Choose from 6 Fun Things to Do in Cinque Terre
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Monterosso al Mare
The biggest and most visited of the five villages comprising Italy’s famed Cinque Terre, Monterosso al Mare draws sunseekers to its sandy beach and scenic seafront promenade. The town’s comparatively flat terrain makes its two halves—the historic Old Town and the modern center—easy to get around on foot, while the surrounding hills abound with dreamy lookouts and medieval monuments.
The Basics
Monterosso al Mare makes a good base for sailing and boat tours along the Italian Riviera, as well as for hiking in Cinque Terre National Park, which encompasses all five Cinque Terre towns. Day tours to Monterosso al Mare run from La Spezia, Florence, and Milan, and typically include visits to the neighboring Cinque Terre villages of Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Manarola, plus a stop in nearby Portovenere.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Monterosso al Mare can get busy in peak summer season, so book tours and accommodations in advance.
- Bring comfortable, sturdy walking shoes, as roads in the other villages—and the trails between them—can be steep and uneven.
- Monterosso al Mare is the most wheelchair and stroller accessible of all the Cinque Terre villages, and is reached by a long seafront promenade.
How to Get There
Located at the northern edge of Cinque Terre National Park along the Italian Riviera, Monterosso al Mare is a 2.5-hour drive from Florence or a 50-minute drive from La Spezia. Monterosso is easily accessible by car, but it’s most convenient to arrive by train from La Spezia (a 30-minute ride). Alternatively, from mid-April through October, ferries connect Monterosso al Mare with La Spezia, Riomaggiore, Vernazza, and Manarola.
When to Get There
The Cinque Terre see the most visitors and the highest temperatures—upwards of 100°F (40°C)—in summer. Hikers should aim to visit in May or September to avoid the peak heat, while budget-minded travelers might want to skip August, when hotel prices rise. Visiting in winter is possible, but some hiking trails may be inaccessible in inclement weather. Year-round, overnight guests can enjoy relatively quiet evenings once the day-trippers have filed out.
Monterosso al Mare’s Landmarks and Monuments
Take a short break from the beach to explore Monterosso’s historic center, home to the 13th-century Church of San Giovanni Battista and the 16th-century Oratory of Confraternita dei Neri. Continue to the waterfront to take in the views from the medieval Aurora Tower, pose for photos by the 1910 Il Gigante (Giant) statue, then climb San Cristoforo hill to admire the historic and artistic Capuchin convent and the Church of San Francesco.
Address: Montrerosso al Mare, Italy
From $ 139
La Spezia Cruise Port
A busy Mediterranean naval port in northern Italy, the La Spezia cruise port offers cruisers access to three of the country’s top destinations: Pisa, Florence, and the must-see chain of five cliffside villages known as the Cinque Terre. Cruise passengers also utilize La Spezia as a jumping-off point to other highlights in Piedmont and Liguria. Even if you don’t plan to venture out of town, La Spezia, backed by mountains and home to several museums and a castle, has plenty to offer for a day in port.
The Basics
Cruise visitors have a number of day trip options from the cruise terminal. Many La Spezia shore excursions head to nearby Portovenere before arriving in the Cinque Terre by ferry for a day of hiking through areas of Riomaggiore and Vernazza. Others traveler further afield to Tuscany to visit cities such as Lucca (46 miles or 75 km away), with its palatial Guinigi Tower; Pisa (48 miles or 77 km away), with its famous Leaning Tower; and Florence (93 miles or 48 km away), known for its array of Renaissance art. A wine-tasting tour through Chianti also makes a great shore excursion tour to the Tuscan countryside.
Alternatively, some cruise passengers choose to stay in La Spezia, where most of the highlights are within walking distance of each other. Choose a city walking tour to see San Giorgio Castle (Castello di San Giorgio), only a half-mile west of the port; the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption (Santa Maria Assunta), full of artwork; and the Amedeo Lia Museum (Museo Civico Amedeo Lia), a fine arts destination housing paintings by Tintoretto, Titian, and others from the 13th to 17th centuries. Finish up your city tour at the waterfront Technical Naval Museum (Museo Tecnico Navale).
The Basics
Cruise visitors have a number of day trip options from the cruise terminal. Many La Spezia shore excursions head to nearby Portovenere before arriving in the Cinque Terre by ferry for a day of hiking through areas of Riomaggiore and Vernazza. Others traveler further afield to Tuscany to visit cities such as Lucca (46 miles or 75 km away), with its palatial Guinigi Tower; Pisa (48 miles or 77 km away), with its famous Leaning Tower; and Florence (93 miles or 48 km away), known for its array of Renaissance art. A wine-tasting tour through Chianti also makes a great shore excursion tour to the Tuscan countryside.
Alternatively, some cruise passengers choose to stay in La Spezia, where most of the highlights are within walking distance of each other. Choose a city walking tour to see San Giorgio Castle (Castello di San Giorgio), only a half-mile west of the port; the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption (Santa Maria Assunta), full of artwork; and the Amedeo Lia Museum (Museo Civico Amedeo Lia), a fine arts destination housing paintings by Tintoretto, Titian, and others from the 13th to 17th centuries. Finish up your city tour at the waterfront Technical Naval Museum (Museo Tecnico Navale).
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to La Spezia From the Cruise Port
La Spezia cruises dock at Molo Garibaldi, just 1.5 miles (2 km) from the city center. Once off the cruise ship, walk to the Public Gardens (Giardini Pubblici) across from the base of the pier, and you’ll be in town. Alternatively, take a shuttle bus or a taxi for the short journey. The La Spezia Centrale railway station, situated in the Piazza Medaglie d’Oro, offers service to Pisa and the Cinque Terre with trains running a couple times an hour. Ferries also run from La Spezia’s ferry terminal, about a 20-minute walk from the cruise dock, to Portovenere and the Cinque Terre.
Port Information
The currency in Italy is the euro, and the language is Italian. La Spezia is compact, so you should easily find free WiFi, ATMs, and tourist information.
- Shore excursion tours include port pickup and drop-off so you don’t have to worry about missing sailing times.
- Most La Spezia shore excursions are full-day trips lasting about nine hours.
- Opt for a private tour to customize your experience in port and choose the cities you’d like to visit.
How to Get to La Spezia From the Cruise Port
La Spezia cruises dock at Molo Garibaldi, just 1.5 miles (2 km) from the city center. Once off the cruise ship, walk to the Public Gardens (Giardini Pubblici) across from the base of the pier, and you’ll be in town. Alternatively, take a shuttle bus or a taxi for the short journey. The La Spezia Centrale railway station, situated in the Piazza Medaglie d’Oro, offers service to Pisa and the Cinque Terre with trains running a couple times an hour. Ferries also run from La Spezia’s ferry terminal, about a 20-minute walk from the cruise dock, to Portovenere and the Cinque Terre.
Port Information
The currency in Italy is the euro, and the language is Italian. La Spezia is compact, so you should easily find free WiFi, ATMs, and tourist information.
Address: La Spezia, Piedmont & Liguria, Italy
From $ 170
Manarola
Perched on a rocky promontory, riddled with caves, and lapped by startlingly blue waters, Cinque Terre’s village of Manarola is the epitome of romantic. Its charms include sea-view restaurants serving ultra-fresh anchovies, a picturesque waterfront promenade, and a rugged Italian Riviera shore dotted with swimming holes—all this and small enough to explore in a single morning.
The Basics
Manarola makes a good base for for sailing and boat tours along northern Italy’s Mediterranean coast, as well as hiking and mountain biking excursions in Cinque Terre National Park, which encompasses all five Cinque Terre towns. Day tours to Manarola run from La Spezia, Siena, Florence, and Milan, and generally also visit Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Riomaggiore, plus nearby Portovenere.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Manarola can get busy in peak summer season, so book tours and accommodations in advance.
- Bring comfortable, sturdy walking shoes, as the village roads are steep and often uneven.
- While many hotels and tourist attractions in Manarola are wheelchair and stroller accessible, the village’s steep and narrow lanes can be challenging for those with mobility issues to navigate.
How to Get There
Located in Cinque Terre National Park, just north of Riomaggiore along the Italian Riviera, Manarola is a two-hour drive from Florence or a 30-minute drive from La Spezia. Parking is limited in Manarola, so unless you are staying in town overnight, it’s best to join a tour or arrive by train from La Spezia (a 10-minute ride). Alternatively, from mid-April through October, ferries connect Manarola with La Spezia, Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, and Riomaggiore.
When to Get There
Manarola sees the most visitors and the highest temperatures—upwards of 100°F (40°C)—during the summer. Hikers may want to visit in May or September to avoid the heat, while those on a budget should note that hotel prices rise in August. It’s possible to visit in winter, but some trails may be inaccessible in inclement weather. Year-round, overnight guests can enjoy relatively quiet evenings once the day-trippers depart.
Celebrating the Holidays in Manarola
Manarola’s most unique claim to fame is its magnificent Christmas nativity—the largest in the world, according to Guinness World Records. Every year from December to mid-January, the hills above Manarola are illuminated with more than 15,000 lights that comprise a mesmerizing nativity scene of over 250 characters. Best of all, the entire display is eco-friendly, built using recycled materials and powered by a sustainable photovoltaic system.
Address: Manarola, Italy
From $ 139
Portovenere
Portovenere’s brightly painted buildings, lively harbor, and clifftop castle make it a quintessential Italian Riviera town, perched on the rocky shores of the Gulf of Poets (Golfo dei Poeti). An easy detour from the wildly popular Cinque Terre National Park, this comparatively tranquil seaside town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich history, delicious seafood, and stunning backdrop of cliffs, caves, and coves—making it ideal for hiking, mountain biking, or just relaxing.
The Basics
Portovenere is most often visited on a day trip from La Spezia, San Gimignano, Siena, Milan, or, most commonly, Florence. Most tours combine free time in this oceanside town with stops in the coastal villages of Cinque Terre for hiking, dining, and exploring. It’s also possible to admire the picturesque waterfront aboard a sailing cruise around the Golfo dei Poeti.
Things to Know Before You Go
- If visiting in summer, be sure to pack sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Public transportation to and from Portovenere is limited, so joining a tour is the best option for those without a car.
- White some hotels, ferries, and attractions in Portovenere are wheelchair and stroller accessible, the village’s steep and narrow lanes can be challenging for those with limited mobility.
How to Get There
Located at the southern tip of Cinque Terre National Park along the Italian Riviera, Portovenere is reachable by car (year-round) and ferry boat (mid-April through October only) from nearby villages such as La Spezia, Levanto, and Vernazza. It is set 102 miles (164 kilometers) west of Florence and just nine miles (15 kilometers) from La Spezia.
When to Get There
The most atmospheric, albeit crowded, time to visit Portovenere is during the summer season (May to August). The town is a popular destination any time of year, but be aware that many hotels, restaurants, and attractions close down in low season.
The Legend of the Golfo dei Poeti
La Spezia Bay is better known as the Golfo dei Poeti, or the Gulf of Poets, and its natural beauty has been inspiring poets since Roman times. Poets Persio, George Sand, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and Eugenio Montale have all mentioned the bay in their verses, while one of the coastal caves is named after former resident Lord Byron.
Address: Portovenere, Italy
From $ 139
Corniglia
Pint-sized Corniglia might be the smallest of Italy’s Cinque Terre seaside villages, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in dramatic scenery and rustic beauty. Climb the dizzying 365 steps to the clifftop hamlet and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views over the neighboring villages and a cluster of charming shops, cafés, and restaurants.
The Basics
Corniglia’s tiny size means it’s best suited for a day trip rather than as a base for exploring the region. Day tours to Corniglia run from La Spezia, Florence, and Milan, and typically include visits to the neighboring villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Riomaggiore, and Manarola, as well as a stop in nearby Portovenere. It’s a popular stop for hikers exploring Cinque Terre National Park, which encompasses all five Cinque Terre towns.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Corniglia can get busy in peak summer season, so book tours and accommodations in advance.
- Day trips from Florence to the Cinque Terre can last upwards of 12 hours, so prepare for a long day.
- Bring comfortable, sturdy walking shoes, as the village roads are steep and often uneven.
- While some hotels and tourist attractions in Corniglia are wheelchair and stroller accessible, the village’s steep and narrow lanes can be challenging for those with mobility issues to navigate.
How to Get There
Located in Cinque Terre National Park, between Vernazza and Manarola along the Italian Riviera, Corniglia is a 2.5-hour drive from Florence or 50-minute drive from La Spezia. Parking is very limited in Corniglia, so unless you are staying in town overnight, it’s best to join a tour or arrive by train from La Spezia (a 15-minute ride). On arrival at the train station, it’s a steep walk or short shuttle bus ride to reach the cliff-top village. Corniglia is the only one of the five Cinque Terre towns not accessible by ferry.
When to Get There
Corniglia and Cinque Terre see the most visitors and the highest temperatures—upwards up 100°F (40°C)—during the summer. Hikers should aim to visit in May or September to avoid the peak heat, while budget-minded travelers might want to skip August, when hotel prices skyrocket. Visiting in winter is possible, but some hiking trails may be inaccessible in inclement weather.
Corniglia’s Most Stunning Viewpoints
When it comes to Corniglia’s sweeping views, there isn’t a bad seat in the house. Climb the 365-step Scalinata Lardarina up to the village for the most impressive vistas, then make your way to the oceanfront terrace at the top for a panoramic view along Cinque Terre and watch the sunset from Bar Terza Terra. Alternatively, hike the coastal road to Vernazza or Manarola, enjoying expansive looks over the Mediterranean Sea.
Address: Corniglia, Italy
From $ 139
Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore is photogenic from every angle, thanks to its jumble of multicolored buildings cocooned between dramatic sea cliffs and fronted by an expanse of blue ocean. The largest and southernmost of northern Italy’s five Cinque Terre villages, Riomaggiore is the place for romantic promenades, sipping coffee in traditional cafés, and bird watching along the rocky shores.
The Basics
Riomaggiore makes a good base for sailing or kayaking along the Italian Riviera coast; wine-tasting tours to the Montenero vineyards; and hiking and mountain biking excursions in Cinque Terre National Park, which encompasses all five Cinque Terre towns. Day tours to Riomaggiore run from La Spezia, Siena, Florence, and Milan, and typically also visit the neighboring villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Manarola, as well as nearby Portovenere.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Riomaggiore can get busy in peak summer season, so book tours and accommodations in advance.
- Bring comfortable, sturdy walking shoes, as the village roads are steep and often uneven.
- While many hotels and tourist attractions in Riomaggiore are wheelchair and stroller accessible, the village’s steep and narrow lanes can be challenging to navigate for those with mobility issues.
How to Get There
Located in Cinque Terre National Park, just south of Manarola along the Italian Riviera, Riomaggiore is a two-hour drive from Florence or a 30-minute drive from La Spezia. Parking is limited in Riomaggiore, so unless you are staying in town overnight, it’s best to join a tour or arrive by train from La Spezia (a five-minute ride). Alternatively, from mid-April through October, ferries connect Riomaggiore with La Spezia, Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, and Manarola.
When to Get There
Riomaggiore sees the most visitors and the highest temperatures—upwards of (100°F (40°C)—in summer. Hikers should aim to visit in May or September to avoid the peak heat, while budget-minded travelers should note that hotel prices rise in August. Visiting in winter is possible, but some hiking trails may be inaccessible in heavy rain or icy conditions.
Buon Appetito!
Home to some of Cinque Terre’s best restaurants and cafés, Riomaggiore is a great place to sample authentic Ligurian cuisine. Look out for signature dishes such as coniglio alla ligure (red wine–braised rabbit) and pesto alla Genovese (pasta with fresh pesto), street foods like pansotti (stuffed pasta) and farinata (chickpea pancakes), and the sweet dessert wine Sciacchetra.
Address: Riomaggiore, Italy
From $ 55