Comprehensive 8-Day Itinerary for Exploring Cinque Terre, Italy

Day 1: Arrival & Relaxation

Monterosso al Mare, Italy on May 12, 2025

4:00pm

Arrival and Check-in

Arrive in Monterosso al Mare and check in to your accommodation. Take some time to settle in and soak up the beautiful surroundings.
EUR0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Stroll Through Old Town Monterosso

Explore the charming streets of Monterosso’s old town, admire colourful buildings, and get a first glimpse of the Ligurian Sea.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Miky

Enjoy traditional Ligurian cuisine with fresh seafood at Ristorante Miky, known for its charming atmosphere and excellent service. Open 7:00pm - 11:00pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Monterosso & Vernazza

Monterosso al Mare & Vernazza, Italy on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bar Il Sole

Start your day with a cappuccino and focaccia at this popular local bar open from 7:00am, perfect for a quick and authentic breakfast.
EUR6, 0h30m

9:00am

Explore Monterosso Beach and Church of San Giovanni Battista

Relax on the sandy beach or visit the historic Church of San Giovanni Battista dating back to the 13th century. Beach access is free; church open 9:00am-7:00pm.
EUR0, 2h0m

11:30am

Train to Vernazza

Take the short 5-minute train ride from Monterosso to Vernazza for further exploration.
EUR5, 0h15m

12:00pm

Lunch at Belforte Restaurant

Enjoy lunch perched above the harbour with stunning sea views. Their seafood pasta is highly recommended. Open 12:00pm - 3:00pm.
EUR25, 1h15m

1:30pm

Explore Vernazza Village

Walk through Vernazza’s narrow alleyways, visit the Doria Castle fortress, and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline. Doria Castle open 10:00am-6:00pm.
EUR6, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return to Monterosso

Take the train back to Monterosso to rest and freshen up.
EUR5, 0h15m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Belvedere

Savour regional Ligurian dishes with a great atmosphere and sea views, open 7:30pm - 10:30pm.
EUR28, 1h30m
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Day 3: Villages Tour

Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore, Italy on May 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Café

Enjoy a light breakfast with pastries and espresso to fuel your day exploring three villages.
EUR6, 0h30m

8:00am

Train to Corniglia

Catch the train from Monterosso to Corniglia, the village perched on a cliff above the sea.
EUR5, 0h15m

8:30am

Explore Corniglia

Walk through Corniglia’s quaint streets, visit the terrace Piazza Santo Pietro for stunning views. Open access, free to explore.
EUR0, 1h30m

10:00am

Train to Manarola

Travel by train to Manarola, known for its colourful houses stacked on cliffs.
EUR5, 0h15m

10:30am

Visit Manarola and Via dell'Amore

Walk parts of the famous Via dell'Amore trail linking Manarola and Riomaggiore, beautiful coastal views abound. Check trail opening times, generally open from dawn till dusk.
EUR0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nessun Dorma

Enjoy fresh bruschetta and local wines overlooking the sea. Open noon to 5pm.
EUR20, 1h

1:00pm

Train to Riomaggiore

Short train ride to the southernmost village of Cinque Terre.
EUR5, 0h10m

1:15pm

Explore Riomaggiore and Castle

Explore this picturesque fishing village, visit Riomaggiore Castle ruins for panoramic views, open 9:00am - 7:00pm.
EUR5, 1h30m

3:00pm

Train Back to Monterosso

Take the train back north to Monterosso for some rest after a full day of village hopping.
EUR10, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante L’Ancora della Tortuga

Delight in local seafood dishes in a cosy setting, open from 7:00pm to 10:30pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 4: Hiking

Cinque Terre National Park, Italy on May 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up early with a hearty breakfast before your hiking adventure, typically available from 7:00am.
EUR6, 0h30m

8:00am

Hike the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail)

Embark on the iconic Sentiero Azzurro trail connecting all five villages. The full trail takes approx 5-6 hours; choose a comfortable segment if preferred. Check weather and trail status before starting.
EUR7.50, 5h0m

1:00pm

Lunch Picnic on Trail

Pack or buy a picnic lunch in advance to enjoy outstanding sea views mid-hike. Many local shops in the villages sell take-away snacks and focaccia.
EUR15, 0h45m

3:00pm

Relax and Freshen Up

Return to your accommodation and relax after the hike.
EUR0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Da Ely

Enjoy a relaxed dinner featuring pesto—the Ligurian speciality—and freshly caught fish. Open 7:00pm to 11:00pm.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 5: Relax & Museums

Monterosso al Mare, Italy on May 16, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bar Centrale

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with Ligurian pastries and espresso, open from 7:30am onwards.
EUR6, 0h30m

9:30am

Visit Monterosso’s Giant Statue and Museo Civico

See the famous Statue of Neptune and visit the Museo Civico to learn about local history and culture, open 10:00am - 5:00pm.
EUR8, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Il Casello

Casual lunch featuring fresh pasta and salads with sea views, open 12:00pm - 3:00pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Beach Time at Monterosso

Spend a relaxing afternoon on Monterosso’s sandy beach, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Free access.
EUR0, 3h0m

6:30pm

Gelato At Gelateria Alberto

Treat yourself to authentic Italian gelato before dinner, open until 9:30pm.
EUR4, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Miky Ristorante

Enjoy a second visit to the highly rated Miky restaurant for a special dinner with local ingredients, open 7:30pm - 11:00pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Day Trip Portovenere

Portovenere, Italy on May 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and Departure

Quick breakfast at hotel as you prepare for your day trip to Portovenere, a lovely town just south of Cinque Terre.
EUR6, 0h30m

8:30am

Boat to Portovenere

Catch a morning ferry from Monterosso to Portovenere (approx 1 hour), offering stunning views of the coastline.
EUR25, 1h0m

10:00am

Explore Portovenere Village

Wander through the beautiful village streets, visit St. Peter’s Church and the Doria Castle. Church open 9:00am - 7:00pm, Castle 10:00am - 6:00pm.
EUR5, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at La Marina di Portovenere

Seafront dining with exquisite seafood and pasta dishes, open 12:00pm - 3:00pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:30pm

Boat Return to Monterosso

Return ferry to Monterosso, relax on deck and enjoy views.
EUR25, 1h0m

4:00pm

Free Time in Monterosso

Rest or stroll around the market for souvenirs.
EUR0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Belvedere

Comfortable dinner with traditional menu items to end your day, open 7:00pm - 10:30pm.
EUR28, 1h30m
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Day 7: Boat Tour

Cinque Terre Coast, Italy on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bar Il Sole

Start your day with an energising breakfast before your boat tour, open from 7:00am.
EUR6, 0h30m

9:00am

Full Morning Boat Tour

Join a guided boat tour exploring the Cinque Terre coastline, stopping for photo opportunities and short village visits. Tours generally run 9:00am - 12:30pm.
EUR50, 3h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ripa del Sole Restaurant

Enjoy lunch featuring Mediterranean seafood and vegetable dishes in Monterosso, open 12:00pm - 3:00pm.
EUR25, 1h15m

2:00pm

Afternoon Leisure

Spend your afternoon relaxing or shopping for local specialties.
EUR0, 3h0m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Ristorante Miky

Indulge in your final dinner at one of the Cinque Terre’s best restaurants with delicious fresh local dishes, open 7:00pm - 11:00pm.
EUR35, 2h0m
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Day 8: Departure

Monterosso al Mare, Italy on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Check-out

Enjoy a final breakfast and check out from your accommodation. Prepare for your departure from Monterosso al Mare.
EUR6, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Next Destination

Depart Cinque Terre, continuing your journey elsewhere in Italy or beyond.
Variable, Variable
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