How many days do you need in Cinque Terre

Thinking about a trip to Cinque Terre but not sure how long to stay? It depends on how much you want to see — and how much hiking (or relaxing) you’re up for. You can technically see all five villages in one rushed day, but you won’t actually experience them. Two days lets you visit each town without feeling too rushed, while three to four days gives you time to hike the trails, swim in hidden coves, and soak up the atmosphere. Here’s how many days you need in Cinque Terre and how to make the most of your time.

How many days do you need to see Cinque Terre?

If you just want a quick look, you can rush through all five villages in one day, but you’ll spend more time on trains than actually enjoying the scenery.

Two days is ideal if you want to explore the villages, visit a few scenic viewpoints, and get a taste of the local food.

In three days you can walk part of the famous Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro), take a boat ride along the coast and relax by the sea.

If you spend four days or more, you can explore at a slower pace, take a few trails, visit lesser-known places like Portovenere, or even take a day trip to neighboring La Spezia or Pisa.

2 days in Cinque Terre

Two days is enough time to explore all five villages without feeling too rushed. You will be able to admire the best views, taste local seafood and see at least one sunset over the Ligurian Sea.

Suggested itinerary

This plan makes sure you see the highlights while leaving time to soak up the atmosphere.

Day 1: Monterosso, Vernazza and Corniglia

Start your day in Monterosso al Mare, the only village with a real beach. Stroll along the promenade, grab a cappuccino, and take in the views from San Cristoforo Hill. If you're feeling ambitious, hike the scenic Sentiero Azzurro to Vernazza (about 1.5-2 hours).

Once in Vernazza, explore its colorful harbor, visit Doria Castle, and enjoy lunch at Ristorante Belforte, perched above the sea.

In the afternoon, take the train to Corniglia, the only village not directly on the water. Climb the Lardarina staircase (377 steps, but worth it), then wander the charming alleys. For a treat, stop at Gelateria Alberto for some of the best gelato in Cinque Terre.

End your day back in Vernazza with a sunset aperitivo at Gianni Franzi before heading to your accommodation.

Day 2: Manarola and Riomaggiore

Kick off the morning in Manarola, arguably the most photogenic of the five villages. Walk up to Nessun Dorma, a famous cliffside café, for a Ligurian breakfast with panoramic views.

Afterward, follow the Via dell’Amore (Lover’s Lane) to Riomaggiore — if it’s open (it’s been under renovation, so check ahead). If not, take the train instead.

Spend the afternoon exploring Riomaggiore’s pastel-hued streets, visit the small but picturesque marina, and grab fresh seafood from Il Pescato Cucinato. If the weather is warm, go for a swim or rent a kayak to see the coastline from the water.

Finish your trip with a sunset boat tour or dinner at Rio Bistrot, where you can watch the sky turn pink over the Ligurian Sea.

3 days in Cinque Terre

Three days gives you the chance to slow down, explore each village at a relaxed pace, and add some hiking or a boat trip. You’ll go beyond the usual viewpoints, discover hidden coves, and have time to enjoy local specialties like pesto trofie and anchovies marinated in lemon.

Suggested itinerary

This itinerary lets you fully experience Cinque Terre without rushing. You’ll get the best views — both from the trails and from the water — while having time to soak in the laid-back coastal life.

Day 1: Monterosso and Vernazza

Start your trip in Monterosso al Mare, the only village with a proper beach. Kick things off with a morning swim at Spiaggia Fegina, then grab a cappuccino and a slice of focaccia at Il Massimo della Focaccia — because in Liguria, focaccia is a breakfast food.

After a lazy morning by the sea, lace up your hiking boots for the scenic Sentiero Azzurro hike to Vernazza. It’s 2.5 miles (4km) of rugged coastline, with olive groves, terraced vineyards, and the kind of postcard-perfect views that make the sweat worth it.

Once in Vernazza, cool off with a spritz at Burgus Bar, then climb to Doria Castle for panoramic views of the harbor. For dinner, book a table at Ristorante Belforte, perched right on the cliffs — try the seafood pasta, and don’t rush your meal. Watching the sun dip behind the horizon is part of the experience.

Day 2: Corniglia and Manarola

Start the day in Corniglia, the quietest and least touristy village. Unlike the others, it’s perched high above the sea, so be ready for the Lardarina staircase — 377 steps up from the train station (or cheat and take the shuttle bus). Once at the top, reward yourself with a coffee at Cecio, where the terrace overlooks rolling vineyards.

Spend the late morning wandering Corniglia’s narrow lanes, then grab lunch at A Cantina da Mananan, a tiny trattoria with just a few tables and a cult following for its homemade pesto.

In the afternoon, take the train to Manarola, arguably the most photogenic of the five villages. Follow the path up to Punta Bonfiglio, where you’ll get that classic Cinque Terre postcard view — multicolored houses stacked above the sea. For an aperitivo, Nessun Dorma is the spot, but expect a wait (it’s worth it). Try the bruschetta platter and sip a local white wine as the waves crash below.

Day 3: Riomaggiore and a coastal adventure

Your last day starts in Riomaggiore, the southernmost village. Grab breakfast at Bar O’Netto, a no-frills spot where the locals get their morning espresso. Wander through the steep alleys before heading down to the tiny harbor — this is where the fishing boats line up in a perfect splash of color against the turquoise sea.

Instead of hiking today, take to the water. Rent a kayak from Cinque Terre Kayak and paddle along the coast, where you’ll discover hidden caves and rocky coves you can’t reach on foot. If you’d rather take it easy, hop on a boat tour that cruises past all five villages, giving you a completely different perspective from the sea.

For your final meal, Rio Bistrot is the perfect send-off. Its seafood risotto and sunset views make it a must. End the night with a glass of Sciacchetrà, the region’s famous dessert wine — it’s the perfect toast to three unforgettable days in Cinque Terre.

4 days in Cinque Terre

With four days in Cinque Terre, you can do more than just skim the surface. You'll have time to hike through terraced vineyards, discover secret swimming spots, taste some of the best seafood on the Ligurian coast, and even escape the crowds with a visit to the nearby town of Portovenere. This itinerary is a mix of adventure, relaxation, and slow Italian living — because Cinque Terre is best enjoyed at an unhurried pace.

Suggested itinerary

This four-day plan lets you fully immerse yourself in Cinque Terre’s rhythm — morning swims, scenic hikes, and long meals with ocean views.

Day 1: Monterosso and a taste of Liguria

Start your trip in Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five villages and the only one with a proper beach. Take a morning swim at Spiaggia Fegina, where the crystal-clear waters are perfect for shaking off jet lag. Then, grab a cappuccino at Pasticceria Laura, known for its freshly baked sfogliatelle and Ligurian pastries.

Before leaving Monterosso, take a short hike to the Sanctuary of Soviore, one of the oldest religious sites in Liguria. The climb is steep, but the panoramic views over the coast are stunning. From there, follow the ridge-top trail to Vernazza — a less-traveled route that offers spectacular scenery without the tourist crowds.

Once in Vernazza, skip the main piazza and take a detour into the backstreets, where small family-run trattorias serve traditional Ligurian dishes. Try Taverna del Capitano, a tiny, no-frills spot where the pesto pasta is made fresh daily.

Spend the late afternoon exploring the hidden cove near Vernazza’s harbor — it’s easy to miss, but if you walk past the breakwater, you’ll find a quiet swimming spot where locals go to cool off. Stick around for sunset, then grab dinner at Gambero Rosso, where the seafood is straight off the fishing boats.

Day 2: Corniglia and Manarola

Start your day in Corniglia, the only Cinque Terre village without direct sea access. This means fewer crowds and a slower pace, making it the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed morning. Take in the views from Santa Maria Belvedere, then grab breakfast at Pan e Vin, where the freshly baked focaccia with anchovies is a local favorite.

After wandering the village, set off on the Corniglia to Volastra hike, an alternative to the more famous coastal trails. This 2-hour route winds through ancient vineyards, past olive groves, and offers some of the best views in the region. Unlike the heavily trafficked Blue Trail, you’ll have stretches of this path completely to yourself.

Arriving in Volastra, stop for lunch at Cappun Magru, a family-run eatery that specializes in a traditional Ligurian dish made of seafood, vegetables, and fresh bread. Then, take the steep downhill path to Manarola, where you can cool off with a swim in the natural rock pools below the village.

In the evening, instead of heading to the packed restaurants, visit La Regina di Manarola, a tucked-away wine bar with sunset views and local Sciacchetrà wine. It’s quieter than the famous spots but just as magical.

Day 3: Riomaggiore and a boat trip to Portovenere

Today is all about Riomaggiore and the Ligurian coastline beyond Cinque Terre. Start the morning with a slow walk through Riomaggiore’s old town, visiting Castello di Riomaggiore, a medieval fortress that offers stunning coastal views.

For something off the beaten path, take the Santuario della Madonna di Montenero trail, a short but steep hike that leads to one of the best viewpoints in the region. From here, you can see all five villages without the usual crowds.

After lunch at Fuori Rotta, a small spot with an ever-changing seafood menu, hop on a ferry to Portovenere, a stunning medieval town just outside Cinque Terre.

Spend the afternoon exploring San Pietro Church, dramatically perched on the cliffs, then rent a kayak to explore Byron’s Grotto, a hidden swimming cove named after the poet who once swam there.

For dinner, grab a table at Trattoria Tre Torri, a Portovenere staple serving grilled octopus and handmade trofie pasta. As the sun sets, take the ferry back to Cinque Terre, enjoying the villages lit up along the coastline.

Day 4: Hidden trails and secluded swimming spots

Your last day in Cinque Terre is all about relaxation and discovery. Start with a quiet morning at San Bernardino, a tiny hamlet perched high above Vernazza. Most visitors never make it up here, but the views from the Santuario di Nostra Signora delle Grazie are some of the best in the region.

From here, take the San Bernardino to Vernazza trail, an overlooked but spectacular hike that winds through olive groves and terraced vineyards. Unlike the Blue Trail, you won’t be dodging crowds, and the scenery is just as breathtaking.

By midday, head to Spiaggia di Guvano, a hidden beach near Corniglia that was once a hippie retreat in the 1970s. The official path is closed, but a lesser-known access point remains — ask a local and they might let you in on the secret. The beach is rocky but blissfully empty, making it one of the best spots in Cinque Terre to enjoy a final swim.

For your last meal, skip the restaurants in town and book a vineyard dinner instead. Azienda Agricola Capellini, a small family-run winery above Manarola, offers private dinners with wine tastings overlooking the sea. It’s the perfect way to end your trip with a taste of true Ligurian hospitality.

Best area to stay in Cinque Terre

Unlike other Italian destinations, Cinque Terre doesn’t have a central base — each of its five villages offers a unique experience. Where you stay depends on what kind of trip you want. Do you want easy beach access? A quiet, romantic escape? Or the best hiking trails at your doorstep? Here’s how to choose the best village for your stay.

Monterosso al Mare: Best for first-time visitors

If it’s your first time in Cinque Terre, Monterosso al Mare is the easiest and most convenient place to stay. It’s the largest of the five villages, meaning more hotels, restaurants, and beach space — something the other villages don’t offer. You’ll have direct access to the train station, making it easy to explore the rest of Cinque Terre, and you won’t have to climb endless stairs to get to your accommodation (looking at you, Corniglia).

Monterosso is also home to Spiaggia Fegina, the best sandy beach in the region. If swimming and lazy seaside afternoons are on your agenda, this is where you want to be.

• Stay here if: You want a mix of beach time, easy transport, and the most accommodation options.
• Skip it if: You prefer a smaller, more traditional village experience.
• Top pick: Hotel Porto Roca – A cliffside hotel with unbeatable sea views and a private hiking path leading to Vernazza.

Manarola: Best for couples and romantic getaways

If your idea of the perfect Cinque Terre trip involves sunset views, cliffside dinners, and quiet evenings with a glass of wine, Manarola is where you want to stay. It’s arguably the most beautiful of the five villages, with pastel-colored houses cascading down the cliffs toward the sea. It’s also one of the best places for sunset watching, especially from Punta Bonfiglio.

Manarola has a small but scenic harbor, ideal for swimming in natural rock pools. Plus, it’s a great base if you plan to visit Volastra, a hidden gem above the village with some of the best vineyard hikes in the region.

• Stay here if: You want stunning views, a quieter atmosphere, and a romantic escape.
• Skip it if: You need a sandy beach — Manarola’s coastline is rocky.
• Top pick: La Torretta Lodge – A stylish boutique hotel with private terraces overlooking the sea.

Vernazza: Best for a classic Cinque Terre experience

If you picture yourself sipping wine in a lively piazza, watching fishing boats bob in the harbor, and staying in a traditional Ligurian village, Vernazza is your best bet. It’s the most photographed of the five villages, with a medieval castle, narrow backstreets, and a charming waterfront. It also has some of the best dining in Cinque Terre, with local seafood restaurants right on the harbor.

Vernazza is a great base for hikers, as the trails to both Monterosso and Corniglia start here. It’s bustling during the day, but evenings are quieter once the day-trippers leave.

• Stay here if: You want a classic, postcard-perfect Cinque Terre experience with great food and hiking access.
• Skip it if: You need lots of hotel options — Vernazza mainly has guesthouses and small B&Bs.
• Top pick: Albergo Barbara – A budget-friendly, family-run guesthouse with views right over the harbor.

Things to know before going to Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is one of Italy’s most breathtaking coastal destinations, but it comes with its quirks. The villages are stunning but not always easy to navigate — think steep staircases, limited roads, and trains that don’t always run on time. Prices can be higher than in other parts of Italy, especially during peak season, and finding accommodation can be tricky if you don’t book ahead. Whether you're budgeting for your trip, figuring out the best way to get around, or planning how to get there, here’s what you need to know before you go.

Daily budget

Cinque Terre isn’t the cheapest place in Italy, but with some planning, you can make it work for different budgets. If you’re keeping costs low, expect to spend $65–100 (€60–90) per day, staying in budget guesthouses or hostels, grabbing takeaway focaccia, and sticking to free activities like hiking and swimming.

For a more comfortable experience, $130–220 (€120–200) per day will get you a mid-range hotel, restaurant meals, and unlimited train travel between the villages.

If you’re going all out with luxury seafront hotels, fine dining, and private boat tours, budget at least $275+ (€250+) per day. And if you plan on having a few glasses of Sciacchetrà (Cinque Terre’s famous dessert wine), be prepared — bottles start at $33 (€30) and can go much higher.

How to get around

Forget cars — Cinque Terre’s roads are narrow, winding, and mostly off-limits to visitors. The best way to get around is by train, ferry, or on foot.

The Cinque Terre Express train runs frequently between the villages, with a one-way ticket costing about $5 (€4.50). If you plan to take multiple trips, the Cinque Terre Train Card is a better deal, giving you unlimited rides for a daily fee.

Hiking is another great way to travel between the villages, but not all trails are open year-round. The Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) is the most famous route, but check ahead, as sections are often closed due to landslides. If you’re up for a challenge, the higher ridge trails between Volastra, Levanto, and Riomaggiore offer incredible views without the crowds.

For a different perspective, ferries run between all villages except Corniglia, with stops in Portovenere and La Spezia. If you want even more freedom, rent a kayak and explore the coastline at your own pace — you might even find a hidden beach along the way.

How to get to Cinque Terre

The nearest major airport is Pisa International Airport (PSA), about 1.5 hours by train from La Spezia, the gateway to Cinque Terre. You can also fly into Genoa (GOA) or Florence (FLR), but expect a longer train journey to reach the coast.

From Pisa, Florence, or Genoa, take a train to La Spezia, then switch to the Cinque Terre Express, which stops in Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. If you're coming from Milan or Rome, direct trains to La Spezia are available but take 3-5 hours depending on the route.

If you’re already in northern Italy and want a scenic alternative, take the ferry from Portovenere or nearby towns like Levanto and Rapallo. The views from the water are unbeatable, and arriving by boat is a spectacular way to first see the villages.

Plan your trip with Rough Guides

Cinque Terre is one of Italy’s most unforgettable destinations, but planning the perfect trip isn’t always easy. From choosing the right village to finding the best trails, our Rough Guide to Italy has everything you need to explore like a pro.

Want a stress-free experience? Our tailor-made trips are designed by locals who know Cinque Terre inside and out. We handle the details — you enjoy the views, the food, and the adventure.

Looking to explore beyond Cinque Terre? Check out our Italy itineraries for 5, 7, 10, and 14 days, covering everything from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the ancient streets of Rome.

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