The Cinque Terre is a collection of five fishing villages that sits on the Italian Riviera’s rugged and stunning coastline.
The string of picture-postcard villages in Italy’s Liguria region is a world-renowned travel destination filled with plenty of sunshine, scenic hikes, and traditional cuisine.
The residents of the region hold strong ties to the land and the water.
Due to its position, the villages grew but remained isolated from the rest of the world, with fish and wine propelling the economy.
Up until the 1800s, the area remained largely inaccessible until the construction of the railway.
Still, to this day, the Cinque Terre remains heavily pedestrianized allowing its people to retain their culture and traditional foods.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site is packed with hiking trails perfect for the outdoor lover.
The up and down terrain means lots of hills and stairs to keep you active between delicious Italian meals.
The dramatic scenery combined with the laidback lifestyle has made this a must-visit destination in Europe.
Situated within a national park, the beautiful but rugged landscape makes for a fantastic hiking holiday.
Despite the millions of visitors, Cinque Terre brings in every year, the region has retained a very strong tradition of self-sufficiency that’s deeply ingrained within the food and wine.
Ligurian cuisine is packed with incredibly fresh produce and rich in vegetables, garlic, lemon, herbs and some of the best olive oil in the world.
Considered to have some of the best flavors and food in Italy, Liguria is the birthplace of pesto and Cinque Terre has its own variety of basil that locals and tourists go wild for.
Top 10 Things to Do in Cinque Terre, Italy
1. Go Hiking
Hiking in the Cinque Terre is one of the most popular things to do in Italy.
With some seriously beautiful hiking trails, it’s one of the most rewarding ways to see the Italian coastline.
Come prepared to hike in the region as trails can range in difficulty so make sure you pack the right equipment.
One of the most famous trails is known as Sentiero Azzurro or blue trail.
The trail is made up of four paths along the coast and takes roughly six hours if you take short breaks. You can start from either Monterosso or Riomaggiore.
2. Rent a Boat
Rent a small boat or hire a local sailor to explore every inch of Cinque Terre. There are several small rocky coves along the coast that can only be reached by boat. By traveling by boat for the day, you can reach lesser-known, quieter areas for a tranquil swim.
The views of the villages and the mountains are completely different from a boat and well worth the trip.
3. Explore the Caves and Waterfalls on Kayak
The swimming path starts in the town of Vernazza and is 700m long, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Explore the caves and waterfalls in Cinque Terre by kayaking.
As these areas are hard to reach, renting a kayak is the best way to find these hidden gems throughout the region. You can rent a kayak by the hour for as little 5 Euros an hour.
4. Cliff Jumping with the Locals
Do this one at your own risk but if you love to get your adrenaline pumping then this is definitely something for you.
During peak season, you can find many young locals going for a swim, climbing up a nearby cliff and jumping into the water. You’ll see them jumping into the water right by the harbor.
5. Grab a Cone of Fried Seafood from Il Pescato Cucinato
Cinque Terre is directly located on the coast so it’s no surprise that there is no shortage of amazing seafood. Fried seafood in a cone is something that you’ll see everyone walking around with and it does not disappoint. Although there are a number of establishments selling it, head to Il Pescato Cucinato to give it a go. Your tastebuds will thank you.
6. Try the Seafood Platter at Il Porticciolo
It would be rude not to try a seafood platter while surrounded by such fresh produce. In Manarola, you can find the restaurant Il Porticciolo offering up a delicious selection of local fish.
The seafood platter includes oysters, mussels, tuna, octopus and anchovies. Other standout dishes at the restaurant include the lobster and the swordfish.
7. Visit an Island
Just beyond the villages of Cinque Terre lies an archipelago made up of three islands, Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto. These lie just across from the town of Portovenere.
If you’re looking for a day trip, look no further than a visit to one of these beautiful islands.
Palmaria is the largest of the three and most developed. You will find well-marked hiking trails, beaches and plenty of restaurants to keep you entertained.
There is a regular ferry service or you can hire a private boat for the day.
8. Find an Amazing Sunset Spot in Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is filled with incredible places to watch the sun go down. A popular sunset spot is from the harbor in Riomaggiore.
Enjoy a local bottle of wine and delve into some Italian food while watching the golden sunshine light up the village.
Another romantic place to watch the sunset is from the rocks in Manarola. Right at the bottom of the town, you can find natural swimming pools to soak up the sunset views.
9. Have a Tipple at Cantine Lunae
This one is for the wine lovers. The Italian winery is very popular and must-visit while in Cinque Terre. They have a great range of wines and tasting experiences available.
Set in a beautiful surrounding, the winery is often included in a number of tours and offers up an excellent dining experience as well.
10. Make Some Pesto at Nessun Dorma
Pesto is a regional specialty and a must-try while in Cinque Terre. The restaurant Nessun Dorma offers pesto making classes.
If you’re after a more hands-on experience when it comes to your food, book yourself a class and find out the secret to creating the infamous pesto.
