How to spend 2 days in Cinque Terre—think colorful cliffside villages, incredibly scenic hikes, and some of the freshest pasta you’ve ever tasted. This little slice of the Italian Riviera is perfect for slowing down, soaking up the views, and living la dolce vita.

Cinque Terre is one of those places that feels like it’s been pulled right out of a postcard and dropped into real life.

Picture five colorful little villages perched along the Italian Riviera, with pastel buildings stacked like Legos on the cliffs with the blue sea just below.

Each of the five towns—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—has its own charm, and are all connected by scenic hiking trails, a local train, or even by boat.

One thing we discovered upon our arrival in Cinque Terre is that it is actually a national park.

And while it is picture-perfect with the colorful villages, it’s really all about the hiking with the majority of visitors there to hike between the villages and enjoy the incredible views while doing so :).

It’s one of those trips where you don’t need a long to-do list—just a comfy pair of hiking shoes, a love for beautiful views, and an appetite for fresh pesto and bruschetta.

In a rush?

The Little Details

Maps

Trail photo courtesy of CinqueTerre.eu.com

HOW TO USE THIS MAP:

Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers of the map and names of places included. You can click the check marks to hide or show the layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information from each point of interest.

If you click the little star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. To view the map on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the ‘menu’ button, go to ‘Saved’ on a computer and ‘You’ then ‘Saved’ on phone, click ‘Maps,’ and you will see this map on your list.

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How to Get to Cinque Terre

Getting to Cinque Terre is a bit of a journey, but totally worth it.

The closest large airport is in Pisa (Galileo Galilei Airport), which is about an hour and a half away by train.

This is where my daughter and I flew in and out of in October 2024. We decided to stay in Pisa for the first two nights of our adventure to adjust to the time change and see the sights in Pisa for one full day.

FYI – Pisa is so underrated for overnight stays! We LOVED staying for a couple nights to get to know this city better than any day trip could allow for.

Read more about spending time in Pisa here.

You could also fly into Florence or even Milan, but Pisa is definitely the easiest jump-off point.

Now, as for renting a car to get to Cinque Terre once you are in Italy… 100% skip it for this part of the country.

The villages are mostly car-free, parking is a headache, and the trains are just too convenient to bother with the stress of driving those winding coastal roads.

Save the car rental for Tuscany or somewhere more spread out (if you are even going that direction during your time in Italy!).

We chose to use the company Daytrip to drive us from Pisa to Vernazza on the 3rd day of our trip so that we could easily spend a few hours in Lucca and Lerici before our final destination of Vernazza and not worry about luggage lockers at the train stations.

Learn more about the company Daytrip here.

Lucca, Italy

Lerici, Italy

If traveling by train, you will first go to La Spezia, the gateway town to Cinque Terre.

Once you’re in La Spezia, you will transfer to the local train that stops at all five villages.

How to Get Around Cinque Terre

Getting around Cinque Terre is actually super easy and part of the fun.

The five villages are all connected by a local train that runs frequently and gets you from one town to the next in just a few minutes.

It’s the easiest way to hop between villages, especially if you’re not up for doing the entire Cinque Terre trail from Riomaggiore to Monterosso…

You’ll need the Cinque Terre Treno Card MS, which you can buy online here.

It covers unlimited train rides between the villages as well as the mandatory fees for the Cinque Terre trail, so it’s definitely worth it.

If you will also be walking the Via Dell’Amore path, instead of the Cinque Terre Treno Card MS, buy the Via Dell’Amore + Train Card ticket here – this ticket will cover all train rides, trail entrances, and a timed entrance for the Via Dell’Amore path.

Plus, having that card makes your entire itinerary super simple—you just hop on and off the train as you go, no stress.

Same with just showing it quickly at any of the trail entrance booths and not having to wait in a line to buy a ticket there.

Best Time of Year to Visit Cinque Terre

The sweet spots for visiting Cinque Terre are late spring (May to early June) and early fall (September to early October).

The weather’s just right, not too hot, and the crowds are way more manageable.

We visited October 5-8, and were actually supposed to stay until the 9th but due to a dangerous and flooding rain storm, decided to leave early and go to Florence a day before we had planned to.

That’s the thing about traveling ~ right? You just never know what will change your plans and sometimes you will have to make adjustments as needed ;0.

Cinque Terre weather during the peak season months of July and August is notoriously hot and humid, with temps often in the high 80s and 90s.

Hiking on the trails is doable, but be prepared to be sweaty!

November is typically the wettest month, and with all that rain, some of the coastal trails can get closed off due to mudslides or slippery conditions.

So if you’re hoping to hike between those picture-perfect villages, avoid the peak summer heat and the late fall rain.

How Many Days You Need in Cinque Terre

If you asked me how many days you really need in Cinque Terre, I’d say at least two to three days to soak it all in.

It’s totally possible to see the highlights in a day, but honestly, it’s so much better when you slow down.

Spend three nights at least if you can, wander through the villages, sip wine by the sea, hike the trails at your own pace, and watch the sunset without rushing off to catch a train.

Traveling should never be about a tight schedule just to check a box – and Cinque Terre is definitely one of those places meant to be savored slowly at a nice relaxing pace :).

We were planning on hiking up to Corniglia on our 3rd full day in the area and were saddened that the red weather alert (the most serious of their alerts system) took this day off of our itinerary…

Money and Plug Details in Italy

In Italy, the currency is the Euro (€).

Cash isn’t widely used, but having a little on hand for small purchases can be handy (the only place I suggest getting cash in a foreign country is from an official bank ATM to avoid unnecessary fees!).

Otherwise, credit cards are your best friend and widely accepted throughout the country – just be sure you have a credit card that has no foreign transaction fees because those sure do add up ;(.

Don’t forget to pack a Type C or F plug adapter (these are my favorites) for your electronics.

I won’t travel without this travel extension cord or this portable charger because nothing kills the travel vibe faster than a dead phone and no way to charge it!

Where to Stay in Cinque Terre

When I was planning our trip, I remember going down a total rabbit hole trying to figure out which village was the best one to stay in.

Honestly, it felt like every blog post I read had a different opinion about the answer to that question ;0.

I am also quite partial to hotel stays (ahem luxury ;0) instead of apartment rentals and that is just not to be found in the entire Cinque Terre region ;(.

Ultimately we decided to reserve a small house in Vernazza because I didn’t want the sleepiest (Corniglia), busiest/night-life oriented (Riomaggiore), beachy vibe (Monterossa) options that the other villages were…

Vernazza

Vernazza is a great pick for multiple reasons but especially because of its central location in the middle of all the villages that makes it easy to hop between the other towns.

It also has a small harbor where boats come and go, giving you ferry access during the warmer months and a picture-perfect waterfront without feeling too crowded.

And a few good spots for dinner or an evening spritz :).

Now WHERE we ended up staying in Vernazza is a whole other story… since I obviously was not going to find any 4 or 5 star hotel options in Cinque Terre, I decided a quiet place with one of the best views in Vernazza would be the second best option for us.

Little did I realize that there were LITERALLY 150 steep stone steps to get to said view…

Also – I don’t travel light – never have, never will.

Thankfully, our rental had a gentleman who provided suitcase assistance from the train station for a 25 Euro fee per bag (I ended up giving him 100 Euro once I saw him going up the 150 stairs with both of our bags ;0).

However, I am not linking our property here (email me if you really want to know!) because those steps to the rental every time we went up or down were just not worth the views from the bedroom…

Many Cinque Terre visitors climbed the steps to get pictures of the view outside our rental gate – which is what I would suggest. Our rental was also on the trail from Vernazza to Corniglia so if you are planning to do that hike – you will get the views that way as well anyway!

Ristorante La Torre is another 30 steps above this area too – and supposedly has the best pesto in Cinque Terre ;0.

I would suggest staying closer to the Vernazza waterfront – use Booking.com below to search Vernazza rentals with a view with the parameters you are needing (ie – # of bedrooms and cost).

Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore is the most energetic of the Cinque Terre towns.

It’s where you’ll find fun little bars, a youthful buzz, and narrow streets that are always buzzing with something happening.

It’s also a great home base if you’re planning on doing the entire Cinque Terre trail in one day as you can wake up early to start your long (and at times strenuous) day of hiking and then take the quick train back from Monterosso once you finish.

Love these see-through umbrellas btw! So handy for rainy day sightseeing :).

Monterosso al Mare

If you’re after a beach vibe, Monterosso al Mare is your spot—it’s the largest and most spread-out of the Cinque Terre villages.

Plus, cars are allowed here, so if you did end up renting a car for your vacation in the Italian Riviera – this would be the easiest place to find accommodations.

There are also a few 3* hotel options in this village.

How to Spend 2 Days in Cinque Terre

Now onto the best part: what to do with your 2 days in Cinque Terre!

While I would have loved to have had 3 full days in this fantastic corner of Italy, we were able to do almost everything I have listed below…

We didn’t sit on the beach in Monterosso or hike to Corniglia but as mentioned above, our rental was part way on the trail to Corniglia and we did enjoy walking along the waterfront in Monterosso after walking the trail from Vernazza – so I can say that 2 full days was a decent amount of time to enjoy our pace of discovery :).

Enjoy a Cocktail or a Glass of Ligurian Wine at Bar Gianni Franzi

Our first stop after settling into our Vernazza rental was Bar Gianni Franzi for a cocktail with a view.

They’ve got a small but delicious selection of cheeses and meats to nibble on while you soak in the stunning scenery.

If you are a wine drinker, the local Ligurian white wine, like Vermentino, pairs perfectly with everything!

Hike the Coastal Trail Between Vernazza and Monterrosa al Mare

If you do no other hiking on the Cinque Terre trail – you must do the trail from Vernazza to Monterosso.

While you can also do this hike the opposite direction (Monterosso to Vernazza) – this direction is known as the most difficult part of the entire trail with an immediate 500 steep steps to climb versus the moderate elevation gain if you start in Vernazza.

BE AWARE – you will not be allowed on the trail past the ticket booths if you are not wearing sneakers or hiking shoes!

I have Instagram friends who had online tickets to get on the trail and were turned away because they were wearing sandals ;(.

You will need a ticket to enter the trail, unless you get there before 9 AM (then you can skip the fee).

Purchase the Cinque Terre Treno MS Card online here or at one of the ticket booths located at both ends of the trail in Vernazza and Monterosso.

Buy the train ticket option so that your entrance to the trails is included and you can take the train back to whatever town you are staying in.

If you plan on doing the Via Dell’Amore walk while visiting Cinque Terre – I highly suggest using this link to purchase the Via Dell’Amore ticket + Train Card.

As mentioned above – the train card gets you access to all the trails in Cinque Terre as well as the option to use the trains between the villages (the best option for any itinerary for Cinque Terre!) but the Via Dell’Amore part of the trail needs its own separate ticket…

The hike from Vernazza to Monterosso itself takes about 2 hours, depending on your pace, and it’s got a solid 450-meter elevation gain—so, definitely some uphill action, but nothing too crazy.

I’d say it’s a moderate level of effort, but the panoramic views of the coastline are totally worth the sweat!

Just pace yourself, bring plenty of water, and take in the beauty around you.

Visit the Church of San Giovanni in Monterrosa al Mare

While wandering the streets of Monterosso al Mare after the hike from Vernazza to get there, we stumbled upon the Church of San Giovanni Battista.

It’s a beautiful black-and-white striped Gothic-style church that dates all the way back to the 13th century.

Inside, it’s quiet and peaceful, and you can almost feel the history in the air—this place has been here since 1307!

It’s usually open to the public in the mornings and then again in the late afternoon, especially on weekends, so it’s a lovely little stop if you’re exploring Monterosso at a relaxed pace.

Definitely one of those hidden gems that makes you pause and soak it all in.

Walk the Via dell ‘Amore from Riomaggiore to Manarola

The Via dell’Amore is a .6 mile paved walking path that connects Riomaggiore to Manarola with a reputation for being the most romantic path in Cinque Terre :).

For the majority of visitors it is only allowed to be walked one way starting in Riomaggiore (see this FAQ’s page for those the one way direction does not apply to and the hours).

The original unprotected pathway closed in September 2012 due to a rockfall that injured 4 tourists ;0.

It finally reopened on June 8, 2024 with a new paved walkway, overhead coverings, and protective beams drilled into the steep rock walls.

Just a heads-up though, it can still close from time to time for safety reasons if there is too much rainfall, so be sure to check the Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre website before you go.

Also, unlike the other trails, this one needs a separate dated and timed ticket that is not included with the Cinque Terre Card, so plan for that when purchasing all of your tickets for your visit.

I highly recommended to purchase this ticket in advance online to avoid any lines or being sold out for the day you are visiting – use this link here.

There are also guides along the pathway if you have any questions – we wanted to know the story of the 2012 rockfall and he was the perfect person to tell us everything :).

Learn How to Make Pesto at Nessun Dorma

After strolling the Via dell’Amore from Riomaggiore, we made our way to Nessun Dorma in Manarola for a pesto-making class.

Since many of the tables seat 6 people, you are sure to make friends with the people you are sharing this fun afternoon with :).

Sign up for the class in advance using the Nessun Dorma app (it’s the only way to get a spot). After making an account on the app, click on the button labeled ‘Esperienze’ to schedule your date and time.

The class takes place on their terrace with those iconic views of Manarola’s colorful buildings stacked against the sea and drinks are provided (for a price) while you are making the pesto.

After mixing up your fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmigiano, they will serve a generous charcuterie board for you to eat your fresh pesto sauce with (this food is included in your class price).

If pesto-making isn’t your thing, you can skip the class, but just know that the line for a cocktail at their bar can get really long—everyone wants to hang out there for the view.

Either way, it’s worth planning ahead so you can soak up that magical setting without the stress.

Get Lost in the Car Free Streets of the Villages

One of the best parts of visiting Cinque Terre is just wandering—no map, no real agenda, just letting your feet lead the way.

Each of the five villages has its own little maze of narrow streets and winding staircases that feel like they were made for slow strolling and daydreaming.

You’ll turn a corner and find laundry fluttering above colorful doorways, or stumble upon a tiny courtyard where locals are chatting over espresso.

There’s something kind of magical about getting a little lost here—like the villages are sharing their secrets only with you.

Vernazza

Manarola

Riomaggiore

Monterosso al Mare

Schedule a Flytographer Photo Shoot

One of my absolute favorite things to do on any trip—and especially in a place as dreamy as Cinque Terre—is book a Flytographer photo shoot – save $25 on your first photo shoot using this link here.

It’s hands-down my favorite memento to bring home.

The photos are something I’ll treasure forever, and they always capture the real magic of the trip in a way that no selfie ever could.

It’s also a perfect opportunity to spend some time with a local, learn their story, why they love their hometown, and make a new friend :).

I always schedule them for early in the morning, and honestly, that’s part of the magic too.

Wandering through the quiet streets of Vernazza (or any of the towns you decide to schedule your shoot in) while the town is still sleepy with barely any one else around—it’s like you get a secret peek at the place before the day officially begins.

The cafes start setting up, boats bob in the harbor, and everything just slowly comes to life.

It’s peaceful, beautiful, and totally worth the early wake-up call.

Hike to Corniglia

One of the hikes I was really looking forward to doing on our 3rd full day in Cinque Terre was the trail from Vernazza to Corniglia.

I did not want to do any massive one big hiking day while on vacation, so spreading out the hiking between 3 days was an ideal itinerary for us.

It’s supposed to be one of the most beautiful stretches in all of Cinque Terre, winding along the cliffs with stunning views of the sea and terraced vineyards.

The hike is just under 2 miles and usually takes about 1.5 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the scenery—which, let’s be honest, would be pretty often!

But we didn’t get to do it. A major rainstorm rolled in and cut our trip short, and we ended up leaving for Florence a day early.

It was such a bummer, but just another reason to plan a return trip, right?

Relax on the Beach at Monterrosa

If you’re lucky enough to have a few extra days in Cinque Terre, spending a little time on the beach in Monterosso could be a sweet way to slow things down.

It’s the only village with a real, sandy beach—and with those colorful umbrellas lined up in neat little rows, it definitely has a postcard-worthy charm.

That said, beach time doesn’t seem to be the main draw for most folks visiting Cinque Terre.

It’s more about the scenic hikes, hopping between villages, and soaking up the views.

We didn’t carve out time for the beach ourselves—I’m just not much of a sit-and-sun kind of traveler—but if you’ve already done your hiking and exploring and just want a moment to relax with a good book and a sea breeze, this could be your spot.

What to Wear in October in Cinque Terre

Packing for Italy in October is all about layering—think lightweight sweaters for cooler mornings and evenings, dresses or lightweight pants, and most importantly comfortable walking shoes.

Since there’s always a chance of rain, a see-through umbrella and a stylish raincoat will keep you dry while strolling through the streets of Italy in early fall :).

A smart and fashionable crossbody purse is also a must when traveling abroad (or anywhere for that point!) – this sling/crossbody option is one of my favorites. I recently purchased this option as well and love it so much – I bought it in two colors!

Because Cinque Terre is a national park and the main draw truly is hiking between the towns, it is 100% crucial that you bring the right walking/hiking shoes.

A good water bottle, small backpack, and moisture-wicking clothes are also key for visiting this part of the Italian Riviera :).

Our Italy October 2024 Itinerary Day to Day Overview

DAY 1 | Fly San Diego to Pisa on British Airways via London

DAY 2 | Arrive in Pisa 8:15pm | Stay 2 nights at Palazzo Feroci

DAY 3 | Pisa: Leaning Tower of Pisa, Piazza dei Cavalieri, Palazzo Blu, The Church of Santa Maria della Spina, Pisa Cathedral, Battistero di San Giovanni, Camposanto, Ancient Walls of Pisa,

DAY 4 | Used DayTrip to drive us to Vernazza in Cinque Terre with stops in Lucca and Lerici | Stay 3 nights at Vernazza AirBnb

DAY 5 | Cinque Terre: Flytographer photo shoot then walk Cinque Terre Trail from Vernazza to Monterosso

DAY 6 | Cinque Terre: train to Riomaggiore to walk Lover’s Lane to Manarola – Pesto class at Nessun Dorma then train back to Vernazza

DAY 7 | Massive Rainstorm – evacuated to Florence via train + private car | Stay 1 night at Helvetia & Bristol

DAY 8 | Florence: Moved hotels to Casa G Firenze – stay 4 nights | Gucci Museum, Salvatore Ferragamo Museum

DAY 9 | Florence: Climb Duomo 9:45am tickets, Galleria Academia 12:30p tickets, Ponte Vecchio, Basilica of Santa Croce 4p tickets

DAY 10 | Florence: Officina Profumo – Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, Santa Maria Novella, walk uphill to Basilica di San Miniato, walk downhill to Michelangelo Terrace

DAY 11 | Florence: Uffizi Gallery tickets 10:45a, Boboli Gardens, Riccardi Medici Palace

DAY 12 | Fly Pisa to New York City via London on British Airways (stayed 2 nights in NYC with my daughter who lives there before flying back to San Diego)

I hope you found this post on how to spend 2 days in Cinque Terre helpful in planning your own adventures in this fabulous part of Italy!

Cinque Terre is the kind of place that fills your camera roll and your heart—with colorful cliffside villages, fresh pesto by the sea, and views that take your breath away.

Whether you’re hiking between towns or sipping wine with a view, it’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

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Life is short, the world is wide.

I want to make some memories.

~Mamma Mia

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Have a wonderful day my friend! I hope something makes you smile today ;).