15 Best Things to Do in Cinque Terre for an Italian Getaway
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Cinque Terre, Italy, is an iconic destination that’s on almost everyone’s bucket list. But, since this stunning area can become so popular, it can be hard to know what the best things to do in Cinque Terre are.
I visited Cinque Terre while studying abroad a few years ago and absolutely fell in love with these villages. They’re truly unlike anything I’ve ever seen before, and if you have the chance, definitely spend a few days there.
In this blog post, you’ll find some of the top experiences you can’t miss. That way, you’ll be able to have an experience you’ll never forget.
Best Things to do in Cinque Terre
Take a cooking class
Learning to cook in Italy is one of the best ways you can experience this area. The best part is that you’ll learn skills that you can take home with you!
The highest-rated way to book a cooking class in Cinque Terre is at Cesarine. They have a half-day experience that you’ll spend with a local chef! You’ll get to learn how to cook up local dishes and even desserts.
If you are interested in booking a cooking class in Cinque Terre, make sure you do so before you get there!
Some of these cooking classes are considered the best Cinque Terre attractions and have limited seating. They tend to book up fast, so make sure to plan ahead of time!
Hike the Blue Path
The Blue Path is one of the most common trails in the area. It’s considered one of the best things to see in Cinque Terre because the trail connects all five villages together.
Along the way, you’ll get striking views of the coastline and soak up all the little details of the villages.
Other routes that are popular in the area are:
- Riomaggiore-Manarola
- This trail takes you through one of the smallest villages in Cinque Terre and is set to fully open in July 2024. It is most commonly referred to as the Path of Love! This hike doesn’t change much in altitude and is one of the most popular parts of the greater Blue Trail.
- Manarola-Corniglia
- Currently, this section of the trail is out of order. The area is prone to landslides and is scheduled to reopen in May 2025. But, if you’d still like a taste of this trail, for now, the first 200 meters are open for exploring!
- Cornigila-Vernazza
- This entire route is open for hikers and, in total, should take you around 90 minutes to complete. For the best experience, it’s recommended you start from Corniglia.
- Vernazza-Monterosso al Mare
- Besides the Path of Love, this trail is one of the most common! This trail is considered relatively easy. However, it does require climbing a few stairs!
Visit a vineyard
Italy and wine go hand in hand. This means that wine alone is one of the biggest Cinque Terre attractions. It might surprise you that these little strings of villages have vineyards that stretch for miles!
One of Cinque Terre’s favorite vineyards is called Buranco Agriturismo. This is a stunning vineyard where you can enjoy wine tastings only a short walk from the Monterosso sea!
It’s safe to say that drinking some wine on the coast here is one of the best things to do in Cinque Terre.
Relax at Monterosso’s beach
You can’t visit Cinque Terre and not hang out on one of the beaches! Beach life here is truly one of the best things to see in Cinque Terre. Here are some of the most sought-after beaches to explore during your stay.
Monterosso al Marre is worth a visit because it’s home to some of the only sandy beaches in the area! Dipping your toes in the sand with the sun beating down on you is truly one of the best things to do in Cinque Terre.
Plus, if you are interested in exploring the Blue Trail, you’re in luck! The trailhead starts from Monterosso al Marre. That means you can plan to spend a day at the beach before heading out on the trail!
Ride the train
Taking the train through the villages that make up Cinque Terre is nothing short of magical! You’ll get views of the water, beaches, and vineyards, and even see up close and personal all the details that make up the beautiful villages.
If you’re short on time visiting Cinque Terre, taking a train ride through the villages will give you stunning views of the entire region.
Try pesto pasta
One fun fact about the area is that Basil leaves grow in this region! So, any pesto you try during your visit likely came very close to the source.
And since you’re in the most iconic pasta-eating country in the world, go ahead and add that pesto to your pasta!
The best place to try this dish yourself is at the restaurant Ristorante Miky in Monterosso. Anything you order here will be one of the tastiest and best things to do in Cinque Terre. Go ahead and treat yourself!
Snap a postcard photo of Manarola
When you think of Cinque Terre, you’re probably picturing Manarola. This village is home to the iconic colored houses that fill your Instagram feed when you search for Italy’s coastline.
For some iconic photos to take home with you, make sure you have time to head to Manarola for those picturesque shots you’ll want to frame.
Make sure you do your research before visiting Manarola. It’s a tiny village where no cars are allowed. There is a Cinque Terre Express train to help you move between villages depending on where you are starting your trip.
Visit all 5 villages
Many tourists visiting the area don’t get to experience all five villages along the coast. But crossing this off your bucket list is one of the best things to see in Cinque Terre. Here’s an overview of the five villages.
- Monterosso
- This village is where many tourists start their Cinque Terre experience. There are tons of hotels and accommodation options in this village. So, if you’re looking for a place to stay, consider Monterosso!
- Vernazza
- We know everything in Cinque Terre is beautiful, but Cernazza is a contender for the most beautiful town in the entire country.
- Corniglia
- For all the wine lovers, make sure you take a trip to Corniglia. It’s one of the least touristy villages but is made up of vineyards!
- Manarola
- This little village is famous for its fishing and wine. It’s even the birthplace of a sweet white tine, Scaiacchetrá.
- Riomaggiore
- This village is the largest of any in Cinque Terre. Here, you’ll find some great hiking. Make sure to plan ahead, as the trails may be closed for construction during your visit.
Indulge in gelato
If you can’t tell already, there’s no shortage of amazing food and drink in Italy. When you’re wondering what to do in Cinque Terre, enjoying gelato should always be on your list.
You’re bound to find incredible gelato just about everywhere in the area. But our favorite is Il Porticciolo in Vernazza. It’s picturesque and has plenty of flavors for everyone.
Climb to Doria Castle
No European trip is complete without some mix of history! The Doria Castle is where you can step back in time and experience what life was like in 1284.
It is believed that this castle played an important role in the Battle of Meloria during this time period. It was even used for hiding in WWII!
It’s important to know that there are many stairs involved to get to the top of the castle. Keep this in mind, as this experience might not be best suited for everyone you’re traveling with.
Catch the sunset in Riomaggiore
Sunsets on the Italian coastline are always epic. For an incredible sunset from the beach, make sure to head to Riomaggiore.
You can even spend the day here snorkeling in the crystal-clear water. If this experience is high on your bucket list, consider checking out some tours in the area.
Go inside the historic churches
Much like the rest of Italy, there are, of course, lots of churches to explore in the area. It’s one of the most recommended things to cross off your list when you’re wondering what to do in Cinque Terre.
There is the Capuchin Friars Monastery, Santa Margherita di Antiochia Church, and the Church of San Giovanni Battista. When you want a break from the sunshine, head on over to a few of these ancient churches.
Enjoy limoncello
What goes best with a hot sunny day? You guessed it, limoncello! A cold glass of this lemon-based drink in your hand makes any moment in Cinque Terre feel like a movie.
And, if you visit in May, there’s even a festival, Sagra dei Limoni in Montessoro annually!
Have seafood for dinner
Cinque Terre is where you can find some of the best seafood in Italy. It’s so fresh here, you can even cook some yourself at the seafood markets.
This area is known for its anchovies and octopus, so dig in! Whatever seafood you order, you can be sure it will be some of the freshest you’ve ever had.
Go on a boat ride
For breathtaking views of the sea and villages, don’t miss the opportunity to embark on a boat ride. For all the content creators visiting the area, don’t miss this experience!
From the crystal clear waters to the colored houses on the coast, there’s a lot of beauty to capture! For anyone visiting the area, going on a boat ride is one of the best things to do in Cinque Terre.
Final Thoughts: What to do in Cinque Terre
When you’re planning a trip to the Italian Coast, it can be overwhelming where to start. The good news is that anywhere you visit in Cinque Terre is going to be stunning.
Now you know some of the best things to do in Cinque Terre, you’re ready for a relaxing and beautiful trip no matter when you visit.
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