Where to actually go in Cinque Terre

Il Pirata delle Cinque Terre

Cafe · Vernazza

A café run by two Sicilian brothers, known for cannoli and granita.

Best for: breakfast or a sweet stop

Best time: morning

Monterosso al Mare

Area · Monterosso

The biggest village, with the only real sandy beach of the five.

Best for: the beach, a base

Best time: afternoon

Vernazza

Area · Vernazza

A tiny harbour with a church on the water and a castle tower above; the postcard village.

Best for: the classic view

Best time: sunset

Castello Doria

Viewpoint · Vernazza

A small tower above Vernazza harbour with a view down the coast.

Best for: a cheap view

Best time: late afternoon

Corniglia

Area · Corniglia

The only village not on the sea: perched on a cliff, reached by a long staircase from the station.

Best for: a quieter village

Best time: midday

Manarola

Area · Manarola

Pastel houses stacked on a rock above a swimming cove; the most photographed sunset view.

Best for: sunset photos, a swim

Best time: sunset

Riomaggiore

Area · Riomaggiore

A steep village of colourful houses in a ravine above a tiny harbour.

Best for: evening atmosphere

Best time: evening

Via dell'Amore

Walk · Riomaggiore to Manarola

A short, flat cliffside path between two villages, reopened in 2024 after years of closure.

Best for: an easy famous walk

Booking: Book a timed slot online in advance.

Best time: morning

Sentiero Azzurro (Monterosso–Vernazza–Corniglia)

Walk · between the villages

The coastal hiking path through vineyards and olive groves, with sea views the whole way.

Best for: the signature hike

Booking: Needs a Cinque Terre Card.

Best time: morning

Heads up: Steep steps; bring water and proper shoes. Sections close after rain.

Volastra vineyard trail

Walk · above Manarola

A higher, quieter path through terraced vineyards above Manarola.

Best for: avoiding the crowds

Best time: afternoon

Punta Mesco

Viewpoint · between Monterosso and Levanto

A headland on the trail to Levanto with a view over all five villages.

Best for: the whole-coast view

Best time: morning

Il Gigante statue

Sight · Monterosso (Fegina beach)

A huge stone giant carved into the rocks at the end of the beach.

Best for: a photo stop

Best time: any time

Cinque Terre ferry

Activity · between the villages

Boats link the villages (except Corniglia) and Portovenere: the best view of the coast is from the water.

Best for: seeing the villages from the sea

Best time: afternoon

Heads up: Cancelled in rough seas.

Cinque Terre Card (Treno)

Activity · any village station

A day pass for unlimited local trains plus the coastal trails.

Best for: hopping between villages

Booking: Buy online or at station info points.

Best time: any time

Santuario di Montenero

Walk · above Riomaggiore

A steep climb to a hilltop sanctuary with a huge view down the coast.

Best for: a quiet hike

Best time: morning

Portovenere

Area · by boat or bus from La Spezia

A colourful harbour town with a church on a rock at the tip of the peninsula.

Best for: a day trip

Best time: full day

La Spezia

Area · La Spezia

The port city at the end of the line: the cheapest base, with normal-priced restaurants.

Best for: a budget base

Best time: evening

Levanto

Beach · just north of Monterosso

A relaxed beach town with surf, cheaper stays and a seaside cycle path.

Best for: a budget base, a beach day

Best time: afternoon

Levanto–Bonassola cycle path

Activity · Levanto to Bonassola

A flat path through old railway tunnels along the sea, to beaches at Bonassola.

Best for: an easy bike or walk

Best time: afternoon

Nessun Dorma

Bar · Manarola

A terrace bar with the famous view of Manarola, known for bruschetta and spritz.

Best for: a sunset drink with the view

Best time: sunset

Heads up: Queues at sunset in summer.