20 Things to See and Do in Cinque Terre in 2-3 Days

Are you searching for ideas on what to see and do in Cinque Terre in just 2-3 days? You're in luck! This stunning region is one of the most enchanting areas in all of Italy, overflowing with captivating sights and experiences that will leave you awestruck.

But what exactly is Cinque Terre? Essentially, it's a strip of coastline located in the Liguria region, home to five picturesque villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare.

During our visit to Cinque Terre in 2 days, we divided the villages as follows: the first day exploring Monterosso, Vernazza, and Corniglia, while the second day was dedicated to Manarola and Riomaggiore. If you have 3 days in Cinque Terre, you’re even luckier! You'll have the opportunity to explore the villages at a more leisurely pace or embark on one of the excursions we recommend at the end of this guide.

It is also possible to see Cinque Terre in one day, but this means you will only get a glimpse of the most beautiful spots, which we believe include Manarola, Riomaggiore, and Monterosso.

Ready to discover this magical area in detail? But first, prepare for your visit by reading our post with tips for traveling to Cinque Terre. This will arm you with crucial information on how to get around, where to stay, and other useful insights.

The iconic image of Cinque Terre features colorful houses clinging to steep cliffs, overlooking the shimmering waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. So breathtaking is this landscape that it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, making it a truly magical place that we recommend to all types of travelers.

The best way to get around the region is by train. Be aware that there is a train pass available: the Cinque Terre Treno MS Card. However, sometimes it might be more economical to purchase individual tickets. The prices vary depending on the time of year you visit the park:

High Season (Range C – red, high level): €19.50
Medium Season (Range B – yellow, medium level): €27
Low Season (Range A – green, low level): €32.50

Now, let’s dive into the best 20 things to see and do in Cinque Terre. Take note, and get ready for a fantastic journey!

1. Explore Monterosso al Mare

We began our journey in Monterosso al Mare. Here, you can wander through narrow alleyways and visit the Church of San Giovanni Battista. Don’t miss the opportunity to hike up to the statue of San Francis of Assisi, where you'll find a stunning viewpoint overlooking the bay, with the Aurora Tower at your feet.

In Monterosso, you can also enjoy a delightful kayaking tour to experience the coastline from a different perspective.

2. Relax at Fegina Beach

If you are visiting between May and October, don’t forget your swimsuit! Monterosso is the only village with a proper beach, the beautiful Fegina Beach, featuring photogenic cliffs. Taking a dip here is a must-do experience in Cinque Terre.

3. Discover Vernazza

Another highlight of your Cinque Terre adventure will be taking a train or hiking along a coastal path to reach Vernazza, another picturesque village. The iconic image of this village features the impressive Church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia rising above the colorful houses, which you can best capture from the end of the harbor.

Pro tip: If you are there at lunchtime, nothing beats enjoying this view with a delicious focaccia with pesto from Batti Batti Focacceria—it’s simply divine.

4. Hike the Blue Trail

Hold on, did I mention hiking? Yes, Cinque Terre is a natural park with several stunning trails, the most famous being the Blue Trail that connects all the villages along a scenic 12 km coastal route. There are also other trails that lead through mountains, vineyards, and monasteries with spectacular viewpoints.

Before lacing up your hiking boots, check which trails are open on the official website. Due to recent torrential rains, some paths have suffered landslides and may be closed, so always verify on the official site.

5. Stroll along Via dell'Amore

If we have to mention one trail in particular, it has to be the famous "Via dell’Amore." This easy 1 km path winds along the cliffs between Riomaggiore and Manarola. Unfortunately, it has been closed for a long time, with plans for reopening not expected until July 2024. However, you can still walk the first 200 meters from the Manarola side.

6. Visit Corniglia

Corniglia is the smallest of the Cinque Terre villages and is definitely worth a visit. Be aware that from the train station, you’ll need to climb about 370 steps of the Scalinata Lardarina to reach the village. If you’re not feeling up to it, there’s a free bus option available with the Cinque Terre Card, or you can hike from Vernazza for some stunning views!

In Corniglia, make sure to visit the Church of San Pietro, known for its beautiful Genoese Gothic style, before heading to the highest point of the village for breathtaking views over the bay.

7. Take a Boat Ride

Since Corniglia is the only village without a port or direct access to the sea, you can opt to take a boat (battello) from any of the other villages to enjoy unforgettable views of Cinque Terre from the water. There’s an open ticket available for one day costing €42.50, allowing you to hop on and off as many times as you like. Just note that the service operates only from late March to late September. More information. We believe this is one of the best things to do in Cinque Terre without a doubt.

8. Savor Sciacchetrà Wine

You’ll notice that Corniglia and the surrounding areas are covered in vineyards. Here, they produce a DOC wine, so any of the villages are great places to enjoy a glass of their dry white wine or, if you prefer something sweeter, try the Sciacchetrà wine.

Cheers!

9. Experience Manarola

The next village to visit in Cinque Terre is Manarola, known for having the most beautiful sunsets in the region. Whether it’s sunset or daytime, you’ll enjoy your visit, especially if you wander along the path that ascends from the harbor up towards Punta Bonfiglio, which offers the perfect panoramic views!

10. Indulge in Ligurian Cuisine

The Liguria region, where Cinque Terre is located, is famous for its pesto alla genovese. You cannot leave without trying a plate of pasta al pesto, paired with a glass of regional wine. Another typical product of the area is the lemon, which is used to make the limoncino liqueur.

11. Visit Riomaggiore

And we arrive at the last village of Cinque Terre: Riomaggiore. Personally, it was my favorite village, featuring unique spots like the ancient castle, the Piazza Vignaioli, and the Church of San Giovanni Battista. However, the must-do here is to head down to the little harbor and capture its beauty from every angle! And if it’s sunny and you’re hungry, grab a cone of fried fish from Il Pescato Cucinato and enjoy it with one of the most iconic views of Cinque Terre.

12. Try the Best Gelato in Cinque Terre

There’s no gelato quite like the ones you can find in Italy, so make the most of it! The best gelato in Cinque Terre is said to be found at Gelateria Vernazza (Via Roma 13, Vernazza).

What’s your favorite flavor? We’re team pistachio and hazelnut 🙂

13. Dining Options in Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre isn’t exactly the most budget-friendly area in Italy, but you can find good restaurants at reasonable prices. Check out our post on restaurants in Cinque Terre for some recommendations.

Don’t panic prematurely; we genuinely thought it would be more expensive!

14. Nessun Dorma, the Terrace with the Best Views

A great place to grab a drink and marvel at the views from its terrace is the Nessun Dorma restaurant in Manarola. We discovered it thanks to an Instagram photo from the guys at Viviendo de Viaje, and wow, the vistas from there are breathtaking.

By the way, if you continue up towards the mountain from Nessun Dorma, you’ll find a picnic area with more spectacular views. If you want to save some money, grab wine, bread, and ham, and prepare your own aperitif.

15. Presepe di Manarola (Nativity Scene)

If your visit coincides with the Christmas season, there’s an extra reason to celebrate: the Presepe di Manarola. The mountain behind this village is adorned with hundreds of figurines and lights, creating a massive and unique nativity scene.

What a fun and original sight to see in Cinque Terre, don’t you think?

16. Other Viewpoints in Cinque Terre

At the ends of the villages, where the trails meet, there are often viewpoints with stunning panoramas. However, be careful: some, like the one in Vernazza on the way to Monterosso, are not super safe.

17. Genoa, a Great Day Trip from Cinque Terre

If you have several days for your trip, we recommend spending a day to explore Genoa, a city that, despite its decay, has a distinct charm. Once a powerful player in the Mediterranean, it is just over an hour from La Spezia by train.

We provide detailed insights on what to see and do in Genoa.

18. Visit La Spezia

Furthermore, La Spezia is not just the best base for exploring Cinque Terre; it’s also a charming city where you must take at least a stroll through its center. Head towards the port, and if the weather is nice, our favorite plan is to grab focaccia or pizza on the street—it has a fantastic atmosphere!

19. Porto Venere and Portofino

Two more lovely towns nearby that are worth a visit if you have time are Porto Venere and Portofino. Although we didn’t make it there, we’ve heard they are hidden gems worth exploring. They’re definitely on our list for a future visit!

20. Return for More Adventures in Cinque Terre

These villages (and I dare say this area) can be addictive: a single visit may only give you a first impression of the Cinque Terre National Park, but there’s so much more to see, especially if you love inland villages and local tourism.

Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore provide just a glimpse of the beauty here; there’s much more to discover throughout the Liguria region. We will definitely return!

These are the must-see experiences in Cinque Terre. Do you know of any other things to see and do? Share them with us!

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