Cinque Terre needs little introduction with its world-famous colorful villages hanging onto dramatic cliffsides. Explore this popular region by land and sea, hiking along its scenic paths suspended above the waves and cruising or kayaking along its coastline. Visit picturesque harbors, wander charming streets, or dig deeper into the local culture by exploring vineyards, tasty gastronomy, and traditional crafts.

Getting Oriented

Hiking Cinque Terre is a popular vacation plan in Italy.

Cinque Terre means "Five Lands," or more commonly referred to as "Five Villages." Here you'll find the centuries-old fishing harbors of Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Manarola, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare hugging the rocky Ligurian Coast in northwest Italy. The best way to explore the region is either by foot, train, or boat, as cars cannot enter the quaint hamlets (although you can park at the entrance and walk from there). 

Enjoy hiking between the villages on the area's famed pathways, or cruising along the coast in a kayak or boat tour. Taste some of the local gastronomy and visit a winery overlooking the sea. Peruse the craft shops, wander the cobbled streets, and attend a sculpting class to dive a bit deeper into the local culture. Learn more about what the stunning Cinque Terre has to offer.

Walking in Cinque Terre

Hiking between the villages of Cinque Terre isn't an easy task, but you can save some energy by walking short sections or combining the route with trains or boats. Either way, any effort is worth it for the incredible views!

Walking & Train Tour of Cinque Terre Villages

Views of Vernazza, Cinque Terre, from the walking path.

Follow a local guide through the picturesque towns of Riomaggiore, Monterosso, Vernazza, and Manarola, four of the famous Cinque Terre villages. This tour is perfect if you don't have time to hike the entire length of the trails, as you'll combine walks within the towns with train rides. Enjoy views of Via dell’Amore and the scenic coastline, stop at a winery and taste local delicacies, stroll through olive and lemon groves, visit historic sites, and take a gelato break (or two!). Read More

Hiking Manarola To Corniglia

Charming streets of Corniglia.

It takes a lot of time to walk the entire path between the five villages, so if you need to compromise, the stretch between Manarola and Corniglia is an excellent option with stunning viewpoints and scenic vineyards. Follow a local guide as you make your way along the coastline, learning about regional history, local culture, and traditional winemaking techniques. Enjoy lunch in Corniglia at a beloved osteria, then spend some free time browsing its charming streets and artisan shops. Read More

Exploring Cinque Terre by Sea

It's one thing to see the villages by land, and it's an entirely different experience to view them by sea. Enjoy a sunset boat tour of the villages as the light fades into the horizon or flex your muscles a bit and kayak along the turquoise coast. 

Sunset Boat Trip 

Sunset views in Cinque Terre.

Enjoy views of the scenic coastline and colorful fishing harbors as the sun melts into the horizon, bathing the area in a serene glow. This boat tour starts in Monterosso and passes all five of the famous coastal villages from the sea. Onboard, enjoy a traditional Italian Aperitif with local products, sip prosecco, and listen to music as the sky starts to shift colors. If temperatures allow, take a sunset dip in the sea! Before turning your attention to the sun, spend some free time in Vernazza, tasting the local delicacies. Read More

Half-Day Kayak Tour

Kayak on the crystal-clear water of the Ligurian Coast.

Escape the crowds and savor a unique view of Cinque Terre on a sea kayaking excursion. You’ll paddle from Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza, discovering cliffs and caves and swimming in the crystalline water. With your narrow kayak, you can get closer to the interesting coastline and rock formations, including a waterfall and hidden cove. If you choose to paddle at sunset, take a break at a secluded beach to enjoy the shifting colors of the sky with bites of focaccia and sips of organic wine. Read More

Cultural Cinque Terre

Local Cinque Terre culture is unique, and you can explore it by tasting delicious gastronomy, sipping refreshing white wines, perusing artisan shops, and taking a sculpting class.

Manarola Wine Tour & Tasting

Explore the vineyards of Cinque Terre and taste the signature white wine.

Explore the picturesque village of Manarola on a walking tour with a visit to a vineyard. This tour perfectly combines charming architecture with beautiful natural surroundings and a lesson on regional winemaking. You'll meet with a local winemaker and taste a few varieties. In particular, Cinque Terre is known for its crisp and refreshing white wine. Enjoy walking through the historic center of the town, eventually heading up a steep hill to reach the vineyards and coastal views. Follow an ancient path and visit the Church of San Lorenzo. Read More

Carrara Sculpting Class

Learn about the importance of marble in Italy and how to sculpt it.

Channel your inner Michelangelo while attending a family-friendly marble sculpting workshop. A professional craftsperson will take you through an art studio, sharing details about the techniques used to sculpt the stone. As you learn about the history of the craft and its importance throughout Italy, enjoy local snacks like focaccia and pesto. Then it's time to get to work! With tools, safety goggles, and a slab of marble in hand, your instructor will help you carve your own unique masterpiece. Read More 

How to Craft the Perfect Italy Itinerary with Cinque Terre

Enjoy the scents and tastes of Cinque Terre.

If you explore Cinque Terre by train, you can get between the villages in just minutes, meaning you can squeeze in a lot of fun in just a day or two. But to walk between the villages and truly capture the unique essence of the region, we recommend at least 3-4 days in the area.

You can easily add other Italian regions to your itinerary, including the stunning Italian Riviera, the Amalfi Coast, or cities like Milan, Turin, Florence, and Rome. Read more about how many days to spend in Cinque Terre and discover the best time of year to visit Cinque Terre. Although it's ideal to visit during nice weather, even a winter hike is memorable!

Past kimkim travelers have enjoyed the following trips that include experiences in Cinque Terre: