Things to Do in Cinque Terre : Top Attractions and Hidden Gems

Are you trying to find things to do in Cinque Terre? Then, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve prepared an in-depth Cinque Terre travel guide just for you.

Nestled between the spectacular Ligurian Sea and coastal cliffs, Cinque Terre’s collection of villages offers photogenic views and a charming atmosphere.

Candy-colored houses line the streets (or hug the cliffside), untouched by time’s passing. Whether you’re after historic tales, scenic walks, or a day at the beach, you can find things to do in Cinque Terre.

There’s an endless supply of things to do in Italy, and Cinque Terre should be at the top of your itinerary. From the specialty seafood and year-round festivals to romantic boat rides and adventurous day trips, you’ll never be bored.

Are you curious to learn more about things to do in Cinque Terre? Then, keep scrolling as we unpack our ultimate travel guide and discover how Exoticca simplifies your travel experience.

Explore Cinque Terre’s five villages

If you’re on a self-guided Tuscany & Cinque Terre tour and looking for things to do in Cinque Terre, then a quick pop-in at each of the five villages is well worth it.

However, a short trip doesn’t do it justice. You’ll have a difficult time deciding what to see in Cinque Terre’s villages. The more time you have, the better, as each one offers something unique and breathtaking.

Monterosso al Mare

Monterosso al Mare is the northernmost and largest among the five villages. If you’re a beach lover looking for things to do in Cinque Terre, it’s the perfect spot.

This village is home to several private and public beaches. The most popular of them is Fegina Beach, sprawled with orange and green umbrellas.

Monterosso is a historical town, its roots dating back to 643. Its historic center offers a rich medieval and artisanal atmosphere.

Vernazza 

One of the best villages in Cinque Terre is Vernazza. People flock to it for its photogenic appeal. It features an iconic, natural harbor ripe for diving off and a stunning waterfront to match.

Vernazza has some historical appeal, too. The Doria castle and Belforte tower need to be on your Cinque Terre itinerary.

Another thing to do in Cinque Terre is to explore Vernazza’s vibrant cafe scene while admiring its pastel-colored buildings.

Corniglia

Corniglia is the smallest of the five villages, and because it’s built on cliffs far above the ocean, it’s also the quietest. Getting there requires trekking up 383 steps, but it’s well worth it if you want to escape the busier areas.

This tiny village isn’t just known for its view of the entire Cinque Terre region. It’s also home to the vineyard responsible for the famous Cinque Terre wine.

Manarola

No Cinque Terre travel guide is complete without the spectacular sunset views and cliffside vineyards of Manarola, the oldest of the five villages.

The delicious, sweet Sciacchetrà wine brought Manarola its fame. However, its Ligurian-Gothic style church, historical piazza, massive mill wheel, and overall charm keep people invested.

Manarola’s luminous nativity scene featuring 17,000 light bulbs and over 300 characters is a must-see event.

Riomaggiore

Sea view of Riomaggiore village in Cinque Terre, Italy.

Riomaggiore is another photogenic village adorned by colorful buildings tucked between sea cliffs. It’s known for its steep lanes, rocky swimming spots, and fishing culture.

Many of Riomaggiore’s local dishes are seafood-based, caught fresh from the ocean. There are also plenty of sights to see, from its mosaic-covered pedestrian tunnel and San Giovanni Battista church to its historic castle and 15th-century oratory.

You can also learn Cinque Terre’s history and origin at the Museo delle Cinque Terre Antiche (museum of local history).

Hidden gems and top things to do in Cinque Terre

There are plenty of things to do in Cinque Terre. It’s more than just a photogenic hotspot for influencers. Each village is connected by a variety of stunning and romantic trails (which are admittedly quite picturesque).

You can also find some beautiful hidden gems in Cinque Terre, from festivals and events to sanctuaries and an open-air museum.

Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail)

If you want to immerse yourself in all of Cinque Terre’s beauty, then your Cinque Terre itinerary must include a hike along its Blue Trail, Sentiero Azzuro.

Named after the seaview you’ll experience while walking the Blue Trail. It stretches a significant 7.5 miles, connecting all five villages.

Along the trail, expect to see rare vegetation like the Brassica robertiana and pass beneath terraced vineyards. You’ll also stroll past beaches, bridges, lemon trees, and marshlands.

Via dell’Amore

If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Cinque Terre, there’s no better option than The Way of Love, Via dell’Amore.

Watch the sunset over the sparkling sea as this beautiful path takes you along the cliffside between the two pearls of Cinque Terre: Manarola and Riomaggiore.

The Via dell’Amore is an evocative open-air museum, displaying Gino Covili’s art along its 984-yard (900-meter) stretch.

The Sanctuary Way

For hikers and history buffs looking for things to do in Cinque Terre, the Sanctuary Way is a must.

Unlike the Blue Trail, which goes along the coastline, the Sanctuary Way runs through the hills behind the five villages. This 15.8-mile hike serves as a pilgrimage for the locals, taking them from one sanctuary to the next.

Along the way, you’ll witness panoramic views of the gulf as you pass through Mediterranean scrub, chestnut and olive forests, and vineyards.

Local events & festivals

Among the many hidden gems in Cinque Terre are its celebrations. Italians love throwing festivals and events for important dates.

These festivals revolve around two main themes: religion and food.

Ferragosto, Manarola’s luminous nativity scene, Vernazza’s Underwater Christmas event, and Monterosso’s Corpus Christi are some of its most notable religious events.

However, the food festivals take the cake (pun intended). There’s Monterosso’s Lemon, anchovy, and olive festivals, the Sciacchetrail race in spring, and the olive harvest in November.

Food & wine in Cinque Terre

Foodies and wine connoisseurs can find plenty of things to do in Cinque Terre. Its five villages offer a variety of famous wines, specialty seafoods, and crispy focaccia.

Here are some food and wine specialties to include in your Cinque Terre travel guide:

• Seafood specialties: Cinque Terre embraces its seafood, creating delicious dishes out of simple ingredients. Its fresh anchovies are a key player, prepared in various ways. Its antipasti misti, or fruits of the sea, is a must-try, too.

• Local wines: Sciacchetrà dessert wine helped keep Cinque Terre on the map. It’s a sweet, honey-scented wine made from air-dried grapes. Several dry whites are also popular, including the Coste wines and Cinque Terre Bianco DOC.

• Trattorias with a view: Trattorias are small, family-run restaurants. Their dishes are made from generation-old recipes, passed down in the family. In Cinque Terre, many trattorias offer spectacular sea views, and some are etched into cliffsides.

• Fresh produce & focaccia: Cinque Terre has two regular fresh produce markets in Monterosso on Thursdays and Vernazza on Tuesdays. You can find delicious and crispy focaccia at popular bakeries like Bar Pan e Vin and Panificio Rosi.

Outdoor adventures & day trips

If you’re interested in more adventurous things to do in Cinque Terre, consider taking a boat tour or exploring its surrounding areas and hidden coves. 

Boat tours

Cinque Terre offers several different boat tours for anyone wanting to enjoy the view of the five villages from the sea:

• Day tours: These are group trips offering a friendly atmosphere where you can learn about Cinque Terre’s history, locals, and traditions. You may even stop to swim or snorkel at a hidden grotto, bay, or beach.

• Sunset cruises: These trips are meant for relaxing and watching the sunset while snacking and sipping local wines or proseccos. You can even enjoy prawns or grilled fish for dinner.

• Private tours: These trips are ideal for intimate, romantic tours or adventures with family or friends. The offerings are customizable, and you can choose from various boat types to venture on.

Hidden coves and swimming spots

Monterosso is home to two fantastic sand and pebble beaches, but there are some hidden gems in Cinque Terre. Small, hard-to-reach coves and bays line the Cinque Terre coastline.

Our favorites are:

• The small, secluded pebble beach, Spiaggia di Fossola

• The unspoiled Canneto Beach, only reachable by kayak or boat

• The slice of hidden paradise, Guvano Beach

• The lesser-known Punta Bonfiglio, offering dramatic views and sloping rocks

Day trips to Portovenere or La Spezia

If you’re looking for something to add to your Cinque Terre travel guide, we highly recommend a day trip to Portovenere or La Spezia. They’re a short boat or train ride away.

The medieval fishing town, Portovenere, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with shops stretching from its ancient city gate up to its castle. If you’re up for a hike, a trail goes from Portovenere to Riomaggiore through the Portovenere and Cinque Terre National Parks.

La Spezia is a popular day trip destination accessible by train or boat. It’s home to a busy, regular market offering everything from clothes and household goods to fruits, veg, meats, and cheese.

Its main street, Via Prione, offers a variety of bars, restaurants, and outdoor cafes where you can buy delicious food and gelato.

La Spezia also has several museums: a maritime, archeological, and art museum.

If you are looking for more inspiration, take a look at this fantastic video that highlights some great things to do in Cinque Terre.

Practical tips for visiting Cinque Terre

When creating your Cinque Terre itinerary, knowing when to visit and what to pack can significantly affect your plans.

Knowing how to get around and which places are accessible when choosing things to do in Cinque Terre is also essential.

Here are some helpful tips to consider:

• Best time to visit Cinque Terre: The best time to come to Cinque Terre is April to June and September. The weather’s better for hiking and the occasional swim, and it’s less crowded. Many of the food festivals occur during the spring and fall seasons.

• How to get around Cinque Terre: Aside from walking the trails and picturesque streets, you can travel by train, boat, and bus. We recommend purchasing one of the Cinque Terre Cards to get access to the trails, buses, and trains.

• Cinque Terre accessibility & trail info: Cinque Terre is full of trails, and the Manarola to Corniglia and Corniglia to Vernazza ones are closed due to landslides as of May 2025. Its hilly and uneven terrain also isn’t ideal for people with mobility limitations.

• What to pack for Cinque Terre: The weather changes fast, no matter the season. Always bring layers and breathable clothing. Walking or hiking shoes, backpacks, refillable water bottles, and sunscreen are essential, and don’t forget a camera.

Discover things to do in Cinque Terre with Exoticca

Whether you’re a foodie, hiker, history buff, or bay-watcher, you’ll never be starved for choice for things to do in Cinque Terre.

Its five villages offer captivating views and entertaining festivals. Bay-watchers can find various hidden coves and beaches, and hikers get their pick of coastal and hilly hiking trails.

Foodies can indulge in specialty seafood dishes, and history buffs can gasp at the rich history these villages offer.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, Cinque Terre is a must.

Check out our Italy vacation packages and let Exoticca make your Cinque Terre trip as seamless and flexible as possible.