Unforgettable Things to Do in Cinque Terre

Looking for the best things to do in Cinque Terre? From cliffside vineyards to seaside hikes, this stretch of the Ligurian coast delivers serious charm. Each of the five villages, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, brings its own vibe, with dramatic views, local seafood, and colorful streets made for wandering. Hike between villages, sip Cinque Terre DOC wine by the water, or hop on a boat to see it all from the sea. Food and wine lovers should check out Liguria wine tours for a deep dive into regional whites grown on steep coastal terraces. Day trip or longer stay, Cinque Terre hits the sweet spot for nature, flavor, and laid-back coastal living.

What are the best things to do in Cinque Terre?

Wander the streets of Monterosso al Mare

No visit to Cinque Terre is complete without some downtime in Monterosso al Mare, the largest and most beach-friendly of the five villages. It’s the only one with a real sandy beach where you can stretch out, grab an aperitivo, and soak in the Ligurian sun. The Old Town is full of charm, with narrow streets, historic churches like San Giovanni Battista, and plenty of spots to enjoy fresh seafood and local white wine. If you’re up for a bit of a workout, hike the Sentiero Azzurro toward Vernazza, the views over the cliffs and sea are easily among the best in the region.

Visit Vernazza’s iconic harbor and Doria Castle

Vernazza is often called the gem of Cinque Terre, and it’s easy to see why. With its tiny harbor, colorful buildings, and steep hills rising behind it, this village is pure visual poetry. Climb up to Castello Doria for one of the best views along the coast, then head back down for a Ligurian aperitif right on the cliffs. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and take it all in.

Want to make your stop here count? Don’t miss our guide to the best things to do in Vernazza for insider tips and hidden corners worth exploring.

Explore the terraced village of Corniglia

Corniglia sits high above the sea, surrounded by vineyards and far from the crowds, it’s the only Cinque Terre village without direct beach access, and that’s part of its charm. To reach it, you’ll climb the Lardarina, a brick staircase with 377 steps (not 382!), but the views from the top are absolutely worth it. Once you’re there, it’s all about quiet lanes, panoramic terraces, and a slower pace. Stroll through olive groves, sip on a chilled glass of Cinque Terre DOC, and take in the landscape that has shaped life here for centuries.

Admire the sunset in Manarola

Manarola is a favorite for artists, wine lovers, and anyone chasing that perfect sunset. Its cliffside houses painted in bold pastels feel like a real-life painting, especially when seen from the famous viewpoint across the water. Stroll down the Via dell’Amore (if open), and treat yourself to a glass of Sciacchetrà, the village’s iconic sweet wine made from sun-dried grapes. It’s a slow, sensory experience, and one of the best spots in Cinque Terre to just pause and take it all in.

Want to dig deeper into this dreamy village? Explore our guide to the best things to do in Manarola, for wine stops, walks, and local favorites.

Experience fishing village life in Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore, the southern gateway to Cinque Terre, is a picture-perfect place to start or end your visit. Its pastel houses spill down a steep ravine toward a tiny harbor, where boats bob in the turquoise water and golden hour hits just right. Grab a cone of fried anchovies, a local staple, and pair it with a crisp glass of Ligurian white wine as you sit on the rocks and watch the sun drop into the sea.

Want to explore more than just the view? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Riomaggiore for food tips, photo spots, and hidden gems.

Best things to do around Cinque Terre villages

Take a hike on the Sentiero Azzurro

One of the best ways to experience Cinque Terre is on foot, and the Sentiero Azzurro is the trail to do it. This iconic cliffside path connects all five villages, with views that shift between terraced vineyards, pine forests, and the open sea. Hiking the entire trail in one day is possible, but it’s a workout. Most travelers pick scenic sections like Corniglia to Vernazza or Monterosso to Vernazza, which offer some of the most rewarding views. To hit the trails, you’ll need the Cinque Terre Card, which also covers local trains and gives you access to the national park paths.

Ride the Scenic Cinque Terre Train

Not into hiking? No problem. The Cinque Terre Express train is the easiest and fastest way to get between villages. It runs regularly between La Spezia and Levanto, stopping in all five towns along the way, perfect for hitting multiple spots in a single day. To keep things simple, grab a Cinque Terre Treno MS Card, which gives you unlimited rides plus access to the hiking trails and key attractions. No stress, no waiting, just hop on and go.

Enjoy a boat tour of Cinque Terre

Want a different perspective? See Cinque Terre from the sea. A boat tour gives you front-row views of the villages stacked along the cliffs, and honestly, it’s one of the best ways to take in just how dramatic the coastline really is. The colors pop differently from the water, especially at golden hour. Great for couples, photos, or just a relaxing break from the crowds, this experience is a must if you’re chasing Cinque Terre’s wow moments.

Stop over at La Spezia

Before or after your Cinque Terre adventure, make a quick stop in La Spezia, especially the local market near the central train station. It’s the perfect place to stock up on Ligurian olive oil, local wines, fresh focaccia, or sweets to take home. Want to explore more while you’re in town? Check out our guide to the best things to do in La Spezia for local eats, sights, and easy pre- or post-trip stops.

Explore Portovenere’s castle and cliffs

For sweeping coastal views without the Cinque Terre crowds, Portovenere is a solid add-on. Often called the “sixth town” of Cinque Terre, this UNESCO-listed village is just 45 minutes from Monterosso by ferry or bus. You’ll get colorful houses, a medieval castle, and dramatic cliffs, all with fewer visitors. It’s also one of the best spots to take a scenic boat tour, giving you a wide-angle view of the Cinque Terre villages from the water.

Good to Know before visiting Cinque Terre