8 Best Cinque Terre Beaches to Catch Some Sun

The best beach in Cinque Terre is hands down Fegina Beach. In my opinion it is actually one of the best beaches in the world!

However, Fegina Beach has some stiff competition from all the other stunning sun soaked beaches in the Cinque Terre region. Read on to learn about all the best beaches in the Italian Riveria and how to access them safely — it is not always intuitive on these rocky Italian coastlines!

Whether you are spending 10 days in Italy, have a little more time like 2 weeks, or are renting a car and planning an Italy road trip, Cinque Terre is a fabulous place to stop and we include it on every itinerary. These are the best places to catch some sun!

8 Best Cinque Terre Beaches to Catch Some Sun

Vernazza Beach

If you don’t want to rent a boat or have to hike down to the beach, but still like that touch of wilderness, Vernazza beach is one of the best beaches in Cinque Terre for you. Vernazza is often referred to as the most beautiful Cinque Terre village. This village is little, but I found it packed with things to do and see.

There is a small sandy beach right at the entrance to Vernazza beach but don’t stop there! The real sight to see is located through the cliffs. The passage through them will open up to the remote, pebbly, and stunning beach you have been looking for. This is one of the best beaches in Vernazza.

If you are looking for the best cliff jumping in Cinque Terre, you should check out the rocks at the end of the Vernazza pier. Exercise caution and be sure to only jump where the locals are safely jumping from.

Keep in mind that September in Italy is basically the last month for warmer water in the country!

Canneto Beach

When considering which Cinque Terre beaches to visit, don’t be afraid to look at some of the ones that are a little harder to get to. Canneto beach can only be reached by boat–you read that right, boat. You can’t drive, bike, or climb to this beach.

There are a number of reasons why people go to so much effort to visit Canneto beach. Cinque Terre beaches aren’t very traditional in the lots-of-sand sense, but Canneto beach actually does have a sandy beach to lay out on. However, the primary reason people go here is for the beauty of it.

The landscape of this Cinque Terre beach is surreal, with trees and shrubbery growing down the hillside to the coast. Turquoise waters greet the narrow beach in a crescent cove.

While there is definitely visible evidence of civilization, there is a wildness to Canneto beach that can be hard to find in easier to reach locations. This is the place to come if you want to have a little more privacy than some of the more touristy Cinque Terre beaches. It is absolutely the best beach in Leporano, Italy.

Make sure to check out our list of the Best Beaches In Italy to find out more epic places to visit!

Fegina Beach

Monterosso is the largest of the five villages and it has two of my favorite Cinque Terre beaches. Fegina beach is on the more modern side of Monterosso.

It is the Cinque Terre beach for any of you who broke out in a cold sweat when reading about taking a boat to Canneto beach. You can get here by train, and it has much more than a little narrow beach to offer.

Tourists and locals alike flock to Fegina beach. Monterosso is actually the village that Italians prefer to visit due to its ease and modern comforts. Many locals say that this beach offers the best swimming in Cinque Terre. Fegina beach is accessible, beautiful, and has endless possibilities.

Those possibilities may well be why Fegina beach is so loved out of all the Cinque Terre beaches. You can do as little or as much as you want. You can just bring your own towel or rent an umbrella. There are numerous restaurants strewn across the promenade. And of course, plenty of places to enjoy some classic Italian gelato.

You can make Fegina beach into whatever kind of experience you want to, and that is why I consider it the best beach in Monterosso.

Monterosso Vecchio Beach

No lit of Cinque Terres best beaches is complete without mentioning Monterosso Vecchio Beach. This beach is located in the historic center of Monterosso. It has public and private zones, and is considered a little less touristy than Fegina beach.

Monterosso Vecchio beach is a bit sandy and has ample room to stretch out. Umbrellas line the sand, their inviting colors a warm welcome you to settle in and relax as you look out over the water.

Monterosso Vecchio beach is a great place to visit because of the beauty of the beach, and the quality of the history a short walk away. I recommend you visit this beach then head into the colorful and cobblestoned city to visit some historic sites.

All of the Cinque Terre beaches offer a hallowed glimpse into another time, but Monterosso Vecchio takes the cake when it comes to amazing history.

Other Monterosso Swimming Areas

Looking for a serene escape from the bustling main Monterosso beaches? Want to find some secret Cinque Terre swimming spots? Head down to the well known Il Gigante beach and keep strolling along the quaint path that winds up behind the stone building on your left.

This secret trail will lead you to a scenic walkway, taking you behind the sailing school and eventually popping out onto a secluded stretch of coastline. You’ll find one main beach with calm waters and coarse, dark sand. If you keep following the coastline around the bend, and you’ll discover lots of hidden spots that offer seclusion and tranquility.

Manarola Beach

Another unconventional but lovely option on our list of the best beaches in Liguria Italy is: Manarola beach. It actually isn’t a true beach at all, but rather a cement ramp that stretches out into the water. The ramp is actually a nice feature though, providing comfortable space to lay out.

And if you’re hoping for a classic Italian village on a hillside, look no further. Beauty is abundant everywhere you look, from the incandescent sea to the picturesque village.

Although Manarola’s beach is the least beachy of all Cinque Terre beaches, this village is not one to miss. Manarola’s vineyards are internationally famous. You can sample them on your way to the beach, or as you peruse some of the other features of the village. Manarola’s artifacts (and it has plenty of them!) also indicate that it is the oldest of the five villages. There is plenty to do and explore in this ancient hillside village by the sea.

Guvano Beach

Guvano beach has something up its sleeve that the other Cinque Terre beaches don’t. (Besides its wild and naturalistic scenery that is.) Guvano is an old nude beach. Some guidebooks say that going in the nude is no longer allowed, but Guvano beachgoers still often find undressed folks sunbathing there.

Most people access beautiful Guvano beach by boat. It does have a difficult trail if you would rather not rent a boat. Do not brush off the difficulty though; the trail is very steep and rocky. You will have to descend to the beach with the use of a rope, and that’s if the trail is open at all.

If you are not able-bodied or if the trail has been closed, it would be wise to use a boat to get here. Why take the risk? By now you realize that all Cinque Terre beaches all have their own unique must-see beauty. Guavano beach is no different! It is the best beach in Corniglia and well worth the effort to visit.

Levanto Beach

Levanto beach tops every list of the best Italian Rivera beaches. Nestled between the picturesque towns of Cinque Terre, Levanto offers a unique blend of Italian Riviera charm and stunning beaches.

Best beach in Levanto is reminiscent of Monterosso, as it boasts several paid and free areas. The sea is calm, and the bay is sheltered, making it an ideal area for families with kids. I personally consider Levanto Beach the perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing.

Levanto beach also provides unique opportunities for more adventurous travelers. Water sports enthusiasts can rent boats, kayaks, and paddleboards here. Additionally, you can take a ferry from Levanto to explore more Cinque Terre villages and check more Cinque Terre beaches off your must-see list.

Best Beaches Near Cinque Terre

Are you are a wild soul looking for a remote beach? Or someone who wants access to changing rooms, wine, and gelato during your beach visit? Either way, Cinque Terre has a perfect beach for you.

Perhaps you have decided you would like to visit all the beaches I mentioned! That is actually very doable. A trail winds around through all of the villages, which some travelers use to visit all 5 Cinque Terre villages in one day.

There are also boat tours that visit most of the beaches on this list. However, if Canneto or Guvano beach is at the top of your list you might want to plan to spend some extra time there. Whatever your vacation vibe, Cinque Terre has a beach for you.