Cinque Terre, with its breathtaking coastal views, charming villages, and incredible hiking trails, is a dream destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This guide “Cinque Terre Itinerary: 2 Days Of Hiking And Stunning Views” covers the best hikes and scenic spots, so you enjoy the most of this UNESCO-listed national park, its picturesque landscapes and refreshing swims. If this is your first time visiting, this guide provides essential travel tips to make the most of your trip.
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Table of Contents
Itinerary
Plan Your Trip to Cinque Terre
Why Visit Cinque Terre?
Cinque Terre, meaning “Five Lands,” is a cluster of five picturesque villages on the Italian Riviera. It’s famous for its dramatic cliffs, stunning sea views, colorful houses, and scenic hiking trails connecting each town. Cinque Terre offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, so I am sure you will love it no matter what you travel style is.
Where to Stay in Cinque Terre
If you prefer a stress-free Cinque Terre trip with the best views, I recommend staying in one of the five villages to easily explore each place. Here are some great options:
- Luxury: Porto Roca Hotel (Monterosso) – A stunning stay with unbeatable sea views.
- Mid-Range: La Mala (Vernazza) – A charming boutique hotel with a cozy atmosphere.
- Budget-Friendly: Ostello Corniglia – Affordable and perfect for hikers.
In alternative, if you are more on a budget, you can stay in La Spezia, a nearby city with more accommodation options and easy train access to Cinque Terre. Great choices include:
- Luxury: The Poet Hotel – Stylish and conveniently located near the train station.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Firenze e Continentale – Comfortable and well-connected.
- Budget-Friendly: Affittacamere Casa Dane – A cozy guesthouse with great reviews.
How to Get There
- By Air: The closest airports are Pisa International Airport and Genoa’s Cristoforo Colombo Airport. If you’re flying into Rome, Florence, or Venice, you can take a train to La Spezia and continue from there.
- By Train: La Spezia Centrale is the main gateway, with direct trains to all five villages.
- By Car: Parking is limited, so it’s best to rely on trains and hiking trails.
How to Get Around
- By Foot: The best way to explore Cinque Terre is by hiking between villages.
- By Train: The Cinque Terre Express connects all five towns.
- By Boat: A scenic ferry ride offers stunning views of the coastline.
Do You Need a Cinque Terre Card?
If you plan on hiking, you’ll need the Cinque Terre Trekking Card for access to the Sentiero Azzurro trails. You can purchase this card for 1 or 2 days, with or without train trips between villages (unlimited!).
Itinerary
Day 1
Monterosso al Mare
Start your day in Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five villages. Explore the beautiful village and, if it is warm enough, go for a swim in Fegina Beach, the largest beach in Cinque Terre.
Hike to Vernazza
Embark on the scenic Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro) to Vernazza. This 3.5 km hike takes about 1.5–2 hours, offering breathtaking coastal views. But let’s be real, this trail can really get your heart pumping! You will be climbing steep hills, squeezing to let people pass in the opposite direction and navigating rocky paths. The challenge definitely pays off, but if hiking is not your thing, you can reach the next village by train. The beginning is the hardest part, since you have to face an elevation gain of 200 meters.
Vernazza
Congratulations, you made it to Vernazza! Vernazza is often called the most beautiful village in Cinque Terre. First of all, rest, you deserve it! Then, walk along the harbor, climb to Castello Doria for panoramic views, and enjoy a gelato at Gelateria Vernazza.
Hike to Corniglia
Continue your adventure with another scenic hike to Corniglia. This 4 km trail takes about 1.5 hours and is slightly more challenging but equally rewarding.
Sunset and Dinner in Corniglia
End your day in Corniglia, the only village not directly by the sea. Watch the sunset from Santa Maria Terrace and enjoy a delicious meal at Osteria a Cantina de Mananan, known for its fresh seafood and pesto pasta.
Day 2
Manarola
Begin your morning in Manarola, one of the most photographed villages in Italy. Enjoy a light breakfast, walk around the village, and take in the beautiful views.
Hike to Riomaggiore
Take the scenic Via Beccara Trail -Sentiero Azzurro (if open), a steep but rewarding hike through vineyards, connecting Manarola and Riomaggiore in about 1 hour.
Riomaggiore
Arriving in Riomaggiore, cool off with a swim at Fossola Beach. Afterward, wander through the charming streets and grab a cone of fried seafood at Il Pescato Cucinato.
Extra Activities
- Try Local Seafood: Don’t leave without tasting anchovies from Monterosso and fresh seafood pasta.
- Wine Tasting in Manarola: Visit Cantina Capellini for a glass of Sciacchetrà, Cinque Terre’s famous sweet wine.
- Boat Tour Along the Coast: A boat ride offers stunning views of the villages from the sea.
With this 2-day Cinque Terre itinerary, you’ll experience the best hikes, breathtaking views, and refreshing swims along this stunning coastline. If you’re planning an Italy travel adventure, consider adding Cinque Terre to your itinerary along with Florence, Venice, and Rome.
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I hope this article “Cinque Terre Itinerary: 2 Days Of Hiking And Stunning Views” helped you plan your trip to Cinque Terre! Leave your opinion in the comments and follow me on social networks so you don’t miss my next trips. Use #travelplannerholic to get noticed.
With Love,
Catarina Vieira
Hi. Cinque Terre has been on my bucket list for a while. Thanks for all of the great info and photos. Now…to start planning.
Thank you so much! You will love it!
I love the hiking focused itinerary. The Via Beccara Trail -Sentiero Azzurro looks stunning!
Hiking is totally worth in Cinque Terre, you will have the best views along the trails 🙂
I love this place so much but boy can it get crowded. I’d love to visit again maybe winter or spring. Great info!
So true! I visited in October, but it was still summer weather so it was quite crowded. It must be amazing in spring!