Want to know how to best experience the true essence and beauty of Cinque Terre, in only 2 days? You’re in the right place! From the land to the Ligurian sea and a special cultural activity, this ultimate 2 Days in Cinque Terre Itinerary, will help you make the most of your Cinque Terre travels. You will also find travel tips and important things to know about this magical destination.
Without futher-ado, keep reading to discover the ultimate Cinque Terre Itinerary!😍
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Cinque Terre Overview
Cinque Terre is one of those dreamy destinations that everyone seems have on their travel bucket lists. But what is Cinque Terre actually like? Let me tell you.
Cinque Terre is a destination composed of five, small and colorful towns that sit perched on the hills of the beautiful Liguria. Liguria is a northern-coastal region and home to breathtaking land and crystal-clear waters, along with it’s phenomenal cuisine.
Cinque Terre, contrary to common belief, is not a beach, or city sight-seeing, vacation destination. Cinque Terre only has one beach, Monterosso al Mare, and the towns are so small and touristy there is little to see.
Sitting on a coast full of luscious hills surrounded by a magical sea, Cinque Terre is the dream destination for nature and outdoor lovers. Unless you plan to go on at least one hike, or an a boat tour, you won’t be able to enjoy the true essence and beauty of the Cinque Terre villages.
How Many Days in Cinque Terre?
The amount of days you spend in Cinque Terre depends on your goals with your trip and the activities you want to partake in. With over 48 trails, Cinque Terre is the perfect destination for hikers of different levels. With the splendid Ligurian sea, Cinque Terre is also perfect for people who love water-activities and boat excursions.
With that said, let’s answer your question: is 2 days enough in Cinque Terre? Yes!
The 5 towns of the Cinque Terre are all small with little to see, as they mainly host restaurants and touristy-shops. Due to this, you can walk through all the 5 towns in a day. You can do this by hiking the whole coast, or taking the Cinque Terre Train.
With two days in Cinque Terre, you have enough time to see all the towns, and enjoy your favorite activities – from hiking to swimming. As someone who enjoys the two, this itinerary is for fellow people who want to enjoy the full essence of the Cinque Terre. If you want a customized itinerary that’s tailored to YOUR preferences and concerns, I’d love to help you out!
How to Spend the Ultimate 2 Days in Cinque Terre Italy
Day 1 of the 2 Days in Cinque Terre Itinerary
9:00 AM Enjoy a Ligurian Breakfast
Time to start the day with the most important meal of the day – BREAKFAST!😍 When in Liguria, one typical breakfast you simply MUST try is Focaccia and cappuccino. If you want something sweeter, go for a Cornetto, Italy’s version of croissant. I highly recommend trying a Cornetto all’Albicocca, apricot jam-filled cornetto.
10:00 AM: Hike Monterosso to Vernazza
Now that you’re fueled up, it’s time to go on one of Cinque Terre’s most iconic and beloved hikes – Monterosso to Vernazza. As someone who enjoys walking and has never gone on a hike, this hike, often classified as moderate, felt easy to moderate. The first part of the hike is hardest part, as it’s very uphill but once you’re done with that, the rest of the hike seems to plateau until you descend.
Something that helped during the first 30 to 45-ish minutes of the 2 hour hike was singing The Climb by Miley Cyrus. If you need a boost, I recommend having a fun playlist.😂
The hike from Monterosso to Vernazza is nothing short of breathtaking. Surrounded by luscious nature, trees offer the perfect natural sunshade, as you look onto the Ligurian sea sparkling under the sunlight. As you get closer to Vernazza, you will begin to see the town from above and enjoy the iconic views.
Hiking in Cinque Terre | Things to know
Out of the 48 hiking trails, there are only two hiking trails that require an entry fee of 7.50 euros (one day) or 14.50 euros (two days). Monterosso to Vernazza, being the most popular hike, requires the entry fee. You can pay for the entry at the checkpoint where the hike begins, or purchase your Cinque Terre Trekking Card at one of the train stations.
In terms of what you should wear to hike Cinque Terre, you must wear closed-toed shoes. I highly recommend wearing breathable clothes that are comfortable and easy to move around in. Hat and sunglasses are also important accessories to avoid headaches from the sun.
12:30 PM Lunch in Vernazza
Now that you’re eyes have FEASTED on mesmerizing views, it’s time for your belly to do the same! The two best-rated restaurants are Il Gattaccio – Acciugheria & Street Food and Ristorante La Torre. Il Gattaccio – Acciugheria & Street Food is right in the harbour of Vernazza, while Ristorante La Torre is uphill, right next to the trail that leads to Corniglia.
1:30 PM Walk around Vernazza
Walking around Vernazza depends on where you’ll have lunch. If you plan to eat at Il Gattaccio – Acciugheria & Street Food, you can walk around Vernazza after lunch, or before. If you plan to eat at Ristorante La Torre, you’ll have around Vernazza first to avoid going up and down the hill.
As you walk around Vernazza, let yourself get lost in the beautiful pastel colors of the town, and definitely take in the views from the harbour! In the harbour you’ll find the perfect area of large rocks to sit on and admire Vernazza.
2:00 PM Hike Vernazza to Corniglia
Alrighty, time to feed your eyes again! Now that you’re done with lunch, get back on the Sentiero Azzuro ( Blue Trail ) and make your way to Corniglia.
Corniglia is the smallest of the 5 Terre, and is the only one without direct access to the sea – as it sits atop of a hill.
The blue path from Vernazza to Corniglia, classified as Moderate, takes around 1.5 hours to complete. A nice surprise about this hike is the Bar il Gabbiano, which is a bar that offers delicious refreshments with mesmerizing views. Still make sure to fill up your water before starting this hike, and then treat yourself to a Granita at the bar.
3:30 PM Walk around Corniglia and enjoy a Pick-Me-Up.
What to do now that you’re in Corniglia? As you walk around the town and lose yourself in the old town’s sea of colorful houses, head to Terra Rossa Winebar for a regional pick-me-up – whether it’s food or wine. Along it’s delicious foods and drinks, this winebar offers breathtaking views over the Ligurian coast.
Haven’t had enough of walking or taking in mesmerizing views? Climb the 377 steps of the Scalinata Lardarina to reach the spectacular panoramic terrace at the top!
Once you’re done visiting Corniglia, head to the train station to head to Manarola.
4:30 PM Head to Manarola
The Corniglia to Manarola trail is temporarily closed until, supposedly, May 2025. Due to this, you’ll head to Manarola with the Cinque Terre Train – a train ride of 5 minutes.
Manarola is one of the most beloved and beautiful towns of Cinque Terre. Furthermore, it’s the oldest town. If you want to take in iconic views of this town, head to this address: Via Belvedere, 19, 19017 Manarola SP, Italy. OR, go grab a bite at Nessun Dorma.
Besides it’s beauty and grabbing a delicious platter at Nessun Dorma, there is not much to do. With that said, let yourself roam around and slow down as you digest the beauty you’ve seen so far this day.
Note on Hiking from Manarola to Riomaggiore
If you’re still hungry for a last hiking trail, you can hike from Manarola to Riomaggiore – but it is not recommended. Hikers recommend to start the trail in Riomaggiore, due to the trail’s steep nature and stairs. This hike is mainly composed of steep stairs, so definitely take that into consideration. With that said, I recommend saving this hike for Day 2, or skipping it!
5:30 PM Head to Riomaggiore
Next up, it’s time to take the Cinque Terre Express and head to the last of the five villages, the beautiful Riomaggiore!
If you’ve saved pictures of Cinque Terre as inspo, chances are that many of those pictures are of Riomaggiore. Riomaggiore is one of the most beautiful towns, and the one that inspired the Disney movie Luca. Did you know that?👀
Something you must do in Riomaggiore, besides visiting the panoramic terraces, is visit the Castello di Riomaggiore. The Castle of Riomaggiore is a 13th century, stone castle that perches above the Ligurian sea.
6:30 PM Time to Relax…?
l don’t know about y’all, but I am ready for a nap!😂 The night is young though, so we can push through.
Now that you’ve seen all the Cinque Terre and have hiked, the rest of the day is perfect for relaxing and enjoying good food and the night life.
To start off this part of the day, go to your accommodation to relax and freshen up. Once you are, and feel, ready, head to La Spezia – the city that sits right next to Riomaggiore.
8 PM Visit La Spezia
Once you are, and feel, ready, head to La Spezia – the city that sits right next to Riomaggiore.
If you’re wondering, is La Spezia worth seeing? The answer is a big YES! La Spezia is a non-touristy hidden gem. By visiting, you’ll get to enjoy an authentic Ligurian city, along with better cuisine, nightlife, and a larger variety of things to do.
When in La Spezia, wonder around the historic city center and check out the beautiful Public Gardens and the Porto Mirabello. As you do so, grab dinner at one of its many, delicious restaurants, and then enjoy a gelato as you continue to walk around.
Day 2 of the 2 Days in Cinque Terre Itinerary
9:00 AM Breakfast
Another day, another delicious Ligurian breakfast!
10:00 Cooking Class
What better souvenir, or last-day experience, than learning how to make an authentic Italian recipe to bring home with you? Trick question – there isn’t!😂😍
There are five best cooking classes in Cinque Terre that teach you different foods, and last different durations. Here’s a quick summary to help you pick the perfect cooking class for you:
Do you want to learn how to make Pesto, and only Pesto? If you’re on a budget, this pesto making class in Manarola the perfect experience for you. If you’re not on a budget and want to be surrounded by a breathtaking, Ligurian vineyard, this pesto class in Riomaggiore is the best class for you.
Do you want to learn how to make 2 different types of Pasta Fresca (“fresh pasta”) and Tiramisu? Then this cooking class in Riomaggiore is the ideal class for you! Save your spot before it sells out!👇
Do you want to learn how to make Gnocchi and Pesto? Then this is the perfect cooking class for you! (Plz send me some Gnocchi😂😍🫶). Save your spot before it sells out!👇
Do you want to take it a STEP FURTHER and learn how to prepare a 3 course meal? Then look no further – this is the ultimate cooking class! Starting off with the local food market in La Spezia – this experience allows you to dive deeper into Italian culture and learn about the Slow Food Movement. Save your spot before it sells out!👇
5:00 PM Cinque Terre Boat Tour
Now that you’ve had lunch with your newly-learned recipes, it’s time to relax and take in the most spectacular views of Cinque Terre with a boat excursion!
As mentioned before, the best way to see Cinque Terre is through hiking and boat excursions, because those two activities allow you to enjoy the iconic views of each town. The true beauty of the towns lays in the far viewpoints that let you see the whole town and it’s pastel colors.
There are several best boat tours in Cinque Terre to choose from, and for this itinerary, the best fit is the Golden Hour Boat Tour with Appetizers & Drink. This 3.5 hour, small group boat tour begins at 5 PM and brings you along the entire coastline of the Cinque Terre. Leaving from the port of La Spezia, you will also get to marvel at the stunning Portovenere and the Church of San Pietro. Here are some great things the tour offers:
- Sunset over Cinque Terre
- Swim break in Liguria’s crystal-clear waters
- Stereo system and music
- Local appetizers
- Drinks
Magical sunset, swim break, breathtaking views, and appetizers… Could your time in Cinque Terre end on a better note??😍 Save your spot for this phenomenal boat tour to take in every bit of Cinque Terre’s magic.
9 PM The Last Dinner in Cinque Terre
Now that you’ve seen and experienced the full essence of Cinque Terre, take these last hours to have dinner and stroll around La Spezia, or the Cinque Terre town that struck you the most!
Things to Consider When Visiting Cinque Terre
Where to Stay in Cinque Terre
My biggest tip is to stay in the cities that sit nearby Cinque Terre, rather than staying directly in one of the towns. Why? Because the two cities I’ll mention shortly are flat, not perched on hills, are spacious, non-touristy, and offer extra fun!
Which nearby cities should you stay in Cinque Terre? La Spezia or Levanto (full details).
If you feel strongly about staying within one of the towns, the best town is Riomaggiore.
Moving Around Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is an incredibly easy to navigate destination thanks to its wonderful public transportation system and hiking trails. To move around Cinque Terre you will need the Cinque Terre Card for the train and the Trekking Card for the Blue Path hiking trails.
Based on this itinerary, I recommend the Cinque Terre Card: 2 days Hiking + Train for 33 euros. With this card you’ll have access to all the hiking trails, unlimited train rides, and so much more.
Insider Tip: If you happen to be visiting in the winter time, Nov 4th to March 15th, you won’t need the Trekking Card – as it will be off season, and all hikes will be free to enter. If that’s the case, its recommended to simply buy single train tickets.
When to visit Cinque Terre
It comes to no surprise that the peak season for tourism is the summer time, with June to August being the craziest months. Late September to late October is a great period to visit as tourism slows down and the weather is perfect – hot, but not excruciating.
As a general rule – do not visit Italy in August as it’s a holiday month. Not only is the weather too hot, but most businesses are closed for the holiday.
What to Pack for Cinque Terre?
Stay tuned for a full list! In the mean time, here are some essentials:
- Comfortable clothes for hiking
- Closed-toe shoes
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Bathing suit
- Power bank
Read more about Italy
Here are other blog posts that will help you out on your Italy travels!👇
- How Many Days in Cinque Terre? What You Need to Know
- The 5 BEST Cooking Classes in Cinque Terre, Italy
- The 10 Best Boat Tours in Cinque Terre + Important Tips
- How to Spend a Weekend in Rome: The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary
- Two Days in Florence Itinerary
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Do you want a customized itinerary that’s tailored to YOUR preferences and concerns? If you are, let me help you in having the best experience in Cinque Terre!
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