20 Best Things to Do in Cinque Terre Italy (First Time Guide!

Looking for the best things to do in Cinque Terre? I’ve got you covered. Think of me as your Cinque Terre guide as I share my experience of this amazing area with you. 

I have visited this area many times and I just love it. Some of my favorite things to here are hiking to Santuario di Nostra Signora di Montener, having a meal at Nessun Dorma. I also love exploring the churches on Monterosso al Mare. 

In this article I will cover how to get to Cinque Terre, the villages and how to get the best out of a day trip to Cinque Terre. 

On the Italian Rivera this area is made up of five villages. It is on the North-Western coast of Italy and some of the villages date from the 8th century. Each town is unique and offers something different and figuring out what to do in Cinque Terre can be challenging. 

What I’ve written here is a first time Cinque Terre guide. I’ve gone through each village individually before adding some general things and helpful information. 

Go grab a seat and a cold drink and let’s wander through some of what I feel are the most beautiful places in Italy. Nothing beats the Cinque Terre National Park.

20 Best Things to Do in Cinque Terre Italy (First Time Guide!

Things to Do in Riomaggiore

With its colorful houses and cute harbor, Riomaggiore is one of my favorites. It is the first village you will encounter if you are travelling from La Spezia. 

The town is said to date from the  8th Century when locals in the Vara Valley started to grow grapevines and olive trees.This is the town where you will also find  the famous Via dell ‘Amore or lover’s lane. 

Riomaggiore is one of the top things to see in Cinque Terre and if you are tight for time I recommend booking a guided tour as you will see twice as much in half the time. You will also find lots of things to do at night in Cinque Terre here.

 Cinque Terre Tour by Train with Limoncino

Hike To Santuario di Nostra Signora di Montenero For Incredible Views

If you are looking for free things to do in Cinque Terre and have appropriate footwear then I highly recommend this hike as the views are spectacular. It will take about 45 minutes each way and it can get hot so take plenty of water. 

If you do persist though the views at the top are out of this world. The panoramic views of the whole Cinque Terre coastline seems to go on forever. 

I’m not much of a hiker and while I did find the walk challenging it wasn’t as bad as I had expected. 

When I was there is was very crowded and taking a photo was a little difficult. However I preserved and was rewarded so be patent. 

Cinque Terre Guided Hiking Tour

Go For A Swim Among the Rocks

One of the Cinque Terre activities which I didn’t participate in but wished I had was swimming, I don’t think I went in the water once.  

If you want to partake eat of the village is a rocky beach where the ricks have created natural swimming holes. The water was so clear and I was told ithe water was warm, but Florida warm and European warm are not the same.  

Locals told me there was a sandy beach that could be reach by boat. Canneto Beach, located between Punta Castagna and Punta del Cavo is quieter and more private and a bit of a secret local spot. I didnt go but it sounded fabolurous. 

If you do want to take a dip keep in mind that September in Italy is basically the last month for warmer water in the country.

Cliff Jump, If You Dare

If you have an adventurous spirit and are visiting Cinque Terre Italy then cliff jumping is a thing here. We are not talking about crazy high cliff jumping here, just a gentle jump off the rocks that surround the water. 

Most of the beaches around Riomaggiore are rocky so take your pick. It isn’t my thing but I saw lots of people doing it and them seemed to love it so if that is your thing go ahead. 

Things To Do In Manarola

For me a visit here is one of the best things to do in Cinque Terre. This town has a picturesque fishing port and terraced vineyards that rise above it. It is a photographers dream. 

The thing I love best about it is that it tends to be one of the quieter villages, it is also one of the smallest. It also happens to be home of one of my favorite hidden gems in Italy, Nessun Dorma.

Nessun Dorma

It’s not very often that I list restaurants as one of the best places to visit in Cinque Terre but this place has my heart. 

It’s a casual outdoor restaurant that overlooking Manarola.  All the tables here have fantastic views of the pastel houses that make up Manarola as well as the colorful fishing boats and the blue Mediterranean sea beyond. 

The food and wone is also delicious and I cna confirm vegetarain friendly. They even do cooking classes here, I did one on making pesto and it was excellent.  

Give this place a go I assure you will not be disappointed.

Take Photos Of Manarola At Sunset

Just below Nessun Dorma is a famous lookout spot where you can take some of the best sunset photos. And bonus it is also on eof the free things to do in Cinque Terre. 

As sunset approaches the path from the fishing harbor below leading up to Nessun Dorma will become littered with photographers eager to take Instagram worthy shots. 

I had so much fun lining up with people waiting to get that perfect shot, and the shot we got was perfect.

Explore The Vineyards Above The Town

When visiting Cinque Terre Italy I encourage you to walk among the terraced vineyards located above Manarola its wonderful. 

Start at the gothic church Chiesa di San Lorenzo and look for the wooden railings and path that leads the way. You will soon find yourself among the vineyard. 

The views are incredible and I found this spot to be much quieter than some of the more well known look out spots.  

Things to Do in Corniglia

This village is different from the rest as it isn’t directly on the water. Instead, it sits on a hill that overlooks terraced vineyards. 

It also has great views of the other four villages and of course the Mediterranean sea as well. I find the atmosphere here to be chill and charming.  

It tends to be a little quieter here which I love and it certainly has as much charm as the other villages. 

Enter Via The Stairs

Getting to this town is where the fun begins for me. To get here you can either follow a small vehicle road or climb the Lardarina steps. Trust me take the steps its one of the Cinque Terre activities everyone should do. 

There are 382 steps with 33 landings. Each landing offers a unique view and I suggest you stop and enjoy each one. 

I didn’t find the climb difficult but I did some people in inappropriate shoes having a rather challenging time of it. Consider yourself warned. 

Visit The Church Of Saint Peter

Italy is full of beautiful, historic churches and the Chiesa di San Pietro is no exception. I do love visiting churches and this one was a welcome respite after that climb. 

The history of this church goes back to an 11th-century chapel that was turned into the church of St. Peter sometime in the 12th-century.  Don’t let the outside fool it its opulent inside. 

What I love most about the churches in this area is that they all have a white marble rose window and this one is no exception. 

For me this place is a must-see in Cinque Terre.

Enjoy A Quiet Afternoon

Corniglia for me was the perfect place to just stop and relax for a while.  Cinque Terre is a popular busy place and for people with certain sensitivities it can become a lot. 

I can often find myself overstimulated and anxious in this area. I always try and make Corniglia my home base as it is much more laid back, especially in the late afternoons when day trippers head home. 

If you need a little break for a while I suggest spending an lazy afternoon here. 

Things to Do in Vernazza

Most believe that Vernazza is one of the most authentic fishing villages on the Italian Rivera and indeed it is the only natural port in the area. It is truly one of the best beach towns in Italy!

It’s all pastel houses and quaint piazza and I feel one of the most beautiful if all the villages. It’s one of the best places to visit in Cinque Terre if you are looking for charm and history. 

Book Your Guided Cinque Terre Shore Excursion Tour!

Hike Up To Monterosso al Mare For The Best Views

If you are wondering what to do in Cinque Terre then hiking any of the paths between the villages should be high on your list. The path between Vernazza and Monterosso in my opinion is the most spectacular. 

Just hike for out of the village towards Monterosso for about 10 minutes. You will then be greeted with some of the most spectacular views of the region. Trust me its worth it. 

Hiking Cinque Terre is one of my favorite things to do as the views are incredible and most people miss them choosing to use public transport to travel between them. 

Relax On The Sandy Beach

This area is now known for it’s sandy beaches but a flood in 2011 left a large sandy beach here and it is one of the best in the area. 

It is easily reached by passing through a tunnel located off of the main village road. It is one of the best sandy beaches in Cinque Terre. When you are planning I recommend trying to carve out some time to send a whale at this beach.

Here are the 7 Best Cinque Terre Beaches to Catch Some Sun.

Climb The Doria Castle Tower

One of the  things to see in Cinque Terre is the  Doria Castle Tower. 

Built as part of a system of fortifications in the early middle ages, the tower as it is known today is a fantastic historical sight to see in Cinque Terre. 

It is the  oldest surviving fortification in the Cinque Terre. 

Doria Castle is visible from the entire village but to get the best views, I recommend climbing the steep narrow steps by the harbor. When I went you could climb the tower for a small fee and it was worth it. 

This was one of the best attractions in Cinque Terre.

Things To Do In Monterosso al Mare

Ounce excluded from the group of CT villages this is now the largest and  busiest of the villages. 

This is one of the most tourist of all teh towson and the one with the most things to do and places to vissit. 

There are two sections of Monterosso al Mare, the old and new. They are divided by a tunnel and you’ll want to be sure to explore both sections of the town. It is a must-see in Cinque Terre.

Enjoy The Beautiful Beaches

One reason people enjoy Monterosso al Mare is because of the resort-like beach. There is a pay section with chairs and umbrellas and a free section in the summer months this section can get crowded fast. 

The most well-known area of the beach is Fegina beach. Popular for its long sandy stretch and the famous statue of the Giant that dramatically overlooks the beach.

I didn’t spend much time here, when you live in Florida seeking out beaches tends not to be what you do on vacation. I also find it far too crowded for me. 

Bit if beaches are your thing then this is one fo the best activities in Cinque Terre. 

And here are some of the best beaches in Italy if you are looking for some more inspiration.

Explore The Churches

When it comes to Church Monterosso al Mare has many and to be honest they are all worth a visit. But that is coming from someone who just loves old churches.

Here is the order I suggest you explore the churches. I would first  check out the Ligurian style facade of the Chruch of San Giovanni Battista. Next I would  head to the nearby Oratory of Saint Maria del Porto Salvo. It is close to  The Baroque Oratory of St. Maria del Porto Salvo is in ruins but enclosed in the Loggia Podesta and worth checking out.

If this isnt enoug churching for ou there is also the Church of the Capuchin Father, San Francesco which contains artwork by Luca Cambiaso and Bernardo Castello and a Crucifixion that is thought to be by the Flemish Baroque artist Van Dyck. 

One I wouldn’t miss out though is the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Soviore. It is on the he carriage road between Levanto and Pignone. 

Inside you will find the famous wooden statue of the Madonna and can explore the sanctuary that was once a shelter for pilgrims during the Black Plague. For me it was one of the  best things to do in Cinque Terre. 

I don’t know how one place can have so many churches but for me it was wonderful. 

General Things to do in Cinque Terre

Here are some general things that I highly recommend you do while exploring Cinque Terre.

Take A Boat Tour

Seeing Cinque Terre from the water is a whole different experience. If you can I highly recommend you make time to take a boat ride. 

You can ride between the villages, take a sightseeing tour or go on a sunset cruise. We went on a sunset tour which included antipasto and wine and it was fabulous.  

I can not stress enough how amazing it is getting onto the water and seeing the villages from that vantage point.

 Cinque Terre and Gulf of Poets Full-Day Boat Tour

Gorge On Gelato

When planning a Cinque Terre visit I highly recommend putting in some gelato shops, because when it Italy, right? 

There is nothing more perfect then strolling the street of Cinque Terre with a gelato in hand. 

 Grab your gelato of choice to go, find a spot overlooking the ocean and enjoy this Italian treat while taking in breathtaking views and salty air. 

Take A Cooking Class

Cinque Terre is known for this flavorful dish, all the food here is honestly so incredible. If you want to do somet9ing different I highly recommend  taking the pesto making class at Nessum Dorma. 

I’ve already mentioned this place and you can’t go wrong here. These are coking classes with a view. 

Ive taken part on the pesto and Italian Ligurian cooking classes and they were both fboluous. 

If you are planning a trip to Cinque Terre book one of these classes in advance you will have a blast. 

Hike Between The Villages

I’ve talked about hiking a lot and I honestly think it is one of the best ways to see the wonderful scenery. There is a hiking trail that connects the five villages and it gives you uncompromised views of the sea and villages 

The full hike would take about six hours which you could do in a day if you wanted, or break it up. However saying this any of the trails surrounding the villages are worth exploring. 

Check ahead of time to make sure that the trails are opne sometimes die to conditions they can be closes. You will also need to get yourself a trail card as some of the trails do charge an admission fee. 

This is one of the the best activities in Cinque Terre. Walking along the Cinque Terre is really wonderful. You really get to see the Cinque Terre national park from a different viewpoint.

Book Your Cinque Terre Guided Walking Tour!

Wonder The Back Alleys Of Cinque Terre

It’s easy to think of Cinque Terre as only ocean views and terraced vineyards but once you start to explore each village you will soon discover they are made up of rambling alleys. 

There is nothing I love more than getting ‘lost’ in the back streets and finding hidden gems I would have otherwise missed. 

Just going where the mood takes you and exploring places others may miss is one of the  best things to do in Cinque Terre especially if like me you want to get away from the crowds. 

Taste Some Of The Cinque Terre Wine

The vineyards around this area are not just for show they produce some lovely wines. The terrain is step and rocky and for anyone who knows anything about wine you know difficult growing conditions make great wine.

Most wine production here is done the old fashioned way and mostly by hand. They take their wine production here seriously.

The two main local wines are a dry white, the Cinque Terre DOC and a sweet dessert wine the Sciacchetrà DOC. I highly recommend you go on a wine tasting tour in either Monterosso or Manarola.

Where To Stay In Cinque Terre

When you are planning a trip to Cinque Terre the first thing to do is decide where you want to stay. There is so many accommodation options around Cinque Terre so it’s just a matter of picking the best area for you. 

You will want to look for a place that suits your needs and budget but is also near the attractions in Cinque Terre that you most want to visit. 

Riomaggiore is the village with the easiest access to La Spezia it is also the place you are most likely to find budget options. It’s a young happening place buzzing with nightlife and is best for those social butterflies among you. Here you will fin lots of things to do for adults in Cinque Terre.

Manarola is where to go if you are looking for a romantic stay. Couples love staying here and the quiet evenings are a real draw for some. Photographs will also find this area will suit their needs.

Corniglia is my preferred spot when I visit the area. Its quieter than the other villages is more friendly on your wallet and is off the beaten track. If you hiking between the villages this is also a perfect spot for you to stay the night. 

Vernazza is the place to be if you want to be at the heart of everything happening this is a good place for you. Vernazza has a little bit of everything and is perfect for couples who like to where it’s at. 

Monterosso al Mare is where to go If you have children or mobility issues. There is a beautiful beach here and the town is flatter than the others. If you are things to do with kids in Cinque Terre this is the place for you.  

Getting Around Cinque Terre

If this is your first time to Cinque Terre you might be wondering how to get around the villages. So let’s answer that for you. 

If you are wondering how to get to Cinque Terre then by far the easiest way is by train.  The Genoa – La Spezia line has frequently running trains Milan, Genoa and Pisa. The trains will arrive at either Levanto or Monterosso. From there you can catch the Cinque Terre Express which stops at the other villages. 

I have always found the fastest and most efficient way between the villages to be via the Cinque Terre Express trains. These local trains run between March and November and stop at all five villages. There is a hop on and hop off ticket which lasts for a whole day. 

If you are thinking of exploring by car you can do that. Most will tell you the area is car free and while you can’t get into some of the villages by car you can park outside of them and walk. Just make sure when parking you park in bays with blue lines (paid), white lines (free) and not green, green are for residents. 

You will be driving along scenic winding often narrow roads and its a great way to travel to Cinque Terre if you are up for the challenge. 

As I already mentioned you can hike to the villages just makes sure you get your Cinque Terre Card it gives you access to the trails and the train. 

Arriving by boat is extra special and this is my favorite mode of transport in the area by far. From March to November ferries run from Spezia, Portovenere and Levanto to the Cinque Terre villages. Yu can also hop on and off the boat between the villages.  Here is the Boat timetable.  Or you could of coarse charter a boat. 

I feel Cinque Terre is one of the places to visit in Italy, everyone should take a trip here once. There is nowhere like the Cinque Terre national park is really is fabulous.

I hope you have an amazing time in this region and please ask if you have any questions.