How to Spend Two Days in Cinque Terre: Itinerary for 2025
A series of five seaside villages cascading down precarious cliffs, with narrow cobblestone alleys in between warmly-painted colorful homes — all with the scent of the sea. Sounds like a dream? It’s a living one: the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Cinque Terre, the gem of Liguria.
This beloved quintet of fishing towns, the Cinque Terre have become larger than life, drawing millions of tourists each year. Once only connected by an ancient system of footpaths, winding paths through the mountains from village to village, now there’s a train which makes quick work of visiting all of the villages of the Cinque Terre if you’re short on time.
| 🇮🇹 Planning a trip to Cinque Terre in a hurry? Here are my quick tips: 🏨 Where to Stay ⭐ Best Overall Town: Monterosso al Mare — Piccolo Principe Affittacamere (boutique guesthouse) or Albergo Degli Amici (homey & traditional Italian accommodation) ⭐Best Luxury Option: Manarola — La Torretta Lodge (ultra-luxury suites with in-room hot tubs and White Lotus vibes) or The Manarola Main Plaza (opulent rooms and gorgeous sea views) ⭐ Best Budget Options: Vernazza — Camere Toni (great views and affordable prices) or MADA Charm Apartments (apartment-style for self-catering) 🚣♀️ Best Cinque Terre Activities 1. 3-Hour Boat Cruise with Swimming Stops from Monterosso al Mare 2. Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour from Monterosso al Mare 3. Sunset Cruise with Happy Hour from Monterosso al Mare 4. Vineyard & Wine Cellar Tour from Riomaggiore |
Over the centuries, the stunning coastal landscape has been shaped by terraces carved into the seaside towns, designed to support vineyards and olive groves on the steep Mediterranean slopes.
These terraces also made space for houses and villages, marinas and fishing boats, creating a harmonious world-within-a-world since these villages have historically been cut-off from the rest of Italy, due to their geographic isolation caused by the mountains and cliffs.
Nowadays, they’re not so isolated anymore. The five villages of Cinque Terre are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, which (as well as the surrounding hillsides and coastal area) are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park, and almost anyone who has heard of Italy has heard of this coastal paradise.
If you have only two days in the Cinque Terre, you’ll have to move around at a fairly quick pace to see all of its highlights, but we can make it work (and in a pinch, you can actually see the Cinque Terre highlights in a single day). This guide will break down a Cinque Terre trip into two days, including tips on how to get around, where to stay, and a sensible visiting route for your itinerary.
Table of Contents
How to Move Around in Cinque Terre
The villages of the Cinque Terre teeter over the manmade terraces that were built on the rugged landscape up the steep hills facing the sea. The five villages are linked via hiking trails, train, and boats; by far, you’ll find the train the most convenient way of getting around, though admittedly it is rather expensive.
There are no cars allowed the villages of the Cinque Terre, so if you’ve rented a car in Italy, you’ll need to leave that behind in parking lots (which are usually located quite far from the villages themselves).
If you have the leisure of time (and physical health, too), traveling the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) by foot is an extremely memorable way to explore the Cinque Terre. However, if you only have 2 days to explore the Cinque Terre, hiking isn’t exactly the most time-efficient way of getting around, and the train will need to become your best friend.
Most of the time, this means starting at the La Spezia train station (whether you drive there or arrive by train from another part of Italy, such as Florence or Milan), which is an ultra-convenient starting point for exploring the rest of the Cinque Terre.
To get around, you’ll want to buy the The Treno MS Card, which includes unlimited train travel on the Levanto-Cinque Terre-La Spezia line as well as access to the hiking trails if you should so choose to explore them!
The ticket prices vary greatly depending on when you are visiting and for how long. For example, a low-season one-day ticket can be as low as €14.80 for adult tickets, but it can soar as high as €78.50 for a three-day ticket in peak season.
Cards can be purchased at train stations or online, but I highly recommend pre-booking it online to avoid the lines which can be really long in the high season! Also, note that the days re per calendar day, not per 24-hour period.
Where to Stay in the Cinque Terre
I have a full guide to where to stay in Cinque Terre here, but you can also keep reading for my personal perspective.
While every town in Cinque Terre has its charms, I would advise against Corniglia for most travelers for one simple reason: the town itself is located on the hill above, while the train station is near the sea: that means waiting for the electric shuttle bus or taking 300 steps up to the town of Corniglia!
I think that Monterosso al Mare has the best of all worlds: easy access and the largest supply of hotel inventory, with also the widest selection of restaurants and the best beaches in the Cinque Terre area.
That said, Vernazza and Riomaggiore are also extremely charming and tempting options. Manarola is also beautiful, but as the most iconic part of the Cinque Terre, it’s also the most overpriced (in my opinion!).
Accommodation Recommendations for Each Town in Cinque Terre
Normally I give a lot of detail about each hotel option but at the risk of this Cinque Terre itinerary becoming a million words long, I’ll just quickly list the best options in a few words for each of the five Cinque Terre towns. As of this update in 2025, all are currently accepting reservations.
MONTEROSSO AL MARE | Piccolo Principe Affittacamere (charming boutique guesthouse) or Albergo Degli Amici (lovely Italian-style guesthouse with incredible views of the sea)
VERNAZZA | Camere Toni (great views and affordable prices) or MADA Charm Apartments (large suite-type apartments with kitchens and bathtubs, central location)
CORNIGLIA | AMARE IL MARE Affittacamere (beautiful terrace, apartment-style, with a spa bath!) or Residenza Solferino (two-story apartment rental in heart of Corniglia)
MANAROLA | The Manarola Main Plaza (surprisingly affordable with large rooms and gorgeous sea views) or La Torretta Lodge (ultra-luxury suites with in-room hot tubs and sweeping terraces in a converted medieval tower — think White Lotus prices and vibes)
RIOMAGGIORE | Giadere Penthouse (great views from a top-floor apartment) or Agave Room Rental (cute design hotel with great views and a lovely hot tub)
Day 1: Monterosso al Mare and Vernazza
Take the train to Monterosso al Mare.
Start your first day in Cinque Terre early by taking a train from La Spezia to Monterosso al Mare. Even from La Spezia, the furthest point away on the train line, it’s only a swift 20-minute ride.
Monterosso al Mare is the village on the northernmost extreme of the Cinque Terre, so it makes the perfect place to start your Cinque Terre itinerary. It’s also where I personally recommend you stay, unless you fall in love with a particular accommodation option in one of the other villages.
It is one of the most-visited villages of the five, particularly due to its gorgeous stretch of sandy beach (Monterosso al Mare can claim both of the only two sandy beaches in Cinque Terre, each within walking distance of the other) but because it’s also the largest village, it doesn’t always feel as crowded as some of the smaller villages.
Monterosso al Mare is divided in two main parts: the modern Fegina and the traditional Old Town, with its typical winding medieval roads (locally known as carruggi). Don’t worry, it’s very easy to walk between the two, so it really doesn’t matter where you stay. Do note, though, that the train lets you off in Fegina, so if you have a lot of luggage that may be the smarter place to stay.
Relax on Spiaggia Fegina – or go for a kayak!
Monterosso is best-known for its amazing beach, Spiaggia Fegina — the largest sandy beach in Cinque Terre. While it is large, it still gets quite crowded. There is a small section of free beach access, but do note that it fills up rather quickly; you’ll likely need to rent an umbrella and chairs at a lido in order to have a space.
If you’ve ever seen those iconic striped umbrellas on the beaches of Cinque Terre — that’s exactly what I’m talking about! As of the summer 2024 season, it cost €40 for an umbrella and two chairs, with a €5 surcharge for the chairs closest to the ocean. Show up early if you want a chair — even at this cost, they go quickly!
The landmark of Fegina is the famous Giant, a statue of Neptune that is a symbol of the town. If you’re facing the sea, it’s all the way to the right — just walk down the beach until you can’t walk any more and you’re truly sure not to miss it.
If you prefer a more active way of exploring the area around Monterosso, with scenic views of the villages of Cinque Terre up above you, I highly recommend this kayaking tour.
It departs from Monterosso at 10:30 AM and lasts about three hours as you kayak past Vernazza and Corniglia and head back, all with a view of the pastel buildings perched atop the cliffs, a beautiful contrast against the turquoise sea you’re paddling through.
If you prefer a boat cruise where the motor does the heavy lifting rather than your arms, there’s also this fun boat tour that brings you to views of all five of the Cinque Terre villages — with swim stops included, perfect for a summer trip!
Like the kayaking trip, it also departs from Monterosso al Mare. It runs from April to September, with one departure at 10 AM and another departure at 1:30 PM, so it’s pretty easy to fit into your itinerary!
Wander around the Old Village of Monterosso.
Before heading to the next village (either via the Blue Trail or by train, depending on your preference!), take some time to walk around the Old Village of Monterosso.
As you make your way from the train station toward Borgo Antico (the Old Town), be sure to stop for a gelato at La Scogliera. It’s best enjoyed with a view of Fegina Beach!
Don’t miss their lemon with cream flavor – it’s absolutely delicious and a must-try, especially since Cinque Terre is known for its lemons!
If you’re in the mood for a little adventure, take the path above the town toward the Convent of the Capuchin Friars.
While admittedly, the church itself is rather modest, its views are incredible — but I would say the highlight of this hilly area is actually the cemetery, a perfect place for a quiet moment away from the hustle and bustle of the towns below.
Once you get back down to the Borgo Antico, be sure to visit the Church of San Giovanni Battista.
This is by far the most grand and fascinating church in Cinque Terre, with its signature striped marble exterior found in many Italian cathedrals and a just-as-stunning interior!
Grab lunch before your hike.
Before you head to Vernazza, you’ll probably want to grab a hearty and delicious lunch to prepare you for your hike!
For a quick bite so you can continue your sightseeing, stop at Pastarita for take-away trofie al pesto (what I recommend and did on my last trip to Cinque Terre!)
If you prefer a sit-down lunch, another great option is Da Eraldo, an unfussy trattoria specializing in seafood (as well as pasta) on a cute little piazza off the main street up through town.
Hike to Vernazza.
Once you’ve wandered around the old town of Monterosso, head towards the departure point for the Blue Trail and start hiking to Vernazza. Alternately, you can walk back to the train station in Fegina and take the train if hiking isn’t in the cards for you for any reason (skip forward to the next section).
There are plenty of signs that indicate the way, so don’t worry about getting lost — it’s virtually impossible with this much signage.
The hike towards Vernazza is rated as moderate on AllTrails, 2.2 miles (3.5 km) with about 688 feet of elevation gain along the way. The hike takes about 2 hours at a slow pace, and keeping the uneven rocky portions along the path in mind, but still allows plenty of time for a few stops to admire the landscape, take pictures, and take a rest.
You will begin the trail climbing a steep stairway, but it will soon turn into a flat path with fantastic sea views, before reaching a descent for Vernazza. Note that the trail is almost entirely unshaded so be cautious if doing this hike in the summer.
Explore the beautiful village of Vernazza.
Your next stop is Vernazza, one of the most breathtaking villages in all of the Cinque Terre, with history dating back to 1000 CE… and a medieval castle overlooking the sea to match.
Castello Doria‘s castle perch was actually built in part to protect the village from pirate sieges — yes, pirates in Italy!
Vernazza features a myriad of gorgeous pastel houses, a charming port, and a picturesque small beach called Vernazza Port Beach. If you want, you can visit a more private and secluded beach, called Vernazza Beach, which hidden from the main town area.
You can reach it after passing under a small bridge, but note that this is a rocky beach so you’ll want to have water shoes for this type of beach. It’s better for a quick dip than a relaxing beach lay-out.
Hike or take the train to Corniglia.
Around mid afternoon, you can either get back on the trail to reach Corniglia, again via the Blue Trail. If you hike, it’s another moderate trail, similar in difficulty to the hike between Monterosso and Vernazza.
As per AllTrails, the hike is 2.1 miles long (4 km) with 501 feet of elevation gain, and it should take no more than two leisurely hours allowing for rests and to take photos, though most people complete it in about an hour and 15 minutes.
And honestly? The hike from Vernazza to Corniglia is even more beautiful than the one from Monterosso to Vernazza, offering even better views of the sea and the villages below, with vineyards and olive groves alternating along the terraces.
As an alternative, you can take the train to Corniglia if you don’t feel like hiking any further or if it’s gotten too late to hike safely; there are 300 stairs up to the town or you can take an electric shuttle bus if you don’t want to make that trek up the stairs.
Have dinner and explore a bit of Corniglia.
You will arrive in Corniglia late in the afternoon or early evening, probably tired if you have hiked all the way from Monterosso!
Corniglia is located about a hundred meters above the sea and it cannot be accessed with a boat (it’s the only village that can’t). If you walked along the Blue Trail, then you will not need to climb or walk any further.
Corniglia’s vibe is unique among the other Cinque Terre villages because agriculture played a larger role in its development, unlike the fishing-focused economies of the other towns. As a result, it has a bit more of a rural hilltop village charm as opposed to a coastal town.
With awe-inspiring vistas over the sea, there are tons of great restaurants with stellar views to dine at. Even though it is not as popular to visit as other Cinque Terre villages, you will still find some very good restaurants for dinner!
If you’re a wine lover, then check some of the wine bars in town and ask to be served some of the local labels. There is nothing more refreshing than a glass of chilled white Ligurian wine after a tiring day!
Tip: The Cinque Terre has its own designated DOC (denominazione di origine controllata) which only produces white wine that is a delicious blend of three local grape varietals: Bosco (must be at least 40%), as well as Albarola and Vermentino. So even if you’re normally a red wine drinker, give the white a try!
Day 2: Manarola and Riomaggiore
Decide your day’s itinerary.
In my opinion, having been to all the towns of Cinque Terre, I’d argue that Manarola is probably the most gorgeous and romantic of all the villages in the Cinque Terre… but while that makes for stunning photo opportunities, it is also the reason why it gets crowded.
It is a good idea to reach Manarola as early as possible to avoid hordes of tourists! Alternately, you can start in Riomaggiore first, and then circle back to Manarola before sunset: the light hitting the town at sundown is spectacular, and the hiking tourists have likely already left the area so they won’t be hiking in the dark!
For the purpose of this itinerary, I’m going to put Manarola first, but know that you can do the itinerary either way depending where you want to catch the sunset!
Visit the charming village of Manarola.
The village of Manarola stands more than 200 feet (about 70 meters) above the sea, with stunning views nearly everywhere you look.
Its tiny harbor has a boat ramp which allows easy access to sea level, if you want to go for a dip, although admittedly it’s not exactly the nicest patch of coastline (Monterosso and Riomaggiore beat it out by a long shot!).
In the upper part of Manarola, you can visit the Chiesa di San Lorenzo, which has a remarkable bell tower (pictured above) that served in the past as a watch tower to protect the town against pirate attacks.
When in Manarola, take some time to explore the narrow alleys, walk above the town through the vineyards to the panorama point, and enjoy lunch in a trattoria with an amazing view
And of course, indulge in some gelato from one of the many gelaterias after lunch before you head towards Riomaggiore!
What about the Via dell’Amore?
After a 12-year closure due to safety concerns, the iconic Via dell’Amore, a 900-meter path nestled in the cliffs overlooking the sea, finally reopened to the public on July 27, 2024.
This beautiful, romantic trail, connecting the two gems of the Cinque Terre—Riomaggiore and Manarola— was truly one of the most stunning walks you could do, and naturally, people were very excited for this reopening.
However, just a few months after its long-awaited reopening, the path was closed once again on October 28, 2024, due to unforeseen maintenance needs. At this time, there is no predicted reopening date for 2025, leaving many visitors anxious awaiting further updates on when they will once again be able to walk this famous trail!
Check here to see if it’s reopened; keep in mind that this trail starts in Riomaggiore and ends in Manarola, and only goes in this direction. If it’s reopened and you’d like to do this trail, I would recommend starting the day in Riomaggiore, doing the hike, and ending the day in Manarola for sunset.
Spend the rest of the day in Riomaggiore.
When in Riomaggiore, devote some time to explore the coastal area. This is the most picturesque part of the village, with its typical houses with colorful facades.
There is a pebble beach a bit of a walk away from the town that you can enjoy a refreshing dip in — just remember to bring those water shoes or flip flops if you plan to walk on the beach, as the pebbles are a far cry from the soft sands of Fegina Beach!
Another fun thing you can do in Riomaggiore is this Vineyard & Wine Cellar Tour — the perfect way to get introduced to the wonderful white wines of Liguria.
The tour runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays only, with two daily 2-hour tours: one starting at 10 AM and another at 5 PM (perfect for sunset views!)
Can You Take a Day Trip to Cinque Terre?
As this itinerary for Cinque Terre suggests, two days in Cinque Terre is much better if you can swing it on your Italy itinerary. But if you only have a short amount of time, there are guided day tours of Cinque Terre that leaves from popular Italian destinations.
This popular day tour leaves from Florence and includes time in at least three of the five villages (I’ve written about my experience doing this exact tour here, if you want to read about it — note that there are sometimes seasonal changes, like for example, sometimes a trip to Pisa replaces one of the villages)
You can also book a similar itinerary from Milan or from Pisa, which are both pretty convenient starting places for a day trip. A day trip is fine to get an overview, but spending two days in Cinque Terre independently is a much better option if you can!
Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016, visiting 75+ countries in total. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. As a former educator, she merges her writing and educational experience to encourage ethical, sustainable travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and TBEX. Her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. When she’s not on the road, she lives in Bangkok, Thailand.
