To visit the Cinque Terre villages you will certainly need more than a day. But if you are short on time we can give you some practical tips.
Visit some of the villages
Choose to visit two or three of the villages, for example Vernazza, Manarola and Riomaggiore. You have to skip Corniglia situated on top of a cliff 100 metres above sea level.
If you are limited on time, take the train between the villages. The trains are running frequently all year round and stop in all five villages. We recommend you to buy the Cinque Terre Card which includes unlimited train runs on the line La Spezia - Cinque Terre - Levanto.
Take a boat tour
Enjoy the beautiful views of the Cinque Terre by taking the ferry that runs between the villages from the end of March until the beginning of November. The boat takes a bit longer than the train but gives you a different perspective. You can buy a one day ticket and jump on and off the boats as often as you want.
Hike along the coast
If you arrive early you can choose one or maximum two hiking trails. We would recommend the trails connecting Monterosso - Vernazza - Corniglia. It will take you 1,5 or 2 hours between one village and the next. The Cinque Terre Card Train includes all hiking paths and unlimited train rides between La Spezia - Cinque Terre - Levanto.
Go to the beach
You can swim in the crystal clear waters of Cinque Terre from May until October. You can go for a swim in all of the Cinque Terre villages. In Monterosso you will find a long sandy beach. There is a private area with sun beds and beach umbrellas which you pay for. However, there are also free beaches, for example in front of the railway station and in the Old Town.
If you are more adventurous you can go to Manarola and sunbathe on the rocks in the tiny harbour and dive into the sea.
Where to stay in Cinque Terre?
Visit the page: Hotels near the beach in Monterosso
