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Traveling to the Italian Riviera and looking for the top things to do in Cinque Terre, Italy? This post is for you!
Cinque Terre, the almost-mythical cliffside village towns on the Northern Mediterranean coast of Italy is just as magical as you might expect. I first learned of this lovely Italian haven from a professor while studying abroad in Siena. He said that if we were to visit any other part of Italy, it should be the Italian Riviera.
At the time, I was still enthralled with Siena, the medieval Tuscan city I was based in for the month, and I couldn’t imagine wanting to spend my time anywhere else. However, my friends convinced me to take a day trip via train, and goodness, am I glad I listened. I loved it so much that I went back again 2 more times since! But what are the top things to do in Cinque Terre?
Cinque Terre lived up to those postcard picture promises. The name translates from Italian to “five lands” and is named because it is comprised of five cities, each with its own personality and vivacity. Sometimes the Italian language can be quite cheeky.
Riomaggiore
Manarola
Monterosso al mare
Corniglia
Vernazza
Traveling to Cinque Terra, Italy can be arduous and long depending on which direction you come from, but the first glance of the Mediterranean’s vast blueness made all the weary traveling worth it. The train system in Italy, although somewhat known for its strikes, is quite wonderful. A quick zip from Siena to La Spezia plus a small change to the local train was all it took.
Or one time, I drove a rental car and parked at the Airbnb garage, although I recommend you don’t have a car for this trip. You may wonder which city you should visit first? I have some tips to help you decide on the best option, depending on your interests. These are the top things to do in Cinque Terre!
1. Top things to do in Cinque Terre: Get those must-keep desktop-worthy pictures of Manarola.
We live in a world where everyone has a camera literally at hand’s length. Posting to social media, saving for posterity, or nurturing your narcissism – whatever your reason may be, take those epic pictures. From my intense research (and by research I mean my personal opinion), Manarola was the city that truly had that Italian charm. You know, the charm that pulls you in and pinches your cheeks like my Italian Nonna.
Maybe it’s the colorful cliff houses, the crashing waves against the rocky shores, or perhaps it has a bit to do with it being the first city of my tour of Cinque Terre, but I couldn’t stop taking pictures. Coincidentally, I felt Manarola happened to be less touristy if that is possible – it felt very authentic and low key with fishermen working on their boats in the middle of the streets, trucks making deliveries, and Italian guys jumping off the cliffs to beat the heat.
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2. Top things to do in Cinque Terre: Eat, drink, and be merry in Vernazza!
As expected, the food in Italy is fresh, colorful, and worth the 10 hour flight.
Vernazza had some of the best places to eat, whether you are looking for dinners with a view or those delicious peach bellinis. Definitely check out the Belforte restaurant in the village of Vernazza. This was our first stop after dropping off our luggage at our Airbnb. We were starving and parched, but we trekked up the hills that the cities are known for and had the most perfect drinks and antipasti. We had a few other meals in Vernazza, such as gnocchi alla bolognese and trofie pasta with pesto. We finished our meals off with a delicious glass of limoncello or a scoop of gelato all was right in the world in that moment.
We also ate the Il Porticciolo in Manarola, and our waiter was like an Italian Adam Levine, so naturally, I had all the heart eyes for him.
3. Top things to do in Cinque Terre: Swim in the Mediterranean Sea at the beach in Monterosso.
I have been to the beach many a time before here in the US, but there was truly no experience like leisurely lying on the beach in Monterosso people watching, and taking a warm dip in that clear, blue water. The vast sea of umbrellas in the bright colors added to the experience and was well worth the small rental fee. Italy has a relaxed vibe that cannot be replicated.
“All you need is some
vitamin sea.”
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4. Top things to do in Cinque Terre: Catch a sunset in Riomaggiore
Catching a sunset in Riomaggiore feels like watching the world exhale. As the sun sinks behind the horizon, the pastel buildings glow in warm light, the sea shimmers gold, and the chatter of the harbor softens to a hush. You find yourself lingering, unwilling to move, as the sky deepens into pinks and purples and the salty breeze carries the last heat of the day. It’s a moment that feels both fleeting and unforgettable.
5. Top things to do in Cinque Terre: Walk on the Via dell’amore
Walking the Via dell’Amore is like stepping into a living postcard. This cliffside path starts in Riomaggiore and ends in Manarola, winds above the sparkling Mediterranean, with sheer drops on one side and bursts of wildflowers clinging to the rocks on the other. The air is heavy with sea salt and the murmur of waves far below, and every turn offers another view worth stopping for. It’s an easy stroll, but one that invites you to slow down and savor the romance in both the scenery and the name- “The Way of Love.”
Some other tips for your visit to Cinque Terre
- Pack light if you are coming to Cinque Terre. The hills start to feel impossible when you carry a large rolling bag or backpack up to your accommodations in the middle of summer.
- Just don’t drive in the city. Park your rental if you have to have it (although I recommend you leave it behind), and take a train between villages.
- Speaking of trains, be sure when you purchase your inter-village train tickets that you stamp them on the platform before you board. There are inspectors usually present to check on the trains and let’s just say, it’s not fun to be on that end of the conversation. (I may or may not have hidden in the bathroom because I accidentally forgot to stamp my ticket.)
- Relax and find the perfect sunset spot. It’s worth it.
No matter what your interest is when it comes to traveling, these top things to do in Cinque Terre are just the tip of the iceberg! There is something for everyone!
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The cool aunt. Plant novice who loves to travel to cool places, eat unadventurous food, and take pretty photos.
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