Cinque Terre is a beautiful coastal city located on the northwestern part of Italy. The area is also actually a UNESCO site! For an area that makes up such a small part of Italy, there was so much to research on ahead of time. I sort of learned as I went, but below are some tips to help you for your future visit to these five villages:
Cinque Terre is a beautiful coastal city located on the northwestern part of Italy. The area is also actually a UNESCO site! For an area that makes up such a small part of Italy, there was so much to research on ahead of time. I sort of learned as I went, but below are some tips to help you for your future visit to these five villages:
1. Take a hike
Check out the free hike between towns. There is a trail you can pay to hike, but I personally preferred the free one a lot more. It’s steeper than the other trail, but it gives you unbelievable views.
You can start at either Manarola or Corniglia, and head in the direction as the other village. And no need to worry about getting lost, the trail is clearly marked along the way.
(Bring plenty of water, bug spray, sunscreen & snacks!).
1. Take a hike
Check out the free hike between towns. There is a trail you can pay to hike, but I personally preferred the free one a lot more. It’s steeper than the other trail, but it gives you unbelievable views.
You can start at either Manarola or Corniglia, and head in the direction as the other village. And no need to worry about getting lost, the trail is clearly marked along the way.
(Bring plenty of water, bug spray, sunscreen & snacks!).
2. Utilize their public transportation
The Cinque Terre train card is definitely worth the price. You get access to the paid hiking trails and unlimited train usage.
Even if you don’t end up using the paid hiking trails, the fact that this card allows you skip the ticket line at the kiosk before each ride is worth it because during some months the queues could be really long.
Unfortunately there is not just a train card for purchase — you need to get the get the full CT card with the train add on for transportation.
See the updated information on the CT card here.
2. Utilize their public transportation
The Cinque Terre train card is definitely worth the price. You get access to the paid hiking trails and unlimited train usage.
Even if you don’t end up using the paid hiking trails, the fact that this card allows you skip the ticket line at the kiosk before each ride is worth it because during some months the queues could be really long.
Unfortunately there is not just a train card for purchase — you need to get the get the full CT card with the train add on for transportation.
See the updated information on the CT card here.
3. Keep an eye out for scuba art and ‘skeeters.
There is some interesting artwork throughout the villages! This scuba artwork originated from an anonymous artist in Florence, but he has since created similar artwork in other Italian cities.
Also be sure to load up on mosquito repellant! I seriously underestimated the ferocity of these bugs and had to go buy more repellant from the pharmacy because the spray I brought with me from Barcelona wasn’t strong enough.
The brand I got in CT was “Jungle Formula” with the highest strength. If you’re prone to bites, I highly suggest this one.
3. Keep an eye out for ‘skeeters and scuba art
Load up on mosquito repellant! I seriously underestimated the ferocity of these bugs and had to go buy more repellant from the pharmacy because the spray I brought with me from Barcelona wasn’t strong enough.
The brand I got in CT was “Jungle Formula” with the highest strength. If you’re prone to bites, I highly suggest this one.
There is also some interesting artwork throughout the villages! This scuba artwork originated from an anonymous artist in Florence, but he has since created similar artwork in other Italian cities.
4. Go to a beach!
After a lot of research, the best sounding beach was in Riomaggiore because it wasn’t near any hotels, the space was first come first serve and free. The signage to get down to the beach seems a little sketchy and might give horror-movie vibes, but it leads you to the waterfront and not your doom.
For more information on the beaches around Cinque Terre, be sure to visit the official CT website for the list of public swimming areas.
4. Go to a beach!
After a lot of research, the best sounding beach was in Riomaggiore because it wasn’t near any hotels, the space was first come first serve and free. The signage to get down to the beach seems a little sketchy and might give horror-movie vibes, but it leads you to the waterfront and not your doom.
For more information on the beaches around Cinque Terre, be sure to visit the official CT website for the list of public swimming areas.
5. Gelato in Corniglia
Go to Corniglia for ice cream at Alberto Gelateria. This one had a “Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence” outside so I thought it might be overhyped, but it did not disappoint! And after a loooong hike it was just what we needed.
6. Vernazza pubs
Try the drinks at the Monkey Artpub in Vernazza. As soon as you step in, you get greeting with a friendly staff, rustic cave vibes and, if you ask, a ton of suggestions on beer and recommended places nearby. 
5. Gelato in Coriglia
Go to Corniglia for ice cream at Alberto Gelateria. This one had a “Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence” outside so I thought it might be overhyped, but it did not disappoint! And after a loooong hike it was just what we needed.
6. Vernazza pubs
Try the drinks at the Monkey Artpub in Vernazza. As soon as you step in, you get greeting with a friendly staff, rustic cave vibes and, if you ask, a ton of suggestions on beer and recommended places nearby.
7. The best cliffside restaurant I’ve ever been to
At some point during your stay, try to get a table at Nessun Dorma. This is a cliffside restaurant that started in 2014, really emphasizes on flavorful food, and is named after a beautiful Italian opera song.
They don’t take reservations, so to get one of the best seats it pays off to show up before they open. We arrived about 20 minutes early, lined up behind a few groups and managed to get the last table by the cliff overlook. The views and the food was both so incredible — I honestly still think about the bruschetta we had there.
Nessun Dorma also offers pesto making classes, wine tasting, and boat tours!
8. Dinner at A Pie de Campu
Head to Manarola’s A Pie de Campu for some amazing focaccia and wine made right there in Cinque Terre. The restaurant was started by a professional sommelier and it was highly recommended by our AirBnB host for our last evening in town.
The hosts were very nice and managed to make room for us even though we asked about reserving a table pretty last minute.
7. Dinner at A Pie de Campu
Head to Manarola’s A Pie de Campu for some amazing focaccia and wine made right there in Cinque Terre. The restaurant was started by a professional sommelier and it was highly recommended by our AirBnB host for our last evening in town.
The hosts were very nice and managed to make room for us even though we asked about reserving a table pretty last minute.
8. The best cliffside restaurant I’ve ever been to
At some point during your stay, try to get a table at Nessun Dorma. This is a cliffside restaurant that started in 2014, really emphasizes on flavorful food, and is named after a beautiful Italian opera song.
They don’t take reservations, so to get one of the best seats it pays off to show up before they open. We arrived about 20 minutes early, lined up behind a few groups and managed to get the last table by the cliff overlook. The views and the food was both so incredible — I honestly still think about the bruschetta we had there.
Nessun Dorma also offers pesto making classes, wine tasting, and boat tours!
9. Try the pesto!
Try ALL the pesto. I should have made this the #1 tip on this list actually.
We picked up a jar from a store down the street, a baguette from the nearest bakery, and what started out as a pre-dinner snack became a 6-course meal of bread and some of the best pesto I’ve ever had. I also bought a jar just so I could carry it around in my purse for a snack during train rides.
Pesto is so popular in Cinque Terre that there are a few pesto-making classes you can take! That is one of the first things I want to sign up for whenever I find myself back in that region.
9. Try the pesto!
Try ALL the pesto. I should have made this the #1 tip on this list actually.
We picked up a jar from a store down the street, a baguette from the nearest bakery and what started out as a pre-dinner snack became a 6-course meal of bread and some of the best pesto I’ve ever had.
Pesto is so popular in Cinque Terre that there are a few pesto-making classes you can take! That is one of the first things I want to sign up for whenever I find myself back in that region.
Planning to visit Cinque Terre? Message me on Instagram (@travelexys) or send me an email if you’d like my Excel itinerary or had any questions about these suggestions!
Planning to visit Cinque Terre? Message me on Instagram (@travelexys) or send me an email if you’d like my Excel itinerary or had any questions about these suggestions!
