Our day in Cinque Terre was a beautiful blur of vineyard-covered hillsides, pesto-smothered everything, and panoramic seaside views that made every uphill climb totally worth it.
These five colorful villages—once isolated fishing communities carved into the rugged Ligurian cliffs—are now connected by trails, trains, and centuries of seafaring history. We started the adventure in Monterosso, hiking the steep, stone-lined trail to Vernazza—a leg-burner, but one that rewarded us with sweeping cliffside views and a well-earned pesto focaccia and pizza in the region where both pesto and focaccia were born. After exploring Vernazza, we continued on the scenic trail to Corniglia, pausing for fresh-squeezed orange juice and gelato. The route only got more beautiful as we made our way to Manarola, passing through vineyards so close you could touch the grapes, and finally on to Riomaggiore where we rewarded ourselves with a local wine tasting with a stunning seaside overlook. We stayed at agriturismo Buranco high above Monterosso, where the hosts—part of a multi-generational family—welcomed us with wine, fresh fruit, and a view that honestly made us question why we’d ever stay in a hotel again. With every sip, step, and slice of pesto pizza, Cinque Terre was a panoramic paradise on the Ligurian coast.

Itinerary

This itinerary is based on the Cinque Terre segment of our 2016 Italy trip on August 29-30. Depending on your time and fitness level, you can hike, take a train, or even a boat between the villages. We hiked from Monterosso to Corniglia and then opted for trains for the rest due to time limitations and the section from Manarola to Riomaggiore being closed. Trains run every 20 minutes and tickets can be purchased as part of the Cinque Terre Card, online or at the train station, on demand.

Day 1: Venice to Monterosso (Evening)

• 🚤 10:00 AM Vaporetto up Grand Canal to train station (40-min)
  See our Venice blog for tips and itineraries.
• 🚊 11:35 AM – 4:54 PM: Train to Monterosso (via Florence & La Spezia)
• 🏨 Check-in to Agriturismo Buranco by 7 PM
• 🍽️ Dinner @ Ventottoposti Ristorante (formerly Pae Veciu; try pesto trofie, thin-twisted pasta)

Day 2: Cinque Terre

• 🥾 Hike from Monterosso to Vernazza (90-min)
  • 🍕 Try pesto focaccia (Gino’s), pizza with pesto, or pesto lasagna (this region is the birthplace of pesto and focaccia)
• 🥾 Hike to Corniglia (90-min)
  • 🍊 Fresh-squeezed orange juice at half-way point
  • 🍦Gelato
• 🚊Train (20-min) to Manarola (🥾 45-min hike, time permitting)
  • 🌿 Scenic vineyard walk
  • 🍷 Burasca Manarola wine tasting
• 🚊 Train (17-min) to Riomaggiore (🥾 20-min hike if trail is open – it was closed when we visited)
  • 🍷 A Pié De Ma wine tasting with beautiful seaside overlook
• 🚊 Train back to Monterosso
• 🍽️ Dinner @ Ristorante Belvedere

Day 3: Monterosso to Pisa (Morning)

🚆 9:07 AM – 10:17 AM: Train from Monterosso to Pisa
See our Pisa blog for tips and itineraries.

Cinque Terre Travel Tips

🥾 Hiking & Trails

• Start early – The Monterosso to Vernazza hike is steep and sunny. Beat the heat (and the crowds) by hitting the trail in the morning.
• Wear proper shoes – Trails can be rocky, uneven, and narrow. Good walking or hiking shoes make all the difference.
• Check trail conditions – Not all trails are always open (like Riomaggiore–Manarola). Look for trail updates online or at park info points.
• Bring water & snacks – Refill when you can, but also enjoy the little trail oases (like that amazing fresh-squeezed orange juice halfway to Corniglia!).

🍕 Food & Drink

• Try pesto in every form – This is the birthplace of pesto! Don’t miss pesto focaccia, pesto pizza and pesto trofie.
• Look for local wine tastings – Many places offer fantastic regional wines, including Cinque Terre DOC whites.
• Save room for gelato – Especially after long hikes. Corniglia had some of our favorite cones of the trip.

🏡 Where to Stay

• Consider an agriturismo – Our stay at Agriturismo Buranco above Monterosso was a dream: wine, fresh fruit, and the kind of views that make you forget hotels even exist.
• Base in Monterosso – It’s the largest village with more food options, beach access, and easy trail/train connections.

🚆 Getting Around

• Mix hiking with trains or boats – Hike a few legs, then take the train (or boat) back. It saves time and your legs!
• Buy a Cinque Terre Card – It includes trail access and unlimited train rides between villages. Worth it for full-day explorers.

📸 General Tips

• Pack light for the day – You’ll be hiking and climbing. Leave the big bags at your lodging.
• Slow down in each village – Each one has its own personality. Laze by the harbor in Vernazza, wander the quieter lanes of Corniglia, admire the cliff views in Manarola, and relax with a glass of wine overlooking the sea in Riomaggiore.
• Take breaks often – The trails are scenic for a reason. Stop, snack, soak it in.

Pictures

Monterosso

The largest and most resort-like of the five, Monterosso is known for its sandy beaches, seafront promenade, and delicious lemon-infused specialties. It’s a great base for exploring Cinque Terre, with the beautiful Buranco agriturismo nestled in the hills above offering panoramic views and local wine.

Buranco Agriturismo

Vernazza

Often considered the crown jewel of Cinque Terre, Vernazza is postcard-perfect with its small harbor, colorful buildings, and iconic viewpoint overlooking the village. It’s a great place to grab a pesto-covered snack in the birthplace of pesto.

Corniglia

Perched high on a cliff, Corniglia is the quietest and least touristy village. Surrounded by vineyards and terraced hillsides, it’s perfect for wine tasting, scenic tranquility, and soaking in the slower pace of coastal life.

Manarola

Charming and compact, Manarola is famous for its vineyard-lined trails, romantic sunsets, and stunning cliffside views. It’s one of the most photographed villages in the region and a beautiful spot to pause, explore, or simply take in the dramatic Ligurian coastline.

Riomaggiore

The southernmost village, Riomaggiore is known for its stacked pastel buildings, lively harbor, and as the starting (or ending) point of the famed Via dell’Amore (when open). It has a slightly more lived-in feel, with a mix of local charm and dramatic scenery.