scenic section of the ‘blue trail’ starts here in Corniglia and descends gradually to Vernazza. It’s an easy two mile (3.3 km), well-marked, woodland path which follows the coast and takes around 90 minutes.
Make sure your camera is well-charged to capture the panoramas over the Italian Riviera as you stroll along. As you come to the stone steps at the end of the trail, you’ll find the best view of Vernazza, Cinque Terre’s prettiest village.
Discover the beauty of Vernazza
Arrive in Vernazza mid-morning before the heat of the day arrives and go in search of some basilico (basil) gelato – you’ve earnt it after all! Pop into Gelateria Vernazza to taste authentic artisan Italian ice cream made with fresh fruit, select chocolate, and milk from the local dairies – ricotta and figs or Cinque Terre organic lemon are some of their classics.
It’s time to see for yourself why Vernazza is famed as one of the most beautiful places in Italy.
The village of Vernaza is snuggled in a fold of Cinque Terre coastline, tall cliffs sheltering paint box coloured houses and the little boats tied up in harbour. The silouette of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia and the ancient church’s octagonal tower gracing one side. To set the scene, a landscape of terraced vineyards and the castle-topped promontory, stone walls time-worn from centuries of looking out to sea.
Vernazza to Riomaggiore is 13 minutes on the Cinque Terre train.
An afternoon in Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore is even narrower than the other Cinque Terre villages, the jazzy terraced houses overlooking the steeply sloping ‘main street’ that leads directly to a natural harbour. While this a small village and doesn’t take long to walk around, the ambience is lively and it’s a fun place to be in summer.
Wander around Vernazza for a while, climb the steep steps up to Castello dei Doria (worth it for the views) but don’t dawdle for too long – it’s time to board the train to Cinque Terre’s southernmost village, to Riomaggiore for a seafood lunch!
If you’re into Michelin star gastonomy, book a table at Rio Bistrot to enjoy fresh seafood, pasta or risotto, and other specialties of Lugurian cuisine. Sip a glass of Cinque Terre wine, relax on the terrace and take pleasure in the sea view while memorising this moment forever.
Fancy something simpler? Il Pescato Cucinato is the local ‘fish and chip’ shop, Italian style! Take a cone of battered scampi, calamari and assorted little fishes, and sit on the harbour wall for a pocket-friendly but equally delicious lunch. Don’t like fish? Order croquettes or chicken wings, or a bag of french fries. Eateries in Cinque Terre usually have vegetarian options, but you might like to check beforehand.
As you can imagine, Cinque Terre coastline looks magical from the water. Hire a kayak on your last afternoon and lazily paddle out to sea, or cruise back to Monterosso on the ferry instead of getting the train. All too soon, it’ll be time to leave for home or on the next leg of your Italian trip.
Just remember, whichever route you take around the ‘five lands’, your 3 days in Cinque Terre will fill your dreams for many years to come!
Planning a trip to Cinque Terre
Here is some useful information for planning a short trip to Cinque Terre.
How to reach the Cinque Terre
There are a few different ways to get to the Cinque Terre, however, the most convenient and efficient way to is by train, with La Spezia serving as the gateway to the area.
The best ways to arrive in Cinque Terre
Here are the main ways to arrive in Cinque Terre:
● By Train: The easiest and most popular way to reach the Cinque Terre is by train. There are frequent trains that connect the five villages to each other and to major cities like Florence, Milan and Rome. You can take a fast train to La Spezia, the nearest major city to Cinque Terre, and then transfer to a local train to reach the villages.
La Spezia to Riomaggiore takes 10 minutes on the Cinque Terre Express train, which then stops successively at Manarola, Corniglia, Verazza and Monterosso al Mare (total journey time of 20 minutes).
● By Car: For those who prefer to drive, you can rent a car and reach the villages via the A12 highway. Note, that except for Monterosso al Mare, driving is not allowed within the Cinque Terre villages. Parking is expensive in the area, and you’ll find it challenging to find a free space in summertime. Alternatively, leave your car in La Spezia and take a train or ferry to the villages.
● By Ferry: During the high season (Easter until September), you can also reach the Cinque Terre by ferry. There are daily boat services that connect the villages to each other and to nearby towns along the coast, including Levanto, La Spezia and Portovenere.
● By Hiking: Cinque Terre is a hiking destination, so it would be remiss of me not to include this! Of course, you’re not likely to hike here with your suitcase, so this option would be more suitable for experienced trekkers or backpacking mimalists. Stay in Levanto or Monterosso and walk between the villages along the coastal paths in sections on days out.
Nearest International Airports to Cinque Terre
- Pisa (PSA) – Get the airport shuttle train to Pisa Centrale Railway Terminal, and then a direct train to La Spezia Centrale. Journey time approximately 1h 20m. Finally, catch the Cinque Terre Express train which stops at the five villages (quarter-hourly).
- Genoa (GOA) – Get the airport shuttle bus to Genoa Principe Railway Terminal, and then a direct train to Levanto, or to the Cinque Terre Villages. Journey time approximately 1h 20m to 2h depending on destination.
- Florence (FLR) – Get the airport shuttle tram to Florence SMN Railway Terminal, and then a direct train to Spezia Centrale. Journey time approximately 2h 30m.
How to get around the Cinque Terre
Here are a few ways to get around the area:
1. Train: The local train is the easiest and most convenient way to travel between the five villages of the Cinque Terre. Trains run frequently throughout the day and provide breathtaking views of the coastline as they flit in and out of the tunnels built into the hills.
For more information, distances and prices see the Cinque Terre Train timetable page.
2. Hiking: The area is famous for its scenic walking routes, and it is well worth going on at least one hike whilst in the area. You can find a range of different trails to suit your individual fitness levels. Just remember – wear sensible shoes!
The Cinque Terre Trekking Card is required for two of the trails -from Monterosso to Vernazza, and from Vernazza to Corniglia- in the high season. Access to all other paths in the Cinque Terre National Park are free of charge.
A Train Pass and the Trekking Card are useful if you’re in Cinque Terre for 3 days in high season, and these can be purchased together or separately from the train stations, or Tourist Info points. There are more details on the Cinque Terre site.
3. Ferry: During the high season, travel between the Cinque Terre villages by ferry. Passenger ferries cover the route from La Spezia to Levanto, stopping at Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Manarola and Monterosso al Mare. Note, boats do not stop at Corniaglia as there is no harbour. The boat services are less frequent than the trains, but they do offer a unique perspective of the Cinque Terre coastline and all the villages from the sea.
* For those with reduced mobility, be aware that getting around the Cinque Terre can be problematic due to the hilly terrain, and the narrow streets and steps. Out of the five villages, Monterosso al Mare is the flattest and would be the best place to stay. Ask the tourist office about accessibility on the Cinque Terre trains, and for advice about visiting each village for wheelchair users.
Where to base yourself for Cinque Terre
When it comes to choosing the best base in the Cinque Terre, it undoubtedly depends on your travel preferences and budget. Monterosso al Mare and Vernazza are the most popular places to stay, they are located on the coast and within Cinque Terre National Park.
I don’t recommended having more than one base whilst staying in the Cinque Terre, as the villages are so close together that you can easily daytrip to each one to enjoy them. The longest distance between villages is Monterosso to Riomaggiore, which is only 5 kilometres (9 miles) by train and a 20 minute ride.
1. Monterosso
This is the largest village in the Cinque Terre. Monterosso has the longest beach, and seafront promenade, where you can lounge on a sun chair under an umbrella all day and enjoy a swim. It also has the biggest range of accommodation of all the villages, and more restaurants and shops.
A good place to base yourself, remember that Monterosso is very busy in summertime, and gets crowded in July and August.
2. Vernazza
With colourful houses grouped around a small harbour, and a medieval castle, Vernazza is the most picturesque village. Whilst incredibly beautiful, it is pretty tiny and definitely feels touristy in summer. This is a good base if you want to be close to the hiking trails and enjoy a quieter atmosphere than Monterosso in the evenings.
3. La Spezia
If you’re looking for somewhere reasonably-priced to stay, La Spezia is a great option to base yourself. The capital of La Spezia Region is a lively, historical port city that offers a wide choice of accommodation. This is popular seaside resort in southern Liguria with a local Italian appeal. The old town, castle, tree-lined promenade, and yachting marina are part of the attraction.
Easy to reach by road, La Spezia is the ideal choice if you’re coming by car, and is convenient for anyone looking to visit Porto Venere, Pisa or Florence.
La Spezia is connected to the five Cinque Terre villages by train, and only 7 kilometres (4 miles) from Riomaggiore, a 7 minute ride away.
4. Levanto
On the northern end of the Cinque Terre railway line is the medieval town of Levanto, the northern gateway to the Italian Riviera, and easy to reach by car, train or boat. A favourite seaside holiday resort surrounded by pine-clad hillsides, it’s a lovely place to stay, especially if you are travelling with children. There’s a castle, the sand and pebble beach, an array of seafront cafés, and lots of restaurants to dine in.
Connected to all five Cinque Terre villages by train, Levanto is 4 kilometres (3 miles) from Monterosso, a five minute rail journey away.
When to visit Cinque Terre
The perfect time to visit Cinque Terre is June, for pleasantly hot sunny weather, a lively atmosphere without being crowded, sunlight hours are long so you can pack more into your days, and the evenings are warm for dining outdoors.
As a general guide, the best time of year to visit the Cinque Terre is considered to be from April to October. The weather is warm and essentially sunny. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- May and September are good months to visit Cinque Terre, especially if you’re only here for a few days. The weather is habitually warm and sunny, great for the beach and hiking, restaurants and cafés will be open. You can enjoy Cinque terre without crowds of tourists or day trippers, particularly during the week.
- July and August are peak tourist months, accommodation is more expensive, the towns and beaches can get crowded. Avoid hiking at midday in the summer as it will be hot.
- April and October are wonderful for hiking, but it may be a bit chilly for swimming as the sea is cooler.
- It’s wise to avoid Cinque Terre at peak times, such as Easter and other public holidays.
Visiting Cinque Terre in winter
- If you are planning a short holiday in winter and want to stay in Cinque Terre itself, Monterosso al Mare would be your best bet. The largest and most accessible of the five villages, there’s a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and shops that stay open year-round.
- While some of the trails may be closed in the winter due to weather conditions, you can still enjoy scenic walks along the coast or explore the town’s historic centre. It’s easy to visit the other villages on day trips on the Cinque Terre Express, although the trains run less frequently in wintertime.
- Alternatively, base yourself in La Spezia as there will be more things to do if it happens to rain.
Weather in Cinque Terre
Weather in Cinque Terre is typically mild throughout the year. Summers are warm and dry, with daytime temperatures ranging from 25-30°C. Winters are mild and somewhat rainy, with daytime temperatures averaging around 10-15°C.
- In Cinque Terre, the ‘rainy season’ usually starts in October and lasts until February, with November being the wettest month. However, rain can occur at any time of the year, even during the summer occasionally.
- It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before your trip and pack appropriate clothing, especially if you are visiting during the winter when rain is more frequent. While rain may limit some outdoor activities, it can also create stunning scenery with dramatic skies and misty landscapes.
About the Author
Liv Windsor is an Australian girl who fell in love with Italy, and a local boy from Piedmont! An expert on Italian wineries, Liv also loves cooking the family’s traditional recipes.
Follow her adventures around Italia on Livguine travel blog, on Instagram and YouTube, or join one of her guided tours to explore ‘hidden Italy’.
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