Add dates

Things to do in Cinque Terre

Experience the beauty of the Italian Riviera as you travel through these five colorful hillside villages.

Our most recommended things to do in Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre: Riomaggiore, Monterosso, Vernazza Boat Cruise

1. Cinque Terre: Riomaggiore, Monterosso, Vernazza Boat Cruise

Experience the Cinque Terre coast by boat and take in gorgeous views of vineyards terraces and charming buildings from the sea. Make time to stop at Riomaggiore, Monterosso, and Vernazza along the way. Start at La Spezia's harbor and sail through the Gulf of the Poets admiring the magnificent village of Portovenere and the island of Palmaria from the boat. Reach the first village of Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore, passing by the mesmerizing coastline with its famous terraced vineyard landscape and colorful houses. The city is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Here, visit the imposing church of San Giovanni Battista with your guide and enjoy some free time to stroll through the narrow streets. In Monterosso al Mare, explore the medieval historic center and marvel at the parish church dedicated to St. John, the Baptist. Then continue the sailing to Vernazza, the pearl of the Cinque Terre. Vernazza presents itself to visitors as the prow of a ship: most of the village is in fact built on a small promontory that ends at the sea with an imposing fortification system. At the end of the tour, enjoy free time and take the chance to taste the local wine and food, or go for a swim in the crystal clear water of the Mediterranean.

Florence: Cinque Terre Day Trip with Optional Hike and Lunch

2. Florence: Cinque Terre Day Trip with Optional Hike and Lunch

Get a taste of 'la dolce vita' on this jam-packed tour to the Cinque Terre, a collection of quintessential Italian towns dotted along the coast of Tuscany. After meeting your guide in central Florence, listen to an insightful introduction about the Cinque Terre on the 2-hour bus journey to La Spezia. After a quick bathroom break, board the first train of the day. Arrive in Manarola, the first of the Cinque Terre villages you will visit. Here you will join a small guided walk through the vines, and then enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace. Next, take the train to Corniglia. Climb the steps to reach the center of this quaint village and take some time to wander around. If you have selected the add-on, sit down at a local restaurant with a beautiful terrace and sea views. Tuck into a lunch of homemade pesto pasta for your 'primo' and fresh fish for your ‘secondo’. Then, choose to either go on an adventurous guided hike from Corniglia to Vernazza, or if you prefer to take it easy, follow your guide and take a train instead. Once in Vernazza, sit at one of the local cafés, or take a refreshing dip in the sea. Next, board a train to Monterosso, the village renowned for its beautiful beaches and artisan shops. If the weather allows it, you will then board a boat to navigate along the coast of the Cinque Terre. Arrive in Riomaggiore, an ancient fishing village and the most southern of the 5 villages. After exploring this last village, board the train back to La Spezia and then take the coach back to Florence.

From La Spezia: Cinque Terre Speedboat Tour

3. From La Spezia: Cinque Terre Speedboat Tour

Explore the beautiful cliffs, beaches, and colorful towns of the Cinque Terre on a sailing tour from La Spezia. You will see all five picturesque villages characterized by pastel-colored houses on a 4-hour speedboat tour. Start your tour from Passeggiata Morin in La Spezia and sail along the western coast of the Gulf of Poets. Admire the beautiful landscape of the four villages that make up the Borgata Marinara. Continue sailing towards Portovenere, where you will cross the Le Bocche, a strait between the town of Portovenere and the wild Palmaria Island. See the magnificent Romanesque church of San Pietro, set among the rocks and overlooking the sea. Discover the unspoiled coves of Le Rosse, Monesteroli, and Punta Pineda along the coastline. Grab a chance to dip in the pristine waters of the Cinque Terre Natural Park. Marvel at the beauty of Monterosso al Mare, the last and most vibrant of the five villages. Here you can enjoy local specialties such as focaccia with anchovies or delicious gelato. Pass through the famous muscle farms while returning to La Spezia. 

From Florence: Seaside Beauty Day Trip to Cinque Terre

4. From Florence: Seaside Beauty Day Trip to Cinque Terre

Visit one of Italy's most enchanting destinations, Cinque Terre, on a day trip by coach, train, and boat. Each of these unforgettable little cities will take your breath away with their gravity-defying dance above the azure waters. This day trip will give you an unforgettable and fun introduction to this coastal gem. Begin your tour of these UNESCO sites at daybreak with your arrival in La Spezia. Board a train to Riomaggiore, a quaint medieval town dating to the 13th century. Marvel at the winding streets of this village and its charming houses leaning one against the other. Next, head over to Manarola to enjoy panoramic views. Continue on to Monterosso, an ancient fishing village considered the "pearl of the Cinque Terre." Finally, take a boat across to Vernazza, whose natural port has kept it safe from invaders for centuries.

From Florence: Cinque Terre Villages Full-Day Tour

5. From Florence: Cinque Terre Villages Full-Day Tour

Explore the villages of Cinque Terre on a full-day excursion from Florence, and experience the best aspects of this protected World Heritage Site as you walk along the ancient trails that connect the picturesque villages. Cinque Terre comprises a stretch of rugged, unspoiled coast along the Italian Riviera. Its name derives from the fact that it is a grouping of 5 picturesque fishing villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. It has been well-preserved because of its isolation and continues to be protected by its UNESCO status and its status as an Italian national park. Led by your knowledgeable guide, you’ll walk the spectacular coastline. Visit the village of Manarola and continue with a lovely boat journey (weather permitting) to Monterosso, renowned for its beautiful beach and small craftsmen’s shops, here you will have the option to relax on the golden sands and to enjoy leisure time for a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean. A delicious local Lunch is served in a typical restaurant by the seaside and the hills declining down to the rocky coves. After a short train ride, stop in Vernazza, one of the prettiest village, and spend your free time tasting coffee or drinks in one of the cheerful bars and cafés. Take the train again to Riomaggiore and visit some of its picturesque shops. From Riomaggiore, a train ride concludes the Cinque Terre visit, before returning to Florence by bus. Please note that the order of the visits may change.

La Spezia: Cruise to Porto Venere, Monterosso and Vernazza

6. La Spezia: Cruise to Porto Venere, Monterosso and Vernazza

Board the ferry at La Spezia and start your boat trip to Porto Venere. Cruise for approximately 30-minutes before reaching Porto Venere. Disembark the ferry for a walk through the town. Porto Venere is a fortified seaside village filled with colorful houses and medieval buildings. During your tour, you will pass the Church of San Pietro, one of the most religious buildings in all of Italy, before walking through narrow streets. Pass the Church of San Lorenzo and enjoy panoramic views at Doria's fortress. Before returning to the ferry, you’ll have some free time to explore Porto Venere on your own. Board the ferry and continue on your tour along the Cinque Terre coastline. Relax onboard for approximately 50 minutes as you pass by the seaside villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Corniglia. Next stop is Monterosso. Here you will reach the medieval center in a few steps, where you can admire the parish church dedicated to San John the Baptist. Then, admire the landscapes from Torre Aurora and the large beach by Fegina. Arrive at Vernazza, where you will disembark to explore the unique village. Walk around Vernazza, a small village with an imposing fortification system. Here you will see the Church Santa Margherita d'Antiochia and walk down the main street filled with colorful houses. Walk to a viewing point in the village and see views of Doria's fortress.

From Monterosso: Cinque Terre Kayak Tour

7. From Monterosso: Cinque Terre Kayak Tour

Explore the charming villages of Cinque Terre with this tour along the Italian Riviera coastline. The tour will start on the beach of Monterosso towards Vernazza paddling alongside an expert guide, you will pass hidden coves, rugged cliffs and the bright, pastel hues of the five villages.  Coasting the amazing cliffs of this area, you will reach the beach of Guvano and then Corniglia. Pause to stretch out on the beach or cool off with a swim before continuing on your journey. An exclusive experience to visit the Cinque Terre National Park off the beaten track during the less crowded seasons. The surprising mild temperatures between autumn and spring and the incredible variety of colors are the key to a unique experience: visit the Cinque Terre from a different perspective. A lunch break in Vernazza will be the best solution to relax facing the sea and explore this little village.

Milan: Cinque Terre Full-Day Guided Trip With Cruise

8. Milan: Cinque Terre Full-Day Guided Trip With Cruise

Explore the Cinque Terre, one of Italy's most scenic landscapes, on a guided day trip from Milan by van. See Cinque Terre from different perspectives from a boat and a train. After leaving Milan by coach, arrive in Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the Cinque Terre's 5 villages. With no car traffic, it remains one of the truest fishing villages on the Italian Riviera. Restaurants, bars, and accommodation all have an endearingly homespun air about them. From Monterosso, start the final leg of your journey: a boat cruise, where you can admire the stunning views of the Cinque Terre and the delightful village of Portovenere from the sea. Arrive at La Spezia where your coach will be waiting to take you back to Milan. These 5 enchanting medieval villages cling to the coast, offering a breathtaking sight of the sea, and are now part of a national park listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

From La Spezia: Cinque Terre Tour by Train with Limoncino

9. From La Spezia: Cinque Terre Tour by Train with Limoncino

Once you arrive at the port of La Spezia, meet your tour guide at the cruise terminal. Take a 20-minute walk to arrive at the train station from where you will begin your adventure. On the walk, you will discover the beautiful city center of La Spezia. Trains are undoubtedly the ideal means of transportation to explore the area, in just 15 minutes, passing through the sheer heights of the Ligurian Sea, you will reach Vernazza, one of the most colorful villages in the area. Here you can enjoy some free time in this picturesque village, characterized by pastel-colored houses with beautiful views of crystal clear waters. The second stop will be Monterosso, the largest of the Cinque Terre villages, which also owns a stunning beach characterized by fine white sand and a clear and transparent sea. Here you will have a surprise reserved for you, a stop to taste the delicious Limoncino in a traditional shop. This exquisite liqueur is ideal to toast for the wonderful day that you are spending, immersed in the nature, colors, and flavors of this fascinating and unique land. After having some free time in Monterosso, take the train to Riomaggiore, the last stop before coming back to La Spezia. This small village, like the other four, offers breathtaking views of the coast, as well as glimpses of the daily lives of the fishermen with their traditional boats that you will see tied to the port. Also, if you are staying at La Spezia, choose the best starting point for you: the cruise port or the train station.

From La Spezia: Day Trip to Pisa and Cinque Terre

10. From La Spezia: Day Trip to Pisa and Cinque Terre

Once on the bus it will be time to leave for the first stop of this tour, Pisa! Along the way to this iconic city, which has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Italy in the world with its Piazza dei Miracoli, declared a Unesco World Heritage Site, you will be given explanations, told historical and cultural anecdotes and you will be provided with useful information to make you fully enjoy your experience in Pisa in total freedom! After enjoying the wonders of Piazza dei Miracoli, choosing the " City Walking" option you will have the opportunity to discover in the company of an expert tour leader, other wonderful hidden treasures of the medieval city such as thePiazza dei Cavalieri , the birthplace of Galileo Galilei, the Vettovaglie market and much more. By choosing the option with the entrance ticket to the Leaning Tower you will be able to climb to the top of the famous Tower of Pisa and enter withpriority access inside the spectacular Cathedral. After discovering the beauties of Pisa you will get back on the bus and in about 1 hour and 30 you will arrive in Manarola, the smallest and most characteristic village of the Cinque Terre. We will arrive at the parking lot of the village, where the bus will be waiting for you on your return. During your visit to the beautiful and colorful village built on a promontory of about 70 meters you can relax by bathing in the crystal clear water of the Mediterranean Sea, taste the typical products such as Pesto and focaccia in the local shops or stroll through the narrow streets of this small fishing village, part of the territory declared a Unesco heritage site for its incomparable beauty; Remember to bring your swimsuit with you! After taking lots of photos of your unique experience you will return to the bus and together we will leave to return to the port on time for your departure.

Other Sightseeing Options in Cinque Terre

Want to discover all there is to do in Cinque Terre? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Cinque Terre

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 4,772 reviews

We had terrible weather (rain and wind), but the gracious and knowledgeable hosts made up for it! Great insight into viticulture from the farming and production side. The wines selection was excellent. I highly recommend.

Very nice experience, the guides are very friendly and always aware of everyone. We were a very large group but there was always an organization. Thanks for everything ❤️

Fantastic. My kids (7 and 9) loved this and we enjoyed drinking the wine while they prepared us fresh pesto! Grazie mille Giorgia

Luciana was the perfect Hostess Nothing was a problem The weather provided a perfect day

Very nice and friendly tour guide! Went to the best spots for photography!