Cinque Terre Adventure:

A Tapestry of Trails, Tranquility, and Tantalizing Flavors!

Welcome to the enchanting world of Cinque Terre, where rugged cliffs meet the azure sea, and colorful villages cling to the hillsides like gems adorning the coastline. If you're seeking a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and culinary delights, look no further than this meticulously crafted 4-day itinerary. Unravel the hidden treasures of Cinque Terre, offering a tapestry of trails, tranquility, and tantalizing flavors. From UNESCO heritage sights to breathtaking hikes and delectable Italian cuisine, this guide promises an unforgettable journey through one of Italy's most picturesque destinations. So, pack your bags and embark on an adventure of a lifetime as we delve into the wonders of Cinque Terre!

Need to know:

Andiamo!

The nearest airports to Cinque Terre are located in Milan and Florence. Here’s a quick guide for how to get from these two major cities to Cinque Terre.

Option A: Arrival in Milan

Find your way from Milan airport to the train station with this guide. Book your train tickets through Omio for a straightforward journey from Milan Centrale to Corniglia. The train typically involves a transfer in Sestri Levante, connecting you to the smaller trains bound for Cinque Terre.

Option B: Arrival in Florence

If you're arriving in Florence, follow this guide for a hassle-free transfer from the Florence airport to the train station. Use Omio to book your train tickets from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Corniglia, with a common transfer point at La Spezia Centrale onto the smaller trains for Cinque Terre.

Day 1: Say Ciao to Corniglia!

Upon arrival at the Corniglia train station, you'll notice a small beige building containing kiosks or a help desk where you can buy shuttle tickets. If you have luggage, it's advisable to take the shuttle from the station to the main square. You'll need to ascend the stairs and wait on the paved road for the shuttle, which can be crowded, requiring some patience as you may need to wait for multiple trips before boarding. However, if you're traveling light, I strongly suggest taking on the challenge of the Lardarina, a set of 383 steps leading from the train station to the main square.

Tilly’s Tip: Google and Apple Maps are not the best at giving you a clear picture of how these towns are set up, but the good news is, they're tiny, so getting lost is pretty tough.

Here’s a short clip showing the steps from the train station to the main square.

On your first day, my advice is to head straight to your Airbnb. If you booked with Cristiana (fingers crossed you did—I've stayed with her twice, and it's been awesome), you're in for a treat. She's so friendly, knows the ins and outs, and will make your stay extra special.

Once you've settled in, perhaps freshened up with a quick shower or even a nap, I suggest making your way down the stairs to Spiaggia di Corniglia. Look out for hand-painted signs directing you to "Al Mare." Enjoy the rocky beach and catch the sunset before heading back up. Treat yourself to a pasta or seafood dinner at Trattoria la Lanterna. If you're craving something different, there are plenty of other restaurants in the square to choose from.

Tilly’s Tip: Purchase your Blue Trail pass online tonight for for tomorrow's adventure. You can also wait to purchase this pass at the trail head, but it’s super easy to buy online and will save you some stress and waiting in a queue.

Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at Pan e Vin, a charming café owned by Cristiana, offering delightful traditional Italian breakfast options. Then, set off for the Blue Trail! Finding the trailhead can be a bit tricky - follow the path to the main square, turn left where the road overlooks the rocky Corniglia beach, and look for a small green building with signage indicating the Cinque Terre Checkpoint. Here, you can purchase your pass if you haven't already done so.

Indulge in the breathtaking yet challenging 4km hike from Corniglia to Vernazza. About halfway through, take a refreshing break at Bar Il Gabbiano, where I highly recommend their freshly squeezed orange juice. From the highest peak of the Blue Trail, at 208 meters above sea level, soak in the mesmerizing views of the stunningly blue water below.

Continue your journey along the scenic path to Vernazza. Allow yourself the luxury of exploring the charming town, perhaps grabbing a snack along the way. At this point, your energy levels become the guide. You can opt to extend your adventure by hiking an additional 3.5km to Monterosso, or, if fatigue sets in, purchase a train ticket from Vernazza to Monterosso for a reasonable 5 euros.

Tilly’s Tip: Speaking from personal experience, after the initial hike, I chose the train option. You can conveniently purchase tickets from kiosks at the station and still relish some breathtaking views during the brief train ride.

Upon your arrival in Monterosso, indulge in the serene ambiance of its beachfront, boasting the finest—and only—sandy beach among the five towns. Savor a delightful meal at one of the restaurants lining the beach road. Alternatively, opt for a picturesque train ride back, reveling in the sunset as you enjoy a dinner experience at La Scuna Wine and Beer.

As you make your way back into town, don't miss the chance to treat yourself at Alberto Gelateria, renowned for serving the absolute best gelato I've ever tasted (and I've tried my fair share). While its basil flavor is renowned, my personal favorite is the Nutella option.

Day 3: Vineyards, Views, and Vibrant Experiences

Enjoy breakfast in Corniglia, either at Pan e Vin or try something new at KM0, the cafe across the street with a charming garden terrace. While I haven't personally eaten there, it looks like a lovely spot and has great reviews. Then, set off back to the trails, this time from Corniglia to Manarola. The Blue Trail in this direction has been closed for a number of years so I recommend venturing up the hillside in the direction of Volastra. Again, finding the entrance can be a bit tricky, but follow the red and white markers numbered 587 along the route. For easier navigation to the trailhead, put "Sentiero 7A Corniglia-Volastra-Manarola" into Google Maps to locate the initial markers and start your hike.

Tilly’s Tip: Route 587 leads to Volastra, an option worth considering if it piques your interest. However, to reach Manarola, you'll need to switch to Route 586 when you encounter a crossroads.

Check out this video capturing my hiking experience on the trail. It was truly rewarding despite the challenges, but brace yourself for the difficulty level!

Embark on this amazing path that takes you through a scenic hillside trek and beautiful vineyards! I took a moment to enjoy the stunning view of Manarola and then continued straight to Riomaggiore. Once you arrive, take your time to wander through the town before diving into a hands-on experience like making pesto or pizza, or enjoying wine tastings! I’ve seen all of these offered via Airbnb experiences. To cap off the day, I recommend booking a sunset boat cruise with wine and focaccia - I did this one. You might get lucky and encounter fewer tourists, but if you're considering an Airbnb experience, I strongly advise securing your spot in advance.

Day 4: Arrivederci Cinque Terre

As the sun rises on your final day, it's time to bid farewell to your cozy retreat. Pack up those bags and savor a leisurely morning – perhaps with a quiet breakfast, a nostalgic stroll through a cherished town, or maybe even contemplating how to extend this adventure just a little bit longer. It’s not goodbye, it’s “Arrivederci, Cinque Terre!”

Beyond Cinque Terre: Your Next Adventure Awaits

If you've been toying with the idea of experiencing Cinque Terre, here's your sign to book those tickets, pack your bags, and dive into an unforgettable journey! With the insights and recommendations shared in this guide, you're well-prepared to embark on an incredible adventure.

For more insider travel tips and to uncover the secrets of your next dream destination, stay connected with Tilly's Travel Tips here and on Tik Tok @tillystraveltales. Cinque Terre is just the beginning of a world full of wonders waiting to be explored. Until then, happy travels!