Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre is a stunning region along the Italian Riviera, known for its colorful villages, beautiful coastline, and delicious cuisine. The area is actually a National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here is a quick rundown (by village) of the best things to include in your visit:

Monterosso al Mare

• Explore: Largest village with beautiful beaches and historic sites.

• Beaches: Fegina Beach (sandy and popular).

• Historical Sites: Church of San Giovanni Battista.

• Hiking: Trail 2 starts here and goes to Vernazza, offering beautiful sea views.

• Local Cuisine: Fresh seafood and basil pesto.

Vernazza

• Explore: Scenic harbor, narrow streets, and Doria Castle.

• Sunset Watching: Popular spot for sunsets.

• Hiking: Trail 2 continues from Monterosso to Vernazza.

• Local Cuisine: Fresh seafood and basil pesto.

Corniglia

• Explore: Perched on a cliff with amazing views.

• Wine Tasting: Known for local vineyards and wine tasting.

• Hiking: Part of the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) and other trails.

• Local Cuisine: Farinata (savory chickpea pancake).

Manarola

• Explore: Renowned for wine production and stunning sunsets.

• Sunset Watching: One of the best places for sunsets.

• Wine Tasting: Local wineries offer tastings and tours.

• Hiking: Various trails, including parts of the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail).

• Historical Sites: Church of San Lorenzo (built in 1338).

• Local Cuisine: Sciacchetrà (local sweet wine) and seafood.

Riomaggiore

• Explore: Known for its colorful houses and the Via dell'Amore (Lover’s Lane).

• Historical Sites: Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montenero.

• Boat Tours: Great starting point for boat tours along the coast.

• Local Cuisine: Fresh seafood and basil pesto.

General Activities Across All Five Villages

• Boat Tours: Offer unique perspectives of the coastline and villages.

• Hiking: Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) connects all villages.

• Local Markets: Explore for fresh produce, cheeses, and regional products.

• Relax and Soak in the Atmosphere: Wander the streets, enjoy a gelato, and soak in the charming atmosphere.

If you'd like to hike between the villages you'll need to purchase a pass at any of the trail head booths. We tried to do so a few years ago but the Blue Trail was closed along the easy section between Riomaggiore and Manarola because of ongoing repairs to the trail that have been required since the terrible flooding over a decade ago. Be sure to check before you go. 

If you'd like to visit the area you can easily combine a day or two in the Cinque Terre with a visit to Tuscany, Florence, or Milan. If you'd like some help putting together an itinerary and booking your trip, feel free to contact me. I can help you determine if a pre-packaged tour or a custom tour is a better fit for you.