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Things to do in Cinque Terre

Experience the beauty of the Italian Riviera as you travel through these five colorful hillside villages.

Our most recommended things to do in Cinque Terre

From Florence: Seaside Beauty Day Trip to Cinque Terre

1. From Florence: Seaside Beauty Day Trip to Cinque Terre

Visit one of Italy's most enchanting destinations, Cinque Terre, on a day trip by coach, train, and boat. Each of these unforgettable little cities will take your breath away with their gravity-defying dance above the azure waters. This day trip will give you an unforgettable and fun introduction to this coastal gem. Begin your tour of these UNESCO sites at daybreak with your arrival in La Spezia. Board a train to Riomaggiore, a quaint medieval town dating to the 13th century. Marvel at the winding streets of this village and its charming houses leaning one against the other. Next, head over to Manarola to enjoy panoramic views. Continue on to Monterosso, an ancient fishing village considered the "pearl of the Cinque Terre." Finally, take a boat across to Vernazza, whose natural port has kept it safe from invaders for centuries.

Cinque Terre: Riomaggiore, Monterosso, Vernazza Boat Cruise

2. Cinque Terre: Riomaggiore, Monterosso, Vernazza Boat Cruise

Experience the Cinque Terre coast by boat and take in gorgeous views of vineyards terraces and charming buildings from the sea. Make time to stop at Riomaggiore, Monterosso, and Vernazza along the way. Start at La Spezia's harbor and sail through the Gulf of the Poets admiring the magnificent village of Portovenere and the island of Palmaria from the boat. Reach the first village of Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore, passing by the mesmerizing coastline with its famous terraced vineyard landscape and colorful houses. The city is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Here, visit the imposing church of San Giovanni Battista with your guide and enjoy some free time to stroll through the narrow streets. In Monterosso al Mare, explore the medieval historic center and marvel at the parish church dedicated to St. John, the Baptist. Then continue the sailing to Vernazza, the pearl of the Cinque Terre. Vernazza presents itself to visitors as the prow of a ship: most of the village is in fact built on a small promontory that ends at the sea with an imposing fortification system. At the end of the tour, enjoy free time and take the chance to taste the local wine and food, or go for a swim in the crystal clear water of the Mediterranean.

La Spezia: Cruise to Porto Venere, Monterosso and Vernazza

3. La Spezia: Cruise to Porto Venere, Monterosso and Vernazza

Board the ferry at La Spezia and start your boat trip to Porto Venere. Cruise for approximately 30-minutes before reaching Porto Venere. Disembark the ferry for a walk through the town. Porto Venere is a fortified seaside village filled with colorful houses and medieval buildings. During your tour, you will pass the Church of San Pietro, one of the most religious buildings in all of Italy, before walking through narrow streets. Pass the Church of San Lorenzo and enjoy panoramic views at Doria's fortress. Before returning to the ferry, you’ll have some free time to explore Porto Venere on your own. Board the ferry and continue on your tour along the Cinque Terre coastline. Relax onboard for approximately 50 minutes as you pass by the seaside villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Corniglia. Next stop is Monterosso. Here you will reach the medieval center in a few steps, where you can admire the parish church dedicated to San John the Baptist. Then, admire the landscapes from Torre Aurora and the large beach by Fegina. Arrive at Vernazza, where you will disembark to explore the unique village. Walk around Vernazza, a small village with an imposing fortification system. Here you will see the Church Santa Margherita d'Antiochia and walk down the main street filled with colorful houses. Walk to a viewing point in the village and see views of Doria's fortress.

From La Spezia: Cinque Terre Speedboat Tour

4. From La Spezia: Cinque Terre Speedboat Tour

Explore the beautiful cliffs, beaches, and colorful towns of the Cinque Terre on a sailing tour from La Spezia. You will see all five picturesque villages characterized by pastel-colored houses on a 4-hour speedboat tour. Start your tour from Passeggiata Morin in La Spezia and sail along the western coast of the Gulf of Poets. Admire the beautiful landscape of the four villages that make up the Borgata Marinara. Continue sailing towards Portovenere, where you will cross the Le Bocche, a strait between the town of Portovenere and the wild Palmaria Island. See the magnificent Romanesque church of San Pietro, set among the rocks and overlooking the sea. Discover the unspoiled coves of Le Rosse, Monesteroli, and Punta Pineda along the coastline. Grab a chance to dip in the pristine waters of the Cinque Terre Natural Park. Marvel at the beauty of Monterosso al Mare, the last and most vibrant of the five villages. Here you can enjoy local specialties such as focaccia with anchovies or delicious gelato. Pass through the famous muscle farms while returning to La Spezia. 

Florence: Cinque Terre Day Trip with Optional Hike

5. Florence: Cinque Terre Day Trip with Optional Hike

Get a taste of 'la dolce vita' on this jam-packed tour to the Cinque Terre, a collection of quintessential Italian towns dotted along the coast of Tuscany. After meeting your guide in central Florence, listen to an insightful introduction about the Cinque Terre on the 2-hour bus journey to La Spezia. After a quick bathroom break, board the first train of the day. Arrive in Manarola, the first of the Cinque Terre villages you will visit. Here you will join a small guided walk through the vines, and then enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace. Next, take the train to Corniglia. Climb the steps to reach the center of the quaint village and wander around. Then, choose to either go on a guided hike to Vernazza, or if you prefer to take it easy, follow your guide and take a train instead. Once in Vernazza, sit at one of the local cafés, or take a dip in the sea. Next, board a train to Monterosso, the village renowned for its beautiful beaches and artisan shops. If the weather allows it, you will then board a boat to navigate along the coast of the Cinque Terre. Arrive in Riomaggiore, an ancient fishing village and the most southern of the 5 villages. After exploring this last village, board the train back to La Spezia and then take the coach back to Florence.

From La Spezia: Cinque Terre Tour by Train with Limoncino

6. From La Spezia: Cinque Terre Tour by Train with Limoncino

Once you arrive at the port of La Spezia, meet your tour guide at the cruise terminal. Take a 20-minute walk to arrive at the train station from where you will begin your adventure. On the walk, you will discover the beautiful city center of La Spezia. Trains are undoubtedly the ideal means of transportation to explore the area, in just 15 minutes, passing through the sheer heights of the Ligurian Sea, you will reach Vernazza, one of the most colorful villages in the area. Here you can enjoy some free time in this picturesque village, characterized by pastel-colored houses with beautiful views of crystal clear waters. The second stop will be Monterosso, the largest of the Cinque Terre villages, which also owns a stunning beach characterized by fine white sand and a clear and transparent sea. Here you will have a surprise reserved for you, a stop to taste the delicious Limoncino in a traditional shop. This exquisite liqueur is ideal to toast for the wonderful day that you are spending, immersed in the nature, colors, and flavors of this fascinating and unique land. After having some free time in Monterosso, take the train to Riomaggiore, the last stop before coming back to La Spezia. This small village, like the other four, offers breathtaking views of the coast, as well as glimpses of the daily lives of the fishermen with their traditional boats that you will see tied to the port. Also, if you are staying at La Spezia, choose the best starting point for you: the cruise port or the train station.

From Florence: Cinque Terre Villages Full-Day Tour

7. From Florence: Cinque Terre Villages Full-Day Tour

Explore the villages of Cinque Terre on a full-day excursion from Florence, and experience the best aspects of this protected World Heritage Site as you walk along the ancient trails that connect the picturesque villages. Cinque Terre comprises a stretch of rugged, unspoiled coast along the Italian Riviera. Its name derives from the fact that it is a grouping of 5 picturesque fishing villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. It has been well-preserved because of its isolation and continues to be protected by its UNESCO status and its status as an Italian national park. Led by your knowledgeable guide, you’ll walk the spectacular coastline. Visit the village of Manarola and continue with a lovely boat journey (weather permitting) to Monterosso, renowned for its beautiful beach and small craftsmen’s shops, here you will have the option to relax on the golden sands and to enjoy leisure time for a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean. A delicious local Lunch is served in a typical restaurant by the seaside and the hills declining down to the rocky coves. After a short train ride, stop in Vernazza, one of the prettiest village, and spend your free time tasting coffee or drinks in one of the cheerful bars and cafés. Take the train again to Riomaggiore and visit some of its picturesque shops. From Riomaggiore, a train ride concludes the Cinque Terre visit, before returning to Florence by bus. Please note that the order of the visits may change.

From Florence: Cinque Terre Day Trip & Optional Light Hike

8. From Florence: Cinque Terre Day Trip & Optional Light Hike

Depart Florence early in the morning and transfer to the Ligurian coast by air-conditioned coach. Cross 2 of Italy’s most scenic provinces as you pass the rolling hills of Tuscany for Liguria.  Upon arrival at Cinque Terre, transfer to the public train and travel up the coast for breathtaking views of the villages. The first stop of the day trip is the picturesque town of Vernazza. Enjoy some free time wandering by the fishermen’s boats docked daintily by the beach, colorful homes peppering the scenery, and an old house looming on the horizon. Continue by train to Monterosso, the largest town of the Cinque Terre. Wander around the charming town on your own and stop to taste the delicious flavors of Ligurian cuisine. Go on an optional 45-minute-long light hike through the stunning scenery of Cinque Terre. Let your tour leader guide you through the terraced vineyards and ancient olive groves with spectacular panoramic views. After the hike, return to Monterosso and relax at Fegina beach. Stroll along the promenade and stop to refresh yourself at one of the many restaurants, pubs, and ice cream shops. Then, climb aboard the train to Manarola and enjoy views of the tiny harbor, full of colorful boats and vibrant natural formations. Take your time to stroll around the area on your own and discover this beautiful village.

Milan: Cinque Terre Full-Day Guided Trip With Cruise

9. Milan: Cinque Terre Full-Day Guided Trip With Cruise

Explore the Cinque Terre, one of Italy's most scenic landscapes, on a guided day trip from Milan by van. See Cinque Terre from different perspectives from a boat and a train. After leaving Milan by coach, arrive in Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the Cinque Terre's 5 villages. With no car traffic, it remains one of the truest fishing villages on the Italian Riviera. Restaurants, bars, and accommodation all have an endearingly homespun air about them. From Monterosso, start the final leg of your journey: a boat cruise, where you can admire the stunning views of the Cinque Terre and the delightful village of Portovenere from the sea. Arrive at La Spezia where your coach will be waiting to take you back to Milan. These 5 enchanting medieval villages cling to the coast, offering a breathtaking sight of the sea, and are now part of a national park listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

From Florence: Full-Day Private Cinque Terre Tour with Pisa

10. From Florence: Full-Day Private Cinque Terre Tour with Pisa

Embark on a full-day tour of the Cinque Terre from Florence. Enjoy a boat ride to Vernazza from Manarola with plenty of time to explore the winding lanes and sea views. Visit Corniglia and make a stop at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. In Manarola, follow the narrow alleys and pretty pastel squares that epitomize the beauty of the Cinque Terre. Depart for Vernazza on a shared boat ride and marvel at the breathtaking coastal views. At Vernazza, enjoy free time for lunch and wander around this enchanting town. Admire the terraced slopes of the surrounding hills. Visit the harbor, the beach, and lose yourself in the fascinating labyrinth of back alleys. Continue to Corniglia, the only Cinque Terre town not located directly on the water. Enjoy the best views of the Cinque Terre from the town belvedere while exploring this enchanting medieval town. On the way back to Florence, make a stop in Pisa for stunning photos of the leaning tower in Piazza dei Miracoli. 

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What people are saying about Cinque Terre

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 4,980 reviews

Coach from Florence to Le Spezia followed by train between villages and then coach from Le Sepzia back to Florence. Tour leaders were Christian and Ato and driver was Fabio. Because you need to get trains between villages you are on a tight schedule however they try to be a flexible as possible. The Tour leaders were very friendly and knowledgeable. Spend time in Manarola, Corniglia with optional lunch @ 15 euros each of seafood plate and pasta with pesto, potato and green beans. Some then walked to Vernazza, while others took train. Then Monterosso al Mare. It was from here we were to catch a boat back to Riomaggiore however the sea was too rough. So back on the train to Riomaggiore which is one of the most photographed villages in the world. Only downside was the length of the tour and time in each town. Might be better option to drop one of the town and allow more time in the other towns but not sure how they would be able to do this.

Cinque Terre is a beautiful place to visit, the views and the towns are amazing. But what really made the difference was our guide Andrea, he was so welcoming and attentive during the whole trip. He ensured to have drinks for everyone and he even had a small souvenir for the group as welcome gift. The weather was a little rainy and he was prepared with umbrellas and rain coats. He even booked us a table in a very good restaurant in town, with amazing food and the best tiramisu we had in Italy. We felt safe and very confortable in the trip because of him, it was an amazing experience. Thanks Andrea for all the time dedicated to our family during the trip and for being such a great tour guide.

GIACOMO WAS FANTASTIC! He greeted us right on time as we were nervous about setting up a trip this way but we confirmed multiple times over email and glad we did. He made us feel very comfortable and was extremely knowledgeable during our day trip to Cinque Terre. We loved the private tour as he allotted more time for what WE specifically wanted. He went out of his way to make it truly custom trip during our time frame. Thank You so much GIACOMO! Best hospitality :)

First class, well worth the money. The guide Antonio was very good. He was welcoming, friendly and a very likeable Person. His knowledge and commentary was first class. From the moment we were picked up until we were dropped off 10 hours later, we were treated to a special day. The trip and Cinque Terre is an experience that you must have.

The best tour I had during my trip! Very well organized.