Start your adventure in Riomaggiore, one of the five colorful fishing villages in Cinque Terre. You can go on a hiking trail that begins in the village and takes you through vineyards and steep cliffs. The trail is a bit challenging but worth it for the stunning views. You can also explore the small rocky beach, visit the castle or enjoy fresh seafood.
Manarola is another beautiful village with colorful houses built into the rocky cliffs. Start your day with a sunrise hike on the famous Via dell'Amore trail to Corniglia, another one of the five villages. Then, explore the village and relax at the famous Nessun Dorma terrace with a glass of local wine.
Corniglia is the only village in Cinque Terre not directly connected to the sea. Start your day by hiking up the 365 steps from the train station to reach the charming village. Explore the narrow streets and visit the beautiful Church of St. Peter. Get a taste of local wine at A Cantina de Mananan, a small wine bar hidden in the village.
Vernazza is a picturesque village with a small harbor, stunning views, and a beach. Go on a hiking trail to reach the Doria Castle or visit the colorful Church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia. Enjoy fresh seafood at Belforte restaurant, which offers a beautiful view of the sea.
Monterosso al Mare is the largest and most touristy village in Cinque Terre. Take a stroll through the old town and visit the Church of San Giovanni Battista. Relax on the long sandy beach and try some local anchovies at Enoteca Internazionale.
Portovenere is a charming town located on the Gulf of Poets. Take a boat ride from Monterosso al Mare to enjoy the stunning views of the coast. Explore the narrow streets of the old town and visit the beautiful Church of San Lorenzo. Climb up the steps to reach the Doria Castle and enjoy the panoramic view of the sea.
Levanto is a small town located just north of Cinque Terre. Rent a bike to explore the beautiful coastal trail or take a surfing lesson at the beach. Visit the Church of Sant'Andrea or relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the sea.
La Spezia is a busy city located just south of Cinque Terre. Visit the beautiful waterfront or explore the Old Town with its beautiful architecture. Visit the Museum of Amedeo Lia or the beautiful Castle of San Giorgio. Enjoy some of the best Ligurian cuisine at Osteria Il Torchio or drink aperitivo at one of the many bars in the city.
Carrara is famous for its marble quarries that have been in use since the Roman times. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and production of the marble. Visit the Cathedral of Saint Andrew or walk through the charming city center. Try some local specialties like focaccia or torta di riso at Ristorante Pizzeria Al Cavatore.
Portofino is a small fishing village located on the Italian Riviera. Take a boat tour to see the beautiful coastline or walk to the Church of St. George offering panoramic views of the sea. Visit the Castello Brown or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Genoa is a busy port city located on the Ligurian coast. The city offers several historic sites and museums, such as the Aquarium of Genoa, Palazzi dei Rolli, or the famous Cathedral of San Lorenzo. Visit Piazza de Ferrari or enjoy some local street food and shopping at Mercato Orientale.
End your adventure in Milan, the fashion capital of Italy. Visit the famous Gothic-style Cathedral of Milan or see the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. Explore the historic Brera district or enjoy some shopping at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Enjoy Italian cuisine at Trattoria Milanese or relax with a drink at one of the many rooftop bars in the city.
Most of Cinque Terre's sights are within walking distance, but trains and boats are also available to travel between the villages. Regional trains run frequently between La Spezia and Genoa, with stops in each of the five villages. Boat tours are also available, departing from each village several times a day. The travel costs for trains and boats are relatively low, averaging around 5-10 EUR per trip. Consider buying a Cinque Terre Card for unlimited travel on trains and buses between the villages.
If you have more time, consider visiting some of the smaller villages in the region, such as Tellaro or Portovenere. If you have less time, consider skipping some villages or activities to spend more time in others. The best time to visit Cinque Terre is in the offseason, between November and March when it is less crowded and accommodations are cheaper.
The main airport serving Cinque Terre is Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA), approximately 90 km away from the villages. Other nearby airports include Pisa International Airport (PSA), approximately 100 km away and Milan Malpensa International Airport (MXP), approximately 215 km away.