✓ Find the best offers on your Stays on 🏡 booking.com
✓ Deals on Private xfers, SIM Cards, City tours, Day trips on 🛵 GetYourGuide | on 🛵 Klook
There are great many things to do in Italy, and so are in Cinque Terre.
Nestled along the rugged coastline of the Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre is a paradise waiting to be explored.
With its colorful cliffside villages, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking hiking trails, this destination is an invitation to escape to a world of pure enchantment.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Cinque Terre:
1. Monterosso al Mare
A picturesque town in the Cinque Terre region of Italy, located on the coast of the Ligurian Sea.
What to see or do: – Take a stroll along the beautiful seaside promenade and take in the stunning views of the sea and the colorful houses.
Don’t miss: – The colorful pastel-colored houses that line the seafront, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for your vacation photos.
Insider travel tips: – Visit during the off-season (October to April) to avoid the crowds and enjoy the peace and quiet of the town.
2. Vernazza
Vernazza is a charming coastal town located in the heart of the Cinque Terre region in Italy. It is one of the five picturesque towns that make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cinque Terre.
What to see or do: Take a stroll along the colorful marina and watch the fishing boats come in and out of the harbor. Hike up to the Doria Castle for stunning views of the town and the sea.
Walk around the narrow alleys of the town center and admire the pastel-colored houses and lively piazza. Relax on the small pebble beach or enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters.
Don’t miss: The Belforte restaurant, located at the edge of the harbor, is a must-visit for seafood lovers. Try the famous Vernazza anchovies or the seafood risotto while enjoying the breathtaking views of the sea.
Another must-visit is the Vernazza Winery, which offers wine tasting and tours of the vineyards.
Insider travel tips: Vernazza can get crowded during peak season, so it’s best to visit early in the morning or in the late afternoon.
Be prepared to walk up and down steep paths and staircases as the town is built on a hillside. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a hat as there is little shade.
Lastly, try to learn a few words of Italian as it will make your visit even more enjoyable.
3. Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore is one of the five picturesque fishing villages that make up the famous Cinque Terre area in the Italian Riviera.
What to see or do: Take a stroll through the narrow, colourful streets lined with shops, cafes and restaurants. Be sure to walk down to the picturesque harbour to view the colourful buildings and fishing boats.
There is also a small rocky beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Don’t miss: Make sure to visit the Church of San Giovanni Battista, a beautiful 14th-century church with Gothic-style architecture. The stunning views from the hilltop castle are not to be missed either.
Insider travel tips: Riomaggiore can get very crowded during the peak season, so try to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Don’t forget to try the local seafood and wine at one of the many restaurants along the seafront. And if you’re feeling adventurous, hike the stunning trails connecting all five villages of Cinque Terre.
4. Manarola
Manarola is a small town and fishing village located in the region of Cinque Terre, Italy.
What to see or do: – Take a walk along the colorful houses of the town, some of which date back to the 14th century.
Don’t miss: – Sunset views from the harbor are simply breathtaking.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes as the streets can be steep.
5. Corniglia
Corniglia is one of the five villages of the Cinque Terre in Italy and is located on a rocky promontory 100 meters above sea level.
What to see or do: One of the main attractions of Corniglia is the breathtaking panoramic view of the Ligurian Sea.
Visitors can also enjoy hiking along the coastline or exploring the narrow streets of the village to admire its colorful houses and church.
Don’t miss: Be sure to visit the church of San Pietro, located at the highest point of the village, to see the beautiful gothic facade and spectacular views.
Additionally, don’t miss the opportunity to taste the local specialties such as pesto and the famous Sciacchetrà dessert wine.
Insider travel tips: The village is accessible by train or by foot through a steep staircase of over 300 steps. Visitors can also use the shuttle bus service.
To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
6. Sentiero Azzurro
A scenic hiking trail that covers the five coastal villages of Cinque Terre in Italy.
What to see or do: Admire the breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea, colorful houses perched on cliffs, terraced vineyards, and olive groves. Enjoy the local cuisine and visit the picturesque fishing ports along the way.
Don’t miss: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore – the 5 charming villages that comprise Cinque Terre. Each of these towns has unique experiences to offer.
Insider travel tips: The trail can be crowded during peak tourist season, so it’s best to visit during the shoulder season. Wear comfortable shoes and carry plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Purchase a Cinque Terre Card in advance which offers access to the hiking trail, public transport, and other attractions.
7. Church of San Francesco
The Church of San Francesco is a historic religious site located in Monterosso al Mare, one of the five villages that make up the UNESCO-recognized Cinque Terre area on the Italian Riviera.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the simple yet elegant Gothic architecture of the church, which dates back to the 17th century. The interior features beautiful frescoes and artwork depicting scenes from the life of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Don’t miss: Make sure to check out the statue of Saint Francis located outside of the church, as well as the views of the rocky coastline and turquoise waters of the Ligurian Sea from the nearby promenade.
Insider travel tips: – The Church of San Francesco is easily accessible on foot from Monterosso’s train station, which connects to the other Cinque Terre villages.
8. Castello Doria
Castello Doria is a historic castle situated in the town of Portovenere in Cinque Terre, Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the castle’s well-preserved towers, walls, and gardens, and take in panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea and the town of Portovenere.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the breathtaking views of the Gulf of Poets and the surrounding landscape from the castle’s highest point.
Insider travel tips: It’s best to wear comfortable shoes as there are a lot of stairs in the castle. Additionally, be sure to visit during off-peak hours to avoid large crowds.
9. Sciacchetrà Wine Tasting
Sciacchetrà wine tasting is a unique experience that allows you to savor the most renowned local wine of Cinque Terre.
What to see or do: During a wine tasting session, visitors can appreciate the flavors and aromas of Sciacchetrà paired with local delicacies and learn about the wine-making process from local winemakers.
Don’t miss: Don’t forget to try the most exquisite wines produced in the rarest vintages of Sciacchetrà and the best local focaccia bread with pesto to pair with the drink.
Insider travel tips: Try to book a wine tasting session at one of the vineyards in advance to ensure an intimate experience with the winemakers.
Also, try to sample the wine with local desserts like biscotti or cannoli to have an authentic taste of this unique wine.
Lastly, don’t buy Sciacchetrà from any local shops as counterfeit products are quite common in this area.
10. Fegina Beach
A beautiful and popular beach located in the seaside town of Monterosso, one of the five villages in Cinque Terre, Italy.
What to see or do: The beach offers crystal-clear waters and soft golden sand, perfect for sunbathing, swimming and relaxing.
There are also vendors renting umbrellas and sun loungers, as well as paddle boats and kayaks for rent, making it easy to enjoy the stunning scenery from the sea.
Don’t miss: Walking along the promenade and enjoying the views of the colorful buildings and dramatic cliffs surrounding the beach.
Insider travel tips: Plan to arrive early to secure a good spot on the beach, especially during peak season. The waves can also be quite strong, so be careful when swimming.
Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are limited options for food and drinks on the beach.
11. Santuario di Nostra Signora di Montenero
A religious sanctuary located on a hilltop overlooking the town of Riomaggiore in the Cinque Terre region of Italy.
What to see or do: Explore the sanctuary’s beautiful church and chapels, admire the stunning views of the surrounding coastline, and take a peaceful stroll through the surrounding gardens and olive groves.
Don’t miss: The impressive statue of Our Lady of Montenero, which is said to have miraculous powers.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera to capture the stunning views from the hilltop. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and take advantage of cooler temperatures.
12. Cinque Terre National Park
A rugged coastline made up of five fishing villages in Liguria, Italy.
What to see or do: Explore the colorful villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Hike the cliffside trails between the villages for breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Swim and sunbathe on the rocky beaches.
Don’t miss: Try pesto, a local specialty made with basil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and pine nuts.
Visit the village of Manarola during the annual illuminated nativity scene display, when the buildings are lit up with Christmas lights in the shape of a nativity scene.
Insider travel tips: Bring comfortable walking shoes and plenty of water for the hiking trails. Try to visit during the off-season to avoid crowds.
Purchase a Cinque Terre Card for access to the trails, public transportation, and discounts on local attractions.
13. Sanctuary of Our Lady of Reggio
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Reggio is a stunning religious site located in the picturesque village of Vernazza, one of the five villages that make up the Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the beautiful architecture of the sanctuary’s façade and interior, with its vibrant frescoes and ornate altar.
The sanctuary is nestled on a hill just outside of the village, offering breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding cliffs.
It is also an important pilgrimage site, hosting a variety of religious ceremonies throughout the year.
Don’t miss: Make sure to check out the sanctuary’s bell tower, which is open certain hours every day. From the top of the tower, visitors can take in a panoramic view of Vernazza and the surrounding coastline.
Insider travel tips: Be aware that the walk up to the sanctuary involves some steep stairs and a bit of a climb, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a bit of a workout.
Consider visiting the sanctuary during a weekday to avoid crowds, and make sure to dress appropriately – shoulders and knees should be covered out of respect for the religious site.
14. Monterosso al Mare Beach
A beautiful and expansive beach located in the quaint coastal town of Monterosso al Mare, within the scenic Cinque Terre region of Italy.
What to see or do: Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and the stunning views of crystal-clear turquoise waters and magnificent cliffs surrounding the beach. You can also indulge in a variety of water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling.
Don’t miss: Stroll around the charming old town, where you can visit the historic church of San Giovanni Battista, sample delicious local seafood, or sip refreshing cocktails on the terrace of one of the many bars lining the beach.
Insider travel tips: – The beach can get quite crowded during peak season, so arrive early in the morning to secure a good spot.
✓ You on Insta? 👍@triplyzer✓ Find the best offers on your Stays on 🏡 booking.com
✓ Deals on Private xfers, SIM Cards, City tours, Day trips on 🛵 GetYourGuide | on 🛵 Klook
