Cinque Terre, Italy – A Complete 3-Day Itinerary

The famous Cinque Terre on Italy’s Ligurian coast is one of my favorite places to visit. These five picturesque fishing villages each feature unique characteristics and are beautiful in their own way. Together, they offer stunning views, incredible restaurants, fabulous hiking, and gorgeous beaches.

While visiting five different villages in just a few days may sound like a daunting task, I assure you that it’s not! We’ve done it on our own, with in-laws, and with friends (and kids).

Cinque Terre features an incredible train system (as does Italy as a whole) and, if you’re more adventurous – a system of hiking trails connecting each village. We’ll get into the travel logistics, along with the best three-day Cinque Terre itinerary, in today’s post!

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How to Get to Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is accessible by train or car. There is no airport within the Cinque Terre or the nearest largest city, La Spezia. The nearest airport to Cinque Terre is the Pisa International Airport, which is a short 1.5-hour train ride to the villages. If you’re flying in from the United States, the most convenient airport to fly into is Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). From Milan, Cinque Terre is three hours by train.

If you’re driving and not staying overnight in Cinque Terre, I recommend parking in La Spezia and taking the train to Cinque Terre. Trains typically run every 20 minutes and take just five minutes to reach Riomaggiore, the closest village to La Spezia.

Parking is extremely limited near the villages. However, it is worth it if you are staying overnight in Cinque Terre.

Also Read: Where to Stay in Cinque Terre – Which Village is Best for You?

Getting Around Cinque Terre

Train

The Cinque Terre Express is the best and most convenient way to go from village to village. Trains typically run every 20 minutes and are only a few minutes between each stop. Be advised that you will need to buy (and validate) your ticket before each ride.

Ticket prices vary based on the distance between stops, so only buy tickets based on the route you’d like to go. For example, it’s cheaper to go from Riomaggiore to Manarola than to go from Riomaggiore to Vernazza, which is further away.

Hiking

Each spring (and year-round), tourists worldwide flock to Cinque Terre to conquer its gorgeous hiking trails. These trails connect each village and are the perfect way to take in the stunning scenery while getting your steps in.

Cinque Terre hiking trails range from moderate to strenuous, so I highly recommend doing a lot of research before taking it on. We’ve personally never done them, but you can always see folks around town decked out in hiking gear. Check the official Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre website for more hiking information and real-time trail updates.

Car

I do not advise planning to get around Cinque Terre by car. Each village has limited parking spots, which cannot be guaranteed.

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Day 1 – Riomaggiore & Manarola

Start the day with breakfast at your nearest café and then head to Riomaggiore. The train station is located between the small seaside port and the main town. Visit the main town to explore its colorful buildings, browse its cute boutiques, and take in the sights and sounds of a true Italian fishing village.

Then, head back down towards Riomaggiore’s tiny port. This area is quite small but absolutely stunning and one of the must-see parts of Cinque Terre. The colorful buildings contrast against the deep blue Mediterranean dotted with more colorful fishing boats.

Grab lunch or a snack at Lo Scalo Lounge Bar to take in the gorgeous sights as you enjoy freshly made bruschetta and a refreshing Aperol spritz. Afterward, indulge in your favorite flavor of gelato as you bask in the sun and sea breeze.

Take the train heading west one stop and get off at Manarola. In my opinion, this is the most picturesque village in Cinque Terre. The best time to view Manarola is at golden hour and sunset. It is just SO gorgeous.

Manarola is home to the most popular restaurant in Cinque Terre: Nessun Dorma. They used to be walk-in only, but now, you can download their app and reserve your spot in line as soon as you enter the village. The app uses geolocation, so you can only make a reservation when you are in Manarola.

Nessun Dorma is great for lunch, but I really loved being there for sunset. Make sure you look cute because you’re gonna wanna take a ton of pictures here! A hack if you want to reserve a specific time is to book their Pesto Experience, which includes lunch and a pesto-making course.

Another restaurant we loved in Manarola was Il Porticciolo. The food is fabulous, and the outside looks like a traditional trattoria but modern nautical on the inside. After dinner, take a romantic stroll along the coastal path.

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Day 2 – Vernazza & Monterosso al Mare

Start the day early in Vernazza. Mornings aren’t nearly as crowded, so you can get gorgeous photos of the port area and all the lovely buildings. Ananasso Bar has a fantastic breakfast menu and boasts unbeatable views of the village.

After you’ve eaten breakfast, take a leisurely hike to Castello Doria, an ancient tower dating back to 1000 AD. The tower offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, and you can explore a small part of the village.

Even if you don’t plan to hike through Cinque Terre, I recommend heading to the start of the hike, which is north of Chiesa di Santa Margherita di Antiochia. It’s the best place to get a panoramic photo of the whole village.

Next, take the train heading east two stops from Vernazza to Monterosso al Mare. I’m not much of a hiker, so lounging at the marvelous beach in Monterosso al Mare is, by default, my absolute favorite thing to do in Cinque Terre.

There are several beach clubs in Monterosso. I highly recommend making reservations for sun loungers. If you’re visiting during peak season, this is a must. Prices range depending on how close you wish to be to the sea.

Avoid the beach on the west side of the town if you can. It’s rocky but still enjoyable if you can’t find a spot on the eastern side. The beach is quite pebbly, so bring water shoes if you have them.

For lunch, I prefer visiting one of the small focaccerias and loading up on some of my faves. After all, vacay carbs don’t count… right? If you’re looking for a sit-down option, Ristorante Cigolini boasts stunning views, but the food is just meh (in my opinion). I’ve heard great things about La Cantina di Miky but haven’t been there myself.

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Day 3 – Corniglia (optional: Porto Venere)

Corniglia is the least visited village in Cinque Terre by tourists but is just as charming and picturesque as the rest of them. The thing that holds most people back is the daunting 380+ steps it takes to reach the village from the train station.

Unlike the four other villages, Corniglia is set high on sea cliffs, not next to the water. There are two ways that you can reach the town: by shuttle bus or by walking up those 380+ steps. The shuttle bus comes by whenever the train arrives, but it’s small and can only accommodate a few people. If you’re of average fitness, the stairs are no problem. Plus, you can take as many breaks as you need.

Once you reach the village of Corniglia, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. There are several cafes and restaurants, like Terza Terra, where you can take a well-deserved break while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

We always save Corniglia for our last day and separate from the rest of the villages since it’s quite a trek to get to. If you rent a car at any point, I recommend also visiting Porto Venere after leaving Cinque Terre.

Porto Venere is not part of the iconic Cinque Terre, but it is a lovely little beachside town that is great for shopping and walking around. There are many excellent restaurants along the beautiful port, but we went with La Pitonetta and shared a variety of delicious focaccia. It was the perfect way to end our time in Liguria.

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Where to Stay in Cinque Terre

Each village of Cinque Terre has its own vibe, so choosing the one that best fits your travel style is easy. Another great option is staying in La Spezia, the nearest “big” city to Cinque Terre. The advantage of staying in La Spezia is you can find many more accommodations, including hotels, and often for a cheaper price.

It’s just a five-minute train ride from La Spezia to Riomaggiore, so you’re not losing any time by staying outside the five villages. The downside is that you won’t get the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea that you’d get by staying in one of the Cinque Terre villages.

In addition to staying in La Spezia while visiting Cinque Terre, we’ve also stayed in Riomaggiore and Manarola. You can’t go wrong — it’s all about which village speaks to you the most. 

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Riomaggiore

Best for: Budget travelers, nightlife, and a balance of convenience and charm.

• The southernmost and most connected village, making it easier to access.
• Offers a good mix of restaurants, bars, and budget-friendly stays.
• Has dramatic, steep streets with colorful houses.
• Less picturesque than Vernazza or Manarola but still stunning.

Riomaggiore Accommodations

• 5TERREONTHEROCKS
• Life Class Apartment
• Compagnia del Mare

Manarola

Best for: Romantic getaways, sunset views, and wine lovers.

• Famous for its breathtaking sunset views.
• Home to some excellent wine bars and seafood restaurants.
• Smaller and quieter than Vernazza but still lively.
• No real beach, but there are great swimming spots among the rocks.

Manarola Accommodations

• Amanarola
• Sea-Cret TerreMarine
• La Torretta Lodge

Corniglia

Best for: Hikers and those seeking a quieter, less touristy experience.

• The only village that sits atop a cliff rather than directly on the sea.
• Requires climbing 380+ steps (or taking a shuttle) to reach from the train station.
• Fewer accommodations and restaurants, but it is peaceful and charming.
• Best for travelers who enjoy hiking, as it’s centrally located on the main trail.

Corniglia Accommodations

• Affittacamere Arbasia De Ma
• Luxury Penthouse Sea View
• Il Frantoio

Vernazza

Best for: Classic postcard views, photographers, and romance.

• Arguably the most picturesque village.
• Has a small harbor with colorful fishing boats and scenic viewpoints.
• Great for couples looking for a romantic and lively atmosphere.
• Can be very crowded during peak season.

Vernazza Accommodations

• Il Ciasso Romantic Seafront Escape
• Carattino 12 Idyllic Seafront Retreat
• MADA Charm Apartments Piazza

Monterosso al Mare

Best for: Beach lovers, families, and those who prefer more amenities.

• The largest and flattest village, making it the most accessible.
• The only village with a proper sandy beach.
• Offers a variety of hotels, restaurants, and nightlife.
• Can feel more touristy compared to the others.

Monterosso al Mare Accommodations

• Allegra Suites
• Hotel Porto Roca
• B&B Il Parco

Helpful Tips for Planning a Trip to Cinque Terre

• Buy a Cinque Terre Train Card for unlimited train rides and trail access.
• Make restaurant reservations in advance, especially in peak season.
• Avoid rolling luggage – cobblestone streets and stairs can be tricky.
• Get up early for the best experience before day-trippers arrive.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes and stay hydrated.
• Try local delicacies, including pesto, seafood, and focaccia.
• Check trail conditions before going on a hike.

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FAQ

What is Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre is a stunning coastal region in Liguria, northwestern Italy, consisting of five picturesque fishing villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. It’s known for its colorful buildings, scenic hiking trails, and breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea.

When is the best time to visit Cinque Terre?

The best times to plan your Cinque Terre itinerary for are spring, late summer/early fall, and summer. April to June and September to October are best for pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and excellent hiking conditions. July to August is the high season with large crowds and hot weather, but it is perfect for swimming.

Do I need a Cinque Terre Card?

This depends on certain factors, like how many days you spend in Cinque Terre and whether or not you plan to hike. The Cinque Terre Trekking Card is required to hike some trails, like the famous Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail). If you plan to take the train a lot, consider purchasing the Cinque Terre Train Card, which includes unlimited train rides between the villages.