How Many Days in Cinque Terre? Itineraries for the Perfect 1, 2, or 3-Day Trip

Cinque Terre is a beautiful area in the northwest of Italy, along the Ligurian coast, also known as the Italian Riviera. It is made up of five small fishing villages, each with colorful houses, stunning sea views, and charming narrow streets.

These villages are among the most interesting and most visited places in all of Italy. Every year, millions of people come here to enjoy the picture-perfect landscapes, the lovely little bays, and the authentic Italian atmosphere that makes this place so special.

It’s no surprise that Cinque Terre is so popular. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the country, with amazing views, delicious local food, and a relaxed, authentic Italian vibe.

Personally, it’s one of my favorite spots in Italy, and I keep going back because I simply can’t get enough of its charm. That’s why I’ve written several blog posts about it, to help make your visit as easy and enjoyable as possible.

In this article, I want to help you answer one simple but important question: how many days should you spend in Cinque Terre?

If you’re thinking of visiting, you’ve probably already wondered how long to stay. Is one day enough? Should you plan for two days, or even three?

To help you decide, I’ve put together 3 different Cinque Terre itineraries: one for a 1-day trip, one for 2 days, and one for 3 days.

Each one will help you make the most of your time, no matter how long you have. You’ll find out the best places to visit, what to see and do, how to get ready for your trip, where to stay and eat, where to take the best photos, and many other travel tips.

Along with the itineraries, I also created a complete Cinque Terre travel guide. Whether this is your main destination or just a stop on a longer Italian journey, you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit with confidence.

First, I’ll share my personal opinion on how many days I think you should spend in Cinque Terre, followed by a quick overview of what’s included in the itineraries.

Then, you’ll find the full details of the 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day plans.

At the end of the article, I’ll also answer some common questions that might come up when planning a trip to Cinque Terre.

Detailed Cinque Terre itineraries: How to spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Cinque Terre

So, let’s look at the 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day Cinque Terre itineraries to see how you can enjoy your time there:

1-day Cinque Terre itinerary

One day in Cinque Terre isn’t a lot, but if you move fast and don’t spend too much time in each place, you can visit all five villages and see the main sights.

It’s possible to explore all five villages in one day and still have time for a few extra things, but you need to plan well and use your time wisely.

This one-day itinerary worked for us, so let me show you how we saw Cinque Terre in just one day during one of our trips:

Morning: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza

Start your day in Monterosso.

If you come by car, leave it at Fegina Parking.

If you arrive by train, the station is also close to the parking lot, so your trip will start from the same area either way.

After that, it’s best to travel by train, so this plan is mainly for using the train.

In Monterosso, first take a walk along Fegina Beach. If it’s summer, you might even have time for a quick swim, though it may not fit easily into a one-day trip.

Near the parking area, you can see the Statue of the Giant (Statua del Gigante), which is one of the most interesting statues in the village. You can walk there if you feel like it.

Then, walk to the eastern part of the village.

Visit the Church of St. John the Baptist (Parrocchia di S. Giovanni Battista) and take a walk on Via Roma, where you’ll find restaurants and souvenir shops.

Monterosso doesn’t take much time to explore. There aren’t many viewpoints or sights, so 1–2 hours is enough to spend here during your trip.

Later in the morning or around lunchtime, take the train to Vernazza.

In Vernazza, just like in all the villages, the harbor area by the sea is the most vibrant part.

But the best places for photos are on the two edges of the village:

• The northeast spot is along the Blue Trail toward Monterosso. You’ll need to climb some stairs just past the village.
• The southwest spot is on the Blue Trail heading toward Corniglia. It’s near a tower (name unknown), and you also reach it by walking up some steps.

Climb to both of these photo spots, I think these are the real must-see places in Vernazza.

Other interesting places in the village include the harbor area, next to the Church of St. Margaret of Antioch.

While you’re there, also go up to the Ruins of Doria Tower, which also offers great views.

Lunch: In Vernazza

If you get hungry, stop at Il Gattaccio–Acciugheria & Street Food or enjoy a meal with the best view at Ristorante La Torre.

For a glass of wine with a sea view, go to the Gianni Franzi Deck.

Afternoon: Corniglia, Riomaggiore

After lunch, take the train to Corniglia.

Corniglia is actually the smallest village, and it normally wouldn’t take much time to visit.

However, the train station is down by the sea, while the village is high up on a hill. Because of this, you’ll have to climb quite a few stairs to reach the town.

There’s a long staircase called Scalinata Lardarina (Landarina Staircase), with around 400 steps that zig-zag their way up from the station to the village.

The only way to avoid this climb is if you arrive in Corniglia by car or by bus.

Once you’re at the top, take a walk along Via Stazione, and don’t miss the village’s church, the Chiesa di San Pietro.

If you feel like relaxing a bit, stop for Italian gelato at Gelateria Corniglia, or try some wine tasting or a sandwich on Via Solferino, or just a short walk away at Andrea’s Corniglia.

But keep in mind: you still have two villages left to visit this afternoon and evening, and you definitely don’t want to miss them.

So, after a short visit in Corniglia, continue your day by heading to Riomaggiore.

Riomaggiore is one of the most scenic villages out of the five, and it’s a great place to spend 1–2 hours in the afternoon.

The train station is a bit far from the main sights, and you’ll need to walk through a tunnel to reach the more beautiful parts of the village.

The best view of the village is from the harbor area, near La Conchiglia bar, this is the spot where most social media photos are taken.

If you have more time, visit the Castello di Riomaggiore. It’s not an easy climb, but the view of the village and surrounding hills is truly worth it.

Other things to see in Riomaggiore include the Church of San Giovanni Battista, and it’s also nice to walk along Via Colombo, where you’ll find lots of shops, restaurants, and bars.

Evening: Manarola

In the late afternoon or early evening, make your way to Manarola.

You can either take the train or walk along the famous Via dell’Amore path (if it’s open).

Make sure to give yourself enough time to explore Manarola too.

I saved Manarola for the end of the day on purpose: even though I think it’s the most beautiful village, it’s also the best place to watch the sunset. That’s why it’s perfect as an evening stop.

In Manarola, I strongly recommend the restaurant Nessun Dorma. From its location, you get not only the best view of Manarola but also perhaps the most beautiful view in all of Cinque Terre. If possible, book a table and enjoy an Italian dinner with the stunning scenery.

If you prefer something more casual, just watch the sunset from the Manarola Overlook Viewpoint, the view there is amazing on its own.

Manarola is also famous for its vineyards, so if you still have the energy, take a walk up Trail 6P to see the village from above. The view is well worth the effort.

For dinner, I also recommend Trattoria dal Billy and Il Porticciolo ristorante pizzeria, both known for great food and a welcoming atmosphere.

This was the detailed one-day itinerary for how I think is the best way to spend a day in Cinque Terre.

Now, let’s see what you can do if you have 2 days in Cinque Terre:

2-day Cinque Terre itinerary

Two days in Cinque Terre is one of the best choices. In 2 days, you can visit all the villages comfortably, and even take a short day trip if you use your time well.

You don’t need to rush, you will have time to stop, look around, take photos, enjoy the local restaurants and bars, see the sights, go hiking, and explore the villages more deeply.

If you have two days in Cinque Terre, here’s how I’d recommend spending them, based on my own experience:

Day 1

Morning: Monterosso al Mare

Start your day in Monterosso, the largest village in Cinque Terre.

If you’re arriving by car, you can park at Fegina Parking, near the beach. If you’re coming by train, the station is right next to this area, so it’s easy to get started either way.

Take a walk along Fegina Beach, and if the weather is warm, you might even go for a quick swim. Don’t miss the Statue of the Giant (Statua del Gigante), which is carved into the rock at the end of the beach.

Then head toward the old part of the village. Walk along Via Roma, where you’ll find shops and cafés. Stop by the Church of St. John the Baptist, a small but beautiful church in the heart of the village.

Monterosso doesn’t take long to explore, so you’ll still have time for a relaxed lunch before moving on.

Lunch: In Monterosso

Enjoy a nice lunch before your next stop. You can choose a restaurant near the beach or in the old town. Monterosso is known for its seafood, focaccia, and local white wine. For something special, try La Cantina Di Miky or L’Osteria.

Afternoon: Corniglia, Volastra

After lunch, take the train to Corniglia, the only Cinque Terre village not directly by the sea. The train station is below the village, so you’ll need to climb the Lardarina Staircase (around 400 steps) to reach the top. If you’re tired, look for the small shuttle bus that goes up from the station.

In Corniglia, walk through the narrow streets, visit the Church of San Pietro, and enjoy the views from the village. For a quick break, stop for gelato at Gelateria Corniglia or grab a coffee or wine at a bar on Via Solferino.

After visiting Corniglia, it’s time for a scenic hike to Volastra, a tiny village above Manarola. This is one of the best short hikes in the area. The path takes you through vineyards and offers amazing views of the coast and the sea.

The hike takes about 1 to 1.5 hours depending on your pace. It’s a bit uphill at first, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water, but the views make it worth the effort.

If you don’t want to hike, you can also take the local bus from Manarola up to Volastra, and enjoy the views from there with very little walking. This is a great option if you’re tired or if the weather isn’t good for hiking.

Evening: Manarola

From Volastra, walk or take the bus down to Manarola, where you’ll spend the evening.

Manarola is often considered the most beautiful village in Cinque Terre, and it’s the perfect place to watch the sunset. Head to the famous Manarola Overlook Viewpoint, where you can see the colorful houses built into the cliff — this is the most photographed spot in the region.

For dinner, try Nessun Dorma, a popular spot with amazing views, great food, and delicious drinks.

If you prefer a different restaurant, Trattoria dal Billy is an excellent choice for fresh pasta and seafood.

After dinner, take a quiet walk through the village, or just sit and enjoy the breathtaking sunset here. Spending the evening in Manarola is a great way to end the first day.

Day 2

Morning: Riomaggiore

Start your morning in Riomaggiore, one of the most colorful and photogenic villages in the national park.

From the train station, walk through the tunnel to reach the main part of the village. The best view is from the harbor area, near La Conchiglia bar, where the colorful houses rise above the small marina. It’s the absolute best spot for photos.

Walk up to the Castello di Riomaggiore if you have time and energy. It’s a bit of a climb, but the view of the village and surrounding hills is worth it. You can also visit the Church of San Giovanni Battista or take a walk along Via Colombo, the main street full of shops, restaurants, and cafés.

Lunch: In Riomaggiore

There are many nice places for lunch in Riomaggiore. If you want something quick, try a local focaccia sandwich or fresh fried seafood. For a sit-down meal, you can try Rio Bistro or Old School Cocktails & Food, both located near the water with beautiful views.

Afternoon: Vernazza

After lunch, take the train to Vernazza, one of the most charming villages in Cinque Terre.

Vernazza has a beautiful small harbor surrounded by colorful houses and overlooked by the Ruins of Doria Castle. Walk to the top of the castle for a fantastic view of the village and sea. Also visit the Church of St. Margaret of Antioch, located right next to the water.

If you’re feeling active, hike a short part of the Blue Trail toward Monterosso or Corniglia. Just a few minutes up either direction will take you to amazing viewpoints overlooking Vernazza from above.

You can also just relax by the water, enjoy a coffee or a glass of wine.

Evening: Porto Venere

Porto Venere is a small village with colorful houses, similar to the villages of Cinque Terre. It is about a 25-minute drive from La Spezia. If you have a free evening, it’s worth coming here for a short visit. Just make sure to leave enough time for getting there and finding parking (or take a shuttle), but it can be a nice evening program if you’d like to see something else besides Cinque Terre.

Take a walk around the harbor area, then go up to I Mulini di Portovenere and enjoy the beautiful view of the sea and the nearby island. On the way, visit the Church of San Lorenzo. If you still have energy, check out Doria Castle. It’s a bit of a climb, but it offers the best panoramic view of Porto Venere.

Porto Venere is a perfect destination for a few hours, and a nice way to end a 2-day visit to Cinque Terre.

This was the two-day itinerary. If you have even more time in the area, check out the 3-day itinerary too:

3-day Cinque Terre itinerary

Three days in Cinque Terre is enough time not just for the five villages, but also to explore other nearby places.

I recommend 3 days for those who want to really discover the area in depth, and who are curious about more than just the five villages, but also other gems in the area.

So here’s a 3-day itinerary showing how I would spend three days in Cinque Terre and the surrounding area:

Day 1

Morning: Monterosso al Mare

Start your trip in Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five villages. Walk along Fegina Beach, check out the Statue of the Giant, and then explore the old town, where you can visit the Church of St. John the Baptist and stroll along Via Roma.

If you’re traveling by car, park at Fegina Parking. If you arrive by train, the station is right nearby. Super convenient either way.

Lunch: In Monterosso

Try a local Italian dish or fresh focaccia. Good options include La Cantina Di Miky or L’Osteria.

Afternoon: Corniglia, Volastra

Take the train to Corniglia, the only Cinque Terre village not directly by the sea. To reach it, you’ll either need to climb the Lardarina Staircase (almost 400 steps) or take the shuttle bus from the train station.

Walk through the charming streets, visit Chiesa di San Pietro, and grab some gelato or wine along Via Solferino.

From here, hike up to Volastra, a quiet hilltop village surrounded by vineyards. The walk offers stunning views and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. If you’d rather skip the hike, you can also reach Volastra by bus.

Evening: Vernazza

After your hike, head down or take the train to Vernazza. Spend your evening enjoying the harbor, exploring the narrow alleys, or hiking just a bit on the Blue Trail for the best photo spots of the village from above.

For dinner, consider Ristorante La Torre for views or Il Gattaccio. Grab a glass of wine at Gianni Franzi to finish your day.

Day 2

Morning: Riomaggiore

Begin the day in Riomaggiore, one of the most photogenic villages. Walk through the tunnel from the train station to reach the harbor. Don’t miss the famous view by La Conchiglia bar, and if you’re up for it, climb to Castello di Riomaggiore for a stunning panorama.

Also explore the Church of San Giovanni Battista and walk down Via Colombo, full of little shops and cafés.

Lunch: In Riomaggiore

Try Rio Bistro or Old School Cocktails & Food for a sit-down meal, or grab a quick focaccia or fried seafood snack on the go.

Afternoon, evening: Manarola

In the afternoon, travel to Manarola, another gem of the region. This village is perfect for a relaxing walk, photography, and soaking in the atmosphere. If the Via dell’Amore path is open, you can walk here from Riomaggiore.

Explore the cliffside views, the harbor, and the Trail 6P for a view from above.

Stay in Manarola for sunset, it’s one of the most magical places to watch the sky change colors over the sea.

For dinner, you can’t go wrong with Nessun Dorma, which offers incredible views alongside great food and drinks. Other great options include Trattoria dal Billy and Il Porticciolo.

End the evening with a peaceful stroll along the water or enjoy a glass of wine while watching the colorful houses glow in the evening light.

Day 3

Morning: Rapallo

Start your third day with a short trip to Rapallo, a charming coastal town just outside the Cinque Terre area. It’s located about an hour from Cinque Terre by train or car, so it makes for a perfect day trip.

Rapallo is a little less touristy than other Ligurian destinations, but it quickly became one of my favorites thanks to its vibrant, colorful atmosphere and charm.

Begin your morning with a walk along the Lungomare seaside promenade, which stretches along the water and offers beautiful views. Don’t miss the Rapallo Castle, a small but picturesque fortress built right by the sea.

After that, wander through the narrow streets lined with pastel-colored houses. Rapallo has a unique character, enjoy the local vibe.

Lunch: In Rapallo

After exploring the town, stop for lunch near the harbor. I recommend Sapore di Mare Rapallo, a cozy restaurant, a great place to recharge before your next stop.

Afternoon, evening: Portofino

After lunch, continue your day with a visit to the iconic village of Portofino, one of the most famous and exclusive spots on the Italian Riviera.

You can reach Portofino from Rapallo by ferry (about 30 minutes), bus, or car. I highly recommend the ferry, as it offers incredible views of the rugged coastline and colorful houses along the way.

Portofino may be small, but it’s packed with charm. Its tiny harbor is lined with luxury yachts, designer boutiques, and brightly colored buildings that look like they belong on a postcard.

What you absolutely shouldn’t miss is Castello Brown, a historic fortress perched above the village with breathtaking panoramic views of the harbor and sea. On your way up, stop by the Church of San Giorgio, a beautiful hilltop chapel with its own stunning outlook.

If you have more time and energy, you can also take a short walk to the Portofino Lighthouse (Faro di Portofino), which offers spectacular sea views.

If you’d rather relax, find a sunny spot for coffee or treat yourself to a real Italian gelato. Stroll through the colorful side streets, sit by the harbor, and simply enjoy the beauty of Portofino.

As the day ends, return to Rapallo in the evening. From there, you can head back to your accommodation or begin your journey home. This exciting and beautiful day is the perfect way to end your 3-day Cinque Terre trip.

And this was the three-day itinerary. I only recommend spending more than 3 days here if you want to take several day trips and explore other parts of the Ligurian coast or Tuscany. But overall, 3 days is enough to get to know Cinque Terre and its surroundings well.

If you want to learn more about Cinque Terre, keep reading! You will find many other travel tips below.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Cinque Terre, Italy

At the end of the article, let’s take a look at some common questions you might have about traveling to Cinque Terre:

What to visit near Cinque Terre

If you have extra time in the area, or if you’re looking for alternative destinations instead of Cinque Terre, here are some great nearby places you can explore:

• La Spezia: This nearby city is a practical base with great restaurants, museums, and easy train access to the villages.
• Levanto: A stunning seaside town just outside Cinque Terre with a long beach, and fewer crowds.
• Camogli: A beautiful town known for its colorful buildings, quiet vibe, and delicious food, perfect for a less turisty day trip.
• Portofino: A world-famous, upscale coastal town with a luxury marina, scenic walking trails, and stunning sea views.
• Pisa: Famous for its Leaning Tower, Pisa is a must-see for architecture and history lovers and can be visited in just a half-day.

How to get around Cinque Terre

There are three main ways to move around in Cinque Terre: by car, by train, or by boat.

As I said in other articles, driving is not the best idea in Cinque Terre. The roads between the villages are narrow and winding, and finding a parking spot can be very difficult.

The train is the easiest and most convenient way to travel. Trains run often from both La Spezia and Levanto, and the ride between the villages only takes a few minutes.

You can also buy a Cinque Terre Card, which comes in two versions:

• The Cinque Terre Trekking Card lets you use the hiking trails.
• The Cinque Terre Treno MS Card gives you access to the hiking trails and also includes unlimited train travel between La Spezia and Levanto. With this card, you can go from one village to another as much as you want by train.

In my opinion, the best choice is to buy the Cinque Terre Treno MS Card and explore the villages by train.

If you are coming by car, it’s best to park in La Spezia, Levanto, or possibly Monterosso, and then continue by train.

Taking a boat is also a good option, because seeing the villages from the sea is beautiful and great for taking photos. But boats are more expensive and not as flexible as the train, so I don’t recommend it as your main way of getting around.

Best things to do in Cinque Terre

Here’s a quick list of fun things you can do in Cinque Terre:

• Explore the five villages
• Hike the Blue Trail between them
• Take a boat tour along the coast
• Try water sports like swimming or kayaking
• Go on a wine tasting tour
• Learn how to make pesto in a local class

Best time to visit Cinque Terre

The best time to visit Cinque Terre for nice weather is in spring and autumn.

I especially suggest April, May, and September. In these months, the weather is usually good, and there are fewer tourists than in summer.

Summer can be very crowded, and it gets hot, so walking around the villages might feel uncomfortable. So, only visit in summer if you want to enjoy the beach or if Cinque Terre is part of a bigger trip in Italy.

I don’t recommend going in winter because it often rains, and many places are closed during that time.

Which Cinque Terre village is the best?

Which village is the best in Cinque Terre depends on what you’re looking for:

• If you want to take photos or create any kind of content, I think Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Vernazza are the best choices.
• If you want to go to the beach, Monterosso al Mare has the best beaches among the five villages.
• If you’re traveling by car, Monterosso or maybe Corniglia are the easiest places to find parking.
• For a special dining experience, go to Nessun Dorma in Manarola.
• For wine, Manarola or Corniglia are good picks.

So, it really depends on what matters most to you which village is the best.

Overall, if I had to choose, I’d say Manarola offers the best experience, but that’s just my personal opinion.

Which Cinque Terre village can you skip if you have little time?

In my opinion, Corniglia and Monterosso are a little less picturesque. So, if you don’t have time to see all five villages, you can skip those two.

Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Vernazza are the most beautiful and full of charm, so these three are definitely must-see spots.

And with that, we’ve reached the end of the 1-, 2-, and 3-day itineraries in Cinque Terre.

I hope this guide gave you plenty of inspiration and all the practical tips you need to plan your perfect trip.

Cinque Terre may be a small area on the map, but it’s full of charm, dramatic views, colorful villages, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you come for a single day or stay for three, it’s a place that will leave a lasting impression.

This detailed guide should help you decide how many days to spend here, and how to make the most of every moment.

If you’re planning to visit other parts of Italy, be sure to check out my other travel guides. I cover many beautiful destinations across the country, from the Amalfi Coast to the Dolomites and beyond.

And if you’re ready with your Cinque Terre travel plan, don’t wait! Book your hotel, tickets, and get ready to experience one of the most beautiful places in Italy!