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Cinque Terre Travel Guide

Italy

#4 in Best Day Trips from Florence

Best Things To Do in Cinque Terre

Trekking or hiking the trails that connect the small villages of Cinque Terre is the main attraction here. Keep in mind that all of them are enclosed within the Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre and some of the paths will require a small fee. You can purchase a Cinque Terre Card for access to all of Cinque Terre's trails. Travelers should also take some time to step off the trails and explore the streets of the various villages. Seeing the region from the water via a boat tour is another popular pastime in Cinque Terre.

How we rank Things to Do.
  1. All Things To Do
  2. Free

#1

#1 in Cinque Terre

The trail that connects Monterosso to Vernazza is a beautiful yet challenging one. At the trailhead, travelers will ascend a daunting number of stairs, but the views of citrus orchards and vineyards more than compensate for the climb. After the initial ascent, the mostly flat trail affords views of the sea and panoramas of Monterosso and Vernazza. On maps, you'll see this marked as the "Blue Trail" and labeled with a No. 2.
... more
Hiking Type
1 to 2 hours Time to Spend
Footpath Monterosso
The trail that connects Monterosso to Vernazza is a beautiful yet challenging one. At the trailhead, travelers will ascend a daunting number of stairs, but the views of citrus orchards and vineyards more than compensate for the climb. After the initial ascent, the mostly flat trail affords views of the sea and panoramas of Monterosso and Vernazza. On maps, you'll see this marked as the "Blue Trail" and labeled with a No. 2.
... more

#2

#2 in Cinque Terre

At only about 15 square miles, the Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre is one of the smallest national parks in Italy but with a population of about 4,000, it's also one of the most heavily inhabited. In fact, that's what makes this national park – also called Park of Man – so unique, since for centuries, the people of Cinque Terre cultivated the steep, sloping land and built stone walls to hem it in. In 1997, it also became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
... more
Hiking Type
Half Day to Full Day Time to Spend
Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre
At only about 15 square miles, the Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre is one of the smallest national parks in Italy but with a population of about 4,000, it's also one of the most heavily inhabited. In fact, that's what makes this national park – also called Park of Man – so unique, since for centuries, the people of Cinque Terre cultivated the steep, sloping land and built stone walls to hem it in. In 1997, it also became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
... more

#3

#3 in Cinque Terre

Sentiero Vernazza a Corniglia is the name given to the hike that connects Vernazza with Corniglia. Along the way, hikers will enjoy views of meadows, olive groves and vineyards as they pass through the sleepy villages of Prevo and San Bernardino on their way to Corniglia. You can also veer off the trail halfway between the Cinque Terre villages for a visit to the clothing-optional beach, Guvano.
... more
Hiking Type
1 to 2 hours Time to Spend
Sentiero Vernazza a Corniglia
Sentiero Vernazza a Corniglia is the name given to the hike that connects Vernazza with Corniglia. Along the way, hikers will enjoy views of meadows, olive groves and vineyards as they pass through the sleepy villages of Prevo and San Bernardino on their way to Corniglia. You can also veer off the trail halfway between the Cinque Terre villages for a visit to the clothing-optional beach, Guvano.
... more
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#4

#4 in Cinque Terre

Free
Built in the 17th century, the Church of San Francesco is also known as the Convento dei Cappuccini e Chiesa di San Francesco and the Capuchin Friars Monastery, and it contains many marvelous works of art, including the "Crucifixion"by Anthony van Dyck.
... more
Churches/Religious Sites Type
1 to 2 hours Time to Spend
Church of San Francesco
Built in the 17th century, the Church of San Francesco is also known as the Convento dei Cappuccini e Chiesa di San Francesco and the Capuchin Friars Monastery, and it contains many marvelous works of art, including the "Crucifixion"by Anthony van Dyck.
... more

#5

#5 in Cinque Terre

If you only have a limited amount of time in Cinque Terre and want to get an overview of the area, many travelers recommend seeing the five towns by boat. Plus, the experience of cruising the water is often accompanied by delicious snacks, drinks or even multicourse Italian meals. And weather-permitting, many boat operators stop in little-known coves along the tour for swim breaks.
... more
Sightseeing Type
2 hours to Half Day Time to Spend
Boat Tours
If you only have a limited amount of time in Cinque Terre and want to get an overview of the area, many travelers recommend seeing the five towns by boat. Plus, the experience of cruising the water is often accompanied by delicious snacks, drinks or even multicourse Italian meals. And weather-permitting, many boat operators stop in little-known coves along the tour for swim breaks.
... more
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Explore More of Cinque Terre

Hotel Porto Roca

Best Hotels

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Map

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Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre

When to Visit

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