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Best 3-Day Cinque Terre Itinerary: Where to Stay, Eat, What to Do

Aerial view of colored houses and yellow cathedral in Vernazza

Picture this… towering rugged cliffs topped with a tumbling array of colorful houses, set against a backdrop of terraced vineyards and fronted by the sparkling sapphire blue of the Mediterranean! That's Cinque Terre, and oh my she is lovely – five ancient fishing villages lining one of the most stunning stretches of the Italian Riviera.

I fell in love when I first visited Cinque Terre many years ago, before its Instagram boom, and it's still a place I can return to again and again, despite the massive growth of tourism. I suggest spending two nights and three full days in Cinque Terre. In this 3-Day Cinque Terre itinerary, I include where to stay, how to get around, and what to do in this magical place full of sun, waves, Aperol spritz, and pesto.

drone shot of manarola at sunset

A Quick Rundown of Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre consists of five villages on the Ligurian Sea, flanked by La Spezia in the south and Levanto in the north. The name literally translates to “five lands”. The Cinque Terre villages are not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also make Cinque Terre National Park, so they're a must-visit spot on the Italian Coast.

Colorful houses of Marina at Riomaggiore

All of the Cinque Terre towns are similar at first glance, but each has its own personality with pros and cons. From north to south, the five villages are:

  • Monterosso al Mare: The biggest of the five towns, Monterosso al Mare includes a stunning black and white striped cathedral, the only sandy beach in the area, and some fun shopping. It's also guarded by a giant!

  • Vernazza: Perhaps the most picturesque village, Vernazza has a natural harbor, a shoreside castle, and plenty of great spots for photographers to snap the perfect shot.

  • Corniglia: Hill-top Corniglia is my favorite of the five towns. It's less visited by tourists due to its elevation and has a rustic charm of its own.

  • Manarola: Manarola has a rocky harbor perfect for cliff jumping and sunbathing. It also boasts a cute seaside piazza with plenty of seafood restaurants.

  • Riomaggiore: The most southern town feels livelier and younger. It has slightly better nightlife and is the only dive center in the area if you fancy a little scuba diving.

Where to Stay in Cinque Terre

Colorful houses of hilltop Corniglia

I'm going to go out on a limb here with a very unpopular opinion. Centralized Vernazza is the most popular town to stay in, but I think Corniglia offers the most quintessential Cinque Terre charm. With a ravine terraced in vineyards on one side, and the crashing waves of the Ligurian on the other, the views from your balcony with a morning coffee are unbeatable!

The winding cobblestone streets are adorable, and the tiny town center is perfect for people-watching. You can join the group of elderly men on the benches who do it every evening.

Corniglia is often missed by daytrippers visiting Cinque Terre, but it can still feel crowded. It's special at night when tourists leave and locals start their “passeggiate”. It has a couple of good restaurants for a delicious meal and a handful of local shops for authentic food supplies.

View of hilltop colored houses Corniglia from the sea

If you're looking for a quieter spot in Cinque Terre, it's a great town. I have stayed in Corniglia both with my husband and my mom, and it was perfect both times. Just be prepared for the almost 400 steps up to town from the train platform or to wait on the shuttle bus.

Most of the best accommodation options in Corniglia are listed on Airbnb. You will need to book your accommodation early, as the tiny village has fewer options than its neighbors.

Money-Saving Option for Cinque Terre

Manarola at night under moonlight

Since it has become such a popular destination in recent years, prices have soared in Cinque Terre. I highly recommend staying at least one night in the villages because the atmosphere is so different at night.

However, if you can't swing the luxury hotel price, look for a stay in nearby Levanto or La Spezia where you can easily get a room in peak season for less than 100 Euros. La Spezia is a larger port town with the most accommodation choices. It has some historic attractions and a beautiful seaside public garden too.

No matter which village you choose, you really can't go wrong. Here are a few more fantastic accommodation options:

Getting to Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre Train line with ocean

You can easily reach Cinque Terre by a relatively short train ride from Florence, Pisa, or Rome. You will take the regional train to the main train station in the port town of La Spezia or the northern town of Levanto. From either spot, you can hop on the local train to visit any of the five villages.

You can drive as well, but beware, parking in this area is nearly impossible.

Getting Around Cinque Terre

View of Vernazza from Blue Trail

Once you've arrived in your chosen village, there are three primary ways to explore Cinque Terre: by train, by foot, or by boat.

Take the Rails

The local train runs every few minutes along the shore, connecting the five towns to La Spezia and Levanto. All the villages can be reached by train. Single tickets and day passes can be purchased online or at the train stations. Train times and prices vary by season.

Take the Ferry

Cinque Terre has a fantastic ferry system that runs daily from March to November. Like the train, it runs from Levanto to La Spezia and stops in all five villages. You can purchase simple tickets between each village, a one-way day trip, or a roundtrip ticket with unlimited hop-on/offs to save a few dollars.

Traverse the Hiking Trail

The famous Cinque Terre Coastal Trail, better known as the Blue Trail technically connects all five villages. However, the “Lover's Lane” segment from Manarola to Riomaggiore was damaged by a landslide in 2011 and is set to reopen in July 2024. It's a scenic trail with incredible views at every breathtaking turn!

Travel Passes and Logistics

View of Manarola from the sea

Like most major tourist destinations, Cinque Terre has developed a couple of tourist cards to make your stay easier.

Cinque Terre Trekking Card

The Cinque Terre Trekking Card grants you access to all hiking trails within the national park, with prices ranging from 7.50 Euros to 15 Euros depending on the season. For most travelers, I would bypass this one and go for the Cinque Terre Treno MS Card instead.

The Cinque Terre Treno MS Card

Better known as just the Cinque Terre Train Card, this handy pass not only includes the hiking trails but all train transit on the Levanto-Cinque Terre-La Spezia line.

The Cinque Terre pass also provides free visits to the bathrooms at the train stations, which if you're like me, and it drives you crazy to pay to pee, is worth its weight in gold.

You'll also receive decreased admission fees at civic museums. There are several pricing plans that vary by number of passes purchased and time of travel.

The Perfect 3-Day Cinque Terre Itinerary

Black and white church in Monterosso al Mare

Day 1: Get There and Get Settled

For your first day in Cinque Terre, I recommend getting to know the village you're staying in. You'll have plenty of time to explore the other towns. Take it easy today.

Check into your hotel. See if your town has a free beach (Spiaggia Libera). Wander the narrow streets of Old Town, buy your souvenirs, get a gelato, and visit the churches in the village. Today's about getting a feel for the place.

Day 2: Cinque Terre Hike from Corniglia to Monterosso al Mare

Tourists climbing the stairs to Corniglia

If you're staying in Corniglia or Vernazza, get up early and start your hike north along the Blue Trail. Today will be a thigh burner. The trail is steep in places, but you'll be rewarded with the most amazing views.

Be on the lookout for the really random cat sanctuary. Stop and admire the backward view over the town of Vernazza, and visit the little cemeteries along the way. If you start early, you'll have plenty of time to explore each village.

Hit the Highlights

View of Doria Castle in Vernazza Cinque Terre
  • In Vernazza, climb Doria Castle Tower, see the Church of Saint Margaret of Antioch, peruse the adorable shops of Old Town, and wet your feet in the sand of one of Vernazza's two small beaches. Be sure to enjoy the epic viewpoints of the town and take hundreds of photos.

  • Feed and cuddle the kittens at the feral cat sanctuary between Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare.

  • When you arrive at Monterosso al Mare, get lunch and a view of Torre Aurora. Take a quick peek at the 14th-century black-and-white striped Parrocchia San Giovanni Battista and the Convent of the Capuchin Friars. Then, spend your afternoon at one of Monterosso al Mare's beaches.

  • Monterosso is the only village with true sand, so it's the best spot for a beach day. Speggia Fegina is the largest, and you can rent parasols and chairs there. Make sure to walk down to Speggia Gigante and ponder the giant statue of Neptune looking out over his domain!

  • Take the train or ferry back to Corniglia for testaroli al pesto at Osteria a Cantina de Mananan.

View of Fegina Beach in Monterosso al Mare from Blue Trail

Tips for the Blue Trail

  • You must have the Cinque Terre Card or pay a fee at the entrance to the Blue Path, so bring cash.

  • You must wear closed-toed shoes on the trail.

  • Bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat.

  • Consider wearing your swimsuit under your clothes if you plan on enjoying the water at Monterosso al Mare.

Blue Trail Cinque Terre with blue water

Day 3: Manarola and Riomaggiore

Aerial view of Manarola

On day three, you'll head in the opposite direction to visit the southern two villages. If you'd like to hike, the famous Lover's Lane is said to be reopening to tourists in August 2024. Check for reopening updates before attempting to hike.

Otherwise, take the train or ferry to Riomaggiore and explore Castello di Riomaggiore. Take a few photos overlooking the picturesque harbor and visit Oratorio di Santa Maria Assunta.

Hop the train to Manarola where you can enjoy sunbathing on the rocks in the swimming harbor, or if you dare, join the youngsters for some cliff jumping. Take your time to enjoy the historic photographs in the walking tunnel from the train station to the city square.

Segment of Blue Trail with Manarola in background

Manarola has an adorable piazza with a fantastic view and some wonderful restaurants. For a budget-friendly and tasty lunch, the paninis at Fooderia are absolutely delicious. I snag one and enjoy it from the benches on the piazza or a flat rock in the marina.

Another popular lunch or aperitivo option is Nessun Dorma which serves bruschetta and meat platters with the best view in town! Use their app to reserve a place in the line.

Afternoon Boat Tour

Harbor of Vernazza from the sea with houses and boats

You've now seen and enjoyed all five villages, and you still have a few hours left on day three. I suggest taking a sailing or kayaking tour from Manarola.

There's just something about viewing all the villages and the rugged coastline from the water. It adds a whole new level of charm. It's as if they were built to be seen from the sea. San Georgio Boats, though expensive, offers completely customizable private tour options from Manarola.

For a more budget-friendly option, you can book half-day boat tours (about three hours) from Get Your Guide. Most of these leave from La Spezia and go in the morning though (except for the sunset boat tour), so you'd have to flip-flop your agenda for the day.

If you choose to do this, just take the train in the morning all the way to La Spezia and do your boat tour first thing, then follow the itinerary above after returning from the tour.

Hydrophobic Afternoon Alternative

Palm trees and benches in the walking garden of La Spezia

If boats aren't you're thing, then spend your afternoon enjoying the two varieties of local wine made in Cinque Terre on a wine tour, or try your hand at making pasta with this highly-rated pesto-making class!

Cinque Terre Travel Tips

Ravine and swimming cove in Corniglia

A visit to Cinque Terre is a delight if you're properly prepared, but it can be a nightmare if you're not. To fully enjoy your trip, I recommend:

  • Visiting Cinque Terre in the shoulder seasons of April or October.

  • Packing hiking shoes or sneakers for hiking.

  • Having a backup plan for train strikes, which happen often in Italy.

  • Use the Trenitalia App to easily book your train tickets in advance.

  • Booking all hotels at least six months in advance, but a year is better! The towns are small and accommodation is limited. The good ones go fast!

  • Eating every chance you get. Liguria is famous for fresh pasta and pesto, fresh seafood, and delectable local wines!

  • Getting the Cinque Terre Train Card.

Cinque Terre Itinerary – Frequently Asked Questions

Riomaggiore from the sea

🧳 How many days is enough to see Cinque Terre?

The perfect Cinque Terre itinerary is two nights and three full days. This allows you enough time to fully soak in the atmosphere, wander the colorful houses, and enjoy each pebbly beach with a spritz in hand!

☀️ When is the best time to visit Cinque Terre?

If you want to swim and enjoy the beach, then June-August is best. However, if you want to beat the crowds, visit Cinque Terre in April or October. The weather is still nice, but some small businesses may be closed.

🏠 What is the best town to stay in in Cinque Terre?

Vernazza is the most picturesque town and is centrally located. Monterosso al Mare is the only town with a beach and is the largest. For a quiet stay away from most tourists though, choose tiny, hilltop Corniglia!

Cinque Terre Itinerary – Final Words

Flag flying over bay in Cinque terre

Three days in Cinque Terre is a dream by any vacation standard! With this Cinque Terre itinerary, you'll enjoy each adorable village at a leisurely pace, try tasty fried seafood, soak up incredible views, take sweat-inducing hikes followed by dripping gelato, and absorb more Italian charm than you can stand.

Use this itinerary as your base, but tweak it however you like. When you visit Cinque Terre, it's a personal experience meant to be enjoyed your way! If you've been on the fence about visiting Cinque Terre, hop off the fence and on the next train, this delicious slice of Italy is not to be missed!

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