More about: Best Things to Do In Cinque Terre In 3 Days
Cinque Terre is a National Park in the Liguria region that encompasses five of Italy’s most beautiful villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare. These villages are renowned for their colourful little houses perched on the cliffs, scenic footpaths and unbeatable sea views. If you’re wondering how long to spend there, three days is ideal, and to get there you can book a day trip to Cinque Terre from Florence or Milan.
Day 1: Discover Monterosso al Mare and picturesque Vernazza
The best way to explore the Cinque Terre is by train, thanks to its speed and proximity to the historic centres. With the Cinque Terre Express, you can travel as often as you like between the villages in a single day. Many travellers choose to stay in La Spezia, where you can book a day trip to the Cinque Terre from La Spezia, although Monterosso also has a good range of accommodation options. Today we’ll start in this village and finish in Vernazza.
Discover Monterosso al Mare, the largest village in the Cinque Terre
Monterosso is the largest and most populous of the five villages, boasting the longest beach in the area. It has a charming historic centre, a picturesque harbour and ideal spots for a summer swim if you’re visiting the Cinque Terre during the summer. You can book a kayaking tour or a sunset boat trip. Don’t miss the Church of St Francis, the Church of St John the Baptist and Villa Montale.
Go for a horse ride in Monterosso
Another unique experience is to book a horse ride in Monterosso to enjoy the natural surroundings by the sea with a professional guide. Ideal for relaxing and taking photos with postcard-perfect views.
Head to your next destination, Vernazza
After Monterosso, the next stop is Vernazza, which you can reach by train, on foot or by boat. This fishing village is famous for its main square, the Church of Santa Margherita and its pastel-coloured houses. Explore the historic centre and soak up the laid-back atmosphere.
Take a break to sample the local cuisine
At lunchtime, try the traditional trofie with Genoese pesto or spaghetti ai frutti di mare. You can also book a food tour or a gnocchi and pesto cookery class in Riomaggiore to immerse yourself even further in the flavours of Liguria.
Continue your walk and head up to a very special viewpoint
After lunch, walk to the harbour and head up to the famous viewpoint at the start of the path to Monterosso. It’s a 15-minute climb offering a spectacular view of the village. Remember that you’ll need the Cinque Terre Card to access most of the footpaths.
End the day watching the sunset from Doria Castle
Round off the day with a visit to Doria Castle, an ancient fortress with a tower still standing, from where you can watch one of the most beautiful sunsets in the Cinque Terre. Admission costs around €2.
Day 2: Plan a route to visit Riomaggiore, Manarola and Corniglia
On the second day, you’ll visit the remaining three villages: Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Cinque Terre has so much to offer, and this day’s itinerary proves it.
Start the day in the highest village in Cinque Terre, Corniglia
Corniglia is the only one of the five without direct access to the sea, and also the quietest. After climbing the Scalinata Lardarina – a flight of almost 400 steps – or taking the minibus included with the Cinque Terre Card, you’ll reach its historic centre. The views from the top are breathtaking, with the churches of San Pietro and Santa Caterina standing out.
Visit Manarola, the next stop on your tour
Manarola is one of the jewels of the Cinque Terre. Enjoy its narrow, colourful streets, head down to the harbour and have a glass of wine at the famous Nessun Dorma with views of the sea. If you’re interested in wine, you can also book a tasting. Don’t forget to stroll along the Via di Mezzo and try some authentic focaccia.
Walk along the famous Via dell’Amore
Before reaching Riomaggiore, walk along the famous Via dell’Amore, the easiest and most romantic section of the Sentiero Azzurro. This path connects Manarola with Riomaggiore along the coast.
Discover Riomaggiore, the last of the villages that make up the Cinque Terre
Riomaggiore is characterised by its picturesque harbour, the Church of St John the Baptist and Riomaggiore Castle. If you’re planning to spend the night in Cinque Terre, make the most of it by watching the sunset from its cove or booking a cookery class.
Day 3: Take a day trip to another of Liguria’s treasures, Portovenere
If you’re visiting Cinque Terre for two days or touring it in a single day, you should focus on the five villages. But if you have more time, you can take a day trip to Portovenere, another of Liguria’s treasures.
Enjoy your visit to Portovenere
You can reach Portovenere by bus from La Spezia, by ferry or even on a guided tour from Riomaggiore. Book a boat trip around the Cinque Terre from La Spezia for a scenic option. Explore the Gulf of Poets, its harbour, Byron’s Cave, the Church of St Peter and Via Capellini, lined with bars and shops.
Round off your trip with a final stroll and a lovely dinner
Round off your itinerary with a stroll through La Spezia, visiting the harbour, the Thaon di Revel Bridge, Piazza Garibaldi, the cathedral or the Medieval Castle of San Giorgio. If you’re staying in one of the Cinque Terre villages, make the most of it by saying goodbye with sea views and a lovely dinner.