Best of Cinque Terre for Foodies

One of the most fun things to do in Cinque Terre is to explore the five villages (from West to East): Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. The easiest way to do so is by train, the Cinque Terre Express. The train goes in and out of tunnels throughout the relatively quick journey and, due to the hilly geography of the area, it makes for a pretty remarkable ride. My recommendation is to purchase a daily Cinque Terre Pass, which grants unlimited rides. The cards can be purchased online (see links below) or at any of the Cinque Terre Welcome Centers (see link below). How to use the Card: The Card bears the user's full name and may not be used by others. Before using a card, the user's name (or the head of the family's name in case of family cards) must be written on the back. Cards must be shown to inspectors together with a valid identity document. Cards must be stamped at Trenitalia's stamping machines at the train station before taking the first train ride. Children under 4 years or age travel on the trains and use the Park services for free if accompanied by an adult in possession of a Card. ______ Tap on the link below for a full guide to hiking in Cinque Terre. Don’t hike the trails without reading this first! They might be harder than expected.

Nestled gracefully along the stunning coastline of Cinque Terre, Hotel Porto Roca boasts breathtaking panoramas that captivate the senses, just 200m from the town's historic center. Each room is meticulously designed to provide guests with an unforgettable experience. Most feature balconies that offer panoramic views of Monterosso bay, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of the crystal-clear waters below. Guests can start their day with a lovely buffet breakfast included in their stay, setting the tone for a day of relaxation and indulgence. The hotel boasts a beautiful pool where guests can unwind while soaking in the views of the coastline. For a culinary experience to remember, guests can dine at the outdoor panoramic restaurant, La Terrazza, where they can savor exquisite dishes amidst the backdrop of the azure sea. Additionally, Hotel Porto Roca offers two bars – the Lobby Bar and Pool Bar – where guests can enjoy refreshing beverages and cocktails in a sophisticated atmosphere. For those looking to explore the stunning surroundings, the hotel provides direct access to the BlueTrail, allowing guests to embark on scenic hikes along the Cinque Terre coastline. Moreover, the hotel offers a 24-hour complimentary shuttle service to the historic center and the beach, ensuring convenient access to nearby attractions for up to three guests at a time. With its unparalleled amenities and impeccable service, Hotel Porto Roca invites guests to immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of the Italian Riviera. This is where I stay with my own guests during my group tours.

Small, simple bakery. Perfect to purchase some delicious focaccia, farinata or pizza to take away to the beach or to enjoy for a quick, affordable lunch.

This is a great spot to treat yourself to a nice glass of wine along with a beautiful selection of local salumi, cheeses, anchovies (Monterosso’s specialty), buschette (toasts), and more. The Barbieri family's was the first wine shop ("enoteca") to open in the town of Monterosso al Mare. They have a rich list of labels (not only Italian) and shelves filled with high quality oils, artisanal pastas and sauces available for purchase.

A Michelin-mentioned lovely seafood restaurant in between Monterosso’s historical center and Monterosso‘s “new town” (Fegina). Recommended dishes: - seafood platter or antipasti; - pesto lasagne; - pesto trofie pasta with green beans and potatoes; - lemon sorbet. Reservations strongly advised.

Monterosso al Mare is the best place to stay in Cinque Terre if you want to chill out on the beach. A portion of it is free access - but it gets shady earlier in the day. The other part of the beach is private and has more sun. At Bar Bagni Alga you can rent beach chairs, sun beds, umbrellas, kayaks and pedal boats. I recommend you reserve a spot in advance by texting them on Whatsapp (Italians' favorite messaging app): +39 353 374 8570 They also have a little cafè where you can enjoy some breakfast, light lunch, ice cream, fresh frozen fruit cocktails, and aperitivo.