The Ultimate 5-Day Cinque Terre Itinerary

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Ever since I dreamt of traversing the world, Cinque Terre was right up at the top of my bucket list. 

Finally visiting the five colorful iconic towns dotting the coastal hills of Italy, dreams turned into reality! 

Comprising Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, each one is slightly different. Five towns; five days. It’s an ideal amount of time to explore each and feel as if you haven’t missed out. (Only short distances apart, it makes sense to sightsee each one of them.) 

That’s why my 5-Day Cinque Terre itinerary is perfectly perfecto for a trip on the Italian Riviera. Here, I’ve split days between the towns, including things to do, see, and where to eat. Also gain insight of the best way to travel between each, and where to stay. 

Let time slip away between the pastel rainbow buildings, the pathways lined with bright purple bougainvillaea, the cobbled hills, and pebbly beaches. 

Where to stay 

Choose one of the five towns as a base during your 5-day Cinque Terre itinerary. It’s really easy to move around, so don’t stress about travel timings at all. For the sake of this itinerary, we are basing ourselves in Riomaggiore. Stay at The Pirate’s Cove – Bluchalet, Banchi, Affittacamere Le Giare, Al castello, or the Blue Lemon, TerreMarine.

Also, in general, accommodation is pricey in Cinque Terre, so just be aware of this if you’re planning a trip here. Book months in advance for the best rates. Also, when doing my accommodation research before booking a stay, I noticed most stays in Cinque Terre don’t boast the most modern interiors… 

• Romantic Riomaggiore is for those in love! Here on honeymoon, this is why I chose this town as my base.  
• Wine lovers and hiking fanatics opt for Manarola. 
• Vernazza is the most popular Cinque Terre town. 
• Corniglia is the smallest. 
• Monterosso al Mare is best for beachgoers.  

How to get around 

First things first… the hills! Cinque Terre is full of them. Arriving in Riomaggiore (no cars allowed in any of the town centers), hail a taxi cart to transport your luggage to your stay. Trust me on this one… 

Now, for getting around, you have two options: trains and trekking! 

Trains

Positioned in a straight line along one track, to get between each town (if stopping directly at the next neighbor) is no longer than five to ten minutes apart. The furthest two towns are Riomaggiore and Monterosso. 

Either purchase a single ticket, but here for a 5-day Cinque Terre itinerary, it makes the most (cost-effective) sense to buy a Cinque Terre card, giving you unlimited hop-on hop-off access. These are easy to purchase at each train station from the machine. 

Trekking

Walking from one town to the next? Sounds kinda weird. Nope, trekking between the five towns during your Cinque Terre itinerary is totally normal. Many avid hikers worldwide arrive to this destination for this exact reason. Every day, you’ll see trekkers with their hiking poles and gear exploring the towns. Well-organized and outlined trails make it super easy, too. 

And it’s not as daunting as it sounds. Some walks from one town to the next are just half an hour. Way back in the day, this was the way locals got around. Plus, the vistas along these walks are literally INSANE! Like jaw-dropping. You can purchase a Cinque Terre Trekking Card.

5 Days in Cinque Terre

Day 1: Riomaggiore 

Riomaggiore will forever remain etched in my heart. Renowned as the most romantic of the five towns, this factor sold us when deciding where to call home base. 

Morning

Day 1 of your dreamy Cinque Terre itinerary is savored for getting acquainted with the town. Before heading out to breakfast, appreciate the sunrise from your stay. (Riomaggiore is like one giant hill, so you have a great vantage point. We chose accommodation with its own terrace for such reasons.) Stroll downhill and choose a cafe for breakfast. There are only so many to take your pick from.

Travel tip: After one month in Italy, we were accustomed by now to the typical Italian breakfast of a pastry and coffee. In the smaller towns, you don’t usually find a “western” breakfast/brunch cafe vibe. But cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence offer lovely brunching/brekkie-time options.

Afterward, it’s time to hit the little boutique stores. Buy beach-esque linen dresses or souvenirs like aprons, dishcloths, or tote bags with Cinque Terre-centric illustrations decorating them. If you’re a coffee fiend like me, refuel on another espresso, enjoying people watching. SWARMS of tourists arrive in Riomaggiore daily via boat or train. In the Land of Catholicism, there’s also the Church of San Giovanni Battista (toward the top of the hill) if you want to pop in and light a candle. Then, it’s off to the tiny Galleria d’Arte Sciaccheart Riomaggiore right at the harbor. 

Afternoon

Lunch hour comprises a classic Cinque Terre street food: fritto misto, i.e., fried seafood in a cone. Grab yours at Tutti Fritti. (It was the busiest of them all, drawing us in.) Making your way back to the harbor-side, walk up the stairs on the left-hand side (stopping to pose for a picture with Cinque Terre’s colorful houses as a backdrop). Follow the path along the rocks, parallel to the ocean. Eventually, end up on the pebble beach. Enjoy an arvie sunbathing, or if you’re brave enough to bear the cold water, take a dip. En route back, pop into Gelateria Sottozero (at the top of the stairs).

Cocktail o’clock calls — that’s an aperitif for all Italians. I’m an Aperol Spritz gal, so I always stick to them in Italy. Hop between Zorza Bar (for good vibes and friendly staff) and Bar O’Netto (for amazing tequila-based cocktails). Order a plate of cold cuts and cheese here. They are pretty much opposite each other. Hole in the wall Enoteca I Trogi at the harbor is also fabulous, but it’s always full!  

Evening 

Freshen up for dinner time, because Rio Bistrot (right at the port) is a little fancy. (It’s the only restaurant here with Michelin status.) 

Day 2: Manarola 

Morning

Catch the train to Manarola in the morning, situated next door to Riomaggiore. Another option for your Cinque Terre itinerary is to wake up earlier and attempt the famous Via dell’Amore (Lover’s Lane) hiking trail. The two-kilometer-long pathway is between the two towns. The scenery along the way is priceless, especially the oceanic panoramas! (It should take about 45mins.) This iconic trail recently opened up after years of closure, so take advantage. 

Smaller than Riomaggiore, explore pretty much all of this colorful seaside town on Day 2. Munch down on croissants, focaccia, or paninis from Corbani Caffetteria, and of course, a strong espresso. They also do omelettes. Wander around the town, stopping in front of every second pink, yellow, red, or orange-hued building for a pic. (My camera roll was so colorful afterward.) I turn into an espresso addict in Italy, popping into espresso bars every few hours. 

Afternoon

Ready to get your wine on? Did you know that Cinque Terre is famous for its wine, particularly its sea-flecked white vino. Italian wine is my favorite. Join a wine tasting experience. For example, head into historic wine cellars, visit a vineyard, join a professional sommelier, or consider a wine tasting session paired with a pesto-making class. It typically lasts 1.5 to two hours. 

For lunch, I’d suggest reserving a table at Nessun Dorma (who also offer the whole pesto and wine experience). With a strong online presence, this ristorante is what you’d call iconic. Its location above the crashing waves is next level. Can’t reserve a spot? Trattoria Dal Billy is another fantastic option — order the salted anchovies, fish carpaccio, and Billy’s tagliolini.  

Heading back to Riomaggiore, hike back (hiking poles are highly recommended) or catch the train. 

Evening 

Make the end of your Day 2 Cinque Terre itinerary an extraordinary moment with a delightful sunset cruise! Departing from Riomaggiore’s harbor, these boat tours range from two to four hours. Depending on your choice, sip back on wine as the sun goes down, enjoy aperitivos and light snacks, and even get to hop off and swim in summer. 

Back on land, it’s off to dinner. Here are some lovely options: 

• I had a delicious whole baked fish at Trattoria La Grotta (two minutes walk from the port). 
• Try the stuffed mussels at seafood-rich Osteria La Torpedine. 
• Fuori Rotta has gorgeous terrace seating. 
• For all the carnivores, tuck into La Cantina del Macellaio. 

Day 3: Monterosso 

It’s time to give those weary legs a break from all the trekking and uphill pursuits today in Monterosso. 

Morning 

From Riomaggiore, Monterosso  — Cinque Terre’s largest village — is four stops down. It’s the flattest of the five and is the only one with a sandy beach. (The rest are all pebbled.) Considered the place for beach babes, we’re going to have a nice, chilled-out day. Beaches in Monterosso comprise Spiaggia Il Gigante, Spiaggia Fegina, Spiaggia Tragagia, and Spiaggia Portiglione. 

If here on a Thursday, kickstart things at the weekly Farmers’ Market. Pick some yummy fresh produce to snack on at the beach. Then, it’s off the beach we go! The long stretch is littered with orange and green striped umbrellas if you’re keen to hire one out for your duration. If you can only tan for so long, a fun option is a kayaking excursion, departing from the beach. Certain tours even include snorkeling! 

Afternoon 

Post-fun in the sun, appease hungry bellies at one of the beachfront restaurants. (Of course, because of the location, the restaurant prices along the promenade are a little on the high side.) Of all the Cinque Terre towns, Monterosso certainly has the most choice for wining and dining. 

Miky is on the beach strip. Barabba is too, but also with seating and umbrellas in the sand. L’Ancora della Tortuga is listed by the Michelin. Or opt for Il Massimo della Focaccia for a simple takeaway focaccia. 

Now, it’s off to do a bit of sightseeing and explore the old and new parts. Local landmarks include the Statua di San Francesco d’Assisi (a walk to reach), Torre Aurora, and the Il Gigante statue etched into the rocks at the right end of the promenade at Fegina Beach. In the old part of Monterosso town are artisanal boutiques and souvenir stores. 

Evening 

Either choose to stay in Monterosso for dinner, or catch the train back to Riomaggiore. Another option (if your accom has a kitchen) is to pop into a deli, pick local ingredients, and cook yourselves a pukka Cinque Terre-inspired meal. We love to cook and enjoyed doing just this. 

Day 4: Vernazza & Corniglia

Today is split between Vernazza and Corniglia. They’re next to one another. Corniglia is two stops down on the train from Riomaggiore, and Vernazza is three. A second option for your Cinque Terre itinerary is to hike from Corniglia to Vernazza. 

Morning

Corniglia is tiny. A morning discovery is sufficient. Corniglia stands out for a few reasons. To get here, climb 377 steps, and it’s the only town not built on the sea. Amble around the town, add to your photo collection, and enjoy a slow morning sipping on coffee. For those who enjoy exploring on foot, Corniglia boasts stunning viewpoints thanks to its cliffside positioning. Some viewpoints are at Chiesa Di San Pietro and La Torre. If mobility is limited, I’d say skip Corniglia during this Cinque Terre itinerary and head straight to Vernazza. 

Afternoon 

It’s no secret that Vernazza is listed time and time again as one of Italy’s most picturesque villages. Fisherman boats bob in the harbor bay, and it’s that typical Cinque Terre scenery you imagine if you’ve only seen photographs. 

At the port, discover the 13th-century Chiesa di Santa Margherita d’Antiochia. Trek to eerie Doria Castle and its ancient tower, dating to the 11th century. After a bit of exploring, it’s gelato time! They say the best gelato in Cinque Terre is in Vernazza. Pick between Alberto Gelateria and Gelateria Il Porticciolo, and you be the judge. 

If you’re keen for a street food vibe for lunch, Il Gattaccio – Acciugheria & Street Food or Pippo a Vernazza beckon. Ristorante La Torre is treasured for its views. Il Pirata delle 5 Terre is renowned for its food and service (as well as breakfast, FYI). Order the lobster pasta from Pirasca ittiturismo. 

Beach calls for the rest of your arvie in Vernazza. An alternative is to join a food and wine tasting at Cinque Sensi Vernazza. They offer wine and olive oil pairings (with appetizers) and also a pesto-making class. A sweet art gallery is also here. 

Evening

After a long but leisurely day along the Cinque Terre Coast, journey back to Riomaggiore. Eat out, grab a takeaway, or cook up something delicious. Round up your final evening of your Cinque Terre itinerary with drinks or gelato. 

Day 5 

Waking up today is a mixed bag of feelings. Saying goodbye to the beauty of Cinque Terre is a bittersweet moment. Drink in the last sunrise over the sleepy colorful buildings of Riomaggiore. 

Morning

We caught the train super early back to Rome. However, if your schedule does afford you a little more time, a final day out on the water is unparalleled. I have a few suggestions. 

Boat trip to Byron Grotto (named after the English poet). Swim and disembark from the boat, exploring the rocky enclaves around here. OR, why not veer beyond the Cinque Terre coastline with a boat tour to Porto Venere, passing waterfalls, beaches, the red Rocks, and more! There are also boating expeditions to La Spezia (bordering Liguria and Tuscany). 

Wowee, how’s that for a magical five days? Cups overflowing after a five-day Cinque Terre itinerary is complete, where are you off to next in Italia? Is it the countryside of Tuscany? Perhaps another coastal destination like Ravello in the Amalfi Coast is calling? 

Or, check out the north of Italy in places like Aosta. However, if you can only experience one other place in Italy, I would (a million times) pick Florence. 

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