On my recent trip to Italy, my cousin and I explored the stunning Cinque Terre region. It’s a place of rugged coastlines, colorful villages, and unforgettable experiences. Here’s how our adventure unfolded.
Choosing Monterosso as Our Base
When I planned our trip to Cinque Terre, I decided to stay in Monterosso al Mare for four nights. Among the five villages, Monterosso has the best beaches. While they’re nice, don’t expect anything like the Caribbean. These are mostly man-made beaches, so if you’re heading to Monterosso just for the beach, you might want to reconsider destinations. That said, this village has its own charm with a gorgeous promenade and a peaceful vibe.
Where We Stayed: Hotel Baia
We stayed at Hotel Baia, a cute three-star hotel that checked all the boxes for us. Hotel star ratings are based on amenities, and while I usually don’t book below a four-star, this hotel was perfect for our needs. It was clean, had a delicious breakfast spread, and was super convenient—just a few minutes’ walk from the train station. Plus, it’s right on the promenade with sea views you can enjoy while eating your breakfast or enjoying an aperitivo before dinner. Heads up, though: the elevator is only for luggage. If you have mobility issues, this is not the hotel for you.
Day 1: A Wild Horseback Riding Adventure
After arriving in Monterosso, we kicked things off with a horseback riding excursion. The adventure started with our guide cramming us and another couple into her tiny car. Picture a clown car, but Italian style, zipping up winding mountain roads like it was a race. My cousin was white-knuckling it the whole way, while I was laughing and calling it part of the fun.
Once we got to the stables, we saddled up for the ride. The views were stunning, but my cousin quickly decided this excursion wasn’t for him—he swore we were riding on the cliff's edge and the horse would tip over the cliffside. He decided to dismount and meet us back at the barn. As an experienced rider, I enjoyed myself, but one of the other riders had a tough time managing their horse. Unfortunately, our guide didn’t provide much in the way of guidance for the poor guy. She didn’t share much about the area, which was disappointing. If you’re a confident rider, you’ll probably enjoy it, but beginners might want to skip this one.
Day 2: Exploring All Five Villages
On our second day, we tackled all five villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. We met our guide at the Monterosso train station, purchased a 5 Terre Express pass, and started the adventure. This pass is the way to go since it gives you unlimited train rides for the day.
We kicked things off in Riomaggiore, the furthest village, and worked our way back. Each village had its own unique vibe, but besides Monterosso, Corniglia was my favorite town. It’s perched on a hill, and you have to climb over 380+ steps or hop on a small shuttle van to get there. Our guide said that he prefers the steps because of the long lines for the shuttle and, well, the smell of the passengers! I was already leaning towards taking the steps, but that sealed the deal for me! Corniglia’s slightly out-of-the-way location meant it was less crowded than the other villages, which was a big positive for me!
By the end of the day, we’d managed to visit all five villages—a feat our guide said few accomplish. Being a fast walker definitely paid off!
Riomaggiore - A charming village cascading down cliffs, offering colorful homes and breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea.
Manarola - A postcard-perfect gem with vibrant homes perched above the sea and a famed walking trail.
Corniglia - A tranquil hilltop escape, surrounded by vineyards and boasting stunning panoramic views.
Vernazza - A picturesque harbor town crowned by a historic castle, perfect for soaking up coastal beauty.
Day 3: Discovering La Spezia and Falling in Love with Porto Venere
Our third day didn’t go as planned. We’d booked a wine e-bike tour, but it got canceled last minute. So, we pivoted and decided to hop on the train to La Spezia. After a quick walk through the city (we didn't see a compelling reason to stay longer in La Spezia), we took the ferry to Porto Venere—and wow, am I glad we did!
Porto Venere is like a postcard come to life. We wandered through its colorful streets, explored the historic Church of St. Peter perched on a cliff and checked out Doria Castle, with its sweeping views of the coastline. Don’t miss Byron’s Grotto, named after the poet Lord Byron, who supposedly swam across the bay from here.
The ferry ride back to Monterosso was the cherry on top. Not only did we get a stunning view of Porto Venere as we departed, but we also had the best vantage point to see all five Cinque Terre villages from the water. If you’re heading to this area and have the time, I highly recommend taking a ferry ride—those views are unforgettable.
Savoring the Flavors of Cinque Terre
One of the highlights of our trip was the food. Being a coastal region, Cinque Terre is renowned for its seafood. We indulged in plenty of mussels, seafood pastas, and freshly caught fish. Each meal was a celebration of the sea, with simple yet flavorful dishes that highlighted the freshness of the ingredients. Don’t miss the region’s specialties like anchovies marinated in lemon, fritto misto (a mix of fried seafood), and trofie al pesto, a local pasta dish. Dining with a view of the Ligurian Sea made every bite even more memorable.
Practical Tips for Cinque Terre Travelers
Accommodation Expectations: There are no true luxury hotels in the five villages, but cozy boutique stays like Hotel Baia provide charming and convenient options.
Transportation: The 5 Terre Express train is the fastest way to navigate between villages, while the ferry offers a scenic journey with breathtaking views of the coastline.
Best Time to Visit: For fewer crowds and pleasant weather, visit Cinque Terre in late spring or early fall.
Hiking Tips: Bring comfortable walking shoes if you plan to explore the trails between villages. The Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) is a popular route with stunning coastal views.
Dining Recommendations: Try local specialties like anchovies marinated in lemon or trofie al pesto at small family-run trattorias for the best experience.
FAQ About Cinque Terre Travel
Q: How many days should I spend in Cinque Terre?
Spending 3–4 days is ideal. This allows enough time to explore all five villages, enjoy a beach day in Monterosso, and take a side trip to Portovenere.
Q: Can I visit Cinque Terre as a day trip?
While a day trip is possible, you’ll only scratch the surface. To truly experience the region, stay at least two nights.
Q: What’s the best way to get around Cinque Terre?
The 5 Terre Express train is the most convenient option for traveling between villages, but hiking and ferries provide scenic alternatives.
Q: Is Cinque Terre suitable for families?
Yes, but be mindful of the steep terrain, especially in Corniglia. Monterosso’s beaches are family-friendly, and the train makes it easy to get around.
Cinque Terre is a destination you’ll never forget, but planning a trip can be overwhelming. Let me help you create a seamless, customized itinerary filled with unforgettable moments.
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