Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
The incredible things to do in Cinque Terre often involve a fork, a footpath, and a feast for the senses. This UNESCO-listed slice of Liguria is where flavours are bold, views are endless, and life moves at the perfect pace. The Cinque Terre, meaning “Five Lands,” is a collection of five villages along the Italian Riviera whose history dates back to the 11th century. Known for its picturesque landscapes, colourful houses, and rugged coastline, the Cinque Terre is a popular destination for travellers seeking authentic Italian vibes. Here’s your guide to making every moment count in this coastal paradise.
Top 10 Things To Do In Cinque Terre
From adventurous hiking to exploring vibrant and colourful streets, here are the top 10 things to do in Cinque Terre.
1. Hike The Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail)
Photo: СССР / Wikimedia Commons
The Sentiero Azzurro is the most famous hiking path in Cinque Terre, connecting all five villages with breathtaking cliffside views. The trail stretches about 12 kilometres and winds through vineyards, olive groves, and rustic terraces. It’s moderately challenging, but every step rewards you with postcard-worthy scenes of the Ligurian Sea. Don’t miss the stretch between Vernazza and Corniglia, arguably the most picturesque. Be sure to wear good walking shoes and check for trail closures due to weather or maintenance.
Location: Cinque Terre, Liguria, Italy
Nearest Railway Station: La Spezia Centrale
Best Time To Visit: April to June or September to October
2. Discover The Sanctuary Of Our Lady Of Montenero
Photo: Sailko / Wikimedia Commons
Perched high above Riomaggiore, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montenero offers a spiritual retreat with jaw-dropping views. The hike up is steep but manageable, and the silence at the top is calming. This peaceful sanctuary has been a pilgrimage site for centuries. Even if you’re not religious, the location offers one of the best panoramic views of Cinque Terre, a photographer’s dream.
Location: Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre, Italy
Nearest Railway Station: Riomaggiore Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: April to October
3. Take A Boat Tour Along The Coast
Photo: Sean Sweeney / Unsplash
Seeing Cinque Terre from the water offers a whole new perspective. Numerous local operators offer boat tours that glide past all five villages, giving you the chance to snap incredible photos and enjoy the sea breeze. Some tours include snorkelling, sunset cruises, or even stops in Portovenere. It’s a relaxing way to experience the rugged coastline without hiking and adds a touch of luxury to your adventure.
Location: Cinque Terre, Ligurian Coast, Italy
Nearest Railway Station: La Spezia Centrale
Best Time To Visit: April to October
4. Wander Riomaggiore’s Colourful Streets
Riomaggiore, the southernmost village, enchants with its steep, narrow streets and vibrant buildings stacked like Lego blocks along the cliffs. The village is small, but its energy is undeniable. Spend time wandering its charming alleys, exploring tiny artisan shops, or sitting with locals in a piazza. Head down to the rocky harbour for a swim or just watch fishermen mend their nets – authenticity thrives here.
Location: Cinque Terre, Liguria region, Italy
Nearest Railway Station: Riomaggiore Train Station (on the Genoa–La Spezia line)
Best Time To Visit: Mid-April to late September
5. Taste Sciacchetrà Wine In A Vineyard
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / PxHere / Image For Representation Only
This is one of the intriguing things to do in Cinque Terre. The terraced hills of Cinque Terre are home to ancient vineyards that produce Sciacchetrà, a rare and sweet dessert wine. Join a guided wine tour or visit a local cellar to learn about the traditional methods used to grow grapes on such steep terrain. Tasting this golden nectar while surrounded by the very vines that produced it, is an experience that connects you to the land and its long winemaking history in the most delicious way possible.
Location: Manarola and Volastra
Nearest Railway Station: Manarola Train Station
Best Time To Visit: September to October (harvest season)
6. Indulge In Local Cuisine And Seafood
Photo: Lgh_9 / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Food is at the heart of the Cinque Terre experience. Expect dishes rich in flavour, simple in preparation, and fresh from the land and sea. Must-tries include trofie al pesto (a local pasta with basil sauce), fresh mussels, and fritto misto (fried seafood served in paper cones). Every village has its own trattorias, many with cliffside or harbour views. And don’t skip the focaccia—it’s a local staple that makes a perfect hiking snack.
Location: Across Cinque Terre
Nearest Railway Station: La Spezia Centrale
Best Time To Visit: May to September for the best weather
7. Taste Lemon Delights In Monterosso
Photo: Lee Coursey / Wikimedia Commons
Monterosso is famous for its giant, zesty lemons, which make their way into everything from limoncello to lemon gelato. Don’t miss trying torta di limone, a lemon cake that’s both tangy and sweet. You’ll also find lemon-scented soaps and perfumes in the shops here. The town’s lemon festival, held in May, celebrates this citrus treasure with tastings, music, and a parade; if you’re lucky to visit at that time, you’re in for a lemony treat.
Location: Cinque Terre, Liguria, Italy
Nearest Railway Station: Monterosso al Mare Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: April to June, September to October
8. Ride The Cinque Terre Express Train
Photo: Remontees / Wikimedia Commons
While hiking is iconic, the Cinque Terre Express train is the most efficient way to travel between villages, especially if you’re short on time or energy. The ride between each village takes just a few minutes and offers scenic glimpses of the coast. Trains run frequently, making it easy to hop on and off as you explore. Purchase a Cinque Terre Card, which includes unlimited train travel and trail access.
Location: Cinque Terre, Liguria, Italy
Nearest Railway Station: La Spezia Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: April to June and September to October
9. Visit The Church Of San Lorenzo In Manarola
Photo: Davide Papalini / Wikimedia Commons
Builders constructed this church in the 14th century in the Ligurian-Gothic style. This is a good stopping point to take a seat and overlook the beauty of the town. With its rose window and stone façade, the Church of San Lorenzo is both beautiful and peaceful. Step inside for a quiet moment of reflection or simply admire the architecture from the outside. It’s also a great point to start a short walk to a nearby viewpoint offering amazing shots of the town and coastline below.
Location: Manarola, Cinque Terre, Italy
Nearest Railway Station: Manarola Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to October)
10. Explore Vernazza’s Castle And Harbour
Photo: Grzegorz Gołębiowski / Wikimedia Commons
Vernazza is one of the picturesque villages and is often considered the crown jewel of Cinque Terre. Colourful fishing boats dot the charming harbour, and its mediaeval architecture gives it a fairytale feel. Climb up to Castello Doria, the ancient watchtower, for sweeping views of the sea and the village rooftops. Afterwards, stroll through the narrow alleys, grab a gelato, and relax at the waterfront, an ideal mix of history, beauty, and tranquillity.
Location: Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Italy
Nearest Railway Station: Vernazza Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: April to June, September to October
By now, the pleasant things to do in Cinque Terre have likely crept into your daydreams: sipping espresso with a sea view, pretending you’re a local while fumbling through basic Italian, or writing poetry on a stone wall in Corniglia. So plan your cliffside strolls and seaside sips with TripXL to manage your next beautiful escape.
Cover Photo: Mike L / Unsplash
