Cinque Terre is such a dreamy destination. You’ll find lively seaside villages, breathtaking cliffside hikes, and some of the best focaccia of your life. Whether you’re squeezing it into a larger Italy trip or planning a dreamy weekend escape, this 2-day Cinque Terre itinerary has everything you need to make the most of your time in this iconic part of the Italian Riviera.
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Quick Picks for Cinque Terre
Short on time and can’t decide what to do? Here’s what I would prioritize. Thank me later.
- Hike the Monterosso to Vernazza trail—it is a bit challenging but it has the prettiest views.
- Do a boat tour—seeing Cinque Terre from the water is just better. Many tours have swim stops and include drinks and snacks.
- Explore Vernazza, Monetrosso, and Manarola—in our opinion, these are the prettiest villages so if you can’t see them all, try to see these three.
Best Times to Visit Cinque Terre
The best time to visit Cinque Terre is from May to early October, when the weather is warm, the water is swimmable, and the villages are buzzing with life.
- Late spring (May–June) is ideal for hiking and fewer crowds.
- Summer (July–August) offers long sunny days, but it’s also peak season, so expect crowds.
- Early fall (September–October) still feels like summer, but with fewer tourists.
👉 Pro tip: Avoid winter if you can! Many restaurants and shops shut down, and the villages are very quiet.
How Long to Stay in Cinque Terre
You can technically see the villages in a day, but to really soak it in (and not sprint between trains), I recommend at least 2 full days.
This itinerary is designed to help you hit the highlights without feeling rushed. If you have more time, I added some ideas for an optional third day too!
✨ P.S. If you’re visiting as part of a bigger trip, check out my 2-week Italy itinerary. Cinque Terre is included in the itinerary and it gives you a better idea of how you can structure your Italy trip.
How to Get to Cinque Terre
The easiest way to get to Cinque Terre is by train.
You want to book your train tickets to La Spezia. Then take the Cinque Terre Express, a local train that runs all day between the five villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. Trains run every 15–30 minutes during peak season and take just 5–10 minutes between villages.
- From Florence, it takes about 2.5 hours (with a transfer in La Spezia).
- From Milan, expect around 3–4 hours.
- If you’re already in Pisa or Genoa, you’re even closer.
👉 Pro tip: Buy the Cinque Terre Train Card if you’re planning to hop around. It gives you unlimited rides for the day and includes access to the hiking trails.
👉 Pro tip: If you’re visiting many cities in Italy, here is what I consider to be the perfect itinerary. Land in Rome (since flight tickets here are usually cheaper), then hop over to Florence, and make your way to Cinque Terre. That is how we planned our trip, and it was amazing!
Can you get there by car or plane?
Yes, the closest airports are:
- Pisa International Airport (PSA) – about 1.5 hours away by train.
- Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA) – around 2 hours by train.
- Florence Airport (FLR) – about 2.5–3 hours by train, depending on connections.
You technically can drive to Cinque Terre, but it is not recommended. The roads are narrow, parking is a nightmare, and most villages are car-free anyway. If you’re road-tripping, park in La Spezia and take the train to the villages.
Where to Stay in Cinque Terre
Each village has its own vibe, so here’s a quick breakdown:
- Monterosso al Mare: The only one with a proper beach. It has the largest selection of hotels. Ideal if you’re traveling with a group or family.
- Vernazza: Arguably the most picturesque and romantic.
- Corniglia: The quietest, perched up on a hill (not the best base if you have luggage!).
- Manarola: Great views and amazing food.
- Riomaggiore: More lively, especially in the evenings. Great food, great energy, and it’s perfect for watching the sunrise.
✨ Where we stayed: We stayed in Riomaggiore because we read it had a lively atmosphere with bars and restaurants. We didn’t want to have to hike to eat dinner. If you’re visiting in summer and want beach time, go with Monterosso.
👉 Pro tip: Book as early as possible, especially if you’re visiting from May through September. Accommodations in Cinque Terre are limited, and they go fast.
👉 Pro tip: There are no hotels in any of the villages, but in Monterosso. All of the places to stay are either bed and breakfasts or Airbnbs. Therefore, we booked a room on Airbnb in Riomaggiore, named La Ripa.
Tips for Visiting Cinque Terre
- Wear comfy shoes: even if you’re not hiking, there are stairs everywhere.
- Buy the Cinque Terre Train Card: it covers unlimited rides and hiking trail access.
- Download the Trenitalia app: It makes train-hopping between the villages super easy.
- Don’t overpack: You’ll regret dragging a big suitcase through narrow village alleys.
- Bring a refillable water bottle: There are free public fountains in each village.
- Skip weekends if possible: Cinque Terre is a popular weekend getaway for Italians and tourists alike.
- Cash is king: Especially in some smaller restaurants or shops, so always have a little on hand.
- Expect train delays: It’s Italy. Sometimes things run a little late.
- Book restaurants early: especially in Manarola + Vernazza.
Tours to Book in Cinque Terre
Want to see the villages from the water or skip the stress of planning? These are some highly-rated options:
Sunset Boat Tour with Appetizers & Drinks — Seeing Cinque Terre from the water is just a different experience. There are boat tours with swim stops and for every budget!
Authentic Pesto Making Class — Learn how to make pesto from a local foodie and chef in Manarola.
Gulf of Poets Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Snacks — Take in the sunset from the water at the Gulf of Poets on a fascinating evening boat trip departing from La Spezia.
Detailed 2-Day Cinque Terre Itinerary
This detailed 2-day Cinque Terre itinerary covers all the must-see attractions, restaurant recommendations, hidden gems, and more. Everything you need to make your trip to Cinque Terre magical.
Day 1: Explore Vernazza, take the train or hike to Monterosso al Mare to spend a day at the beach, try anchovies for lunch, rent a kayak or do a wine tour, hike from Monterosso back to Vernazza, and go to Nessum Dorma in Manarola to drink an aperol spritz and watch the sunset.
Day 2: Start your day at Manarola, hop over to Riomaggiore for a boat tour, stop in Corniglia, have dinner in Vernazza or Manarola.
Optional Day 3: Start your day in Manarola or Vernazza, hike a different part of the Sentinero Azzurro, go to the beach one last time, and grab lunch and gelato in your favorite village.
Day 1: Arrival in Cinque Terre
To make the most of the day, it is recommended to leave for Cinque Terre early in the morning or the night before.
You’ll make your way to La Spezia, a port city in Liguria. From there, there is a local smaller train that goes to the 5 villages. It took us around 3 to 4 hours to get to Romaggiore from Florence.
Upon your arrival, head over to Vernazza. Stroll through the cobblestone streets, grab a cappuccino, and walk up to the viewpoint above the harbor—it’s the photo you’ve definitely seen all over Pinterest.
In the afternoon, take the train (or hike if you’re feeling ambitious) to Monterosso al Mare, the largest village. This is your beach day, so bring a towel, rent a chair, or just dive in.
Grab a seafood lunch along the promenade, try Cantina di Miky or Il Casello for ocean views. Monterosso is well known for its anchovies, and Cantina di Miky restaurant is known for delicious anchovies.
Alternatively, you can rent a kayak. Cinque Terre Adventures offers kayak tours that depart from Romaggiore. If getting into the water isn’t your thing, then another way to relax is to go on a vineyard & wine cellar tour with wine tasting.
If you’re up for a hike, do the trail from Monterosso back to Vernazza (takes ~1.5-2 hours). It’s steep in places, but the views are unreal!
If you’re not too tired by now, you can head over to Manarola for sunset. The best spot to grab a drink and watch the sunset? Nessun Dorma. Sip an aperol spritz as the sun dips behind the cliffs. Magical.
👉 Pro tip: For the train between the villages and the hike, you need to buy the Cinque Terre card, which includes access to both. You can buy it at the Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre website.
👉 Pro tip: We went hiking on our own, but there are also multiple tours you can book, although we do recommend saving the money and splurging on something else, as it is easy and you won’t get lost.
Day 2: Manarola, Riomaggiore, Boat Tour
Start your day in Manarola with breakfast and a swim at the marina. Take your time exploring the charming streets, and if you didn’t already, grab a spot at Nessun Dorma for brunch with a view.
Hop over to Riomaggiore, stroll down Via Colombo, and head to the rocky beach area for some chill time. It’s less crowded than the other villages and has amazing views.
While in Riomaggiore, we recommend going on a private boat tour around the villages. We hadn’t booked one ahead of time, so we just asked around and found one for $400. It was a bit pricey, but it was worth it.
However, if we had booked one, it would have been a sunset tour with appetizers and drinks, which is around $120 per person. There are plenty of options for every budget and schedule!
If a private boat isn’t in your budget, you can take the Cinque Terre ferry, which connects most of the villages and still gives you those coastal views (without the splurge).
If you’re up for it, stop in Corniglia on your way back. It’s the only village without sea access, but it’s peaceful and has some great gelato spots. You do have to climb 350+ steps from the train station—but the views make up for it.
Wrap up your trip with dinner in Vernazza or Manarola. Make a reservation at a cliffside restaurant.
Related: 18 Amazing Things to Do in Cinque Terre, Italy
Optional Day 3: Hike, Boat, or Relax
Start the day slow. Grab a cappuccino and fresh focaccia in Manarola or Vernazza, and give yourself a moment to relax. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the morning to hike a new section of the Sentiero Azzurro or one of the lesser-known scenic paths around Corniglia.
You could also spend your morning at the beach in Monterosso or bring a book down to the water in Riomaggiore and watch the boats float by.
If you haven’t booked a boat day already, then you’ll want to do it on your last day. It gives you a different perspective of the villages, and the photos will look amazing!
You could either book a private tour or purchase tickets for a boat tour. Many tours include swim stops, snacks, and even local wine.
After your boat ride, grab a gelato and revisit your favorite village. Walk through the streets again, or pick up a few souvenirs.
Things to Add to Your Cinque Terre Itinerary
If you have a little extra time or just want to swap out some activities in this itinerary, here are a few experiences we think you’ll like. These aren’t must-dos in the traditional sense, but they’re the kind of little things that make your Cinque Terre itinerary feel extra special.
Related: 18 Amazing Things to Do in Cinque Terre, Italy
Eat & Learn to Make Pesto
Cinque Terre is known for its pesto, so you must try it in every shape and form—pizza, focaccia, pasta.
Additionally, for an extra unique experience, we recommend you take a pesto-making class and learn to make fresh pesto the traditional way. It’s hands-on, delicious, and way more memorable than a souvenir. Many cooking classes also offer unlimited wine and bites.
Really, how many people can say they learned how to make pesto in Italy?
Go Fishing with a Local
If fishing is your thing, then you’ll love fishing in Cinque Terre. As you walk by the villages, you’ll see some locals offering local fishing excursions. You can also ask the hotel staff to recommend one.
Take a Wine Tasting Tour
Cinque Terre is known for its wine. You can take a wine-tasting tour or just visit bars like A Pié de Ma or Cappun Magru.
Try Anchovies in Monterosso
Anchovies are a local delicacy, so you must try them! Plenty of restaurants offer them so you’re bound to see them on a menu at some point.
Cinque Terre Frequently Asked Questions
Is 2 days enough for Cinque Terre?
Yes! This Cinque Terre itinerary is designed for 2 days and hits all the highlights. If you want to hike every trail or move at a slower pace, 3 days is recommended.
Should I hike or take the train between villages?
Do both! Hike at least one trail for the views, and use the train to save time and energy. The best train is the one from Monterosso to Vernazza.
Is Cinque Terre expensive?
It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. Street food, picnics, and casual trattorias help keep costs down.
Can you swim in Cinque Terre?
Absolutely. Monterosso has the best beach, but you can swim in Manarola, Riomaggiore, and Vernazza too.
Cinque Terre truly feels like a dream, with every view more magical than the last. Whether you’re hiking, sipping wine at sunset, or just soaking up the views, this 2-day Cinque Terre itinerary is proof that you don’t need a ton of time to experience something unforgettable. If this post helped you plan your trip, I’d love it if you saved it for later or shared it with a friend planning their trip to Italy. Buon viaggio!
