✨ Introduction: Things to do in Cinque Terre
Tucked away on the rugged Ligurian coast of Italy, Cinque Terre is one of the most enchanting destinations in Europe, known for its colorful cliffside villages, terraced vineyards, and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Whether you are planning a short escape or a week-long adventure, discovering the best things to do in Cinque Terre will leave you captivated by its charm and authenticity. From the iconic pastel houses of Manarola to the quiet beauty of Corniglia, each village offers its own unique attractions, traditions, and flavors.
The list of incredible things to do in Cinque Terre goes beyond admiring its scenery—here you can hike world-famous trails that wind through vineyards and olive groves, swim in hidden coves, or indulge in fresh seafood and local wines that reflect the region’s heritage. For those who love photography, sunsets over Riomaggiore create unforgettable memories, while Monterosso’s sandy beaches are perfect for relaxation.
No matter your interests, the variety of things to do in Cinque Terre makes it a destination suited for travelers of all ages. With its blend of culture, nature, and history, it promises an unforgettable Italian experience. Exploring the many things to do in Cinque Terre will not only enrich your trip but also give you a true taste of Italy’s coastal magic.
1. Stroll around the marina in Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore. The first stop on our Cinque Terre trip was Riomaggiore, and I will never forget the moment I stepped foot in Riomaggiore’s vibrant marina. The colorful buildings, the fishing boats gently bobbing in the harbor, and the hustle and bustle of life all around you – it’s impossible not to smile. I spent hours there, people-watching, feeling the sea breeze, and soaking up its beauty.
Pro tip: Get away from the crowds, stop for a moment by the water, and just be. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the simplicity of rural life.
2. Visit the Basilica of St. John in Riomaggiore
When I first saw the Basilica of St. John (Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista) in Riomaggiore, it wasn’t just the architecture that attracted me; it was the silence. Walking inside, the air was cool and the tranquility was almost palpable. I sat in a pew for a while, just the place washed over me. The beauty of the place didn’t demand attention – it demanded only a silent appreciation. And I felt connected to something eternal there. Don’t forget to visit the Basilica of St. John in Riomaggiore!
3. Climb the Castle of Riomaggiore
After seeing the marina and the church of St. John, I felt like I had something more to see, so I climbed the Castle of Riomaggiore (Castello di Riomaggiore). Let me tell you – the view is absolutely worth it. Standing at the top, I felt like the whole world was beneath me. The village stretched out, the azure sea shimmered in the distance, and it was so quiet there. It seemed like a perfect place to reflect on life. Climb the Castle of Riomaggiore and enjoy the view!
4. Climb the Santuario di Nostra Signora di Montenero
If you’re looking for a little adventure, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montenero (Santuario di Nostra Signora di Montenero) is a hidden gem. The climb is steep (I mean, steep!), but once you reach the top, it feels like the world has opened up. The views of Riomaggiore and the Mediterranean below make every step worthwhile. There’s something so spiritual about the place – especially when you stand in front of the sanctuary and look out over the vast, endless sea. It’s a humbling experience and one you won’t forget.
5. Walk the Via dell’Amore from Riomaggiore to Manarola
One of your favorite moments in the Cinque Terre will probably be a walk along the 900-meter-long Via dell’Amore (Lover’s Path). There’s something magical about this path. As you walk from Riomaggiore to Manarola, the sound of the waves crashing below and the rustling of the trees makes it seem as if the world is in a slow, dreamy rhythm. It’s called the Lovers’ Path because the entire walk has a romantic, almost cinematic feel. You’ll definitely take pictures with your phone, but you’ll never truly capture the magic of the moment. To walk the Lovers’ Path, you need to book a specific time slot and date on the official Cinque Terre National Park website. The entrance fee to the Via dell’Amore is €10, which you either have to add to your Cinque Terre card or buy a card that includes the Lovers’ Path.
6. Visit the Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Manarola
When I arrived in Manarola, I stood in a line for the Church of St. Lawrence (Chiesa di San Lorenzo). The church is beautiful - its old stone walls and simple, elegant interior give off a warm, timeless feel. I remember walking in, feeling the cool breeze after the scorching sun outside, and feeling as if I had stepped into a place where time had no meaning. This church, located in the heart of Manarola, felt like a quiet anchor in a bustling village. I will always associate it with that moment of peaceful reflection in the middle of a busy day. A visit to the Church of St. Lawrence in Manarola is a must!
7. Eat at Nessun Dorma in Manarola
If you are a foodie like me, you cannot miss the Nessun Dorma restaurant in Manarola. It is located on a hillside in Manarola, and eating there with a view of the village and the sea was like a dream. I had the most perfect pesto bruschetta with tomatoes and cheese, and the flavors were vibrant, fresh and full of love. Every bite felt like it came straight from the land. This is the kind of food that stays with you long after the plate is empty. Nessun Dorma is one of the most popular restaurants in the Cinque Terre and you need to book your table in advance. You can book it through the Nessun Dorma app. Find out more here.
8. Go wine tasting in Manarola
Let me tell you, wine tasting in Manarola is a must. After exploring the village, I found a small family-run wine shop with a beautiful view of the mountains. They poured me a glass of Sciacchetrà, a local dessert wine, and I’m sure that moment made me fall even more in love with the Cinque Terre. The vineyards here have been around for generations, and tasting the wine made from these sun-kissed, steep slopes felt like tasting history. Every drop was like a piece of land. Manarola is famous for its wine. Sampling the local wine in Manarola is one of the best things to do in Cinque Terre. Check out this wine-tasting tour.
9. Take a photo of the Manarola sunset
If you go to Manarola and don’t take a photo of the sunset, have you really been there? I remember rushing to grab my camera just in time to capture the golden hour—the sky was turning pink and orange and the sun was sinking below the horizon. The buildings of Manarola looked even more magical in the soft light, and I will never forget the serenity of that moment. The photos I took will always remind me of how surreal it felt to see the end of the day in such a beautiful, timeless place.
10. Hiking the Blue Trail (Centro Azzurro) from Manarola to Corniglia
Hiking the Blue Trail (Centro Azzurro) is a classic for a reason. It’s so scenic! This section of the Blue Trail is moderately challenging, but nothing compares to the feeling of reaching Corniglia after an hour of hiking through hills and vineyards. The trail hugs the coastline, offering the most incredible views of the turquoise sea and colorful villages dotting the landscape. The trail is 2 km / 1.2 miles long. The trail ends with the 377 steps of the Lardina Staircase. The feeling of accomplishment at the end is unparalleled.
11. Climb the Lardarina Steps in Corniglia
When in Corniglia, climbing the Lardarina Steps (Scalinata Lardarina) is a must. This red brick staircase of 377 steps seems like a short workout, but the views along the way are so worth it. You’ll probably feel sweat on your brow, but with each step, you’ll see Corniglia unfold before you in all its beauty. It’s definitely a challenge. I remember feeling so proud when I reached the top and saw the vast expanse of the Cinque Terre below. You’ll feel proud too!
12. Relax in the peace of Corniglia
There was a tranquility in Corniglia that I really liked. After exploring other tourist-heavy villages, I liked to just sit in a quiet cafe, enjoy the mountain views, and let the world pass me by for a while. Corniglia has a slow pace—it’s the perfect place to stay. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle. The Cinque Terre can be crowded, especially during peak season (July-August). Head to Corniglia for a relaxing oasis of peace!
13. Visit St. Peter’s Church in Corniglia
After a day of hiking, I arrived at St. Peter’s Church (Chiesa di San Pietro) in Corniglia. It was just what I needed after the hustle and bustle of the trail, and I sat in the quiet church for a moment to reflect. It’s small, and humble, but incredibly beautiful in its simplicity. It felt like a sacred break before I set off on my journey.
14. See the ruins of the Genoese castle in Corniglia
Corniglia is a quiet village, but the Genoese castles were a great discovery. As I wandered through the ancient ruins, I couldn’t help but imagine life here hundreds of years ago—defending the village from invaders, protecting this slice of paradise. History was alive in the air. It was a peaceful place where you could stop and think about how much this place had suffered over the centuries. Reminisce about the area’s bygone days by visiting the Genoese fortress!
15. Swimming in the harbor of Vernazza
One of my most memorable moments was swimming in the harbor of Vernazza after a day of hiking. The water was cold and clear, and as I swam for a bit, I felt like I was floating in an endless postcard. This is one of the things you have to do when visiting Vernazza—there’s nothing like swimming in the only natural harbor in the Cinque Terre. Don’t be shy, swim in the Mediterranean at the harbor of Vernazza. The locals swim there, so can you!
16. See the view from Castello Doria
If you want to get a unique view of Vernazza, it’s worth climbing the Doria Castle Tower (Castello Doria). I remember looking down on the village from above, the waves crashing against the rocks below, and being in awe of how beautifully this village was built into the steep side of the mountain. It’s a humbling sight and reminds you of how nature and human ingenuity have come together here. See the views from the top of the Doria Castle Tower in Vernazza. Some of the best views in the Cinque Terre! Admission is €2, cash only.
17. See the Monastery of St. Francis in Vernazza
The Monastery of St. Francis (Convento di San Francesco) in Vernazza was another peaceful retreat I stumbled upon. It’s perched on a hill above the village, and the quiet solitude there is the perfect way to recharge. It’s quite remote, so not many people come here, but that’s what makes it special—it feels like you’re in a hidden corner of the Cinque Terre.
18. See the vineyards above Vernazza
One afternoon, I decided to hike to the vineyards above Vernazza, and it’s a decision I’m so glad I made. The terraced vineyards stretched for miles, and as I walked through them, I was completely immersed in the landscape. Being surrounded by vines and hearing only the distant sound of the wind and the crashing of the waves was almost meditative. It’s a quiet, beautiful corner of the Cinque Terre, and it provides the perfect balance to the bustling villages below. The panoramic vineyard trek above Vernazza is one of the best things to do in the Cinque Terre. Don’t miss it!
19. Hike the Blue Trail from Vernazza to Monterosso al Mare
Hiking the Blue Trail (Centro Azzurro) from Vernazza to Monterosso was one of my favorite trails. The path winds through hills, vineyards, and forests. The slopes get steeper near Monterosso. But overall, it’s one of the most scenic and easiest trails in the Cinque Terre. Go for it! It takes up to 2 hours to hike. When you reach Monterosso, reward yourself with a dip in the sea.
20. Enjoy the Beaches of Monterosso al Mare
If you’re looking to relax a bit after all that hiking, Monterosso is the place to be. I spent the entire afternoon relaxing on Fezina Beach, with the warm sun on my face and the cool water washing over my feet. It’s a nice change of pace and a great way to relax after all the exploring. Fezina Beach is the largest public beach in Monterosso. However, Stazione, Tragagià, Gigante, and Portiglione Beach are free public beaches in Monterosso, perfect for swimming and sunbathing! Enjoying the public beaches in Monterosso al Mare is one of the best things to do in Cinque Terre for free.
21. Visit the Church of Saint John in Monterosso al Mare
The Church of Saint John, the Baptist (Parrocchia di S. Giovanni Battista) in Monterosso was a peaceful stop during my trip to Cinque Terre. The church is simple but beautiful, with a pleasant atmosphere that invites reflection. It’s a nice place to catch your breath before heading out on your next adventure.
22. See the Neptune’s Giant in Monterosso al Mare
You can’t leave Monterosso al Mare without seeing the Neptune’s Giant (Statua del Gigante). It’s this huge statue perched on the beach, and it’s kind of strange but totally iconic. Visitors love taking pictures with Neptune in the background—it's one of those fun moments to remember forever.
23. Have dinner at the Aurora Tower
Go to the Aurora Tower restaurant at the foot of the San Cristoforo hill, where you can enjoy a wonderful view. Enjoy the sunset - the view of the coastline and the sea is absolutely breathtaking! The Aurora Tower divides the old town and the new town of Monterosso. The Fegina beach and promenade are on one side, and the historic center is on the other. The 16th-century tower was built to protect Monterosso from pirate attacks. Today, the Aurora Tower houses a lounge bar and restaurant!
24. Travel between cities by train
Of course, when I wasn’t hiking, I was traveling between cities by train. It’s the fastest and most convenient way to get between cities and it gives you the opportunity to rest, relax and take in the beautiful scenery. The journey between each city only takes a few minutes. It’s short but beautiful! The Cinque Terre Train Card includes unlimited train travel on the Cinque Terre Express train on the Levanto – Cinque Terre – La Spezia line. Depending on the season, a one-day card costs from €19.50 to €32.50. A 2-day card costs from €34 to €59. A 3-day card costs from €46.50 to €78.50. This card is worth buying - it gives access to trails, buses and trains!
25. Explore the Cinque Terre hiking trails
With a total of 48 hiking trails in Cinque Terre, there is always something new to discover in Cinque Terre. I would recommend exploring the Sanctuary and Church Trail, the Terraced Vineyard Landscape Trail, or the Nature Trail - these will take you off the beaten track and into the heart of the landscape. You’ll see the terraced vineyards, quiet coves, and hidden gems that make Cinque Terre so special.
26. Take a Sunset Boat Tour
Finally, if you really want to experience Cinque Terre like never before, hop on a Sunset Boat Tour. Watching the towns light up as the sun sets behind the mountains was a magical experience. It felt like the end of a dream—a perfect, peaceful close to my expedition.
🏞️ Conclusion: Things to Do in Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is more than just a postcard-perfect destination—it’s a journey into Italy’s coastal soul. Each of its five villages offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it one of the most rewarding places to explore in Europe. From hiking along scenic cliffside trails to savoring local seafood and wines, the range of things to do in Cinque Terre ensures every traveler finds something unforgettable. Whether you want adventure, relaxation, or cultural discovery, this UNESCO World Heritage Site delivers an experience that stays with you long after your trip ends. Visiting Cinque Terre is not just about sightseeing—it’s about embracing a way of life where time slows down, the sea sparkles endlessly, and every moment feels timeless.
❓ FAQ: Things to Do in Cinque Terre
Q1: How many days do I need to explore Cinque Terre?
A: Ideally, 2–3 days are enough to see all five villages at a relaxed pace. However, staying longer allows you to enjoy hikes, boat rides, and local food experiences.
Q2: What is the best time to visit Cinque Terre?
A: Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) are the best times, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Q3: Can I visit all five villages in one day?
A: Yes, it’s possible by train or boat, but you’ll only get a quick glimpse. To fully enjoy the charm of each village, it’s better to spread your visit across two or more days.
Q4: Is hiking in Cinque Terre difficult?
A: The hiking trails vary in difficulty. Some, like the Via dell’Amore, are easy and suitable for beginners, while others are more challenging but offer stunning views.
Q5: What food should I try in Cinque Terre?
A: Don’t miss fresh seafood dishes, anchovies, focaccia, and the region’s famous pesto, often paired with local white wine or Sciacchetrà dessert wine.
📣 Ready to Discover Things to Do in Cinque Terre in 2025?
Pack your bags, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to uncover the magic of Italy’s stunning Ligurian coast. From colorful cliffside villages to world-famous hiking trails and unforgettable cuisine, Cinque Terre promises an adventure like no other. Start planning your 2025 journey today and experience the timeless charm that makes this destination one of the most enchanting places in the world!
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