11 Best Things to Do in Cinque Terre, Italy

After spending a full week exploring the Cinque Terre, hiking between its villages, swimming in its coves, taking the trains, and slowing down enough to experience each place properly, I’ve put together this guide to the very best things to do in the Cinque Terre.

From the famous coastal trails and postcard-perfect harbours to boat trips, hidden swimming spots, and the best viewpoints, these are the experiences that are genuinely worth making time for.

This is a guide to the best things to do across the Cinque Terre National Park as a whole, rather than a deep dive into each individual village. I’ve already published dedicated guides to Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore that cover what to do in each in much more detail, so I’d recommend reading those alongside this one.

You’ll find a little overlap, but this guide is designed to give you the bigger picture and help you plan the best possible itinerary across the entire region. I’d start with this guide and then read the other guides to the villages after.

*This ‘things to do in Cinque Terre’ guide may contain affiliate links, meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top-quality content for free.

Planning Your Cinque Terre Trip

If you’re planning a trip to the Cinque Terre, I’d also recommend reading my dedicated guides to each of the five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. In each guide, I cover the best things to do, where to eat, the best viewpoints and swimming spots, and plenty of practical tips to help you make the most of your visit.

To help plan the rest of your trip, don’t miss my guides on where to stay in the Cinque Terre and the best restaurants in Cinque Terre. Together, these guides cover everything from planning your itinerary to finding the perfect place to stay and eat, whether you’re visiting for a quick weekend or a longer trip along the Ligurian coast.

Getting to and Around Cinque Terre

The easiest way to explore the Cinque Terre is by train. The five villages are all connected by the Cinque Terre Express, with journeys between each stop taking just a few minutes.

During the warmer months, trains run frequently throughout the day, making it easy to hop between villages without worrying about driving, parking, or steep roads.

If you’re visiting as part of a wider Liguria or Italy road trip, I’d recommend leaving your car outside the national park. The villages have extremely limited parking, the roads are narrow, and driving between them is slow and impractical.

Instead, base yourself in La Spezia, where you’ll find plenty of hotels with private parking. From there, you can leave the car behind and use the train to explore the Cinque Terre, which is by far the simplest and least stressful way to get around.

11 Best Things to Do in Cinque Terre, Italy

1. Explore the Five Villages

No visit to the Cinque Terre is quite complete without spending time in each of its five villages. While they’re often grouped as a single destination, Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore each have their own distinct character, and it’s worth slowing down enough to experience what makes each one different.

Monterosso is the largest and flattest of the five, with the region’s biggest beach and a more relaxed, resort-like atmosphere. Vernazza is perhaps the most photogenic (along with Manarola), centred around its tiny harbour and colourful piazza.

Corniglia sits high above the sea, offering a quieter experience and some of the best views in the national park. Manarola is famous for its dramatic clifftop setting and postcard-worthy waterfront, while Riomaggiore is the southern gateway to the Cinque Terre, known for its steep streets, colourful harbour, and excellent swimming.

Although it’s possible to visit all five in a day, I’d recommend giving yourself at least two or three days if you can. Each village warrants an early morning wander before the crowds arrive, a long lunch overlooking the sea, or an evening aperitivo once the day-trippers have gone home.

For a much deeper look at each village, including the best things to do, where to eat, swimming spots, viewpoints, and practical tips, don’t miss my dedicated guides to them, linked above.

2. Hike the Cinque Terre Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro)

If there’s one experience that defines the Cinque Terre, it’s hiking the famous Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail). This coastal path links the five villages together, weaving through terraced vineyards, olive groves, and dramatic cliffs with sweeping views over the Ligurian Sea.

You don’t have to hike the entire route to appreciate it. Some sections are far more rewarding than others, and trail closures are fairly common due to landslides and maintenance, so it’s always worth checking the latest conditions before setting out. This is common in spring, especially after winter rainstorms.

The Vernazza to Monterosso section is my favourite. It’s the most challenging of the open stretches, with plenty of steps, but the panoramic views over the coastline make every climb worthwhile.

If you’re planning to hike, it’s worth buying a Cinque Terre Trekking Card (or the Treno Card if you want access to trails and trains), which gives you access to the paid parts of the trail network.

Start early in the morning, especially during spring and summer, to avoid both the crowds and the midday heat, and don’t underestimate the climbs. Good walking shoes, plenty of water, and a reasonable level of fitness will make the experience far more enjoyable.

3. Take a Boat Trip Along the Coast

Seeing the Cinque Terre from the water gives you a completely different perspective. From the sea, you can appreciate just how dramatically the colourful villages cling to the cliffs, with terraced vineyards tumbling down to the coastline and hidden coves that are impossible to reach on foot. It’s easily one of the best things to do in Cinque Terre National Park.

While there are plenty of shared boat tours available, I’d recommend stretching the budget for a private trip if you can, or at last small group trip. During the warmer months, the group tours tend to be quite crowded, often carrying large numbers of passengers.

A private boat lets you move at your own pace, stop for a swim in secluded bays, linger beneath your favourite village, or simply enjoy an aperitivo on board without feeling rushed.

4. Swim in the Ligurian Sea

After a morning of hiking or exploring, there’s nothing better than cooling off in the crystal-clear waters of the Ligurian Sea. While the Cinque Terre isn’t known for sandy beaches, it has some fantastic swimming spots.

Monterosso al Mare is the best choice if you’re after a beach, with the largest stretch of sand in the national park.

Manarola is famous for its rock jumping and deep-water swimming beside the harbour, while Riomaggiore has some of the best natural swimming spots, with clear, calm water around its rocky marina.

Bring water shoes, as many of the entry points are over rocks rather than sand.

5. Watch the Sunset from a Viewpoint

The Cinque Terre is at its most beautiful as the sun begins to set, when the cliffs glow golden, and the pastel villages catch the last light of the day. Rather than watching from a restaurant (unless it’s Nessun Dorma in Manarola), I’d recommend finding a viewpoint with an uninterrupted view of the coastline.

Some of the best sunset spots include the viewpoint above Manarola along the path towards Corniglia, the harbour in Vernazza, and the panoramic terrace at Punta Bonfiglio in Riomaggiore. Another great option would be to schedule a sunset apritivo boat tour where you can view the entire coastline in the ethereal, golden light.

Arrive 30 minutes before sunset, grab a gelato or aperitivo, and stay a little longer once the crowds begin to disappear.

6. Visit the Vineyards and Taste Cinque Terre Wine

The steep, terraced vineyards that define the Cinque Terre landscape have been producing wine for centuries and are just as much a part of the region as its colourful villages. If you have the time, visit a local winery or join a tasting to learn about the heroic winemaking that takes place on these impossibly steep slopes.

Look out for the crisp white Cinque Terre DOC wines, made primarily from Bosco, Albarola, and Vermentino grapes, as well as the region’s famous sweet dessert wine, Sciacchetrà.

Many small wineries offer tastings with sea views, making it one of the most memorable ways to experience the local culture beyond the villages themselves.

7. Eat Your Way Through the Cinque Terre

One of the highlights of any trip to the Cinque Terre is the food. Between fresh seafood, handmade pesto, focaccia, anchovies from Monterosso, and excellent local wines, there’s plenty worth planning your itinerary around.

I’ve put together a dedicated guide to the best restaurants in the Cinque Terre, featuring my favourite places to eat across all five villages, from relaxed trattorias and seafood spots to memorable dinner destinations. If you’re wondering where to book for lunch or dinner, that’s the guide to read before your trip.

8. Take a Cooking Class

If you want to bring a little of the Cinque Terre home with you, a cooking class is one of the most rewarding experiences you can book. Many classes focus on Ligurian specialities like fresh pesto, regional handmade pasta like trofie, focaccia, and seafood, often using family recipes that have been passed down through generations.

It’s a great way to learn more about the region’s food culture while enjoying a long, relaxed meal paired with local wine. Many experiences are hosted by local families or small restaurants, making them far more personal than a standard tour.

I would book this Authentic Pesto Cooking Class & Wine in Manarola, or if you’re in Vernazza, this Pesto Class and Wine Tasting. During my visit, I signed up for this authentic Ligurian pesto lesson, and I had so much fun and still use the recipe I learned in my kitchen today.

9. Discover the Cinque Terre by Kayak or Paddleboard

For a quieter way to experience the coastline, rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the Cinque Terre from the water. It’s one of the few ways to reach hidden coves, sea caves, and stretches of coastline that are inaccessible on foot, all while escaping the busiest crowds.

Kayak and SUP rentals are available in several villages, particularly Monterosso and Riomaggiore, with guided tours also on offer. Head out early in the morning when the sea is usually calmer, and you’ll often have long stretches of coastline almost to yourself.

10. Have a Beach Day in the Cinque Terre

While the Cinque Terre is better known for its cliffs than its beaches, setting aside a day to relax by the sea is well worth it.

Monterosso al Mare is the obvious choice, with the largest sandy beach in the national park, a mix of private lidos and free beach areas, and plenty of cafés and restaurants just steps from the water.

If you prefer something a little quieter, you’ll also find small pebble beaches and rocky coves dotted along the coastline, but for a classic beach day with the best facilities, Monterosso is hard to beat.

Arrive early in summer if you want to rent a sunbed, as they often book out well before midday, although in early September, I had no issue grabbing a couple of beds and an umbrella.

11. Take a Day Trip Beyond the Cinque Terre

If you have more than three or four days in the region, don’t limit yourself to the Cinque Terre alone. The Ligurian coast has plenty more to offer, and extending your trip is well worth it.

Head north by train to Camogli, Santa Margherita Ligure, and Portofino, three beautiful coastal towns that each deserve time in their own right. You could comfortably combine Camogli and Santa Margherita into one day before taking the ferry or bus to Portofino.

Alternatively, travel south towards the elegant beach town of Forte dei Marmi in northern Tuscany, a great choice if you’re continuing your journey down the Italian coast.

Each makes an excellent addition to a Cinque Terre itinerary and offers a different side of the Italian Riviera beyond the five famous villages.

Best Tours & Activities in Cinque Terre

While it’s perfectly possible to explore the Cinque Terre independently, a few well-chosen experiences can add a different perspective to your trip. Whether that’s a private boat tour along the coastline, a guided hike between the villages, a hands-on cooking class, or a local wine tasting, these are the activities I’d prioritise if you want to go beyond simply hopping from village to village.

Have a look at the excellent tours and experiences below, all with great reviews and local guides.

Where to Stay

Choosing the right base can make a huge difference to your trip, as each village offers a very different experience. I’ve put together a dedicated guide to where to stay in the Cinque Terre, covering the best villages to base yourself in, who each one suits best, and my favourite hotels across the national park.

Some of my top hotel recommendations include:

La Torretta Lodge, Manarola – My favourite stay in the Cinque Terre, with beautiful design, exceptional service, and one of the best breakfasts in the region.

Hotel Porto Roca, Monterosso – A clifftop classic with an infinity pool overlooking the sea and unbeatable access to both the beach and the Blue Trail.

Agriturismo Missanega, Monterosso – A peaceful countryside retreat surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, perfect if you want to escape the crowds while remaining close to Monterosso.

Where to Eat

The Cinque Terre has no shortage of restaurants, but with tourism comes plenty of mediocre options too. To help you avoid the tourist traps, I’ve put together a dedicated guide to the best restaurants in the Cinque Terre, featuring the places I’d genuinely recommend across all five villages.

Some of my favourite restaurants include:

Da Miky, Monterosso al Mare – One of the Cinque Terre’s standout seafood restaurants, serving beautifully executed Ligurian dishes with an emphasis on the day’s catch and local Monterosso anchovies.

Trattoria dal Billy, Manarola – A long-time favourite perched high above the harbour, known for its sea views, fresh seafood, and handmade pasta.

Belforte, Vernazza – Set dramatically on the rocks overlooking the sea, Belforte is one of the most memorable places for a sunset dinner, specialising in fresh fish and classic Ligurian cuisine. I went for lunch, and it was also incredible.

Top Tips for Visiting Cinque Terre

Stay for at least two or three nights. A day trip barely scratches the surface. Spending a few days gives you time to enjoy the villages once the crowds leave.

Start your days early. The villages are at their quietest before around 9 am, especially in spring and summer when day-trippers begin arriving.

Use the train, not the car. The Cinque Terre Express is the quickest and easiest way to travel between the villages. If you’re road-tripping, leave your car in La Spezia and stay there or hire private parking for your trip duration and stay in a village (if you don’t have much luggage).

Wear proper footwear. Even if you’re not planning a long hike, the villages are steep with plenty of uneven steps and cobbled streets.

Check trail closures before hiking. Sections of the Blue Trail occasionally close due to maintenance or landslides, so always check the latest updates before setting off.

Book accommodation and restaurants well in advance. The best hotels and restaurants fill up months ahead during the busiest months, particularly from May through September.

Don’t rush through all five villages in one day. You’ll enjoy the Cinque Terre far more if you slow down, linger over lunch, take a swim, and spend an evening in one or two villages after the day-trippers have left.

Don’t visit in June, July, or August. You’ll avoid the worst of the heat and the crowds. End of September, beginning of October, May, and the beginning of June are the best times to go. For hiking, I’d recommend autumn months over the spring months.

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