Ultimate 3-Day Cinque Terre Itinerary: Explore Italy's Stunning Coastal Villages

Day 1: Monterosso Exploration

Monterosso al Mare, Italy on April 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Il Fornaio

Start your day with freshly baked focaccia and Italian espresso at Il Fornaio, a cozy bakery open from 7:30am to 1:00pm, perfect for an authentic local breakfast.
EUR8, 0h30m

9:00am

Monterosso Old Town Walking Tour

Explore the narrow streets and colorful houses of the old town, visit the 14th-century Church of San Giovanni Battista, and enjoy the quiet charm of this village before the crowds arrive.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Monterosso Beach

Relax or take a swim at Monterosso's main beach area, which offers beautiful views and crystal clear waters, open all day.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Miky

Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at Ristorante Miky (open 12:00pm-3:00pm), renowned for its local Ligurian dishes and seaside views.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Hike to Vernazza via the Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro)

Embark on the famous 3.5 km trail from Monterosso to Vernazza, offering breathtaking views of the sea and cliffs, taking approximately 2 hours at a moderate pace.
EUR7 (park fee), 2h0m

5:00pm

Check-in and Rest

Settle into your hotel in Vernazza and relax after your hike.
Varies, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Belforte Restaurant

Dine at the cliffside Belforte Restaurant (open 7:00pm-10:30pm) enjoying fresh seafood and panoramic views over Vernazza harbor.
EUR45, 1h30m
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Day 2: Vernazza & Corniglia

Vernazza and Corniglia, Italy on April 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bar La Torre

Enjoy a quick Italian cappuccino and pastry at Bar La Torre in Vernazza, open from 7:30am.
EUR7, 0h30m

8:45am

Explore Vernazza

Visit the Doria Castle and the harbor area to admire the quaint village and take photos before the day heats up.
EUR5, 1h15m

10:15am

Train to Corniglia

Take a short 10-minute train ride from Vernazza to Corniglia to continue your exploration.
EUR4, 0h15m

10:30am

Corniglia Village Walk

Discover Corniglia's peaceful atmosphere, climb the 382 steps of the Lardarina staircase to reach the village, and enjoy panoramic views across the sea.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Osteria a Cantina de Mananan

Savor authentic Ligurian dishes such as pesto pasta and handmade gnocchi in Corniglia’s acclaimed Osteria, open 12:00pm-3:00pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Hike from Corniglia to Manarola (optional)

For hiking enthusiasts, tackle the scenic 4 km coastal trail from Corniglia to Manarola, taking approximately 1.5 hours. Otherwise, consider taking the train for ease.
EUR7 (park fee), 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Manarola

Walk around Manarola’s colorful harbor, visit the marina, and relax at the viewpoint overlooking the Ligurian Sea.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Vernazza

Take the train back to Vernazza for the evening.
EUR4, 0h15m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Gianni Franzi

Enjoy traditional Ligurian food including fresh fish and pesto specialties at this popular Vernazza restaurant, open 7:00pm-10:00pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Manarola & Riomaggiore

Manarola and Riomaggiore, Italy on April 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Nessun Dorma, Manarola

Start with a coffee and fresh fruit bowl at Nessun Dorma café overlooking the sea, open from 8:00am.
EUR10, 0h30m

8:45am

Walk the Lover’s Lane (Via dell’Amore)

Walk the famous coastal path from Manarola to Riomaggiore (approx. 1 km), known for romantic views and stunning sea vistas; check if reopen as sometimes closed for maintenance.
Free, 1h0m

10:00am

Explore Riomaggiore

Visit Riomaggiore’s charming harbor, colorful houses, and Castello di Riomaggiore, offering insight into local history.
EUR3, 1h0m

11:15am

Visit the Marina di Riomaggiore

Relax by the marina, take photos of boats and local fishermen, and enjoy the lively village atmosphere.
Free, 0h45m

12:00pm

Lunch at La Lampara

Delight in fresh seafood pasta and Ligurian cuisine at La Lampara, open 12:00pm-3:00pm, near the sea in Riomaggiore.
EUR28, 1h0m

1:30pm

Train or Ferry back to Monterosso

Take a ferry for a scenic trip back to Monterosso (seasonal, check availability) or the train for a faster return, concluding your tour of the Cinque Terre.
EUR15 ferry / EUR7 train, 1h0m

3:00pm

Free Time in Monterosso

Spend your afternoon souvenir shopping or relaxing on Monterosso’s beach before departure.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Belnord

Cap off your Cinque Terre adventure with classic Italian dishes paired with local wine at Ristorante Belnord, open until 10:30pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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