The village of Vernazza in Cinque Terre

Things to do in Cinque Terre

Five colorful villages cling to the Ligurian cliffs. See them by train, on foot along the trails and from a boat on the water.

Photo: Nucleosynth, CC BY-SA 4.0

By ItalianSuites editors · Updated

The Cinque Terre are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Each has its own personality, and cars are limited, so the area is best explored on foot, by train or by boat.

Our top pick: La Spezia: Cinque Terre Tour by Boat

Top things to do

  1. Vernazza: a small harbor with a castle tower and a main square at the water.
  2. Monterosso: the biggest village, with the longest beach.
  3. Manarola: terraced slopes and a rocky swimming spot near the harbor.
  4. Corniglia: the only village not on the water, reached by a long staircase from the station.
  5. Coastal trails: paths link the villages with sea views; some need a park pass, and conditions change.
  6. Boat tour: the villages look best from the water, which also avoids crowds on the trails.
  7. Riomaggiore: the southern gateway, with a steep main street running to the harbor.
Popular

La Spezia: Cinque Terre Tour by Boat

Sail past the five villages. 4.5/5 from over 3,500 reviews.

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Top rated

Florence: Cinque Terre Day Trip with Optional Hiking or Pisa

A guided day from Florence. 4.9/5 from over 6,300 reviews.

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From La Spezia: Shore Excursion to Cinque Terre by Train

Guided and designed for cruise passengers. 4.1/5 from over 1,300 reviews.

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Why book online

  • Free cancellation on most tickets, usually up to 24 hours before
  • Reserved time slot: no queue at the ticket desk
  • Mobile ticket on your phone
  • Reviews from verified travelers

Go early and wear proper shoes: villages fill by late morning in season, and trail stones can be slippery.

Where to stay

See our Cinque Terre hotels guide for the best base.

Check hotel prices in Cinque Terre

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Cinque Terre?

Two nights lets you visit all five villages, walk at least one trail and take a boat without rushing. A day trip is possible but busy.

What is the best way to see all five villages?

Combine local trains, which link the villages in minutes, with a walk on one of the trails and a boat tour for the view of the coast from the sea.

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