Explore Cinque Terre in one day! Discover the most beautiful sights with a smart itinerary for an enchanting adventure along the Italian coast.
About Cinque Terre
Imagine five colorful villages sandwiched between the cliffs and the azure waters of the Italian Riviera. A true jewel of the coastline, Cinque Terre consists of five picturesque villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare.
The unique appeal of Cinque Terre lies in its simplicity. Each village tells a story of the sea, of fishermen docking their boats in the harbor, and of colorful markets where you can shop among the locals. The smell of freshly caught fish mingles with the sweet aromas of fresh pasta and local wine, while narrow walkways lead to enchanting views of the shimmering Mediterranean Sea.
Each village has its character, from bustling Monterosso to tranquil Corniglia, high up on the cliffs. It is a place where it seems like time has stood still with a beautiful historic landmark on every corner.
Is it possible to visit Cinque Terre in one day?
Want to visit Cinque Terre and only have a day? Although you won’t be able to see everything extensively, you can get a good impression of this beautiful part of Italy in just one day.
Visiting Cinque Terre in one day requires a tight plan, an early start, and smart choices. By starting early, using the train to travel between villages, and exploring the highlights of each village, you can get a glimpse of the unique beauty of these five coastal villages.
It is challenging and you will not be able to explore everything in detail, but it is certainly possible to soak up the atmosphere and see the main sights. It’s all about efficiency and prioritizing!
In this blog post, I’ll give you an overview of the must-sees and a suggested itinerary so you can make the most of your day in Cinque Terre.
Cinque Terre in one day: itinerary
To fully enjoy Cinque Terre, I recommend starting early and purchasing a Cinque Terre Card. This allows you unlimited use of the trains throughout the day, allows you to walk on the trails between the villages, and has several other benefits, such as the use of wifi and restrooms.
Monterosso al Mare
Start your day in Cinque Terre in Monterosso al Mare, the northernmost village of Cinque Terre. Here you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and the attractive promenade. Don’t forget to also visit the historic district and the San Giovanni Battista Church. Take your time for this before moving on to the next village.
Vernazza
Continue your journey by train to Vernazza, perhaps the most idyllic village in Cinque Terre. Enjoy the narrow streets filled with colorful houses and the charming harbor. Visit the church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia and climb the Doria Tower for stunning views of the village and surrounding sea. Don’t forget to also enjoy a delicious gelato at one of the local ice cream parlors.
Corniglia
After Vernazza, you can choose to go to Corniglia by train or walk along the famous footpath called “Sentiero Azzurro.” This path connects all five villages and offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Please note that the hiking trail may sometimes be closed due to maintenance work, so check in advance. In Corniglia, you can explore the narrow streets and enjoy the panoramic view from the seaside terrace.
Manarola
From Corniglia, you can go by train to Manarola, also known as the most picturesque village of Cinque Terre. Stroll the colorful streets and climb the hill behind the village for stunning views of Manarola and the surrounding vineyards. Don’t forget to take a picture at the famous photo spot: “Via dell’Amore,” or Road of Love.
Riomaggiore
As a final stop, you can go by train to Riomaggiore, where you can enjoy even more charming streets, colorful houses, and a beautiful harbor. Climb the hill to Riomaggiore’s castle for spectacular views of the village and coastline.
After a day of discoveries in Cinque Terre, it’s time to return to your accommodation or leave for your next destination in Italy.
Although a day in Cinque Terre may seem short, it can be well worth visiting this beautiful place. Remember to put on comfortable walking shoes, bring plenty of water, and keep your camera ready for all those breathtaking photo opportunities.
If you have more time, I recommend staying longer in Cinque Terre to fully enjoy all the villages and hiking trails. But even with just one day you can get a good impression of this unique part of Italy.
Read more: Cinque Terre – Everything you need to know
Hiking vs taking the train
There are several ways to travel between the villages, and the fastest way is by train. The advantage is that trains go very often and it costs you little time and energy. The downside is that you don’t see as much of the scenery along the way, and stations and trains can sometimes be very crowded.
In addition, you can also choose to walk from village to village. This obviously takes (much) longer than taking the train, but you also get to enjoy the gorgeous views of the coastline and have a better view of the villages. The total trail is about twelve kilometers long and the route between each village is about three or four kilometers.
Unfortunately, not all trails are always open; it is helpful to check in advance which ones are and are not open. You can do so at one of the information points in the villages or on this website.
If you only have 1 day for Cinque Terre, my advice is to hike one or two trails and visit the other towns by train. This way, you will have enough time to check out each village.
Best places to stay in Cinque Terre
Although you can see the villages of Cinque Terre in 1 day, it is wise to sleep in or near the villages to make the most of your day in Cinque Terre. You also get to enjoy the quiet time in the villages in the morning and at night. These are the best places to stay
Vernazza
Vernazza is a favorite choice for many travelers because of its picturesque harbor, good restaurants, and cozy atmosphere. Staying overnight in one of the cozy guesthouses or hotels gives you the chance to experience the quieter side of this village early in the morning.
- Where to stay: La Polena Camere Vernazza is a cozy guesthouse and has beautiful suites with sea views.
Monterosso al Mare
If you like beaches, this is the place for you. The largest of the five villages with a wide sandy beach and a variety of accommodations, from budget-friendly options to more luxurious hotels.
- Hotel tip: Hotel Marina (3⭐) is a well-reviewed hotel with cozy rooms. You walk to the beach in a few minutes.
Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore’s charm comes alive in the evening. Stay here to watch the sunset, explore local restaurants, and enjoy the quiet evening atmosphere.
- Where to stay: Alla Marina Affittacamere has beautiful rooms and apartments and is housed in a historic building from the 13th century. It is located on the picturesque harbor of Riomaggiore.
Manarola or Corniglia
Both villages offer a more subdued atmosphere. Staying overnight in one of these villages gives you the chance to enjoy early morning peace and quiet before the day trippers arrive.
- Where to stay: Affittacamere San Giorgio in Manarola has very comfortable rooms and from most of them, you have a stunning sea view.
La Spezia
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, La Spezia is a good choice. Here I stayed overnight myself and found a day in Cinque Terre quite doable from this city. La Spezia is just outside Cinque Terre and has good train connections to the villages.
- Accommodation tip: Miramare Apartments&Suites is a complex with several studios and suites with panoramic views. You can relax in the garden with olive trees and take a refreshing dip in the pool.
For more options, availability, and prices, visit Booking.com.
Additional tips for spending the night in Cinque Terre
- Book early: Especially in the high season, accommodations can fill up quickly.
- Location: Consider a location near a train station and the main sights so you can start your day in Cinque Terre even earlier.
- Unique experiences: Some accommodations offer spectacular views of the coastline. Consider these for an extra special experience.
Book your trip to Cinque Terre now
Would you like to visit Cinque Terre and explore Italy? These websites are useful for booking your trip.
✈️ By plane – The nearest international airport is Pisa. Check WayAway for the best deals on plane tickets. From Pisa, it’s a 1.5 hour train ride to Riomaggiore.
🚆 By train – Italy is easy to reach by train from all over Europe. Check Rail Europe for options and prices.
🚘 Rent a car – If you’d like to visit more interesting places in Italy. Check Rental Cars to get the best deals.
💊 Travel insurance – Personally, I think that travel insurance is a necessary component of any trip if you want to be calm in every unexpected event during your trip. Before you book, check Insubuy. This is currently the largest provider of visitor insurance. You will definitely find the most appropriate insurance plan that suits your trip!
🎡 Tours & activities – Are you looking for fun tours and activities in Cinque Terre? Check Get Your Guide.
Read more about Italy
Ben je op zoek naar meer tips voor een bezoek aan Cinque Terre en wil je goed voorbereid op pad in Italië? Bestel een van deze reisgidsen voor meer informatie en inspiratie.
Rick Steves Pocket Italy’s Cinque Terre
I have been to Italy several times and that is why you can find more information about a trip to Italy on this website. You might like to read these articles as well:
- 16 Most beautiful cities in Italy
- Northern Italy by train: 2-week itinerary
- Bucket list: these are the most beautiful places in Italy
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