A detailed 3-days itinerary to enjoy Cinque Terre on a romantic weekend

Cinque Terre, SP, Italia

Corniglia, SP, Italia

Riomaggiore, SP, Italia

Manarola, SP, Italia

Vernazza, SP, Italia

Monterosso al Mare, SP, Italia

A Weekend in Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre offers scenery that you can only dream of. Is an ancient fishing village located along the rugged Italian coast. Each of these villages is distinguished by colorful houses, breathtaking views, crystalline waters,  and vineyards clinging to steep terraces carved into the coastline. The harbors bustle with fishing boats, while the quaint restaurants invite you to savor Ligurian delicacies, including the renowned pesto.  This guide will give you a detailed itinerary to enjoy the beautiful views of Cinque Terre on a romantic weekend. Yes, it's entirely feasible to explore these villages over a weekend, but beware: you will have the desire to stay there forever.

La Spezia-Corniglia-Vernazza-Monterosso- La spezia

Cinque Terre lies in the west of La Spezia Province, and comprises five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The coastline, the five villages, and the surrounding hillsides are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site. Opting to lodge in Sestri Levante or La Spezia proves to be the smartest decision. These cities offer more budget-friendly accommodations, a wider array of hotel and dining options due to their larger size, and serve as the starting and ending points for the Cinque Terre Express, facilitating convenient exploration of the area.

Access to Cinque Terre by car is limited with limited parking spots that are often challenging to secure and come with hefty costs. The best way to move between the villages is by train or, for the more athletic and nature lovers, hiking. This approach circumvents the issues associated with car travel, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery along the journey.

Travel around 5 Terre - Trenitalia

La Spezia-Monterosso- Mannarola-La Spezia

The journey starts on Friday towards La Spezia. Once arrived at the accommodation, the itinerary begins immediately towards one of the most beautiful among the 5 lands: Riomaggiore. A short walk will bring you to La Spezia station, where you can board one of the many trains bound for the villages. Take the train to Riomaggiore and start your exploration by strolling through the village's charming alleys, immersing yourself in the sights and colors of the streets. If you arrive in the afternoon, treat yourself to an ice cream; if you arrive later, consider enjoying dinner with a focaccia or a takeaway pizza while admiring the sunset by the shore. To reach the best spot, walk towards the harbor, keeping to the left. Ascend the steps to a popular photo spot overlooking the village, then continue until you find stairs leading down to the rocks. Choose your preferred spot and enjoy the sunset view on Riomaggiore. Soo dreamy! Alternatively, embracing the Italian way, you might opt for a later dinner. Treat yourself to a delicious gelato at one of the numerous gelaterias in the village, then head back to La Spezia to have an Italian Pizza at Pizzium.

Wear your swimsuit and hiking shoes since you're in for a day packed with stunning views and nature. Starting from La Spezia, take the usual little train that takes you to Corniglia. Here, explore small coves where you can dive into crystal-clear waters. Don't worry if you forgot your swimsuit, as happened to me! There will be charming little store waiting for you where you can buy one and be ready to take a plunge. Arm yourself with patience because to reach the beach in Corniglia, there are many steps to climb! It will be worth it. 

The Cinque Terre Express is a dedicated train service that stops at all the towns within Cinque Terre. It operates alongside the regular regional trains on the Levanto - La Spezia railway line, providing convenient access to all five villages of Cinque Terre. This service is available from March 16 to November 3, 2024, with trains running approximately every 15-20 minutes. Tickets for the Cinque Terre Express can be purchased at any train station and tourist information points within the Cinque Terre park. The fare for a single ride on the Cinque Terre Express is 5 euros for adults and 2.50 euros for children aged 4-11, irrespective of the departure or arrival stations along the Levanto - Cinque Terre - La Spezia route. It's important to note that ticket inspections are frequent, and fines for fare evasion can amount to 50 euros, so ensure you have a valid ticket at all times.

For centuries, the paths of Cinque Terre served as the primary connections between villages and the surrounding hinterland. Today, this extensive network spans over 120 kilometers, offering an immersive way to explore and uncover the region's beauty through various trail types. Before embarking on your journey, it's essential to verify road conditions and weather forecasts, and ensure you have appropriate footwear for a safe and enjoyable experience. 

Paths and Outdoor | Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre Card 2023

The day begins by taking the train to the fourth leg of the itinerary: Monterosso a Mare or simply Monterosso. This is the first village of the Cinque Terre encountered when coming from Levanto, or the last if coming from La Spezia. It matters little from where you come: it is perfect both as the beginning and the end of a holiday in Cinque Terre. It is one of the largest and most populous among the Cinque Terre villages with over 1400 residents, an unusually high number for these challenging lands. Tha's is almost becouse it is the most accesible, as it is less rugged and less steep than the other four. In contrast to the other four villages, the Cinque Terre territory boasts a long beach, the largest amond Cinque Terre; a unique sandy shore ideal for bathing and for some relax. In my experience, it's one of the less distinctive villages; for this reason, it would be ideal to spend the morning relaxing on the beach and enjoying the sea, rather than exploring the village. Considering the limited amount od time, this method may assist save energy so that you can better explore the folloqing and last location of the Cinque Terre itinerary: Mannarola.

After taking a refreshing dip, you'll be ready for what lies ahead: a beautiful hiking itinerary along a section of the "Sentiero Azzurro" that connects Corniglia to Vernazza. Walking the Sentiero Azzurro is one of the most stunning experiences you can have in the Cinque Terre as you will find yourself enjoying breathtaking views. The trail is subject to a fee and consists of a very straightforward route, making it nearly impossible to get lost. It primarily consists of staircases, initially ascending towards the highest point at Prevo, 280 meters above sea level, and then descending towards Vernazza. During the path, you can come across a very nice spot (I attached the link below) where you can rest and have juice or a coffee, or even have lunch if you wish.

Once you arrive in Vernazza, it's time to rest. I recommend a refreshing dip, followed by a seaside lunch to recharge your energy. In Vernazza, there are two beaches (near the square and behind the Belforte Tower), considered more as a 'rest stop' to recharge than a place to spend entire days on the sand, or rather, in this case, on the rocks. For many, it is defined as the village that makes you fall in love. The appearance is that of a fortified, noble, and elegant village, perched on the slopes of a rocky promontory, where steep and narrow alleys descend towards the small harbor. After you've recovered your strength, take a leisurely stroll through the town, passing by the charming church perched on the sea of Santa Margherita di Antiocchia. After the day's hike, board the train back to La Spezia for a quiet evening.

Manarola is perhaps the most famous among the Cinque Terre. My suggestion is to have lunch at Fooderia, where they make excellent fish sandwiches inspired by Apulian cuisine. The owner is very kind. He told me the story of how he drew inspiration from his trip to Salento for his food. Alternatively, a place that is very famous as well as ideal for the stunning view is Nessun Dorma. If you decide on this second option download the nessun dorma app so you can make a reservation. Depending on the time of year/ how busy it is, you can wait an hour or more. Explore the village in the meantime, grab an gelato at Gelateria Sorbetteria and walk up to the viewpoint that overlooks the village for the best view. If you still have time and energy, in the afternoon you could take walks around the vineyards as from Manarola, many other hiking trails start, characterized by winding through the vineyards and countryside of the village. 

The Cinque Terre Trekking Card provides access to the paid trails within the park. A daily ticket costs 7.50 euros for adults (valid for one day) or 14.50 euros for adults (valid for two consecutive days). Please note that only the trails from Monterosso to Vernazza and from Vernazza to Corniglia require payment. All other trails are free, and therefore, the Cinque Terre Card is not required for these routes. In addition, the Cinque Terre Treno MS Card offers access to the two paid trails mentioned above and includes unlimited second-class travel on the Levanto - Cinque Terre - La Spezia railway. Prices for this card are as follows: 18.20 euros for adults (valid for one day), 33 euros for adults (valid for two consecutive days), or 47 euros for adults (valid for three consecutive days).

In conclusion, exploring the Cinque Terre offers a mesmerizing journey through picturesque villages, breathtaking coastal landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. Whether indulging in the region's culinary delights, immersing oneself in its vibrant history, or simply savoring the tranquility of its natural beauty, each moment spent here is sure to leave an indelible mark. From the colorful streets of Riomaggiore and the scenic trails of Sentiero Azzurro connecting Corniglia to Vernazza, to the long beaches of Monterosso and the colored houses in Mannarola, the Cinque Terre captivates the hearts of all who venture into its embrace, promising unforgettable memories and endless discoveries. This itinerary allows you to enjoy all the experiences to be had in the Cinque Terre in just one weekend, visiting all five villages, including the best hiking trails, enjoying delicious Ligurian cuisine, and diving into the best places to swim. Now all you have to do is let the magic of Cinque Terre weave unforgettable memories for your romantic weekend escape!

A Weekend in Cinque Terre

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