Cinque Terre, in Italy, is a dream destination for travelers who crave stunning landscapes, charming villages, and an authentic Italian vibe. This travel guide lays out a detailed two-day itinerary starting in La Spezia and exploring the five enchanting villages that make up Cinque Terre: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare.
Where Is Cinque Terre in Italy?
Located on the Italian Riviera coastline in the Liguria region, this unique area consists of five villages—Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare—hence the name “Cinque Terre,” which translates to “Five Lands.” These small towns stand out for their colorful houses climbing the cliffs, sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea, and ancient vineyards. An interesting fact: UNESCO recognizes Cinque Terre as a World Heritage Site, which highlights its cultural and natural importance.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Cinque Terre?
Visit in spring (April and May) and early fall (September and October). During these months, the weather feels pleasant, the villages glow under the sun, and crowds stay smaller than in peak summer.
What’s the Best Way to Explore Cinque Terre?
Car
Driving into the villages can be tricky because roads are narrow and parking is limited. Park outside the villages and switch to other transport to move around.
We drove from Milan to La Spezia, left our car in a parking lot in La Spezia for the entire stay, and explored all five villages by train, which turned out to be incredibly convenient.”
If you plan to rent a car, we recommend DiscoverCars, where you’ll find the best options, company reviews, and easy price comparisons.
Valuable tips for drivers Driving in Italy: Essential Tips for Car Rental, Tolls, Parking, and ZTL Zones and How to Rent a Car in Italy: Complete Guide for Travelers
Train
The train from La Spezia offers the most efficient and convenient way to travel between the Cinque Terre villages. Rides are short—usually five to ten minutes—and trains run frequently.
You can buy tickets at the station. We bought the Unlimited Cinque Terre Card for 2 days for €48.50 per person, which also included the bus to Corniglia. Prices vary by season; check the latest rates on the official website https://www.parconazionale5terre.it
Validate your ticket before boarding and enjoy the views on each short ride. Trains depart La Spezia toward Cinque Terre marked “Levanto”.
Boat
Boat tours are also popular in Cinque Terre. We didn’t have time during our two-day trip; however, if you stay longer, consider the following experience.
👉 Tip: Cinque Terre Boat Tour
Where to Stay in Cinque Terre
Choosing where to stay shapes your experience. For full immersion, sleep in one of the five villages—Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola or Riomaggiore. Each one has its charm: Monterosso offers the only long sandy beach, Vernazza delights with a picture-perfect harbor, Corniglia serves up panoramic clifftop views, Manarola stuns with colorful waterfront houses, and Riomaggiore buzzes with a lively food scene.
Staying in La Spezia works very well too. You’ll get better prices, solid infrastructure, and easy train access to every village—this was our choice and we recommend it. Levanto also makes a great base if you want a quieter vibe while staying close. In short, whether you want the charm of a specific village or a practical hub to explore them all, you’ll find a stay that balances beauty and convenience in Cinque Terre.
2-Day Cinque Terre Itinerary
Day 1: RIOMAGGIORE and MANAROLA
Starting from LA SPEZIA
La Spezia gives you the perfect gateway to Cinque Terre. If you don’t stay in La Spezia, drive in and leave your car at the train station parking lot. Buy the Cinque Terre Card at the station; it includes unlimited train rides between the villages, access to the National Park hiking trails, and the bus to Corniglia.
Morning: RIOMAGGIORE
Take the train from La Spezia to Riomaggiore, the first village in Cinque Terre. The ride takes about ten minutes.
Riomaggiore often greets visitors first when they arrive from La Spezia. The village stands out for stacked houses and a small harbor where boats bob gently on the waves.
Top Attractions:
- Riomaggiore Castle: Walk up for panoramic views over the village and sea.
- Church of San Giovanni Battista: A historic church in the center worth a quick visit.
- Via dell’Amore: This famous “Path of Love” links Riomaggiore to Manarola with romantic sea views. It’s beautiful; however, to keep our schedule relaxed, we explored the village and continued by train.
- Riomaggiore Marina: A colorful, lively spot to watch boats and catch the sunset.
👉 Tip: Sip an Aperol at Bar e Vini a Pié de Ma—the view is simply incredible.
Afternoon: MANAROLA
After Riomaggiore, hop on the train to Manarola—only five minutes away.
Manarola is known for terraced vineyards and the dessert wine Sciacchetrà.
Top Attractions:
- Manarola Viewpoint: Climb to the lookout for one of the best views in Cinque Terre. It’s perfect for photos.
- Manarola Vineyards: Walk the trails that weave through the vines, enjoy the scenery, and learn about local winemaking.
- Church of San Lorenzo: A beautiful 14th-century church in Gothic-Ligurian style with a striking bell tower.
- Swim in the Harbor: Take a dip in the clear Mediterranean waters at the small harbor.
👉 Tip: For a late-afternoon drink, try the Bar Alla Marina. For the classic panorama, book a table at Nessun Dorma; it gets crowded, so reserve ahead.
Day 2: CORNIGLIA, VERNAZZA and MONTEROSSO
Morning: CORNIGLIA
Start day two by taking the train to Corniglia. Unlike the other villages, Corniglia sits on a hilltop. You’ll either climb about 380 steps or take a bus from the train station. We took the bus to save time and enjoy the views.
Top Attractions:
- Belvedere di Santa Maria: A sweeping viewpoint over the sea and neighboring villages.
- Historic Center: Stroll narrow lanes, admire medieval architecture, and browse small artisan shops.
- Church of San Pietro: Built in 1334, this fine example of Gothic-Ligurian architecture deserves a visit for both history and beauty.
- Charming Streets: Wander among colorful houses and tiny boutiques to soak up the village’s calm atmosphere.
👉 Tip: Arrive early at the train station, especially if you plan to take the bus up. We went early and still found a line—even outside peak season.
Midday: VERNAZZA
Next, ride the train to Vernazza; the journey takes around five minutes.
Many travelers consider Vernazza the most beautiful of the five thanks to its natural harbor and charming streets.
Top Attractions:
- Doria Castle: Hike up for a breathtaking panoramic view of the village and sea.
- Vernazza Beach: Relax on the small beach or cool off with a swim.
- Church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia: A lovely church near the harbor with a bell tower that defines the skyline.
- Piazza Marconi: The main square buzzes with restaurants and cafés—perfect for tasting local dishes and watching village life.
- Wine Tasting: Sample local wines—especially the renowned Sciacchetrà—at wineries and wine bars.
👉 Tip: We had lunch at Belforte Ristorante Bar with an amazing sea view. For a quick bite, try the tasty focacceria Batti Bati.
Afternoon: MONTEROSSO AL MARE
End your day in Monterosso al Mare, the largest village and the only one with a long sandy beach.
Top Attractions:
- Fegina Beach: Unwind on Cinque Terre’s largest beach—great for swimming and sunbathing.
- Historic Center: Wander narrow lanes lined with colorful houses and small shops to feel the local rhythm.
- Church of San Giovanni Battista: This striking Gothic church sits right in the heart of Monterosso.
- Hiking Trails: Monterosso anchors several trails that link the villages. Expect coastal views and vineyard panoramas.
👉 Tip: At sunset we went to Ristorante Torre Aurora. It was the perfect finale—views for days and a golden end to our Cinque Terre trip.
Final Tips for Visiting Cinque Terre
- Comfortable Footwear: You’ll face many stairs and uneven paths, so wear supportive shoes and comfy clothing.
- Water and Sunscreen: Especially in warmer months, stay hydrated and protect your skin.
- Restaurant Reservations: During high season, book ahead to secure tables at popular spots.
- Beware of Pickpockets on Trains: You’ll hear announcements about bag snatchers—keep phones and bags secure.
Our Final Thoughts
Cinque Terre blends natural beauty, culture, and food in a way that creates unforgettable memories. We longed to visit for years and it truly lives up to the hype. The place is incredible and absolutely worth the trip—now it ranks among our favorite spots in Italy. 😍
For more Italy travel tips, check out:
First Time in Italy? Essential Travel Tips You Must Know
Tuscany Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit
Italian Regional Cuisine: What to Eat in Every Province
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