Day 1: Riomaggiore & Manarola Riomaggiore is a picturesque village featuring colorful houses perched on a steep slope leading to the sea. Discover a cozy beach hidden away from the crowds, and stroll along the narrow alleys overlooking the Mediterranean. Manarola is a quaint village known for its scenic hiking trails offering a breathtaking view of the coastline. Take the "Via dell'Amore," a romantic path carved into the cliffs, and indulge in some delicious pesto at a traditional local eatery.
Day 2: Corniglia & Vernazza Corniglia is the only village without direct access to the sea, but its elevated position provides views of the entire coast. Enjoy panoramic views from the church of San Pietro, and explore the tiny stone streets leading to a hidden square. Vernazza is the most photogenic of the villages, and probably the one with the best seafood. Take a dip in the clear waters of the harbor, and savor a gelato as you watch the sun set.
Day 3: Monterosso al Mare Monterosso al Mare is the largest village, featuring a long beach and plenty of restaurants and shops. Take a dip in the sea, and stroll along the promenade, admiring the colorful boats. Learn about the area's history at the Convent of the Capuchin Friars, and explore the medieval district behind the station.
Day 4: Portovenere & Palmaria Island
Take a break from the busy villages, and head to Portovenere, a charming town at the end of the peninsula. Walk along the ancient walls, and enjoy the view of the sea and the islands. Take a boat tour to Palmaria Island for some snorkeling in clear waters, and hike to the lighthouse for panoramic views of the coast.
Time and Costs Estimates
Riomaggiore (3 hours, free)
Manarola (2 hours, $20 for food)
Corniglia (2 hours, 5 euros for church entrance)
Vernazza (3 hours, $25 for food and gelato)
Monterosso al Mare (4 hours, $35 for beach amenities and lunch)
Portovenere (3 hours, $30 for food and entrance to the Castle)
Palmaria Island (4 hours, $50 for boat tour and snorkeling gear rental)
Total Estimated Cost: $215
Transportation
While the villages are walkable, visitors can also use trains, buses, and boats to move around. A Cinque Terre Card available for purchase, provides unlimited access to all local transportation (including ferries) and hiking trails in the area, with prices ranging from $20-$40 depending on the duration of the pass. Train rides between villages cost approximately $2-3 and usually run every 20-30 minutes. Taxis are available, but they can be expensive and difficult to book, especially during the summer season.
Useful Tips
For those who have more time, consider taking a detour to neighboring cities like Pisa, Lucca, or Genoa. Art lovers should not miss the Carrara marble quarries, while foodies can explore the region's wine trails and olive oil producers. Visitors with less time can focus on the highlights of the villages, such as the hikes and the beach, and skip some of the less visited spots.
Airports
Galileo Galilei International Airport (PSA) is the closest airport to Cinque Terre, located in Pisa. It is about 1 hour and 30 minutes away by train. Other airports include Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA) in Genoa, and Parma Airport (PMF). They are about 1 hour and 45 minutes and 2 hours and 45 minutes away by train, respectively.