Top 10 things to see in Cinque Terre
👑 Top 10 Things to See in Cinque Terre, Italy: A Complete Travel Guide
Cinque Terre, located along the rugged coast of Italy’s Liguria region, is a picturesque collection of five colorful villages—Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Known for its dramatic cliffs, Mediterranean views, and charming architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Italy’s most beloved travel destinations. From stunning beaches to scenic hiking trails, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. In this guide, we'll walk you through the top 10 things to see in Cinque Terre that should be on every traveler’s itinerary.
👇 Looking for more Cinque Terre travel tips? Scroll down for more amazing guides! 👇
Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre
Riomaggiore holds a special place in my heart as my personal favorite town in Cinque Terre, thanks to its charming streets, colorful buildings, and picturesque harbor. You can find a little 📍rocky beach at the end of Riomaggiore, perfect for a refreshing swim after completing the Blue Trail. I highly recommend experiencing the incredible sunset from here for an unforgettable moment. I recommend visiting the offical website of Cinque terre here for more informations.
📖 Read: Cinque Terre itinerary 3 days
Manarola, Cinque Terre
Manarola is a beautiful village known for its colorful houses and stunning views of the sea. Explore the terraced vineyards and enjoy local wines, especially the famous Sciacchetrà. Near the harbor, there's a lovely spot for swimming that resembles a natural pool, where people enjoy jumping from high rocks.
Vernazza, Cinque Terre
Arriving in Vernazza by hiking from Monterosso al Mare leads you to one of the best viewpoints in Cinque Terre. If you haven't taken this trail, I highly recommend finding your way up to the viewpoint, because it's truly spectacular. The town itself is incredibly charming, with the same vibrant colors as the other Cinque Terre towns.
Monterosso al Mare, Cinque Terre
As the largest of the five villages, Monterosso al Mare is known for its laid-back beach atmosphere with its beautiful sandy beaches.
Corniglia, Cinque Terre
Situated atop a cliff a bit further from the sea, this village offers a unique perspective compared to the other villages. While there may not be as many activities here, it's perfect for enjoying a nice glass of wine while admiring the beautiful coastal view.
💥 Pro tip: there are over 300 stairs leading up to the village, or alternatively, you can wait for the bus at the exit of the train station, although there's often a long line, and the wait can be up to 30 minutes.
Hiking the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail)
The trail connects all the five villages, so you can hike between them and experience the incredible landscapes from above. I highly recommend doing at least one or two hikes, as it will give you the best experience of Cinque Terre's natural beauty.
💥 Pro tip: Some of the paths that connect the Cinque Terre may be closed. To find out in real time visit the official website of the Cinque Terre National Park where you will find the detailed map.
Via Beccara
Via Beccara is a challenging 2-hour hike between Riomaggiore and Manarola. It involves a steep, one-hour climb up rocky stairs, making it difficult, especially in hot weather, but the views along the way are amazing.
Portovenere
Portovenere, although not part of the Cinque Terre villages, is one of the best destinations in my opinion, offering plenty to see and do. Don't miss a visit here! You can easily reach it from La Spezia by public bus (tickets available for 2.5 euros at any tabaccheria, not on the bus). While the town shares the same charm as the other five villages, its larger size provides even more to explore.
La Spezia
La Spezia serves as more of a base for exploring the region, but don't overlook its charming old town and bustling harbor.
Boat tours
I highly recommend taking a ferry or a boat tour to see the picturesque villages from the sea. It offers a completely different perspective. They can cost between 5-40 euros per person, depending on your choice.
