Here a list of things to do in the Cinque Terre. In addition visit our new page: Top 10 things to do and see in the Cinque Terre.
1. Go for a hike
Hiking in Cinque Terre is one of the most popular things to do. The top rated hike in Cinque Terre is from Monterosso to Vernazza and will take you around two hours. Head out early and do not forget to bring water and wear comfortable shoes. For more information: Cinque Terre hiking paths.
2. Take a boat ride along the coast
One of the best ways to see Cinque Terre is from the sea. Take a boat trip along the coast and you will see the colourful villages which have been built into the steep hills overlooking the sea. The ferries are running regularly and stop at all the villages except Corniglia, as well as Levanto, Portovenere, Lerici and La Spezia. A one day ticket allows you to hop-on and hop-off at the destinations you want to further explore.
3. Go for a swim
Cinque Terre is famous for the clear water. Monterosso has a long sandy beach with public and private parts. There is a tiny sand beach at the Harbour of Vernazza, as well as some smoother rocks around the bay that provide a sheltered area for swimming and sunbathing.
The beach in Riomaggiore is just south of the marina. It is very rocky, not suitable for small children. If you are adventurous you can try cliff jumping in Manarola. More information: Cinque Terre beaches.
4. Try a gelato
Don’t miss the typical homemade Italian ice-cream which you can buy in almost every corner. It is delicious and you should eat as much of it as possible while you can!
5. Enjoy the food
The Italian food is famous and so much more than pizza and pasta. Cinque Terre is full of great seafood restaurants. Just walking down the street you will find large cones of fried seafood that make a great snack or small meal. Not only is the seafood fresh, but also pretty cheap. The anchovies from Monterosso are famous and can be found cooked in a variety of ways, like fried and marinated.
6. Do some shopping
Monterosso has the most shops, but you will also find small shops in the other four villages. You can buy wine, Limoncino, truffles, balsamic vinegar, olive oil and other typical Italian products.
7. Watch the sunset
The sunset is a must see in Cinque Terre. Some of the most popular ones are in Manarola, you can have an aperitivo up on the hills looking down over the village.
In Riomaggiore, where the boat docks, you go up and have a nice picture looking down on the harbor. In Monterosso, you can walk up to the monastery where you will find the statue of San Francesco leaning out over the sea. Walk down to the Torre Aurora and have a drink and take some pictures as well.
